THIS VOLUME IS 
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 

TO THE 



i^i 



PBINTBD BY 

THE DAILY lYC 

B(-hK PRINTIHG HOUSE, 

mODHOUSC. ILL. 



ioufcv^ of (!*>v?cnc and ilci'scy 

COUNTIES, 

■With the Hope that their Viutues may 

BE Emulated, and their Toils and 

Sacrifices ArpiiEciATED by 

COMING Generations. 



PREFACE, 



\^--tl1^ 



The importance of preserving in concise form the traditions of the past has 
never been questioned, nor the usefulness of local history been disputed. Be- 
lieving that the counties of Jersey and Greene afforded most excellent mater- 
ial for a good county history, the Continental Historical Company placed in the 
field a full corps of experienced historians, prepared to spare no time or money 
ill compiling a complete and reliable work. The manuscript of this history has 
been submitted to the committees chosen by your citizens for the purpose, who, 
after a critital examination ot them, have approved of our work. We feel con- 
fident that we here present our patrons with a work that is as correct as it is possi- 
ble for humanity to make. That errors have crept in, and may be found, we do 
not doubt. Man is, at the best, but a fallible creature, but every statement herein 
published, is honestly believed in by the parties furnishing the information, by 
flie historians, and by the committees of revision. All desire the truth, and noth- 
ing but the truth. They gave much time and labor to the work, and deserve the 
thanks of the citizens of the county for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed 
in them. Our thanks are due to the numerous friends who have so kindlj' assisted 
us in gathering up items and assisting in the compilation of this volume. \\'e 
cannot name them all, for their name is legion, but we must not forget to mention 
Hon. George E.Warren, Hon. W. H. Allen, Hon. J. N. English, Morris R.Locke 
J. E. Cooper, J. I. McGready and James and Will Eads, A. W. Cross, John A. 
Sheplianl, J. E. Starr, of Jersey county, and Hon. R. H. Davis, H. C. Withers, 
C. Armstrong, M. D., J. R. Keach, B. Gillinghain, 111. Woolley, John Jones, Geo. 
Coonrod, Ed. Miner and Anthony Connole, of Greene county, and the other county 
officials, members of the press, and others. 

Nor must we forget to remember and thank the historians of the company who 
have labored so hard and faithfully for the good of all — James S. \Valters, general 
historian; Maurice E. Power and Charles W. Moseley, assistant historians; W. M. 
Shumaker, T. B. Poole, G. W. Poole, J. W\ Bailey, Charles H. Shaler, George A. 
Franklin, Karr McClintock, and Joseph H. Power, local historians; H. T. Lopcr, 
of the portrait department; Mrs. W. B. ^^'etherbee and Miss Mary Power, editors 
of the biographical department. All have tried to do their duty well, and please 
the company and our patrons. 

In conclusion, we would say that our work is done; the History of Greene and 
Jersey Counties is before you. We cheerfully hope it will please you. 
Yours Very Truly, 

THE CONTINENTAL HISTORICAL COMPANY. 

SrRiNiiKiELi), Illinois, Deikmbek, 1885. 



1 



Certificate of Committees, 



^\'K, the undersigned Conimittees apitointed for the jxirpose of revising the History of 
Greene and Jersey Counties, now being compiled by the Continental Historical Company, of 
Springlield, 111., do hereby certify that the manuscript was submitted to us, and that we have 
made all the corrections and additions, whicli we, in our judgment deemed necessary, and as 
thus corrected, we approve of the same. 



GENERAL COMMITTEE OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



J. T. Crimes. 
William MeDow, 
G. M'. Burke, 
X. M. Lurton. 



\Mlliam Falkner, 
Julm H. Belt. 

— English. 

Moses Ward, 
Ileurv Wieghardt, 
■\Villiam T.Vest, 

— Hichwoods. 

X. M. Lurton, 
Jacob Lurton, 
Ephraim Chappell, 

— Mississippi. 

'I'liomas Wedding — Rosedale. 



J. E. Cooper, 
!Moses \Vard, 
John II. I5elt, 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES. 

Henry Ryan, 

— Ruyle. 

J. X. English, 
(ieo. W. Burke, 

—Jersey. 

W. Il.Allen, 
(ieorge W. Slaten, 

—Quarry. 

I'hineas Eldredge 
II. I). Edwards, 
James Pennilield, 
— Piasa. 



Charles W. Carroll, 
William II. Allen, 
George E. Warren, 



J. T. Ilauskins, 
Samuel Simmons, 
Jeremiah Bell, 

—Fidelity. 

James E. Starr, 
>V (J. Onetto, 
J. B. Reintges. 

— Elsah. 

William McDovv, 
C. ^V. Carroll, 
Aaron Dodson, 

—Otter Creek. 



GEXERAL COMMITTEE OF GREENE COUXTY, 



E. \Vof)lley, 



C. Armstrong, 



Edwin WooUey, 
G. W. Cooiu'od, 
L. F. Williams, 

— Rockbridge. 

II. C. Withers, 
.lohu I. Thomas, 
C. .Vrmstrong, 

— CarroUton. 

S.G.Russell. 

\'ilh()V Rol)lev, 
F. M. "Fishback. 

- r.luffdale. 

A. J. Wright, 

Farham Thaxton— Wrights. 



G. W. Coonrod, 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES. 

S. M. Heiuierson, 
B. B. Hamilton, 
J. C. Winters, 
Isaac D. \'edder, 

—White Hall. 

B. (iillingham, 
Jesse I5allard, 
John Fainter, 

— Walkerville. 
John Rhodes. 
K. .1. Secor. 

— Linder. 

L. E. ( 'arter, 
(i. W. ("ollister, 

—Patterson. 



L. S. Eldred, 

Ed. Miner. 



A. Barniw. 
J. Hanks. 
E. M. Ilnsted. 

— Roodhouse. 

James Barnard. 
M. F. (Jrider. 
David Jackson. 

— Athensville. 

P. Fenity. 
S. F. (ireene, 
A. T. Perry, 

— Kane. 

T. E. Melvin — Itubicon. 

Elisha A'arble— ^\■oodville. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

THE HOUND BUILDERS IT 

Other Kttces 19 

liidiuus 20 

Illinois Coufeclciacy 30 

Early Dificoveri«e , 21 

First Settlements 22 

English Rule 23 

CHAPTER II. 

COUNTY .\ND TERRITORY OF ILLINOIS 84 

County of Illinois 25 

Northwestern Territory 26 

Ordinance of 1787 2(i 

Illinois Territory 27 

(^irAPTER III. 

STATE ORGANIZATION 28 

First roneiitutioD 28 

Thu' Winnebago Wnr 2S 

Black Hawk Wnr 29 



PAGE 

Interual Improvements 30 

IniDrovemente Inanguratud 30 

Illinitis and, -Michigan Canal 31 

Pauic 32 

CHAPTER IV. 

MORMON, MEXICAN AND CIVIL WARS 32 

Tliv Buttle of Nauvoo. 35 

Mexican War 3'i 

The War for the Union 35 

CIIAl'TER V. 

GOVERNMENT 40 

Lieiilenant-Governore 42 

Superintendent of Public Instruction 43 

Attorney-Generals 43 

'! reasurere 43 

Secretaries of State 43 

Auditors .. .. 44 

United States Senators 44 

Representatives in Congress 4G 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY 60 

CHAPTER II. 

GEOGRAPDY, TOPOGRAPHY^ AND RESOURCES. 5ri 

CHAPTER III. 
G EOI.OOY 58 

CHAPTER IV. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT C9 

Early Settlement of Jersey County 72 

CHAPTER V. 



COUNTY (iOVERN.MENT 

The County Court 

The County Commissioners. 



CHAPTER VI. 



OTHEK OEI'ICIAL MATTER. 
Records 



Town riiits 


POLII'ICAL... 


CHiVPTER 


VII. 


Offlrial Vote 






JUDICIAL 


CHAPTER VIII. 



103 
103 



113 



I CHAPTER IX. 

I JOURNALISM IN JERSEY COUNTY 117 

Backwoodsman 120 

Newspaper 121 

The flemocnitic Uuion 121 

The Jersey (-ouuty Democrat 122 

Prairie State 127 

The .Terseyville Examiner 128 

The Jerseyville Register 129 

Jcrscyville Republican 129 

The Republican E-vaminer 130 

Grafton Independent 135 

The Jersey Independent 136 

The Free Press 137 

The Grafton News 138 

Jersey t-'onnty Prohibitionist 139 

Jersevville Evening Times 139 

The Daily Times 139 

CHAPTER X. 

THE BAR HO 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 148 

CHAPTER XII. 

COUNTY SOCIETIES 162 

Agricultural .''ociety 162 

O: d Settlers Society 165 

Jersey County Farmers" Mntual Ina. Co 166 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PACE 

ECCLESIASTICAL 107 

First Presbyterian Chuvch, Jersey viUe 168 

Otterville PreBbyterian Church 173 

Episcopal Church of Jcreeyville 173 

Delaware Couiireiijitional Church, Kemper 174 

Bethel Baptit^t Clinrch, Ruyie township 175 

Lebanon Bai)ti8t Church 175 

First Missionary Baptist, Mississippi township. . 170 

Otter Creels Baptist Church 176 

Antioch Baptist Church, Otter Creeli township.. 176 

Colored liaptist Church of Jerseyville 176 

Kemper Baptist Church 177 

Fidelity Baptist Cliurch. Fidelity township 177 

Newbern Cumberland Presbyterian Church 178 

-. Fieldon Cumlierlaud Pre6bvt"erian 178 

The M. E. Church, Jerseyville 181 

The M. E. Church, Fidelity township 183 

Shiloh SI. E. Church, Otter Creek township 183 

Meadow Branch M. E. Church, Kosedale Tp 184 

~--Fieldon M. E. Church 184 

TheM. E. Church, of Kichwoods township 184 

Hopewell Methodist Church, Fidelity township.. 184 

The M. E. Church, Elsah 185 

Bethel AI. E. Church. Mis.sisslppi township 185 

German Evangelical Lutheran, JerseyTille 186 

German Lutlier.m Church. Fieidon 186 

Catholic Church of Jerseyville 186 

St. Michael Catholic Church, Elsah township 188 

Catholic Church at Grafton. 188 

German CatDolic Church. Jerseyville 180 

St. Mary's Catholic Church, English to%vn8hip. .. 189 

CHAPTER XIV. 

NAT'L, STATE, COUNTY REPRESENTATION.. . . 190 

CHAPTER XV. 

EDUCATIONAL a27 

CHAPTER XVI. 

THE WARFOETIIE UNION 2:53 

Roster 237 

7th, 9th, 12ih and 14th Infantry 237 

14th Illinois Infantry 2.!8 

18th. 23d and 37th Infantry 241 

27tU Illinois Infantry 242 

31st, 32d, ?3A, 47th aiid 53d Infantry 244 

49th, 69th andOlst Infantry 245 

62d, 66th, 72d and 97th Infantry 246 

97th Illinois lulantry 249 

99th Infantry 2.50 

122d Infantry 251 

124th Infantry 252 

133d and 144th Infantry 253 

Roll of Honor 254 

CHAPTER XVII. 

ELSAH TOWNSHIP 275 

Early Settlement 375 

Elsah 276 

Busi ness Interests 276 

Hotels 246 

Still House and Grist .Mill 2:16 

Fishery 376 

Poatotlice — Municipal — Public School 272 

Cornet Band— Town Hall— lioller Mills 272 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP 274 

Early Settlement 274 

Cemetery— Religious— Educational — First Items. 292 

OlTEKVILLE 293 

Present Business Interests 294 

Mills 295 

CHAPTER XIX. 

QUARRY TOWNSHIP 301 

Early Set tlemenl 302 



PAGE 

Graftok. 308 

Business Interests. 309 

Ban It of Grafton 311 

Hotels 312 

Mills — Stone Quarries 322 

Ferry Boats— Firs t Item s 324 

Camden 324 

CHxiPTER XX. 

PIASA TOWNSHIP 325 

Early Settlement 325 

Delhi 3.34 

Postofflce 335 

Hoiels— Educational— Societies 336 

CHAPTER XXI. 

E^sGLISH TOWNSHIP 337 

Early Settlement 338 

Educational 343 

Cemeteries- Historic Items— Religious 344 

CHAPTER XXII. 

EICHWOODS TOWNSHIP 3C6 

Early Settlement 366 

FlELDON 387 

Present Business Interests 338 

Bank— Hotel -Municipal— Mills 391 

Clendennen 395 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

ROSEDALE TOWNSHIP 396 

Eariv Settlers 397 

Educational— Mills 398 

Cemeteries 399 

Tenekiffe 399 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

FIDELITY TOWNSHIP 411 

Early Settlement 411 

Educational— The Ciran^e 427 

Cemetery— Religious— Historic Items 428 

FiDKUrY .' 429 

Present Business Interests 45i9 

Educational— Hotels— Mills— Postofflce 430 

CHAPTER XXV. 

MISSISSIPPI TOWNSHIP 433 

Early Settlement 433 

First Items — Educational 451 

Newbern 45:3 

Cemetery 453 

N ewhern Horse-thief Detective Society 453 

McClusket 453 

East Newbekn 455 

Dow 456 

CHAPTER XXVE. 

RUYLE TOWNSHIP 457 

Early Settlement 458 

Kempkir , 459 

Business Interests 459 

Religious— Postofflce 461 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

JERSEY TOWNSHIP 470 

Early Settlement 471 

Fir»t I terns 491 

Jersetville 493 

Early Historv 493 

Present Easiness Inlereets 495 

Banking 507 

Hotels 613 

Jerseyville Agricultural Works 515 

Elevators ■■••• 51l> 

Mills 519 

Brick Yard— Nurseries 6-.'3 

Y'oung Ladies Seminary 523 

Municipal— Newspapers— Cemetery 5:33 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

INTEODL'CTION 553 

CHAPTER II. 

GEOGEAPUY, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 555 

CHAPTER III. 

EAELY SETTLEMENT ."ili" 

Pioneers of Greene County 567 

CHAPTER IV. 

GOVEKNMENT AND OFFICIA L MATTER 578 

An Act eetabliebing Greene County 578 

The County Court 5 10 

County Commiesioners 5'>'2 

Board of County Supervisors 593 

CH.;V1^TER V. 

CllURTS OF GREENE COUNTY 597 

CHAPTER VI. 

£DUCATIOKAL 602 

CHAPTER VII. 

COUNTY SOCIETIES 605 

Old Settlers Association 607 

Constitution 608 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 611 

7th, 9ih, l.'th and 14tb 111. Inf 616 

Veteran Battalion Hth, 15lh and 16th Inf 617 

18th, lOlh, 2M, 27lh, asth, SSth, 30th and 3ad Inf. 618 

33d, 31th, :l8th, 49111 and 80th Inf 6M 

53d, 55th, .Wth and .Wth Inf 6ai 

Veteran Orgauizalion ... 6'.i6 

6l8t Infantry 629 

6M. 611U. 66th. 76th and 01st Inf 633 

97th, lOlpt, 106th, ll;!lh and IHth Inf 636 

119th, ISid, 124th, liClh, 127th, 12sth, 129th Inf. . 6)7 

ind. luluulrv 638 

144tb. 145th, i46th and 149lh Inf 639 

liad, l.i41h Ini. and 3d Cav 639 

6tb,7lh, 9th, 1( th, 11th and 12th Cav 640 

lBt,2d, aud aOth U. S. Colored Inf Oil 

2dand4thReg. U. S. Vet. Vol 642 

CHAPTER IX. 

POLITICAL 647 

CHAPTER X. 

NATL. STATE, COUNTY REPRESENTATION. . 663 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE BAR OF GREENE COUNTY 708 

CHAPTER XII. 

MEDICAL PROFESSION OF GREENE COUNTY. 720 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE PRE'SS OF THE COUNTY IS? 

Carroll ton Advocate 739 

CarroUton Gazette ',39 

Greeiie County Banner 743 

CirroUton Democrat 74) 

Carrolltou PreHB 743 

Carrol I ton Patriot 744 

White Hall Register 745 

Greenflcld Independent 749 

The Comet 749 



PAGE 

The Locomotive 749 

Greenfitdd News 749 

Greenlield Dispatch 7.50 

Greene C'Muitv IJepublican 750 

Greenlield Weeklv Arjue 7S0 

White Hall Repuidican 762 

Evening Republican 753 

White Hall Tribune 754 

Roodliouse Signal 757 

Roodhouse Headlight. 757 

Roodhouse Independent 757 

Greene County Democrat 757 

Harpers Herald 757 

Greene County Advocate 75i 

Daily Morning Journal 757 

Roodhouse Review "57 

Roodhouse Eagle 758 

Roodhouse Journal ; 753 

Greene County Union 759 

Roodhouse Daily Union 759 

Roodhouse Daily Eye 760 

Weekly Eye 761 



CHAPTER XIV. 



ECCLESIASTICAL 

Christian Church, White Hall 

Hickory Grove United Baptist Church 

Providence Baptist Church 

All Souls Roman Catholic Church, White Hall. . 

Christian Church, CarrolUon 

Baptist Church, Kane — 

BaptistChnrch, White Hall 

St Michaels Roman Catholic, Greenfield 

First Pre5byterian Church of White Hail 

Baptist Church, Rockbridge 

Baplisi Church, Pleasant Point 

Baptist t_;hurch, Wrightsrilie 

Presbyterian Church, Waluut Grove 

Metbo'dist Church, Walnut Grove 

Baptist Church, Blufl'dale 

Christian Church, Athensville 

Rirhwouds United Baptist Church 

Baptist CJiurches of Greene County 

Cuml)erlaiid Preshvlerian Church, Greenfield. . . 

M. E. Church, Gidcnfield 

M. E. ( hurch. Cariollton 

Akers M. E. Chaiiel, Linder township 

Baptist Church. Carrolltou 

Presbyterian Church. CarroUton 

Mt. Zion P. .M. Church 

Oakland Baptist Church 

First Uuiversaliet Church 

Uuited Baptist Church, Athensville 

Baptist Church, Middle Fork, of Apple Crock. . . 

Triuitv Episcopal Church, CarroUton 

Ebene/.erM.E Cliurch, Koodhouse township.. 
Marlin's Prairie Belhel Baptist, Roodhousd Tp. 

Methodist Church, White Hall 

St. John's Roman t'ath<dic, CarroUton 

St. Aloysins t'atholic (hurch, Roodhouse 

JI. E. Church. Roodhouse 

Cumberland I'resbyteriau Church, Roodhouse.. 

Washington Baptist Church, Roodhouse 

The Congregational Church, Roodhouse 



CHAPTER XV. 



KANE TOWNSHIP 

Early Settlement 

Educatiiuial — Cemeteries 

conwayvillk 

Kan e 

Hauki— Hotels— Kane Nurfccry 

Lime Kiln— Rad road 

Religious 

Municipal— Educational— Postofllce. 

Societies 

Y'aegcr Mills, and their burning 



761 
762 

762 
763 
763 
713 
764 
765 
766 
766 
767 
768 
768 
7li8 
769 
769 
770 
770 
770 
771 
771 
773 
773 
774 
776 
778 
778 
778 
7^8 
779 
780 
781 
781 
781 
782 
782 
783 
7$3 
784 
784 



605 
805 
804 

hl4 
815 
813 
814 
816 
827 



XII 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

PAGE 

BLUFFDALE TOWNSHIP 825 

Early Sftllemeut 826 

Organic— Seelv'B Mill 839 

PostoBices— Blufl'dale— Eldred— Educaiional 840 

CHAPTER XVII. 

WOODVILLE TOWNSHIP 849 

Early Settlenierit 850 

Organic— Cemetery 865 

WOODVILLK 805 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

KUBICON TOWNSHIP 87rt 

Early Settk-meut 879 

Cemetery— Organic 887 

CHAPTER XIX. 

ROCKBRIDGE TOWNSUII' 891 

Early Set tlemtut 891 

eookbiudoe 903 

Greenfield , 905 

Early Days 906 

Postoffice"— Hotels 912 

Mills 913 

Educational 9U 

City Goverunient— Police Court -Railroads 918 

Depot— Express Agencies 919 

Fayette a25 

CHAPTER XX. 

UNDER TOWNSHIP 926 

Early Settlement 9i6 

EtUicatioual 941 

Cemetery— Daum Postoffire — Poor Farm 943 

CHAPTER XXI. 

WRIGHTS TOWNSHIP 943 

Early Settlement 944 

Ediicatiouul 9^5 

Cemetery— First Items 936 

Wkiohtsville ysfj 

Postoflice— Railroad 958 

CHAPTER XXII. 

PATTERSON TOWNSHIP 959 

Early Settlement 959 

Schutz's Mill 962 

Patterson 970 

Poetoflice — Society 972 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

ATHE SSVILLE TOWNSHIP 974 

Early Settlement 975 

First Items— Feltcr Postofflce 986 

Ricliwoods Cemetery 9S6 



PAGE 

Saw M ill 987 

Athensville 986 

Postofflce— Flouring Mill 989 

CHxVPTER XXIV. 

WALKERVILLE TOWNSHIP 994 

Early Settlement 995 

First Items -Educational— Organic 1000 

Walkeeville 1000 

CHAPTER XXV. 

CARiiOLLTON TOWNSHIP 1003 

Early Settlement 1002 

First Items— Organic— Educational — Cemeteries 1023 
Bkrdan 1023 

CAKUnl.LTOX 1025 

Present Business lutereets 1029 

Banking 11138 

Carroll ton Roller Mill 1043 

Elevators— Greene County Creamery 1044 

Fire Department— Government 1050 

Postofflce 1051 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

WHITE HALL TOWNSHIP 1060 

Early Settlement 1060 

Recollections of" S. M. Henderson 1075 

Other Prt-nuinent Citizens 1076 

Cemeteries * 1081 

New Providence 1082 

Representative Citizens 1083 

White Hall 10S4 

Present Aspert of the City 1086 

Potteries and Tile \Vl^rkB H'86 

White Hall Machine Works 1091 

White Hall Chair Factory— Flouring Mill 1093 

Banks — Opera House — Library 1100 

Postofflce 1101 

Educational 1102 

White Hall Nursery 1103 

Hotels 1107 

Nurserv — Depots 1108 

Cornet'Baud 1109 

Societies 1110 

Municipal— Prominent Citizens 1111 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

KOODHOUSE TOWNSHIP 1117 

Earlv Settlement 1117 

Leading Citizens 1118 

Hotels 1139 

Eooilhouse Bauk 1141 

Insurance 1142 

Postofflce 1144 

R<)Uiidhou6e 114] 

Religious 114ti 

Societies 1146 

Municipal 1149 

Representative Citizens 1149 



PORTRAITS 



PAGE 

Baldwin, Benjamin 687 

Gilliugham, B 858 

Gillingham, Juliet A. E 859 



PAGE 

Keach, Hiram 822 

Keach, Mrs. Hiram 823 

King, Rev. George 483 



PAGE 

Ltirton, Nelson M 349 

Spencer, Henry E 585 

Wilkinson, Henley 1105 



BIOGRAPHICAL, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Page. 

Adams, N. L 49-t 

Albrccht, I.oaiR 287 

Albert, Carl 3c9 

Allen, Jom.-e M 322 

Allen, Edward :m 

Allen, William H 808 

Anderson. TnnmasW... '2'J\ 
Arbogast, John -lOH 



Ajdelolt, Thomas B 432 

Ba^lev, Marcus E 2:iC 

Ballard. John J 47i 

Ballard. John 498 

Barber, Ilorace K 2!)'J 

Bartletl. William H 32fl 

Bartlett, Charles B 328 

Bale,*, ISil.''S 4-'.=i 

Bates, William 25T 

BaHer,.Tohn C 328 

Baum, William 373 

Beach, C. D 359 

Becker. Frederick 35! 

Bell Jeremiah 414 

Bel t. Horatio N 34.'i 

Be.t.L. T 392 

lielt, James H .. 221 

Belt, John II 346 

Bertman, Frederick ... 545 

Bettis, Daniel 442 

Blaese.-, Peter 35^ 

Black, John H 22J 

Block, Philip 506 

Bowker, William 42.1 

Bowman, Charles H 226 

Bovnton, John E 504 



PAGE 

Cannon, James 374 

Carr, Jof^eph S 147 

I'arrico, Thoraas(' 441 

Carrico. Leander 271 

Carlin, .Major Walter E. 205 

Carter, Jose[ih B 469 

Carroll, .lohn B 29 

Carroll, Edward 

Carroll, William J 40' 

Carroll, John 2,')9 

Carroll, Charles W 2.i9 

Case, Thomas A 3(i0 

Casey, l)r Edwin A 1.">1 

Casey, John 424 



Braiuerd. Charles 323 

Brav, William 1 319 

Bridges, John C 36' 

Brighani, Edward R 394 

Brigjs, William 371 

Brinton, William S SIR 

Brinehnrst. Ur. .Tames, . 151 

Brock, Tarlton F 278 

Brock, Bobert T 53!- 

Brockmejer, Henry 352 

Brooks, Charles 477 

Brown, Spaulding E 3"3 

Brown, William S..- 409 

Brown, Jehn 339 

Brown, John .339 

Brown, JohnG 2()5 

Buckles, John 439 

Buflinglon, C. G 391) 

Bullington, Dr. 0. G 16! 

Bull, CharlcsF 297 

Burgess, William 362 

Bu rke, George W 543 

Burris, Scth 301 

Burritt, Dr. A. H 150 

Burns, i'atiick B 48S 

Butt, William 373 

Cadwalader, Jesse E 290 

Cairns, (icorge 328 

Calame.L. W 379 

Calhoun, .Tames W 519 

Calhoun, Solomon 2211 

Calhoun, Adrastiis 290 

Campbell, Benjamin F.. 369 
Campbell, Thomas J. . . 369 
Campbell, Jerome 37(i 



Catt, Chalice 490 

Chance, tzekiel 342 

Chapman, T'homas H... 414 
Chapman. Theodores.. 206 

I'hapijell, W. H 438 

Chappell, Ephraim 431 

Chappell, William 333 

("happen, Bartholomew. 437 

Chase. Charles .M 306 

''heney, Prentiss D E4u 

Cheney, Captain Murray 224 

Cbidis'ier. K. C 269 

Christopher. Mary B 456 

cockrell, Mo.'es .505 

Cole, Rev. Luther E 368 

Colean, Nelson 340 

Coleau, Francis 339 

Conn, Elihu 447 

L'oleaii, James R 510 

C'ope. Edman . 378 

Cooper. Jonathan E 472 

I'orv, Hon. Joel 198 

Coulthard. William H .. 516 

Crniii, Silas, Sr 339 

Crain John 338 

Crawford. JohB B 261 

Cray John 486 

ross, Hugh N 508 

Cross, Andrew W 509 

Cummlngs. Thomas 434 

Giimmings, Josiah 434 

Dabbs, W, W 275 

Dabhs, James 275 

Dannels John C 467 

Dannels, John F 467 

Oannels, C. A 467 

Darby, William 500 

Darby, J, C 499 

D'Arcv, Dr. Edwird A... 150 

Dare. Oliver 307 

Darlington, Samuel 444 

narlington, John 11 444 

Darneillc. Isaac 197 

Darr, Matuew 340 

Dashnood. Edward O... 422 
Davenport, Frederick S. 549 

Davis, Daniel 307 

Davis, John W 480 

Davis, William 404 

Davison, William 445 

Day, Samuel 474 

Decker, Cornelius 362 

DeFossa, j\nt"ine 306 

Dempscy, William S 312 

Derrick, James 279 

Diusmore, Samuel P 304 



PAGE 

Dod.ge, Vilas L 468 

Dodson, Theodore 521 

Dodson, Francis M 521 

Dodson. Rev. Aaron 296 

Dolan. Peter 51 

Donnallv. Thomas K 481 

Doron, Enos T • 273 

255-1* Dougherty, John G 281 

Dougherty, Samuel J. M yS-'i 

Douglas, Stephen A 192 

Downey. S. G. .'i52 

Drainer. Peter 348 

Dunbar, James 38i 

Dunham. Benjamin 370 

Dunphy, Patrick 541 

Dyniolid, Robert 455 



Eads, James 21B 

Eads. William iiu 

Eaton, C. B 514 

Edgar, V\'illiam S .536 

Edgar, Col. W. 11 626 

Edsall, C. P 139 

Edsall, Thomas 286 

Edwards, Henry D 321 

Edwards, Andrew 327 

Edwards, ticorge W 382 

Edwards, William B 385 

EgelhofT, George 514 

Eldredge, Phincas 315 

Ellis, Samuel C 285 

Elliott. Jr.. Lewis 464 

EMiott, Sr., Lewis 46:, 

Elliott, Thomas B 464 

Ely. Richard R 424 

Emtiley, George W 480 

Embley, William 540 

Engel, Leon 498 

English, Lind?ev H. ... 494 
English, Hon. Jidin N.. 199 

English, Llovd T 345 

English, Jr.,' John N.... 348 

Enos, Dr.C. W 1.55 

Enos, Dr. Charles R 165 

Erwin, Samuel 34r 

Erwin, John G 361 

Erwin, J. D 341 

Erwin, Dr. A. 1) 159 

Everts, Andrew J 445 

Falkner, William 360 

Falkner, James 493 

Farrington, Silas 317 

Farley, Dr. R. D 151 

Ferns, Thomas F 144 

Fisher, Cornelius B. . . 474 
Fitzgerald, Joseph W... 486 

Flaiiigan, Martin 313 

Flautt. Dr. Jamee 4.... 138 

Fleming. .Tames 355 

Fondel," Mathias D 378 

Ford. Horatio N 448 

Fox, J».hn 64- 

Francis. Dr. E F 161 

Frtulen burg. Ephraim... 284 

Fulks. John .385 

Fulkereon, W. II 475 



(Jarrels. John 

Gerson, William F. 
Gary, Dr. James P.. 



364 
381 

160 



PAGE 

Giberson, James M 264 

Gi.M». H. L 294 

Gill. Dr. Henry Z 153 

CMIIham, John D 433 

Gilworlh, Harvey 468 

(ileuBOu, David D 403 

Gleason. William C 400 

Gledhill, Robert C 512 

(ioF-man.Johu H 354 

Goiflteu, Charles 353 

(Joodmau, James G '^^2 

Goodman John .\ 331 

Gocdrich. .^dams A 143 

tioodiich. H 547 

Graudstaff. William, .. .407 
Greathousc, Joseph F... 144 

(ireen.Elisha 371 

Green, Addison 449 

Green, Nathaniel 449 

Grcther, William M 4,54 

Urimes, Philip 3S8 

(irimes, Jari-ett T 482 

Groppel, Herman 380 

'ntsjean, Nicholas 488 

Guuternian, Sr. John... 366 

Haag, Frederick 331 

[lagen. Joseph 355 

Hamilton, Dr. Joseph O. 1.57 

Hamiltou, Dr. Silas 278 

Hamilton, Clarence M.. 501 

Hamilton. William 279 

flaniilton. Martin V mi 

Hamilton, Dr. John B, . . 153 

Harmon, Henry C 364 

Harris. James M 450 

Han, John 3u7 

Hartraan, Frederick 446 

Ilarty. Rev. James 188 

llausklns. James T 431 

Hayes, Uarlev E 545 

Hedler, Will II 134 

Heidcrscheid, Nicholas. 374 
Henderson, Richmond. . 473 

Henderson, Frank P 548 

llerdman, George W... 117 

Hctzel, John ' 351 

Hewitt, William R SIO 

Highflll. D. M 405 

Highlill.T. S 404 

Hill, Robert L 220 

Hill, Oscar 603 

llinson, William 378 

Hnelker, Anton 3.53 

Holten, John 358 

Hooper. Gates 354 

Hani, John 390 

Howard, Edward D 289 

Howell, .lames 327 

HouelLJohu 361 

Hiiflman, Rev. JohnT.. 317 

Huitt. J.ihn W 458 

Humiston. ArtburH 295 

Huiuistoii. Linus 299 

Hunter, William H 491 

Hurd.J.M 216 

Hutchinson, William H.. 436 

Jackson, George H 543 

.Tackson, George 11 223 

Jevvsbiiry, Ebeaezer C-. 359 



XIV 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAGE 

Johnson, Charles W 43-21 

Johneou, William 40.': 

Johnson. Thomas 385 

Jones. EiceT. 440 

Kallal, Frank 3T6 

Keller, Coemoe 267 

Kelly, Charles H 137, 

Kennedy, Isaac N 399 

Kennedy. Isaac 287 

Kesler, Jacob 260 

Keyeer, Hiram T 271 

KiD2, Robert A 201 

King, Rev. Geo. Ivee... bi2\ 

Kirchner, Charles R 285! 

Kirchuer. Otha -.m 

Kirchner Georee C 356 

Knapp, Dr. A, H 208 

Knapp. Hon. Kobt. M.. 196 

Knapp. Anthony L 194' 

Knapp, Dr. A. R 156 

Knapp, Dr. Charles A... 157 

Koraarek. Frank 425 

Krousbin. Aui^nst J 389 

Krneger. Willlum 375 

Kru' gtir, George 37(j 

Lamb, John J 44S 

Lane, George F 147 

Landon, Milo 357 

Larabee. William 4U5 

Larue. Wilham 39T 

Legate, E. B 409 

Legate, Marshall B 409 

Legate, Henry L 408 

Lehmkuhl W. H 294 

Lenz, Joseph 361 

Lesem. .M. B 429 

Lindley, Horace 331 

Lo?hr, Chrif-tian A 266 

Lofton, Judge John G. .. 43;i 

Lofton. John L 377 

Long. Charles P 330 

Lott, Dr. John W 151- 

Lonx. Jacob S 4!>4 

Love, John E 44C 

Lowe. Frank 1 478 

Lwwe. Richard 1 487 

Lund. Charles W 310 

Lurton. Jacob 2Ul 

Lurton, Nelson M 438 

Lurton. Nelson R 326 

Lynn, Rev. Samuel 642 

Lynn, William U. 230 

McAdams.Wm. Sr 5.i0 

McAdams. Jr., Hon. Wm 202 

McCann, George W 446 

McClintock, John A ... 313 

McCollisler, Isaac 421 

McDauel. Gregg 277 

McDanel. Charles 27'* 

;McDo\v, Thomas 4351 

WcDow, Charles G 4:)5i 

McDow, Marion 288 

McDow, James 4:^5 

McDow, JohuN 435 

.McDow, William 279 

McDow, John H 457 

McGready, Jesse 1 221 

McKinney, James 'J12 

McKinnev, Abiram 339 

McNeil, Levi 325 

McRevnolds. Alex. &.... 476 
McRejnolds, Thomas J. 489 

Madden, John 365 

Mains. Freeman J 485 

Malotte. Josejih S 549 

Marshall. John C 42' 

Marshaw. Joseph 445 

Marstou. Cap*flin Oliver. 541 

^larslon, Joseph G 499 

Martin, George 342 



PAGE 

Martin, Moses 341 

Mason, James 318 

.Massev, Henry C 2(>7 

Matthews. Isom 410 

Medfurd, John 367 

Meisner. Anthony 355 

Metzdorf, Mathias 376 

Myseaburg. Ernst 311 

Middendorf, Francis — 357 

Milem, Allen W 375 

Miles, D.D. S.Geo. S... 506 

Miller, Henrv T 289 

Milton. Charles 478 

Miner, Nathiiniel 490 

Moore. Jemes 422 

Moore; IsiacM..- 379 

Moss. James F 288 

.Muss. James C 288 

Moweu, Peter 3.^2 

.Murph v. William 319 

Mjers.'jr., E. A. R .... 505 

Nelson, Bud 395 

Neumeyer. Charles 5.50 

Nevius, William B 546 

Neviiis, Henrv 546 

NevJin, William 409 

Newberrv. Daniel 2S.S 

Newton. Robert 516 

Noble, Caleb '. 216 

Noble, William... 283 

Noble, Henry 280 

Noble, Ziba 308 

Noble, J.N 306 

Nugent, R. R 314 

Sugeut, MaryA 332 

Oehler, Herman 331 

O'Malc". .^nthonv 364 

Onetto." William G 271 

Olney. C. S 38S 

Uttenhausen, George 377 

Page, Joseph M. W 125 

Palmer. Orin 4G0 

Palmer, William 460 

Park. Dr. Wesley 160 

Parsell. Peter K 416 

Patterson, Maj Gershom 338 

Pailon. Isaac T 290 

Pennington. Lott 2'^ 

Perrine. Charles 477 

Perrv. Dr. James C 151 

Phip'ps. Thomas K 404 

Piggott. George 260 

Piggoit. Isaac N 269 

Pinckard. James B 326 

Pogue. Hon. Wm. H 217 

Post. Cfleb A 488 

Potter. Rev. Thomas.... 489 

Powel, James P .358 

Powel. O. P 202 

Power, Peter 491 

Power. John 363 

Preble. H, D 398 

Price, Thomas A 430 

Prill. Carl 381 

Quirk, William 423 

Kainey, William 356 

Randolph, i ewis , 440 

Randolph. Oliver S 476 

Katcliff, George W 410 

Recker. Augustus 480 

Reddish, Zeddock 387 

Reed. John L 401 

Reinhart, Rev. Frank J. 344 

Reintges, John B 266 

Remer. Theo. F 502 

Remer, Abraham 548 

Roadcs, William 260 

Rhoads, John V . 465 

Rice, Andrew .1 360 

Rice. E Y 195 

P.icbarJs. Guy C 4iXl 



PAGE PAGE 

liiffgs. B. A 481 Sumrall. Dr. George 154 

Ripplev, Frank 31|J Sunderland. Lloyd W... 476 

Rister. Jacob 26! Swan, John T 286 

Ritchev, Mordecai J. ... 475 „ t> ^r 

Roaeh,"DavidJ ggo Taeger, Rev, Herman. . . 394 

Roady.Jobn 427 •I^J''""'' J"'"' ^.^''y ■*™ 

Roberts. Frank M 133 Terry, .lasper M 213 

Robbins, Robert B 4T3 Jerry. Henry C ..... 2/7 

Robinson George C 450 Thompson. W iIliaicG... 410 

Ro'i-ers Silas W ogs I hompson, Andrew J — 407 

Rogers! Noah T.'.'.".'.'.'.'. 287 Tlioroman .AN 303 

Rogers, Henry S a86!T!'orolu"; ■'ohn .338 

Riiebel. Michael 312ij!2.''''>''> "r. J 159 

Rusk. Hugh 341 i!ft' <Jli,™r„4 ^\i 

Ruyle, WilliaraL 462U'V"P^' ^..'-l''""!; ?l!2 

Ruyle. Mrs. Mary 462 

Ryan. Henry 46^ 



Ryan. John 464 

Ryan, Richardson 46^ 

Sapp. .John H 381 

Sauer, Hubert 346 

Saver, James 423 

Scbaaf. Sigel 356 

Scheffer. H - 498 

Scribner. George F 450 

8chmieder, Charles 496 

Schrebcrle, Frank 329 

'-chreiber, John... 365 

Schrteder, Joseph B 346 

Scolt. Charles W 4.54 

Scott, Joseph G 210 

Seairo, James L 355 

Seago, Douglas 365 

Seago. Willium R M8 

Seibold. Philip 456 

Selby. Thomas J 218 

Semple. Gen. James 190 

Sheghard. Uenry A 512 

Shephard. Hon. William. 5U 

Shephard. John A 511 

Shobe. Dr. A. A 1.54 

Short, Glover 484 

Short. Edmund H 485 

>hortal. James 28^' 

Simmons. Richard J.... 413 

Simmons, John H 413 

Simmons, Samuel C 41 

Simmons, C. W 413 

Simmons. Edward B ... 426 

Sinclair. James I) 400 

Sisson. John W 284 

Slateu. Henry L 291 

>laten. William D, F.,. 30-. 

Sbiten. George N 314 

Slaten, Rev.'George 437 

Slateu, James R 446 

Slateu. .\lleu M 144 

Slover. Dr. .\uslin F 159 

Smilh.Greg R 503 

Smith, John F 222 

Snetleker, Samuel J 5:iu 

Snedeker.Hon. Orvillc A 53.^j 

Snedeker. Isaac 534 

Spangle. George W 44.8 

Spangle, Andrew 287 

Spaulding, William H.. 395 

Spencer. .James A 371* 

Stallord, John P 40.^ 

Slafford. Christopher P. 309 

Slaflord. Brook 318 

Stall, John 36T 

Stanhope. Abel H 262 

Stanley, Matthew C 4,s0 

Starr, James E 268 

Stelle, Deacon Jacob K. 442 

Stelle. Moore C 44:) 

Stephany A. H 265 

Stieren. Charles 330 

Stillwell, Jeremiah O... 283 

Slilhvell, Leander 284 

Stoller, Jjiues H 408 

uddelb. Jaui.sE 406' 



Tolman, Silas W 487 

Tonkinson, David F 456 

Trabue, Murray B 420 

Trabue, Edward 420 

Trible, John .. 414 

Trotter, D. Q, 419 

Trotter. John W 419 

Tunnard, George 330 

Twitchel, John 466 

Tyson. Rev. Ira C 171 

Vahle, Louis 361 

Vahle. Anthony 361 

Vahle. John 47r 



Vanausdall, Allen M — £97 

VauDervoort. B. C 495 

Vandenburg, Peter E 523 

VanHorne, Dr. A. K.... 154 

VanHorne. George H 439 

Vaughn, John 340 

Veach, Nathan T .320 

Vorhees. C. H 448 

Waggoner, John T 291 

Walker, John A 140 

Wallace. Enoch W 305 

Walsh, j.'imes 422 

Walsh, James M 372 

Ward, Jesse 367 

Ward. Moses 368 

Warren, Hon. George E. 203 

Warren, Mark A 496 

Watson, Jesse 368 

Watson, Dr S. M 163 

Wedding, James H f4l 

Wedding, Benjamin. .. 225 

VV'egmauu. John F 352 

West, Ira M 447 

West, William L 394 

West, W. H. H 393 

Wharton, Charles 485 

White, Lewis - 276 

White. Jesse 278 

White, John L 275 

White. Dan el P 275 

White, Dr. John L, 1.53 

White, Hiram 287 

Whiteneck, Jacob E 526 

Whitttcld. W. T 467 

Whilfield. James A 461 

Whitlow. Willis iiS 

Wieshard, Henry 383 

Wiibt. Bernhardt 388 

Wilkerson, Lucius G... 421 

Wil kens. John 325 

Willis. William H 406 

Williams, Dr. John S... 158 

Williams, William -305 

W^ood. John 481 

U'oodson. Judge D. M. , 116 

Woolsey, Joseph B 479 

Worthey, Reuben T.. .. 284 

Worthev, Absalom 269 

VVvckoti'. John 543 

W^ckoff. .\mbrose S — 541 

Wvckoft', Horatio N 497 

Wyckoff, David G 497 

Voung. James M 222 

Young. Andrew 314 



i 




BIOGRAPHICAL. 




XV 




HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 






rAQE 




PAOK 




PAGE 






Adams, L. C 


81." 


Carter, Davis 


904 


Eberlem, Herman T... 


1034 


Haven, W. W 


751 


Adcock. John 


ms 


Carr, Joseph S 


68ii 


Edwards, Gilbert H 


881 


Hays, Dr. J. B 

Henderson, James 


736 


Allen, .lames M 


lOB-J 


Carriger, Leonard 


961 


Edwards, Joel 


880 


1074 


Allen, William 


1061 


Caverly, A. W 

iJlark, William E 


670 


Edwards, En 


879 


Henderson, Joseph... 


940 ! 


Allen. «. \V 


9-ii 


1034 


Edwards, EriL 


87! 


Henderson, John G... 


714 


Allen, John VV 


mw\ 


Clark, John 


800 


Edwards, Oshea L 


881 


Henlev, James T 


nil 


Andrews, N. J 


roi 


Clapp, Clement L 


lO.'O 


Edwards, Hale S 


Ul9f 




876 


Ardinser, John W 


BM 


Clcmmons, Dr. CO... 


735 


Edwards, George 


11.5: 


Herrlck, Geo.M 


1103 


Armstrong, Dr. C'lintor 


TA' 


Ulendeiien, George VV. 


8,56 


Eldred, Leouaid E 


1011 




999 


Arrastrontr. Geo. VV ... 


1113 


Ulendenen, U. P 


850 


Eldred, William 


100'' 


Heuberger, Joseph 

Ilevnood, William 


1140 


Ashlock, George K 


(Wl 


(.'liflord, h'osanna 


1080 


Kldred, Elon A 


1011 


. 982 


Ashlock, VVm. A 


9-»! 


Clifford, John H 


1083 


Eldred, Elon 


1011 


Hill. Georse D 


1032 


Ashlock, Wm. M 


8V1 


Clifford, Ahirah 


1081 


English, Sr-, Lindsey H 


5-;> 


Hill. George 


Ills 


Aehlock, Harvev H 


9311 


Coates, Milton 


963 


Enelish. Jame,.s W 


711 


Hinton, Hon. Alfred.. 


671 




9;J9 




961 


English, Di . Lindsey H 
Euslow, Abraham 


726 
791 


Hobson. Peter 

Hobson, Thomas 

Hobson. Peter J 

Hodges. Hon. Chas. D. 


1013 
1013 
1014 
665 ! 


Ashlock, VV. M . 


93<' 


Coatee, Geort'C .... 


881 


Atchiusun, VVm. B 


fflis- 


Cockiell, Jesse 


813 


• 




^'ole, George 


790 


Fanning, George W 


984 


Baines, Charles 


1063 colllster, A. B 


9'.V 


Farrellv, Hugh P 


10.54 




1121 




lo;; 


Connole, Anthony 

Conrad, ,facob 


094 


Felter, Peter 

Feuity, Dr. Peter 


794 
7.39 


Hopper, Stephen D... 
Hoselton. George 


982 
993 


Baldwin, Judije Benj.. 


107.-. 


847 


Ba dwin, Benj. F 


1076 


Converse, L riah 


887 


Feuity, Dr. E 


734 


Hough, Thomas 


1043 


Baldwin, F. M 


10',> 


Couurod, Jefferson 


927 


B'iirge>on, James E 


1040 


House, Adam 


973 


Ballard, Louis J 


947 


Coourod, George W 


703 


Field, A. J. K 


1118 




972 


Ballard, llenrv 


1017 


Coourod. Eld. Stephen 


884 


Finch, Dr. Thomas 


735 


llow-rd, .Tordan 


1016 


Ballard. James 


112.-r 


Cooper, Dr. Martin A.. 


721 


Fircher, Charles 


937 


Howard, John 


1153 


Barflard, James 


i):<S 


Cooper, Edmund L 


704 


Fishback, F. M..- 


844 


Huhbell. .James G 


9S6 


Barrow, Allred 


ua- 


Cooper. William T 


930 


Fitzsimons, John J 


711 


Huddle, P. E 


712 


Bassham, Ben). U 


91.' 


Cook, Frederick 


ll!-ja 


Flatt, Edward 


S;',s 


Hudson, Peter B 


933 1 


Bateman, P. M 


11 39 


Corrington, Stephen P 


Via 


Flatt, Jesse 


828 




934 1 


Bechdoldt. Henry F... 


817 


Corrington. Nelson \V. 


886 


Fiatt, Daniel 


84; 


Hughes, Dr I. S 


727 


Bechdoldt, George VV. 


w:. 


Corv. Dr. Luther 


7J6 


Flatt, Wesley 


829 


Hughes. Albert (i 


816 


Becker, Lewis 


lOUi 


Costley, ll.>j . William. 


V80 


Flatt, W. M 


82'> Huih, Rowland B .... 


799 


Bell, Francis M 


lOlil 


Crist, David 


1072 


Plait, Jaines B 


829! Huitt. John W 


676 


Bermes. Philip 


93li 


Crow. Dr, James T 


729 


Fiemmiiig, James 


1031 Hunt. John P 


1079 


Black, Thomas 


1011 


Culver, Dr. S. U 


■r2; 


Foster. John T 


889 Hunter, John VV 


800 


Black, William 


1012 


Lulver, Edward A 


808 


Fiech, Frank 


803 Hnniiicutt, Hartwell . . . 


828 


Blodgott. .Milo R 

Boirnu. Benj. Joseph. 


903 
9911 


Culver, Dr. Buel 

cnuningham, Samuel. 


7»4 
930 




9flllHllsted. 0. J 

702 Hasted, Edward M 


1095 
1142 


Fry, Gen, Jacob 


Booker. Kichard M 


90' 


Cunniugbam, Anthony 


9.53 




lUutchens. Elkauah .. 


861 


Boring. Hczekiah 


. 883 


t u; nin/ham. Kob't L. 


931 


Gano, Charles F 


797 


Hulchens, Elkanah D. 


861 


Borlin, Henry 


. 87! 


Cunningham, Wilson. 


906 


Gardiner, Key. C. J 


787 


Hutchinson, David ... 


1097 


Bowman, Ur Alex 


73li 


I- unniuyham, Geo. W 


966 


Gardiner. Samuel G... 


814 


Hyndman, William... 


1136 


Bovd, Thomas U 


6911 


Curnutt, James 


897 


Giller, Edward .\ 


1079 






Brace, Leonard 

Bradley. Robtrt C 


lOlo 
8lT 


Cnrtius, Henry 


799 


Giilingliam, Bainbridge 
Giliiiore. VV'm P 


997 
1138 


Irwin, James M 


808 

j 


Brad.-^ha\v. Perry 


91!- 


Damm. Dieter 


937 


Gilson, Edward P 


712 




1038 


Bradshaw. William M. 


1153 


Damm, Jr. Dieter 

Damm, Christian 


938 


Goacher, Albert 


984 James. Charles F 


900 


Brannan, Thomas. ... 


8V, 


933 


Goeddy, Herman 


87.5 


.Tolineon, John D 


OW 


Bray, John L 


801 


Darr, George 


8ia 


Goode, John I 

Goode, William B 


947 
947 


.Tohusou. .T;imes I 


11129 
1031 


Bridges, Archibald 


Kill 


Davis, Dr. Cyrus A... 


668 


Bridges, Frank M 


681 


Davis, James 


1072 


Graham, George 


938 


.Tohnsou. .Tohii 


927 


Bridges, Oman 

Briggs,Ellis 


lD«ii'Davi8, Francis A 


1030 


Grant, Oscar F 


109:i:.Johnson. Edward D .. 


1011 


lUirUavis, Dr, James .M.... 


7a5 


Greene. S. P 


706 .Tones. David H 


1071 


Broiimarkle, JohnB... 


9091 Oavis, Hon. KobertU.. 


681 


Greene, John 


6711 


■roues, Josiah 


1052 


Brooks, James E 


Wi Davis, William A . .. 


693 


Cireene, William 


786 




694 


Brown, Jr., James 


11081 Davis, Georgo W 


693 


Greene, Nelson 


786 


Jones, John U 


839 


Bruner, Dr. A. J 


73. 1 Daw son, Henry U 


903 




80? 






Burns, Dr. Georse W. 

Burnett, Dr. W, L 

Burr, lion, .\lbcrt G-.. . 
Burrill, Edward 


731. Dayton, .Matthew 


8.52 


Gregory. Charles 


66.5 


Kahm, Coonrod 


9^1 


73iiDayton, Thomas U 

6661 Dayton, Lewis .. .. 


e52 
a52 


Grider, Marshall F 

tiriswold, Adonijah ... 


979 
1069 


Keach, Hiram 


841 
841 


Iveach, Cant. .John R.. 


98:1 Deeds. Lafayette 


968 


Griswold. Loval P 


1061 


IvcUv. Dr. .M. F 


724 


Burruss. Ilarrv D 

Bushuell, Lynian S 


Ql.'i De Witt. Dr. M, F 


726 


Oriswold, Cvrus 


1064 


Kendall. Nathaniel... 


11171 


1041 Dixon. HenrvJ 


903 


Griswold, Henry 


lOeiiKennott, Luther M 


1055 




Di.ion. Hiram 


904 


(iris wold, Edgar 


1070 Kennett. William C... 


10.58 


Cameron. Joseph T 

Campbell, Rev. Wm. M 


10,)5 Dixon, Solomon 

105.5 DodgBon, David 


897 
1007 


(Jroce, Thomas 


960 
876 


Kincaid. James 

Kincaid. William T .. 


892 
891 


Groves, William A 


Campbell Amburgh... 


112 Dodgson, Uruau 


1008 






King, Capt, Lucian... 


081 


Cannedy, James 


80.> Dodgson, Peter 


101.7 


Ilahn, David 


960 


King, .Alexander 


677 


Cannedy, George W. . . 


891) 


Dodgson. James 


931 


Hall, Dr, Benj. J 


73? 


Kinsr, Robert 


851 


Cs.nnedv, William U.. 


896 


Dossel, Charles 


1093 


Hall, Thomas 


It'>). 


King, Charles 


867 


Canneilv, .Tames F 


gs? 


Downs. Thomas B 


977 


Hall. Julia E 


1036 


King. Thomas 


86« 




696 Downs, Andrew 


976 


Hamilton, B. B 


1101 


Kinsr. D F 


718 


Carliii, William . . 


692l)o>le, Samuel 


9.VI 


lianev, .\lbert 


1127 Iviib'ach, .Tonae 


935 


Carlin. Thomas .. . 


604 Dovle, Thomas 

loailDrennan, Sr. J. P 


931 
11.50 


Hankins, Alexander... 




1037 
970 


Carmody, CorneliHe 


1156 




Carmodv, Michael L... 


1018 Drennan, Jr. J. P 


1152 


Hardcasile. John 


9.10 






Carmody, John O 


95Jj Dressel, Joseph 


798 


Hardwick. Geo, W 


874 


Lakin, Judge Leandcr 


691 


Carter. Lorenzo E 


9M|Duncan, Thomaa 


1107 


Harper, Ephralm 


lli72 


Langdou. Dr. Wm. O.. 


737 





XVI 


BIOGRAPHICAL. 








PAGE 
844 
731 

930! 

963 i 
1026 

8761 

915 
1151 

832 
699 

98^ 




PAGE 

. 967 
. 967 
. 704 
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. 1109 
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. 997 
. 1069 
. 729 
. 833 
. 834 
690 ■. 
. 953' 

.. 725 
J 10.33 
. 1134 
. 1134 


Schnelt, John B 

Schnelt, Henry 

."chnelten, Henry 

Schier. Nicholas 

Schutz, Matthew 

Schutz, George 

Schutz, John 

Schutz, Joseph .1 

Schild, Frank 

Schmidt, Christian 

Scott. Benjamin 

Scroggins. Robert 

Sccor, Elijah J 


PAGE 

1018 

1017 

1020 

999 

963 

962 

962 

963 

866 

871 

883 

834 

932 

931 

959 

868 

938 

731 

885 

88.3 

1129 

836 

1033 

730 

1135 

1136 

942 

1122 

1032 

1033 

965 

1120 

1081 

832 

881 

899 

84;> 

569 

. 8.3S 

838 

97! 

978 

837 

1116 

988 

. 941- 

7f9 

890 

1091 

853 

901 

900 

1145 

918 

735 

812 


VanDoren.C. C 

Vanluyle, Robert 

VauArsdale, James H... 

Varble. George 

Varlile, Elisha 


PAGE 

1144 
1122 

898 

875 

870 

870 
1029 
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897 

737 

673 

849 

936 
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678 

869 

917 
1010 

707 

790 

934 

791 

672 

866 

83G 

702 

8'B 

836 
. 837 

601 

892 

923 ' 
1031 

674 

. 11.37 

1096 

. 9.37 

950 

949 
10.56 


Lightfiiot, Philip F 

Linlv, Dr. Eliza 

Linder, Jacob 

Llltle, T. A 

Loclie. David 

LogliD, Joh!i B 

Lorton. Thomas 

Ludi, N. .J 

McAdanip, Willmm .. 

McCoiiathv. Perrv 

llcCauley.'W. W 

McCracken, Elbert M. 

McFnll. Dr A. C 

McGuwaii, P. .1 

M'lver. Duiicnu C 

Mclvcr, W. T 

McKabucv. ,Tobn 

Mcl,anc-,.i. 1) 

McMahiin, Michael 

McMahou, Patricli W. 

McNdil, John A 

McPheron, Charles W 

McPherou, Anioe 

McPheron, James 

Madipon, Abraham — 

Marks, Jud<re 

Martin, Isaac N 

Mason, William 

Mayer, Peter 

Meidrnm, George W. 

Meidrum, Wiil 

Melvin. John 

Meyergteiu. Mark 

Miller, Dr. Adam E .. 
Miller. Dr- JamesN... 
Million, Key. Marcus \\ 

Mills, Kobert 

Minch. Joseph 

Miner, Edward 

Mitchell. Kobert 

Miichell, Andrew K... 
Mitchell, Jackson G.. 
Mitchell, Absalom . 

Montgomery. U . 11 

Moore, Langston 

Moore, Thomas 

Morrow, Janies 


Palre. John 

Paitersou, Lemuel J. .. 
Patterson. James L... 

Parker, Heurv L 

Parker, Thomas S 

Parke. Jesse 0. C .... 

Pearce, E. J 

Painter, George 

Pegram, Nathaniel 

Pcgram, Alvin 

Pennell, J. Garland.. 

Perrine John TI 


Varble, Philip 

Vedder, Orange T 

Vedder, Judge Isaac D.. 

Vedder, Aaron P 

Vinyard, John W 

\'inyard, William M 

Waddle, Richard C 

Walter. Henry 

Waltrjp, William 






lono 

716 
11.32 
803 
. 966 
1021 
9JM 


Peter, Dr. Edward E 

Pierson, David 

Pierson, Oman 

Pigsott, Dr. Joseph.. 
PiLkertou, Wil is K.. 
Pinkerton, Ke\el E.. 
Pinkerlou, J. D 


Soely, Anthony S 

Selhorst, Henry 

Shallue, Michael 

Shirley. Dr. E. K 

Short, Thomas J 

Short, Williams 

Short, James J 

short, John 


U'altrip, William G 

Ward, W. M 

Ward. .Tames R 

Ward, Thomas 

Waters. Dr. J. E 

Watson, Hiram 


. 112) 

9:il 
930 
1037 
847 


Pinkertou, .^utlrew .. 

Piukerton, David 

Plogger, 1 honias 

Pope, John 

Pope. Jacob L 


Sieverling, H. C 

Simpson, Dr. James F 

Slaien. John P. Sr 

Slaten, John P. Jr 

Slone, Asa 


Weimer, Charles A 

Weimer, Adant A 

Weisner, J. H 

W'ellhauseu, Krederick 

Weller, John G 

Whitmarsh, Rev. W. T 

\\'hite. Joseph 

White. Ira 

vVhitlnck, William 


1073 

854 
. 793 

872 
. 928 
. 927 
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717 

734 
. 7.37 
' 888 
. 862 

899 
. 10.34 
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8!I7 

. 978 

1113 

. 716 

897 
. 934 
. 1068 


Potts, William 

Powell, .John G.F.... 
Powell, Benjamin B. . 

P'apger, John B 

!'ralher, Edward .... 

Preston, James 

Price. Thomas D. ... 

Prindle. Lvman T 

Prichett, Dr.T. W. . 
Purl, Gilbert L 

Raferty. Thomas P... 

Range, Alfred C 

Ratbgeber, John... . 

Hawlins, James 

Rawlins, Pleasant A. 

Kawe. Herman 

Redwine, Dr. J. W. . 
Reinccke.WilliamC . 

Reynolds, John H 

Revnoldp, Dr. O. K... 
Revnolds. Georf^e W. 


Smend, Charles K 

Smith. Dr. Alex. U 

Smith. Edward 

Smith. William S 

Smith, Isaac R 

Smith. Benjamin 

Smith, Henry S 

Smith, William W 

Smith. Samuel T 

Su\der. John 

Sp'eaks, William 


Whitlock, Capt.Jamee 
Whiteside. James H..,. 

Williams, J. T 

Williams, William W.. 
Wilkinson, Richard H. 

\\ ilkinson, Henley 

Wilson, Thomas 

Williams. John T 

\\ilkinson, George 

Wilder, Moses J 

Wilson, Dr. Eberle 

Winters. Col. J. C 

Winchell, Silas H 

Winters, William 

Winn, Geo. W 

Winn, William 


Spencer, Henry R 

Spencer, William B 

Spencer, James R 

Spencer. Blisha 

Spencer. Stephen 


Spencer, John 

Spencer, Henry M 

Stark, Jesse 


Stevfns, Clark 

Stewart, Peter 

Stocks, Zeuo 

Stone, James 


Winn, Richard B 

IVithers, Hon. Henry C 

Witasehek. Andrew 

Witmer, D. 

"'itt, Eli 


Morrow, Oliver A 

Morrow, John A 

Morrow. Zachariah A. 
Morrow, .Mexandcr R. 
Morrow, William M... 

Morris, Marvil 

Morris, Cyrus 


lOO'l' b'f'vnnltlR. .Toseoh C . 


1123 

693 

. 888 

. -07 

790 

808 

. 699 

877 

934 

999 

. 981 
931 
1097 
832 
833 
. 680 
. 87:; 

. 1151 
. 99i< 
. 968 
. 967 
. 1112 
. 794 
. 793 




Stringer, William M... 

Stringer, Leroy 

Struuk, William P 

Stubblefield, James H.. 
Stubblefleld, Dr. P. A.. 
Snnderland, William S 

Taylor, Alfred W 


Kickart. Joseph 

Rigg, William P 


Wilt, Geo. W 

Witt, Randolph 


Robards. \V. L 

Hobeits, Lewis 

Roberts. Wm. J 

Roblev. Richard 

Robley, Charles 

Robley, Villroy 

Robley, George B — 

Rogers. Jesse H 

KoHins, Harry 

Rollins. Dr. J L 

Rolliup. Orson 

Roodhonse, Benj 

Koss.Dr. Geo. W 

Russell, John 

Rnssell, Spencer G. . . 

Ruyle. John 

Ryan, Patrick 

Samuel, Dr. James B. 
Saner. Rev. Augustine 

Sawyer. E. H 

Sawyer, George N — 


Wilt, Geo. M 

Witt, William T 


Mnlberry, J. C 

Murphy, Philip 

Myers, Anselam 

Neighbours, Thomas. . 

Neighbours, John 

Nesbit, Archibald 

Nolan, William H 

Nolan, John 

Nulton, Col. J. B 

Nultou, Jacob 

Orr. Anderson 


1119 

94 1 

943 

946 

, 1005 

. 1C04 

lOtri 

924 


Witt. Franklin 


"■^ ood, Leonard VV 

Wood, Amau 

Wood. Young 


Thaxt n, Parham 

Thaxton, H. Clay 

Thomas, Samuel F 

Thomas, John I 

Tt:omas, Samuel 


Wood, John L 

Wood. Allen B 

WondftoTi. Hon. 11 M.. 


Thomasson, William... 
Thomas?on, John N.... 

Ton-pkins. Benj. G 

Tompkins, Dr. Abram 


863 WooUev, Norman C 

863 Wool lav, Edwin 

788 Woollcy, David 

733 Worcester, Linus E 

1063|Worcester, Hal. C 

1066; Worcester, I'ulton F... 


Tunison, Jacob D 

Tunison, Henry 

Tunnell, Calvin 

Turner, Dr. W. D 


Owdom, .lohn 

Owdom, \V. W 

OwingB, Albert H 

Ozbun, Daniel T 

Ozbnn, Benjamin F... 


1067 

686 

. 733 

668 


Wnght. Andrew J 

Wright, Thomas, Jr 

Wright, Thomas, Sr 

Wri»Tht, Georc'C 











HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



OHAPXRR. I. 



TLLINOIS, the fourth state in the 
Union in wealth, pojJuhitiDn and po- 
litical power, lies in the very heart 
of the upper valley of the Mississippi. 
Stretching over five degrees of latitude, 
from parallel S?? to 42', it hasconsider- 
ahle diversity, hotli of soil and climate. 
The houndary line of the state is ahout 
twelve hundred miles in length. From 
the point where it joins the Wisconsin 
line on the northeast. Lake Michigan 
hounds it on the cast for fifty miles to 
the northwest corner of Indiana; thence 
a line is drawn due south one hundred 
and sixty-eight miles to the Wabash 
river. The Wahash and Ohio rivers 
constitute the remainder of the eastern 
and southern boundaries, while the 
lordly Mississippi washes its entire 
western border. The extreme length of 
the state is three hundred and seventy- 
eight miles; the extreme breadth, in the 
latitude of Danville and Kushville, is 
two hniiilrcd and ten niih'S, and the av- 
erage lireadth is about one hundre(l 
and fifty miles. 

Illinois contains 55,405 square miles, 
or more than 35,000,00U acres of land. 



Fully two-thirds of this is prairie, and 
nearly all of it is susce])tible to ])roper 
cultivation. The state has 1(»,(K)0 more 
square miles than New York or Ohio, 
and is larger than Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey combined, and is almost as 
large as all the New England states 
taken together. 

THE MOUND BUILDERS. 

That Illinois was inhabited by a race 
of men prior to the present Indian race 
that yet inhabit a portion of the Union, 
hardly admits of a doubt. It is clearly 
demonstrated by the well authenticated 
accounts of discoveries made that a civ- 
ilized people, and one highly cultivated, 
once occupied the great "Prairie" state, 
and various parts of the country now 
constituting the American union, but 
the date of their rule in the western 
world is so remote that all traces of this 
history, progress and decay, lie buried 
in the deepest obscurity. This pre- 
historic race is known as the Mound 
Ruilders, from the numerous large 
mounds of earthworks left by them. 
Their character can be but partially 
gleaned from the internal evidences and 



18 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



peculiarities of all that remains of them 
— the muimds. Remains of wh.il were 
apparently villages, altars, temples, 
idols, cemeteries, monuments, camps, 
fortifications, and pleasure grounds 
have heen found, })Ut nothing showing 
of what material were their habitations. 

The question as to the origin of the 
Mound Builders is an interesting one. 
If tliey were not the ancestors of the 
Indians, who were they? Those wlio do 
not believe in the common parentage of 
mankind, conteml that they were an in- 
digenous race of the western henn's- 
phere; others tliink they came from the 
east, and imagine the religion of the 
Hindoos and soutliern Tartars, arnd the 
supposed theology of the Mound Build- 
ers to be coincident ami identical . Thev 
were, no doubt, idolators, and it has 
been conjectured that the sun was the 
ol)ject of their adoration. Tlie mounds 
were generally built in a situation af- 
fording a view of the rising sun; wlien 
enclosed in walls, tlieir gateways were 
toward the east; the caves in which 
their dcail were occasionally biu'ied al- 
ways opened in the same direction; 
whenever a mound was partially enclos- 
ed by a semi-circular pavement, it was 
on the east side; when bodies were bur- 
ied in graves, as was frequently the 
casi', they were laid in ii direction east 
and west; and, tiually, medals have 
licen found representing the sun and 
his rays of light. 

At what period they came to this 
country, or how, is likewise a matter of 
speculation. From the comparatively 
rude state of the arts among them, it 
has lieen inferred that the time was 
very remote. Their axes were of stone. 
Their raiment, judging from fragments 



which have been discovered, consisted 
of the bark of trees, interwoven with 
feathers; and their military works were 
such as a people would erect who had 
just passed to the pastoral state of soci- 
ety from that dependent alone upon 
hunting and fishing. 

The mounds and other ancient earth- 
works constructed by tliis people are far 
more abmidant than generally suppos- 
ed, from the fact that while some are 
quite large, the greater part t)f them are 
small and inc(inspic\ious. Along nearly 
all our water-courses that are large 
enough to lie navigated with a canoe, 
the mounds are almost invarably found, 
covering the base points and headlands 
of the bluffs which border the narrower 
valleys; so that, when one finds himself 
in such positions as to command the 
grandest views for river scenery, he may 
almost always discover that he is stand- 
ing upon, or in close proximitj' to, some 
one or more of these traces of the labors 
of an ancient peo])le. 

One of the most singidar earthworks 
in the state, was found on the to]) of a 
ridge near the east bank of the Sinsiii- 
awa creek, in the lead region. It re- 
sembled some huge animal, the head, 
ears, nose, legs, and tail, and general 
outline of which, being as perfect as if 
made by men versed in modern art. 
The ridge on which it was situated 
stands on the prairie, ?>()Q yards wide, 
100 feet in height and rounded on the top 
by a deep deposit of clay. Centrally, 
along the line of its stuiimit, and thrown 
up in the form of an embankment three 
feet high, extended the outline of a 
quadrujjed, measuring 250 feet from the 
tip of the nose to the end of the tail, 
and having a width of 18 feet at the 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



19 



centre of the body. The head was 35 feet 
ill k'lirrth, the ears 10 feet, legs 60, and 
tail 7"). The cuivaturt^ on both the fore 
and hind h-g?, was natural to an animal 
lying on its .side. The general outline 
of the figure most nearly resembled the 
extinet animal known to geologists as 
tlie Megatherium. The question nat- 
urally arises, by whom and for what 
purpose was this earth figure raised ? 
Some have conjectured that numbers of 
this now extinct animal lived and 
roamed over the prairies of Illinois 
when the Mound-Builders first made 
their appearance on the upper part of 
the Mississippi Valley, and that the 
wonder and admiration, excited Ijy the 
colossal dimensions of these huge creat- 
ures, found some expression in the er- 
ection of this figure. The bones of 
some similar gigantic animals were 
exhuiiK'il iin this stream about tiiree 
miles from the same ])lace. 

Mr. Breckeiiridge, who examined the 
antiijuities of the western country in 
1(S17, speaking of the mounds in the 
American Hottoiii, says: "The great 
number niid extremely large size of 
some of them may be regarded as fur- 
nishiii"!, with other circumstances, evi- 
dences of their antiipiity. I have some 
times been induced to think that at 
the period when they were constructed 
there was a population here as numer- 
ous as that whi<h once animated the 
Imrders of the .N'ile or Kuplirates, or of 
Mexico. The most numerous, as well 
as considerable of these remains, are 
foumi in pr(H'isely those parts of the 
country wiiere the traces of a numerons 
])0])ulation might be looked for, nam(dy, 
from tile mouth of the Ohio, on the east 
side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois 



river, and on the west from the St. 
Francis to the Missouri . I am i)erfectly 
satisfied that cities similar to those of 
ancient Mexico, of several hundred 
thousand souls, have existed in this 
country." 

OTHEU RACES. 

Following the Mound-Builders as in- 
habitants of North America, were, as it 
is supposed, the people who reared the 
magnificent cities the ruins of which are 
found in Central America. This peojile 
was far more civilized and advanced in 
the arts than were the Mound-Builders. 
The cities built by them, judging from 
the ruins of liroken columns, fallen 
arches and crumlding walls of temples, 
palaces and pyramids, which in some 
places for miles bestrew the ground, 
must have been of great extent, niag- 
niticeiit and very jiopulous. When we 
consider the vast period, of time neces- 
sary to- erect such colossal structures, 
and, again, the time required to reduce 
them to their present ruined state, we 
can conceive something of their antiqu- 
ity. These cities must have been old 
when many of the ancient cities-of the 
Orient were being built. 

The third race inhabiting North Amer- 
ica distinct from the former two in every 
jiarticular, is the present Indians. They 
were, when visited by the early discov- 
erers, without cultivation, refinement 
or literature, and far behind the Mound 
Builders in the knowledge of the arts. 
The question of their origin has long 
interested archreologists, and is the most 
difficult they liave been called upon to 
answer. Of their predecessor, the In- 
dian tribes knew nothing; they even had 
no traditions respecting them. It is 



20 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



quite certain that they were the succes- 
sors of a race that had entirely passed 
away ages before tlie discovery of the 
new world. One liypothesis is that the 
American Indians are an original race 
indigenous to the western hemisphere. 
Those who entertain this view think 
their peculiarities of physical structure 
preclude the possiljility of a common 
parentage with the rest of mankind. 
Prominent among those distinctive traits 
is the hair, which in the red man is 
round, in the white man oval, and in 
the black man flat. A more common 
supposition, however, is that they are a 
derivative race, and sprang from one or 
more of the ancient peoples of Asia. 
This last is doubtless the true theory. 

INDIANS. 

When Cliristopher Columbus had 
finally succeeded in demonstrating the 
truth of his theory, that by sailing west 
from Europe land would be discovered, 
landing on the island of San Salvador 
he supposed that he had reached the 
East Indies. This was an error, but it 
led to the adoption of the name of "In- 
dians" for the inhabitants of the newly 
discovered country, by which name the 
red men of America have ever since 
been known. At the time of the discov- 
ery of America, the Algonquins, one of 
the most powerful tribes of Indians, oc- 
cupied the seaboard, while the Iroquois, 
another great tribe, inhabited the coun- 
try almost surrounded by them. The 
Algonquins spread over vast territory, 
and various tribes of Algonquin lineage 
sprang up over the country, in time 
adopting distinct tribal customs and 
laws. An almost continuous warfare 
was carried on between tribes, but when 



the white men came, a confederacy of 
Indian tribes was formed, and every foot 
of territory was fiercely disputed. Tlie 
Algonquins formed the most extensive 
alliance to resist the encroachments of 
the whites, especially the English. Such 
was the nature of King Philip's war. 
This king, with his Algonquin braves, 
spread terror and desolation tliroughout 
New England, ^\'ith the Algouipiins as 
the controlling spirit, a confederacy of 
continental proportions was the result, 
embracing in its alliance the tribes of 
every name and lineage from the north- 
ern lakes to the gulf. Pontiac having 
breathed into them his implacable hate 
of the English intruders, ordered the 
conflict to commence, and all the British 
colonies trembled before the desolating 
fury of Indian vengeance. 

ILLINOIS CONFEDERACY. 

The Illinois confederacy, the various 
tribes of which comprised most of the 
Indians of Illinois at one time, was com- 
posed of five tribes; theTamaroas, Mich- 
igans, Kaskaskias, C'ahokias and Peo- 
rias. The Illinois, Miamis and Dela- 
wares were of the same stock. As early 
as 1670, the priest. Father Marquette, 
mentions frequent visits made t)y indi- 
viduals of this confederacy to the mis- 
sionary station at St. Esprit, near the 
western extremity of Lake Superior. 
At that time they lived west of the Mis- 
sissippi, in eight villages, whither they 
had been driven from the sliores of Lake 
jMichigan by the Iroquois. Shortly af- 
terward, they began to return to their 
old hunting grounds, and most of them 
finally settled in Illinois. Joliet and 
Marquette, in 1673, met with a band of 
them on their famous voyage of discov- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



21 



ery down the Missiissippi. Tliey were 
treated with the greatest hospitality hy 
the principal chief. On their return voy- 
age up the Illinois river, tliey stopped at 
the principal town of the confederacy, 
situated on the banks of the river, seven 
miles below the present town of Ottawa.- 
It was then called Kaskaskia. Mar- 
quette returned to the village in 1675, 
and established the mission of the Im- 
maculate Conception, the oldest in Ill- 
inois. M'hen, in 1(579, LaSalle visited 
the town, it had greatly increased, num- 
bering 460 lodges, and at the annual as- 
semldy of the diti'erent tril)es, from 6,00(1 
to 8,0()t) souls. In coniniou with other 
western trilies, they became involved 
in the conspiracy of Pontiac, although 
displaying no very great warlike spirit. 
Pontiac lost his life by the hands of one 
of the braves of the Illinois tribe, which 
so enraged the nations that had followed 
him as their leader, that tliey fell upon 
the Illinois to avenge his death, and al- 
most annihilated them. Tradition states 
that a band of this tribe, in order to es- 
cape the general slaughter, took refuge 
upon the high rock on the Illinois river 
known as "Starved Rock." Nature has 
made this one of the most formidable 
military fortresses in tlie world. From 
the waters which wash its base, it rises 
t" an altitude of 125 feet. Three of its 
sides it is impossible to scale, while the 
other may be climl>ed with dithcultv. 
From its summit, almost as inaccessible 
as an eagle's nest, the valley of the Illi- 
nois is seen as a landscape of exquisite 
beauty. The river near by struggles 
between a nutnber of wooded islands, 
while further below it quietly meanders 
through vast meadows until it disap- 
pears like a thread of light in the dim 



distance. On the summit ot this rock, 
the Illinois were besieged by a superior 
force of the Pottawattamics, whom the 
great strength of their natural fortress 
enabled them to keep at bay. Hunger 
and thirst, however, soon accomplished 
what the army was unable to effect. 
Surrounded by a relentless foe, without 
food or water, they took a last look at 
their beautiful hunting grounds, and 
with true Indian fortitude, laid down 
and died from starvation. Years after- 
ward, their bones were seen wdiitening 
in tliat place. 

At the beginning of the present cen- 
tury, the remnants of this once powerful 
confederacy were forced into a smaller 
compass around Kaskaskia. A few 
years later they emigrated to the south- 
west, and in 1850 they were in the In- 
dian Territory, and nundjered but 84 
persons. 

E.VELY DISCOVKIilES. 

Nicholas Perrot, a Frenchman, was 
the tjrst white man to visit the present 
great state of Illinois. In the year 1671, 
he was sent to Chicago by M. Talon, in- 
tendaut of Canada, for the purpose of 
inviting the Indians to a peace conven- 
tion, to be held at Green Bay. The ob- 
ject of this convention was the ft)rma- 
tion of a plan for the exploration of the 
Mississippi river. De Soto, the Spanish 
ex)ilorer, had discovered the river 
nearly one hundred and fifty years pre- 
viously, but did not eflfect a settlement 
or explore the country any farther. It 
remained as-it was until the French de- 
termined to visit it, for wliicli purpose 
it was deemed a wise policy, as far as 
possible, to .secure the friendship ami 
co-oi)eration of the Indians, before ven- 
turing upon an enterprise which their 



00 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



hostility might render disastrous. A 
plan was accordingly" arranged, and 
Louis Joliet joined Father Jacques Mar- 
quette at tlie Jesuit Mission, on the 
strait of Mackinaw, and with live other 
Frenchmen, and a simple outfit, the 
daring explorers, on the 17th of May, 
1673, set out on their perilous voyage to 
discover the Mississippi. Coasting 
along the northern shore of Lake Mich- 
igan, they entered Green Bay, and 
passed thence up Fox river and Lake 
Winnebago, to a village of the Musca- 
tines and- Miamis, where great interest 
was taken in the expedition l)y the na- 
tives. With guides they j)roceeded 
down the river. Arriving at the pt)rt- 
age, they soon carried their eight canoes 
and scanty baggage to the Wisconsin, 
about three miles distant. Their guides 
now refused to accompany them further, 
and endeavored by reciting the dangers 
incident to the voyage, to induce them 
to return. They stated that huge de- 
mons dwelt in the great river, whose 
voices could be heard a long distance, 
and who engulfed in the raging waters 
all who came within their reach. They 
also stated that if any of them shoiild 
escape the dangers of the river, fierce 
tribes of Indians dwelt upon its banks, / 
ready to complete the work of destruc- 
tion. They proceeded upon their jour- 
ne}', liowever, and on the 17th of June, 
pushed their frail barks upon the bosom 
of the stately Mississippi, down which 
they smoothly glided for ni'arly a hun- 
dred miles. Here Joliet and Marquette, 
leaving their canoes in charge of their 
men went up on the western shore, where 
tliey discovered an Indian village, and 
were kindly treated. They .journeyed 
on down the unknown river, passing the 



mouth of the Illinois, then running into 
the current of the muddy Missouri, and 
afterwards the waters of the Ohio joined 
with them on their journey southward. 
Near the mouth of the Arkansas they 
discovered Indians who showed signs of 
hostility; but when Marquette's mission 
of peace was made known to them, they 
were kindly received. After proceeding 
up the Arkansas a short distance, at the 
advice of the natives, the^^ turned their 
faces northward to retrace their stejis. 
After several weeks (jf hard toil, they 
reached the Illinois, uj) wliich they \)Vi>- 
ceeded to Lake Michigan. Following 
tlie western shore of tlie lake, they en- 
tered Green Bay the latter part of Sep- 
tember, having traveled a distance of 
2,500 miles. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

On his way up the Illinois, Marquette 
visited the Kaskaskias, near what is now 
Utica, in LaSalle county. The follow- 
ing year he returned, and established 
among them the mission of the Immac- 
ulate Conception. This was the last act 
of his life. He died in Michigan, May 
18, 1675. The town was named Kas- 
kaskia by Marquette. 

The first military occupation of the 
country was at Fort Crevecoeur, erected 
in 1680; but there is no evidence that 
a settlement was commenced there, or 
at Peoria, on the lake above, at tliat early 
date. The first settlement of which 
there is any authentic account was com- 
menced with the building of Fort St. 
Louis, on the Illinois river, in 1682; but 
this was soon abandoned. The oldest 
permanent settlement, not only in Illi- 
nois, but in the valley of the Mississi]ipi, 
was at Kaskaskia, six miles above its 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



2:] 



confluence with the Mississippi and the 
I'raivie ihi Roclicr, near I'mt (liarti'es. 
Fort Cliartres was Iniilt under the diree- 
tionot'tlie Mississippi eompany in 171S. 
and was tV)|- a lime the headijuarters of 
the niilitaiv ediiinianchints of tlie dis- 
trict of Illinois, and the most inipreg- 
nalile fortress in North America. It was 
also the center of wealth and fashion in 
west. For about eighty years, the French 
retained peaceahh; possession of Illi- 
nois. Their amiable disposition and 
tact of ingratiating themselves with the 
Indians, enabled them to escape almost 
entirely the broils which weakened and 
destroyed other colonies. Wliether e.x- 
]jloring remote rivers or traversing 
hunting grounds in pursuit of game, in 
the social circle or as participants in the 
religious exercises of the church, the red 
men became thidr associates, and were 
treated with the kindness ami consid- 
eration of brothers. For more than a 
hundred years, ])eace between the white 
man aAd the red w.-is unbioken, and 
when at last this icign of harmony ter- 
ininate<l, it was not caused by the cnn- 
ciiatory Frenrliman, liut by the bhmt 
and sturdy .\nglo - Saxon. During this 
eintnry, or until tin- country was occu- 
pied l>y tlie iMiglish, ni> regular court 
was ever hehl. \\'hen, in 17H.5, the 
country passed into the liands of the 
English, many of the French, ratherthan 
submit to a change in their institutions, 
pn^ferred to leave tlieir homes and. seek 
a new abode. There are, however, at 
till' ])resent tiim-. a few renmants of the 
old l'"rench stock in the state, who still 
retain to a great extent, the ancient 
habits and customs of their fathers. 

KNIW.ISII RII.K. 

In 1750 France claimed the whole 



valley of the Mississippi, and England 

the right to extend her possessions west- 
ward as far as she might d<'sire. 
Through c(donial controversies, the two 
motliei' countries were precipitated into 
a bloody war within the North western 
Territory, George Washington firing 
the first gun of tlie military struggle 
which resulted in the overthrow of the 
French.not only in Illinois, hut in North 
America. The Freneh evinced a deter- 
mination to retain control of the terri- 
tt)ry borderingthe Ohio and Mississippi, 
from Canada to the Gulf, and so long 
as the English colonies were confined 
to the sea-coast, there was little reason 
for controversy. As the English, how- 
ever, l)ecame acquainted with this lieau- 
tiful and fertile portion of our country, 
they not only learned the value of the 
vast territoi'y, hut also resolved to set 
up a counter-claim to the soil. The 
French established numerous military 
and trading' jiosts from the frontiers of 
Canaila to New Orleans, and in order to 
establisli also their claims to jurisdic- 
tion over the country, tliej- carved the 
lilies of France on the forest trees, or 
sank j)hites of metal in the grouml. 
These measures ilid not, however, deter 
the English from going on with their ex- 
plorations; and though neither party 
resorted to arms, yet the conllict was 
gathering, and it was only a question of 
t'mc when the storm shouhl burst ujicju 
the frontier settlement. The French 
basecl their claims upon discoveries, 
the English on grants of territory ex- 
tending from ocean to ocean, but neither 
party paid the slightest attention to the 
prior claims of the Indians. From this 
position of affairs, it was evident that 
the actual collision between the con- 



24 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tending parties would not much longer 
he deferred. The English government, 
in anticipation of a war, urged the gov- 
ernor of Virginia to lose no time in 
huilding two forts, which were equipped 
by arras from England. The French 
anticipated the English, and gathered a 
considerable force to defend their pos- 
sessions. The governor determined to 
send a messenger to the nearest French 
post, and demand an explanation. This 
resolution of the governor brought into 
the history of our country for the first 
time the man of all others whom Amer- 
ica most loves to honor, namely, 
George Washington. He was chosen, 
although not twenty-one years of age, 
as the one to perform this delicate and 
difficult mission. With five compan- 
ions he set out, on November 10, 1753, 
and after a perilous journey, returned 
January 6, 1754. The struggle cona- 
menced, and continued long, and was 
bloody and fierce; but on the 10th of 
October, 1765, the ensign of France was 



replaced on the ramparts of Fort 
Chartres, by the flag of Great Britain. 
This fort was the depot of supplies, and 
the place of rendezvous for the united 
forces of the French. At this time the 
colonies of the Atlantic sea-board were 
assembled in preliminary congress at 
New York, dreaming of liberty and in- 
dependence for the continent; and 
Washington, who led the expedition 
against the French for the English 
King, in less than ten years was com- 
manding the forces opposed to the Eng- 
lish tyrant. Illinois, besides being 
constructively a part of Florida for 
over one hundred years, during wliicli 
time no Spaniard set foot upon her soil 
or rested his eyes upon her beautiful 
plains, for nearly ninety years had been 
in the actual occupation of the French, 
their puny settlements slumbering 
quietly in colonial dependence on the 
distant waters of the Kaskaskia, Illinois 
and ^\'abash. 



CHAPTKR II. 



COUNTY AND TERRITORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The Northwest Territory was now en- 
tirely under English rule, and on the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary war, 
the British held every post of impor- 
tance in the west. While the colonists 
of the East were maintaining a fierce 
struggle with the armies of England, 
their western frontiers were ravaged by 



the merciless butcheries of Indian war- 
fare. The jealousy of the savage was 
aroused to action by the rapid extension 
of American settlement westward, and 
the improper influence exerted by a 
numlier of military posts, garrisoned by 
British troops. To prevent indiscrimi- 
nate slaughter, arising from these causes, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



25 



Illinois became the theatre of some of 
the most daring exploits connected with 
American history. The hero of the 
achievements by which this beautiful 
land was snatched as a gem from the 
British crown, was George Rogers Clark, 
of Virginia. He had closely watched 
the movements of the British through- 
out the nortliwest, and understncjd their 
whole plan; he also knew the Indians 
were not unanimously in accord with 
the English, and therefore was con- 
vinced that if the British could l)e de- 
feated and expelled from the northwest, 
the natives could be easily awed into 
neutrality. Having convinced himself 
that the enterprise against the Illinois 
settlement might easily succeed, he re- 
paired to the capital of Virginia, arriv- 
ing November 5, 1777. While he was 
on his way, fortunately, Burgoyne was 
defeated (October 17), and the spirits of 
the colonists were thereby greatly en- 
couraged. Patrick Henry was governor 
of Virginia, and at once entered heart- 
ily into Clark's plans. After satisfying 
the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of 
his project, he received two sets of in- 
structions — one secret, the other open. 
The latter authorized him ti> enlist seven 
companies to goto Kentucky, and serve 
three months after their arrival in the 
west. The secret order authorized him 
to arm these troops, to procure his lew- 
der and lead of General Hand, at Pitts- 
burg, and to proceed at once to subju- 
gate the country. 

With these instructions Coldncl Clark 
re])aired to Pittsburg, choosing rather to 
raise his men west of the mountains, as 
he well knew all were needed in the col- 
onies for the conflict there. Enlisting 
his men, he at once })roceeded to carry 



out his instructions. His plan was to 
go by water as far as Fort Massac, and 
thence march direct to Kaskaskia. 
Here he inteiuled to surjjrise the garri- 
son, and after its capture go to Cahokia, 
then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. 
Each of these posts were, in turn cap- 
tured. 

The services of Clark proved of es- 
sential advantage to his countrymen. 
They disconcerted the plans of Hamil- 
ton, the governor of Detroit, who was 
intending to make a vigorous and con- 
certed attack upon the frontier, and not 
only saved the western frontier from 
depredations by the savages, but also 
greatly cooled the ardor of the Indians, 
for carrying on a contest in which they 
were not likely to be the gainers. Had 
it not been for this small army, a union 
of all the tribes from Maine to Georgia 
against the colonies might have been ef- 
fected, and the whole current of our 
history changed. 

COUNTY OF ILLINOIS. 

In October, 1778, after the successful 
campaign of Colonel Clark, the assem- 
bly of Virginia erected the conquered 
country, embracing all the territory 
northwest of the Ohio river, into the 
county of Illinois, which was doubtless 
the largest county in the world, exceed- 
ing in dimensions the whole of Great 
Britain and Ireland. To sj)eak more 
definitely, it contained the territory now 
end)raced in tlir great states of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, Wisc(uisin and Micii- 
igan. On the 12th of December, 177!S, 
John Todd was appointed lieutenant 
commandant of this county l)y Patrick 
Henry, then governor of Virginia, and 



26 



HISTORY OF TLTJXOTS. 



accordinpjly, also, the first of Illinois 

county. 

N( 1 KTIIW ICSTKK N TICK K ITO H Y . 

Illinois continued to form a jiiut nf 
Virginia until March 1, 1784, when that 
state ceded all the territory north of the 
Ohio to the United States. Immedi- 
ately the genera] government proceeded 
to establish a form of government for 
the settlers in the territories thus ceded. 
This form continued until the ])assage 
of the ordinance of 17S7, fur the gov- 
ernment of the Northwestern Territory. 
No man can study the secret history of 
this ordinanci' and nut feel that Provi- 
dence was guiding with sleepless eye 
the destinies of these unhorn states. 
American legislation has never achieved 
anything more admirable, for its inter- 
nal government than this comprehen- 
sive ordinance. Its pri>visit>ns concern- 
ing the distribution of proi)erty, the 
principles of civil and religious liberty 
wiiicli it laid at the foundation of the 
cnmmiuiities since established, and the 
ethcicnt and simple organization by 
wliich it created th(; first machinery of 
civil society, are worthy of all the 
]>raise that has ever been given them. 

OI!Dl.\.\NCK OF 17.S7. 

For some years Thomas Jefferson had 
vainly tried to secure a system of gov- 
ernment for the Noithwestern Territory. 
He was an emancipationist, and labored 
the exclusion of slavery from the terri- 
tory, and in this he was opposed by 
almost the entire south. In July, 17S7, 
Manasseh Cutler appeared in New York 
to lobby on the question of organization 
of the Northwestern Territory. He was 
a country gentleman of the i)ld style, a 



man of commanding presence and of in- 
viting face. He came representing a 
Massachusetts company that desired to 
purchase a tract of land, now included 
in Ohio, for the purpose of jdanting a 
colony. This company, together with 
certain speculators in New York, enabled 
him to re])resent a demand for o,5(K),000 
acres. The amount thus received from 
the sale of this land would apply towards 
reducing the national debt, which Jeffer- 
son was anxious should be paid as soon 
as jiossible. 

Massachusetts then owned the terri- 
tory of Maine, which she was crowding 
on the market. She was opposed to 
opening the northwestern region. This 
iired the zeal of Virginia. The south 
caught the inspiration, and all exalted 
Dr. Cutler. The entire south rallied 
around him. Massachusetts could not 
vote against him, because many of the 
constituents of her members were inter- 
ested personally in the western specu- 
lation. Thus Cutler, making friends in 
the south, and doubtless using all the 
arts of the lobby, was enabled to com- 
mand the situation. True to deei)er I'on- 
victions, he dictated one of the most com- 
jiact and finished documents of wise' 
statesmanship that has everailorned any 
human law liook. He borrowed from Jef- 
ferson the term "Articles of Compact," 
which, preceding the federal constitu- 
tio7i, rose into most sacred cliaracter. 
He then followed very closely the con- 
stitution of Massachusetts, adopted 
three years before. Its i)rominent points 
were : 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the 
territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giv- 
ing one township for a seminary, and 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



every section numbered 16 in each town- 
sliip ; that is, (HU'-tliirty-sixth oi'all the 
land lor jmhlic schools. 

;!. .\ iinixision ])r(>hil)itinu' the ad(i]i- 
liciii (it aiiv cimstilution (ir the riiactiui'ut 
ot any law that shduld millil'y pre-ex- 
isting contracts. 

Be it forever remembered that this 
compact declared that " religion, moral- 
ity and knowledge being necessary to 
good government and the happiness of 
mankind, schools and the means of edu- 
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. 
Cutler planted himself nn this platform, 
and would nut yiehl. tiiving his un- 
t|Ualitied declaration that it was that or 
nothing, — that unless they could make 
the land desirable they did not want it, 
— he took his horse and buggy and started 
for the constitutional convention at Phil- 
adelphia. On .July l;>. 17M7, the bill was 
])Ut upon its passage, and was unani- 
mously adoi)ted. Thus the great states 
of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and 
Wisconsin, a vast empire, were conse- 
crated to freedom, intelligence and mor- 
ality. Thus the great heart of the na- 
tion was prejiarc'd to save the union of 
states, for it was this act that was the 
salvation of the rej)uhlic and the destruc- 
tion of slavery . Soon tiic south saw their 
great blunder, and tried to have the com- 
])act repealed. In bSO.S congress referred 
it to a committee, of which .lohn Ran- 
dol))h was chairman. He reported that 
tills ordinance was a compjict, and oj)- 
posed repeal. There it stood, a rock in 
the wav of the on-rushing sea of slavery. 



GenerarArthur St. Clair was, by con- 
gress, elected'governor of this vast ter- 
ritory. 

ILLINOIS TKIIlMlciHV. 

After the division of the Northwest- 
ern TerritoiT, Illinois iiccanie one of tiie 
counties of the territory of Indiana, 
from which it was sepjirated by an act 
of congress, February 3, 1809, forming 
the territory of Illinois, with a popula- 
tion estimated at 9,000, and then includ- 
ing the present state of Wisconsin. It 
was divided, at the time, into two coun- 
ties — St. Clair and Randolph. .John 
Boyle, of Kentucky, was appointed gov- 
ernor by the president, James Madison, 
])ut declining, Ninian Edwards, of the 
same state, was then aiipointed, and 
served with distinction ; and after the 
organization of Illinois as a state, he 
served in that capacity, being its third 
governor. 

During (iovernor Edwards' adminis- 
tration, the war of 1812 commenced, and 
the few whites in the state had to con- 
tend against a savage foe incited on to 
deeds of violence by the British ollicers 
sent out for that jmrpose. The massa- 
cre at Fort Dearborn, of helpless pris- 
oners, by the infuriated Indians, forms 
a black page in Illinois history. Several 
expeditions were put on foot by Oover- 
n(jr Edwards against the Indians, and 
in the various campaigns the governor 
bore an honorable and heroic part. 
Peace came at last, the Indian dejireda- 
tions ceased, and the territory of Illinois 
was again on the road to jjrosperity. 



28 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



OHAPTTEIR III. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



In .lanuary of ISIS the territorial leg- 
islature forwarded to Nathaniel Pope, 
delegate in congres.s from Illinois, a 
petition j)raying for admission into the 
national union as a state. On April 1<S 
of the same year, congress passed the 
enabling act, and Deeemlier 3, after the 
state government had been organized, 
and Governor Bond had signed the con- 
stitution, congress, by a resolution, de- 
clared Illinois to be one of the " United 
States of America, and admitted into 
the union on an equal footing with the 
original states in every respect." 

FIRST CONSTITUTION. 

In July and August of 1818, a con- 
vention was held at Kaskaskia for the 
purpose of drafting a constitution. This 
constitution was not submitted to a vote 
of the people for their approval or rejec- 
tion, it being well known that they would 
approve it. It was al)out the hrst or- 
ganic law of any state in the union to 
abolish inijirisonment for debt. The 
first election under the constitution was 
lield on the first Thursday and the two 
succeeding days in September, 1818. 
Shadrach Bond was elected governor, 
and Pierre Menard lieutenant-governor. 
Their term of office extended four years. 
At this time the state was divided into 
15 counties, the population being about 
4(),fK:)0. Of this number, by far the 
larger jjortion were from the southern 
states. The salary of the governor was 
$1,0(J0, while that of the treasurer was 



$5UU. The legislature re-enacted, ver- 
batim, the territorial code, the penalties 
of which were unnecessarily severe. 
Whii)])ing, stocks and pillory were used 
for minor offenses, and for arson, rape, 
horse-stealing, etc., death by hanging 
was the penalty. These laws, however, 
were modified in 1821. 

The legislature first convened at Kas- 
kaskia, the ancient seat of empire for 
more than one hundred and fifty years, 
both for the French and Americans. 
Provisions were niade, however, for the 
removal of the seat of government by 
this legislature. A place in the wilder- 
ness on the Kaskaskia river was selected, 
and named Vandalia. From Vandalia 
it was removed to Springfield in the 
year 1839. 

THE WINNEBAGO W.\R. 

The Indians, who for some years were 
on jteaceful terms with the whites, 
became troublesome in 1827. The Win- 
nebagoes. Sacs and Foxes and other 
tribes had lieen at war for more than a 
hundred 3-ears. In the summer of 1827a 
war jiarty of the W'innebagoes surprised 
a party of t'hippewas, and killed eight 
of them. Four of the murderers were 
arrested, and delivered to the Chippe- 
was, by whom they were immediately 
shot. This was the first irritation of 
the Winnebagoes. Red Bird, a chief of 
this tribe, in order to avenge the execu- 
tion of the four warriors of his own 
people, attacked the Chippewas, but 



HISTOUY OF ILLINOIS. 



29 



was defeated ; and being determined to 

satisfy liis thirst tor revenfre l>y siune 
means, surprised and killed several 
white men. l^pon reeeiving intelli- 
genee of these murders, the whites 
who were worl^ing the lead mines in 
the vicinity of (ialena foi-uuMl a l)ody 
of volunteers?, and. rcinfoi-ccd liy a 
company of United States troops, 
marched into the country of the Win- 
nehagoes. To save their iiation from 
t]u> miseries of war, Red Bird and six 
other men of his nation voluntarily 
surrendered themselves. Some of the 
nund)er were executed, some of them 
imi)risoned, and destined, like Red 
Bird, ingloriously to {>ine away within 
the narrow limits of a jail, wdiere for- 
merly the vast forests had proven too 
confining for thcni. 

BI,.\CK ll.WVK WAR. 

In the year 1S()4, a treaty was con- 
cluded l)etween the United States and 
the cliiefs of the Sac and Fox nations, 
who hail fought with great bravery in 
the service of Great Britain during the 
war of 1812. Black Hawk had always 
taken exee])tions to this treaty, pro- 
nouncing it void. In 1881 he estab- 
lished himself, with a chosen baml of 
warriors, n])on the disi)Uted territory, 
ordering the whites to leave the coini- 
try at once. The settlers complaining, 
(Governor Reynolds dispatched (Jencral 
(laines, with a company of regulars and 
l,o(K3 vcdunteers, to the seem' of action. 
Taking the Indians by suri)ris(>, the 
troops burnt their villages and forced 
tiiem to coni-lude a treaty, by which 
they ceded all lands east of the Missis- 
sippi, and agreeij to remain on the 
western side of the river. Necessity 



forced the j)roud s])irit of Black Hawk 

into submission, whicli made him moic 
than ever determineil to be avenged ujxm 
his enennes. Having rallied around 
him the war-like braves of the Sae and 
Fox nations, he crossed the Mississijipi 
in the spring of 1S82. Upon learning 
of this invasion, (4overnoi- Reynolds 
hastily collected a body of l,.s(l(l volun- 
teers, i)lacing them undei' command of 
Brigadier-General Whiteside. The army 
marched to the Mississippi, and having 
reduced to ashes the Indian village 
kn(jwn as "Prophet's Town," proceeded 
several miles up the river to Dixon, to 
join the regular forces ur.der General 
Atkinson. They found at Dixon two 
comjtanies of volunteers, who, sighing 
for glory, were dispatched to rei'onnoi- 
tre the enemy. They advanced, under 
command of ^[ajor Stillman, to a small 
creek, afterwanl known as '•Stillman's 
Run," and while there encamped, saw a 
party of mounted Indians at a distance 
of a. mile. Several of Stillman's jiarty 
mounted their horses aufl charged the 
In<lians, killing three of them, but being 
attackcil by the main body under Black 
Hawk, they were routed, aiul by their 
jirecipitated flight, spread such a panic 
through the cani]i that the whole com- 
])any ran off to Dixon as fast as ])ossible. 
On their arrival, it was found that 
eleven of their iniml)er were missing, 
Inning been killed by the Indians. 

In June, 1S82, Black Hawk, with a 
band of I'lO warriors, attacke<l Ai>ple 
River Fort, near Galena, defended by 
"i-") men. This fort, a mere palisade of 
logs, was erected to att'onl i)rotection to 
the miners. For fifteen consecutive 
hours the garrison hail to sustain the 
assault of the savage enemy; but knowing 



30 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



very well that no quarter would be 
given them, they fought with such fuiy 
anil desperation that the Indians, after 
losing many of their best warriors, 
were compelled to retreat. 

New forces having been sworn into 
the service, Generals Atkinson and 
Henry determined to ])ursue the retreat- 
ing foe. They folhiwed tlicm into Wis- 
consin, and liearing that Black Hawk 
was encamped on Rock river, at the 
Manitou village, issued orders to con- 
tinue the pursuit. The officers of 
General Henry handed to him a written 
protest ; but he, a man equal to any 
emergency, ordered the officers to be 
arrested, and escorted to General .Atkin- 
son. Within a few minutes after the 
order was given, the officers all collected 
around the general's quarters, and 
pledged their word that if forgiven, 
they would return to duty, and never 
do the like again. 

The battle of Bad Axe immediately 
followed, resulting in a loss to the In- 
dians of three hundred, besides fifty 
prisoners. The whites had l)ut seven- 
teen killed and twelve wounded. Black 
Hawk, with twenty of his l)ravcs, 
e.scaped, retreating up the Wisconsin 
river. The Winnebagoes desiring to 
secure the friendshiji of the whites, 
went in inirsuit. and cnpturccl nnd de- 
livered them to General Street, the 
I'nited States Indian agent. .Vmong 
the prisoners were the s(m of Black 
Hawk and the projihet of the tribe. 
These, with Black Hawk, were taken 
to Washington, D. ('., and were soon 
conKned as prisoners at Fortress Mon- 
roe. Thus ended the Black Hawk war. 

IXTER.NAL IMTROVEMENTS. 

At the general election in 1834, Joseph 



Duncan was chosen governor bj' a hand- 
some majority. A reckless and uncon- 
trollable desire for internal jiublie 
improvements seized the minds of the 
people. In his message to the legisla- 
ture, in 1S35, Governor Duncan said; 
When we look abroad and see the 
extensive lines of inter-communication 
penetrating almost every section of our 
sister states; when we see the canal 
boat and the locomotive bearing with 
seeming triunqih the rich productions 
of the interior to the rivers, lakes and 
oceans, almost annihilating time, l)ur- 
then and space, what patriotic bosom 
does not beat high with a laudable am- 
bition to give I-llinois her full share of 
those advantages which are adorning her 
sister states, and which a magnificent 
Providence seems to invite by a wonder- 
ful adaptation of oui' whole country to 
such improvements." 

STUPE.VDOUS SYSTEM OF IMPKOVE.MEXTS 
IN.MUiURATEI). 

The legislature' resjjonded to the 
ardent words of the governor, and 
emicted a system of internal improve- 
ments without a parallel in the gran- 
deur of its conception. They ordered 
the coustruction of 1,3(X) miles of rail- 
road, crossing the state in all directions. 
This was surpassed l>y the river and 
canal iiu])rovements. There were a 
few counties not touched by the rail- 
road, river (U' canal, and they were to 
be compensated by the free distribution 
of S-2(I,(HH» among them. To inflate this 
balloon l)eyond credence, it was ordered 
that work should connnence on ])oth 
ends of each of these railroads and 
rivers, and at each river crossing, all at 
the same time. This provision, which 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



31 



lias l)eiMi ("iIIimI tin- crownini,' tolly of 
the entire sy.steiu, was the result of 
tiiose jealous coiuliinatioiis eiuanatiuir 
from the fear that advantaj^es luiuht 
aeerue to one seetion over another in 
the coninieneeiuent and eonipletion of 
the works. We can ;iiii)reeiate hetter, 
perhaps, the magnitude of this j.'rand 
system hy reviewinj;; a few figures. The 
debt authorized for these improvements 
in the (irst instanee was $10,-2aO,0(X); 
But this, as it was soon found, was 
l)ased on estimates at least too low hy 
half. This, as we readily see, commit- 
ted the state to a lialiility of over $20,- 
(KX),(K¥), equivalent to $2()(),tKK),fKK)at the 
])resent time, with over ten times the 
population, and more than ten times 
the wealth. 

Such stupendous undertakings by the 
state naturally engendered the fever of 
speeulation among individuals. That 
j)artieular form known as the town lot 
fever, assumed the malignant type at 
first in Chicago, from whence it spread 
over the entire state and adjoining 
states. It was an c|iidcmic. It cut up 
men's farms without regard to locality, 
and cut uj) the ]>urses of the purchasers 
without regard to consei|uences. It 
was estimated that building lots enough 
were sohl in Indiana alone to accommo- 
date every citizen then in the I'liitcd 
States. 

Chicago, which in 1S.'?(), w;is a small 
trading jmst, ha<l within a lew years 
grown into a city. This was the start- 
ing point of the wondcii'ul growth and 
marvelous career of th;it city. Im- 
provements unsni])assed in the ann.ils 
of the world by individual effort, were 
then begun, and have been maintained 
to this dav. Though visited bv the 



terrible tire llcnd, and the accumnla- 
tions of years swejit away in a single 
night, yet she has arisiMi and to-day is 
the best built city in the world. I'cporls 
of the rapid advance in in()])erty in 
Chicago spread to the east, and thous- 
ands poured into her borders, bringing 
money, enterprise and industry. Every 
ship that left her port carried with 
it maps ot splendidly situated towns 
and ailditions, and every vessel that re- 
turned was laden with inniiigrants. It 
was said at the tinii' that the staple 
article of Illinois exports was town 
plats, and that there was danger of 
crowding the state with towns to the 
exclusion of land for agriculture. 

ILLINOIS .\.\I) MIcniC.VN (A\.\L. 

The Illinois and Michigan canal again 
received attention. This enterpris<.' is 
one of the most important in the early 
history of Illinois, on accMunit of its mag- 
nitude and cost, and torming as it does, 
the connecting link, between the great 
chain of lakes and the Illinois and 
Mississipjii rivers. (lovciiior Hoiid, 
the first governor, recommended in his 
first message the building of the canal. 
In 1S21. the legislature appropriatcil 
S1U,(I(H» for surveying the route. This 
work was perlbrmed by two young men 
wlio estimated the cost at $(;(H),li(K) or 
g7(K),(KKI. It cost, however, wlieii com- 
pleted $S,(XK),(KH). In l.S2o, a law was 
passed to incor])orate the canal com- 
pany, but no stock was sold. In 182(5, 
upon the solicitation of Daniel 1'. Cook, 
congressman from this state, congress 
gave S(K), 0(1(1 acres (.f land on the line 
of the work. In 1S2S. commissioners 
were apj)ointed and work commenced, 
with a new survcv .ind new estimates. 



32 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



In 1834-5 the work was again pushed 

forward, and continued until 1S4S, when 
it was completed. 

r.\NIC — REPI'DI.\TION .*DVOC.\TED. 

Bonds of the state were recklessly 
disposed of, lioth in the east and in Eu- 
rope. ^^'ork was commenced on 
various lines of railroads, but none 
were ever completed. On tlie Great 
Western Railroad, from Meredosia east 
eight miles, the first locomotive that 
ever turned a wheel in the great valley 
of the Mississippi was run. The date 
of this remarkable event was November 
8, 1838. Large sums of money were 
being expended with no assurance of a 
revenue, and consequently, in 1840, the 
legislature repealed the improvement 
laws passed three years previously, 
not, however, until the state had accu- 
mulated a delit of nearly |1'),(KKI,(HI(I. 



Thus fell the most stupendous, extrava- 
gant and almost ruinous folly of a grand 
system of internal improvements that 
any civil commiinity, perhaps, ever en- 
gaged in. The state banks failed, 
specie was scarce, an enormous debt 
was accumulated, the interest of which 
could not be paid, people were disap- 
pointed in the accumulation of wealth, 
and real estate was wortlijess. All 
this had a tendency to create a desire to 
throw off the heavy burden of state 
debt by repudiation. Men, true, hon- 
est and able, were placed at the head of 
affairs; and although the hours were 
dark and gloomy, and the times most 
trying, yet our grand state was brought 
through and prospered, until to-day, 
after the expenditure of millions for 
public improvements, and for carrying 
on the civil war, it has, at present, no 
pu1)lic debt whatever. 



OHAPTEvR IV. 



MORMON, MEXICAN AND CIVIL WARS. 



In April, 1840, the "Latter-Day 
Saints," or Mormons, came in large 
nundiers to Illinois, and purchased a 
tract of land on the east side of the 
Mississippi river, about ten miles above 
Keokuk. Here they commenced build- 
ing the city of Nauvoo. A more pictur- 
esfpie or eligil)le site for a city could 
not have been selected. 

The origin, rapid development and 
prosperity of this religious sect are the 



most remarkable and instructive histori- 
cal events of the i^resent century. That 
an obscure individual, without money, 
education or respectability, should j)er- 
suade hundreds of thousands of j)eople 
to believe him inspired of God, and 
cause a Ijook, conteni]itible as a literary 
production, to be received as a continua- 
tion of the sacred revelation, appears 
almost incredible ; yet, in less than half 
a century, the disciples of this obscure 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



33 



imlivicliial liavc increased to hundreds 
of thousands ; have foiuided a state in 
the distant wilfh-rness, and compelled 
the government of the United States to 
practicallj' rocojjni/.c them as an inde- 
pendent people. 

The founder of MoriHonisni was Joseph 
Sniitli, a native of ^^;rnK)nt, who enn- 
jrratcil while quite yovuig with his 
father's family to western New York. 
Here his youth was spent in idle, vaga- 
liond life, roaming the woods, dreaming 
of huriccl treasures, ami in cmleavoring 
to learn the art of (iuding them Ijy the 
twisting of a forked stick in his hands, 
or liy looking through enchanted stones, 
liotii he and his father heeame famous 
as "water-wizards," always ready to 
point out the spot wiiere wells might be 
dug and water found. Such was the 
cjiaracter of the young profligate when 
he made the a('(]uaintance of Sidney 
Rigdon, a person of C(msiderable talent 
and information, who had conceived the 
design of founding a new religion. A 
religious rouuince, written by Mr. 
Sj)aulding, a Presbyterian preacher of 
< )hio, then dead, suggested the idea, and 
timling in Smith the requisite duplicity 
and cunning to reduce it to j)ractice, it 
was agreed that he should act as a 
jiropliet: and the two devised a story that 
gold plates hail been found liuried in tlie 
eartii containing a record inscribed on 
them in unknown characters, which, 
when inspired by tlie power of inspira- 
tion, gave the histoi'V of the ten lost 
trib(>s of Israel. 

.\fter their settlement in and atjout 
Nauvoo, in Hancock county, gr(^at dep- 
redations were committed by them .on 
the "Gentiles." The Mormons had 
been received from Missouri with great 



kindness by the people of this state, 
and every possible aid granted them. 
The depredations committed, however, 
soon made them odious, when the ques- 
tion of getting rid of them was agitated. 
In the fall of 1S41, tlie governor of Mis- 
souri made a demand on (Governor 
Carlin for the arrest and delivery of Joe 
Snuth as a fugitive from justice. Smith 
was subsequently arrested, but was re- 
leased by Judge Douglas upon the 
ground that the writ had once been re- 
turned before it liad been executeTl. In 
lrS42, he was again arrested, and again 
escaped. Emboldened by success, the 
Mormons became more arrogant and 
overl)earing. Many peoi)le began to be- 
lieve thej- were about to set up a gov- 
ernment for themselves in defiance of 
the laws of the state. Owners of pro])- 
erty stolen in other counties made pur- 
suit into Nauvoo ; and were fined by the 
Mormon courts for daring to seek their 
property in the ludy city. About this 
time they petitioned congress to estab- 
lish a territorial government for them 
in Nauvoo. 

Smith soon began to play the tyrant 
over his people. Among the first acts of 
this sort was an attempt to take the wifi- 
of William Law, one of his most talented 
disciples, and nuike her his spiritual 
wife. He established, without author- 
ity, a recorder's office, and an office to 
issue marriage licenses. He jiroclainied 
that none could deal in real estate or 
sell Ii(|Uor but himself. He ordered a 
printing office demolished, and in many 
ways controlled the freedom and busi- 
ness of the Mormons. Not only did he 
stir up some of the Mormons, but by his 
reckless disregard of the laws of the 
land, raised up opposition ou every 



34 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



hand. It was Relieved he introduced 
the Panite band, which he had chosen 
as the ministers of his vengeance, that 
no blood, except that ofithe church, was 
to be regarded as sacred, if it contra- 
vened the accomplishment of his object. 
It was asserted that he inculcated the 
legality of perjury and other crimes, if 
committed to advance the cause of true 
believers ; that God had given the world 
and all it contained to his saints, and 
since they were kept out of their right- 
ful inheritance by force, it was no moral 
offense to get possessiim of it by steal- 
ing. 

It was currently reported that an es- 
tablishment existed in Nauvoo for the 
manufacture of counterfeit money, and 
that a set of outlaws were maintained 
for the purpose of putting it in circula- 
tion. Statements were circulated to the 
effect that a reward was offered for the 
destruction of the Warsaw Signnl, an 
anti-Mormon ])aper, and that Mormons 
dispersed over the country threatened 
all persons who offered to assist the con- 
stable in the execution of the law, with 
the destruction of their property and 
the murder of their families. There 
were rumors also that an alliance had 
been formed with the western Indians, 
and in case of war they would be used 
in murdering their enemies. In short, 
if only one-half of these reports were 
true, the Mormons must have been the 
most infamous people that ever existed. 

AVilliam Law, one of the proprietors 
of the printing office destroyed by 
Smith, went to Carthage and procured a 
warrant for the arrest of Smith and 
others in the deed. The propliet, his 
brother Hiram and others, surrendered 
themselves at Carthage, June 24, 1844, 



on a charge of riot, and all entered into 
a recognizance before a justice of the 
peace for their appearance at court. 
They were again arrested, and thrciwn 
into prison at Carthage. The peojjle 
of Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler 
counties liad assembled, armed and 
ready to avenge the outrages that had 
been committed by the IMormons. G rcat 
excitement prevailed. All were anxious 
to march into Nauvoo. The 27th of June 
was aj)])ointcd for the march, but Gov- 
ernor Ford, who at the time was in ( 'ar- 
thage, a])prehended trouble if the militia 
should attempt to invade Nauvoo, dis- 
banded the troops, retaining only a 
guard for the jail. 

Governor Ford went to Nauvoo on the 
27th. The same morning about two hun- 
dred men from Warsaw, many of tlieni 
disguised, hastened to Carthage. On 
learning that one of the companies left 
as a guard had disbanded, and the other 
stationed 150 yards from th jail, while 
eight men were left to guard the prison- 
ers, a communication was soon estab- 
lished between the Warsaw troops and 
the guard ; and it was arranged that the 
guard should have their guns charged 
with blank cartridges and fire at the as- 
sailants when they attempted to enter the 
jail. The conspirators came up, jumped 
the fence around the jail, were fired 
upon by the guard, which, according to 
arrangement, was overpowered, and the 
assailants entered the prison to the door 
of the room where the two prisoners* 
were confined. An attempt was made to 
break open the door; but Joe Smith, be- 
ing armed with a pistol, fired several 
times as the door was broken open, and 
three of the assailants were wounded. 
At the same time several shots were fired 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



35 



into tlio room, by sonu' of which John 
Taylor, a friend of the Smith's, re- 
ceived four wounds, and Hiram Smith 
was instantly killed. Joe Smith, se- 
verely wounded, attempted to escajie 
by jum})ing out of a second-story win- 
dow, but was so stunned by the fall that 
he was unal>le to rise. In this position 
he was disj)a,tehed l)y balls fired throujih 
his body. Thus fell Joe Smith, the 
most successful imposter of modem 
times. Totally ignorant of almost 
every fact in science, as well as in law, 
he made up in construetiveness and nat- 
ural cunning wliat he lacked in educa- 
tion. 

IMany feare<l the Mormons would as- 
semble in force and attack Carthage for 
the purpose of avenging the death of 
the pr()])het. But this was never done. 
In the fall of 1845, a convention, con- 
sisting of delegates from eight of the 
adjoining counties, assembled to con- 
cert mensures for the expulsion of the 
Mormons from the state. The Mormons 
seriously contemplated emigration west- 
ward, believing the times forbode evil 
for them. Accordingly during the win- 
ter of lS45-4fi, the most stu])endous 
preparations were made by the Mor- 
mons for removal. All the principal 
dwellings, and even the temi)le, were 
converted into workshops, and before 
s]iring, 12, (KK) wagons were in readi- 
ness; and by the middle of February, 
the leaders, with 2,(X)0 of their follow- 
ers, had crossed the ^Mississippi on the 
ice. 

Before the spring of lS4ti, the major- 
ity of Mormons had left Nauvoo, but 
still a large number remained. 

THK RATTLK OF X.VTVOO. 

In September a writ was issued 



against several prominent Mormons, 
and placed in the hands of Jt)hn Carlin, 
of Carthage, for execution. C'arlin 
called out a posse to help make the ar- 
rest, which brought together (piite a 
large force, in the vicinity of Nauvoo. 
Carlin, not l)eing a military man, placed 
in command of the force, first. General 
Singleton, and afterward C(^l<>nel Brock- 
man, who j>roeeeded to invest the city, 
erecting breastworks, and taking other 
means for defensive as well as ofiensive 
operations. What was then termed a 
battle next took place, resulting in the 
death of one Mormon and the wounding 
of several others, and loss to the anti- 
Mormons of three killed and four 
wounded. At last, through the inter- 
vention of an anti-Mormon ct)mmitte(^ 
of one hundred from Quincy, the Mor- 
mons and their allies were induced to 
submit to such terms as the posse choose 
to dictate, which were that the ilor- 
mons should immediately give up their 
arms to the Quincy committee and re- 
move from the state. The trustees of 
the church and five of their clerks were 
permitted to remain for the sale of Mor- 
mon jiroperty, and the posse were to 
march in unmolested and leave a sudi- 
cient force to guarantee the i)erforniance 
of their stipulations. Accordingly the 
constable's posse marched in, with 
Brockman at their head. It consisted 
of SOO arnu'd men, and 6(.KI or 7tK) un- 
armed, who had assembled from all the 
country around, through motives of 
curiosity to see the once proud city of 
Nauvoo hunil)le(l and delivered up to its 
enemies. They ])rocee(lcd into the city 
slowly and carefully, examining the 
wav for fear of the exjilosion of a mine, 
manj' of which had been made by the 



36 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Mormons, by burying kegs of powder 
in the ground, with a man stationed at 
a distance to pull a string communicat- 
ing with the trigger of a percussion lock 
affixed to the keg. This kind of a con- 
trivance was called by the Mormons 
"hell's half acre." When the posse 
arrived in the city, the leaders of it 
elected themselves into a tribunal to de- 
cide who should be forced away and 
who remain. Parties were dispatched 
to hniit for fire-arms and for Mormons, 
and to bring them to judgment. When 
brought, they received their doom from 
the mouth of Brockman, who remained 
a grim and unawed tyrant for the time. 
As a general rule, the Mormons were 
ordered to leave within an hour or two, 
and by rare grace some of them were 
allowed until next day, and in a few 
cases longer time was granted. 

MEXIC.\N WAR. 

In 1846, when the war with Mexico 
commenced, Illinois sent her quota of 
six regiments to the tented field. More 
men were offered, but only the six regi- 
ments could be accepted. These six 
shed imperishable honors, not only 
upon the state, but upon the American 
Union. Veterans never fought more 
nobly and effectively than did the vol- 
imteers from Illinois. At the battle of 
Buena Vista, by the coolness and 
bravery of the second regiment, under 
Colonel Bissell, the day was saved. The 
conflict began early on the morning of 
February 22d, 1847, and was continued 
until nightfall of the next day. The 
solid columns of the enemy were hurled 
against our advancing forces all day 
long, but were met and held in check 
by the unerring fire of our musketry 



and artillery. A portion of General 
Lane's division was driven back by the 
enemy, who appeared in such formid- 
able numbers as to be almost irresistible. 
At this time the Second Illinois under 
Colonel Bissell, with a sipiadron of 
cavalry and a few pieces of artillery, 
came handsomely into action, and gal- 
lantly received the concentrated fire of 
the enemy, which they returned with 
deliberate aim and terrible effect. Every 
discharge of the artillery seemed to 
tear a bloody path through the columns 
of the enemy. Says a writer: "The 
rapid musketry of the gallant troops 
from Illinois p<iured a storm of lead 
into their serried ranks, which literally 
strewed the ground with the dead and 
dying." But, notwithstanding his 
losses, the enemy still advanced until 
our gallant regiment received fire from 
three sides. Still they maintained their 
position for a time with unflinching 
firnmess against that immense host. 
At length, perceiving the danger of be- 
ing entirely surrounded, it was deter- 
mined to fall back to a ravine. Colonel 
Bissell, with the coolness of ordinary 
drill, ordered the signal "cease firing" 
to be made; he then, with the same de- 
liberation, gave the command, "face to 
the rear, battalion about face; forward 
march!" which was executed with the 
regularity of veterans to a point beyond 
the peril of being outflanked. Again, 
in obedience to command, these brave 
men halted, faced about, and under a 
murderous tempest of bullets from the 
foe, resumed their well directed fire. 
The conduct of no troops could have 
been more admirable, and, too, until 
that day they had never been under 
fire, when within less than half an 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



hour, eighty of their comrades drojiped 
by tlieir sides. 

From Colton's "History of the Battle 
of Buena Vista," the following extract 
is taken: "As the enemy on our left was 
moving in retreat along the head of the 
plateau, our artillery was advanced un- 
til within range, and opened a heavy 
fire upon him, while Colonels Hardin, 
Bissell and McKee, with their Illinois 
and Kentucky troops, dashed gallantly 
forward in hot pursuit. A powerful 
reserve of the ^Mexican army was just 
then emerging from the ravine, where 
it had hecn organized, and advanced on 
tile, jilateau, opjiosite the head of the 
SDUthernniost gorge. Those who were 
giving way rallied quickly ui)on it, 
wlien the whole force, thus increased to 
over 12, (XX) men, came forward in a per- 
fect blaze of fire. It was a single col- 
umn, comj)osed of the best soldiers of 
tlu' republic, having for its advanced 
liattalions the veteran regiments. The 
Kentucky and Illinois troops were soon 
obliged to give ground before it, and 
seek the shelter of the second gorge. 
Over half the column was suddenly 
enveloped in it, while the other half 
pressed on across the plateau, having 
for the moment nothing to resist them 
excej)t the three guns in their front. 
The portion tliat was immediately op- 
posed to the Kentucky and Illinois 
troops, ran df)wn along each side of the 
gorge, in which they had sought slud- 
ter, and also circled around its head, 
leaving no possible way of escape for 
them exce])t by its mouth, which 
opened upon the road. Its sides, 
which were steep, — at least an angle of 
forty-five degrees, — were covered with 
loose pebbles and stones, and converged 



to a point at the bottom. Down there 
were our poor fellows, nearly three 
regiments of them (Fir.st and Second 
Illinois, and Second Kentucky), with 
but little opportunity to load or fire a 
gun, being hardly able to keep their 
feet. Above, the whole edge of the 
gorge, all the way around, was darkened 
by the serried masses of the enemy, 
and was bristling with muskets directed 
on the crowd beneath. It was no time 
to pause. Those who -were not imme- 
diately shot down rushed on toward 
the road, their nundjer growing less 
and less as th(>y went, Kentuckians and 
Illinoisans, officers and men, all mixed 
up in confusion, and all pressing on 
over the loose pebbles and rolling 
stones of those shelving, precipitous 
banks, and having lines and lines of 
the enemy firing down from each side 
and rear as they went. 

Just then the enemy's cavalry, which 
had gone to the left of the reserve, had 
come over the spur that divides the 
mouth of the second gorge from that of 
the third, and were now (^losing up the 
only door through which there was the 
least shadow of a chance for their lives. 
Many of those ahead endeavored to 
force their way out, but few succeeded. 
The lancers were fully six to one, and 
their long weapons were alreadj' reek- 
ing with blood. It was at this time 
that those who were still back in that 
dreadful gorge heard the roar of "Wash- 
ington's battery. No music could have 
been more grateful to their ears. A 
moment only, and the whole opening, 
where the lancers were busy, rang with 
tlie repeated explosions of spherical 
case shot. They gave way. The gate, 
as it were, was clear, and out upon the 



38 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



road a stream of onr poor fellows is- 
sued. They ran panting down toward 
the battery, and directly under the flight 
of iron then passing over their heads, 
into the retreating cavalry. Hardin, 
Clay, McKee, M^illis, Zabriskie, Hough- 
ton, but why go t)n? It would be a sad 
task indeed to name over all who fell 
during this twenty minutes slaughter. 
The whole gorge, from the plateau to 
its mouth, was strewn with our dead. 
All dead! No wounded there — not a 
man; for tlie infantry had rushed down 
the sides, and ciinijdeted the work with 
the bayonet. 

After a hard tiglit, at night both ar- 
mies laid down upon their arms, in 
much the same position as in the morn- 
ing. However, early the following 
morning, the glad tidings were heard 
amidst our army that the enemy had 
retreated, thus again crowning the 
American banners with victory. 

In addition to Colonel Bissell, other 
names that shine as stars in this war 
are Shields, Baker, Harris, Hardin, 
Coffee — alWrom Illinois. Such, indeed, 
were the intrepid valor and daring 
courage exhibited by Illinois volun- 
teers during the Mexican war, that 
tlieir deeds should live in the memory 
of their countrymen while time shall 
last. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 

In the war for the Union, no state 
can show a more glorious record than 
that of Illinois. Sumter was fired 
upon April 12, 1861. Two days after- 
ward. President Lincoln issued his 
first call for volunteers — 75,0UU in num- 
ber. On the 1.5th, Governor Yates 
issued his proclamation, convening the 
legislature and ordering the enlistment 



of six regiments, the quota assigned 
the state. The call was no sooner made 
than filled. Patriotism filled every 
heart. The farm, the workshop, the 
office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, 
every vocati(jn in life offered its best 
men. On assembling, the legislature 
authorized the raising of ten additional 
regiments, anticipating another call. 
At the close of 18(U, Illinois had sent 
to the field nearly 50,000 men, and had 
17,000 in camp awaiting marching or- 
ders, thus exceeding its full quota by 
15,000. 

In July and August of 1862, the 
President called for 600,000 men— the 
quota of Illinois being 52, 296 — and gave 
until August 18 as the limits in which 
Ihe number might be raised by volun- 
teering, after which a draft would be 
ordered. The state had already fur- 
nished 17, (MX) in excess of her quota, 
and it was first thought this nundjer 
would be deducted from the present 
requisition, but this could not be 
done. But thirteeen days were granted 
to enlist this vast army, wliich had 
to come from the farmers and me- 
chanics. The farmers were in the 
midst of harvest, but, inspired by 
love of country, over 50,(K)0 of them 
left their harvest ungathered, their tools 
and their benches, the plows in their 
furrows, turning their backs on their 
homes, and before eleven days had ex- 
pired, the demands of the government 
were met, and both quotas filled. 

The war went on, and call followed 
call, until it began to look as if there 
would not be men enough in all the free 
states to crush out and destroy the mon- 
strous war, traitors had inaugurated. But 
to every call for either men or money, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



39 



there was a willing and ready response, 
and it is a boast of the people that, had 
the sn])ply of monc}- fallen short, there 
were women brave enough, daring 
enough, patriotic enough, to have offered 
themselves as sacrifiees on their coun- 
try's altar. On the '21st of December, 
liS64, the last call for troops was made. 
It was for 3(X),(K^) men. In consccpience 
of an imperfect enrollment of the men 
subject to military duty, it became evi- 
dent, ere this call was made, that Illinois 
was furnishing thousands of men more 
than what her quota would have been, 
had it been correct. So glaring had this 
disj)roportion become, that under this 
call the ipiotii of some districts exceeded 
the nund)er of able-bodied men in them. 

No troops ever fought more lu'roically, 
stulibornly, and with better efi'ect, than 
did the hoj's from the " Prairie state." 
At Pea Ridge, Donelson, Pittsburg Land- 
ing, luka, ('(irinth. Stone River, H<dly 
Springs, Jackson, Vicksburg, I'hicka- 
mauga. Lookout mountain, Murfrees- 
bori), Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Chat- 
tamiuga, and on every other field where 
the crash of arms was hearcl, her sons 
were foremost. 

The people were liberal as well as 
patriotic ; and while the men were busy 
enlisting, organizingand equipping com- 
jianies, the ladies were no less active, 
and the noble, generous work performed 
by their tender loving hands, deserves 
mention along with the bravery ,devotif)n 
and jiatriotism of their brothers, upoji 
the southern field of carnage. 

The continued need of money to nb- 
tain the comforts and necessities for the 



sick and wounded of our army, suggested 
to the loyal women of the north many 
and various devices for the raising of 
funds. Every city, town and village had 
its fair, festival, picnic, excursion, or 
concert, which netted more or less to the 
cause of hosi)ital relief, according to the 
po]iulation of the j)lace, and the amount 
of energy and patriotism dis])layed on 
such occasions. Especially was this 
characteristic of our own fair state, and 
scarcely a hamlet within its borders 
which did not send something from its 
stores to hospital or battlefield, and in 
the larger towns and cities were well 
organized soldiers' aid societies, working 
systematically from the beginning of the 
war imtil its end. The great state fair 
held in Chicago in May, 1865, netted 
$'250, (KX). Homes for traveling soldiers 
were established all over the state, in 
which were furnished lodging for 600,000 
men, and meals valued at S'2,500.<~HT). 
Food, clothing, medicine, hospital deli- 
cacies, reading matter, and tliousands of 
other articles were sent to the lioys at 
the front. 

The rebellion ended with the surrender 
of Lee and Johnson, in April, 1S6.5, and 
as soon as possible the troops were dis- 
banded. The following is a summary of 
troops furnished by the state : infantry, 
185,941; cavalry, 32,08'2; artillery, 7,277; 
making a grand aggregate of 225, 300 men 
of all arms. 

Thus it will be seen tliat Illinois did 
her full share toward jiutting down the 
Rebellion, as regards the nuudjer of 
men and amount of materials supplied. 



40 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



OHAF'TRR V. 



GOVERNMENT. 



Sliadrarh Bond was the first governor 
of Illinois. He was a native of Mary- 
land, and was born in 1773 ; was reared 
on a farm, received a common school 
education, and came to Illinois in 17V>4. 
He served as a delegate in congress 
from ISll to 1815, wliere he procured 
the right of pre-emption of public land. 
He was elected governor in 1818 ; was 
beaten for congress in 1824, by Daniel P. 
Cook. He died at Kaskaskia, April 11, 
1830. 

Edward Coles, the second governor, 
was born December 15, 1786, in Virginia. 
His father was a slave-holder, gave his 
son a collegiate education, and left to 
him a large number of slaves. These he 
liberated, giving each head of a family 
160 acres of landand a considerable sum 
of money. He was President Madison's 
private secretary. He came to Illinois 
in 1819, was elected goverlun- in 1822, 
on the anti-slavery ticket; moved to 
Philadelphia in 1833, and died in 1868. 

Ninian Edwards, the successor of Mr. 
Coles, was not new to the duties of the 
ofHce, having been appointed in 1809, 
when the territory of Illinois was formed, 
as its territorial governor, which jxisition 
he held until its organization as a state, 
when he was sent to the United States 
senate. He was elected governor in 
1826. He was a native of Maryland, and 



born in 1775; received a collegiate edu- 
cation ; was chief justice of Kentucky. 

John Reynolds, the foiirth governor of 
the state, was born in Pennsylvania in 
1788, and came with his parents to Illi- 
nois in 1800. In 1830 he was elected 
governor on the democratic ticket, and 
afterwards served three years in con- 
gress. He also received a classical edu- 
cation, yet was not polished. He was 
an ultra-democrat; attended the Charles- 
ton convention in 1860, and urged the 
seizui'e of United States arsenals liy tlie 
South. He died in 1865, at Belhn'ille, 
childless. 

In 1834 Joseph Duncan was elected 
governor by the whigs, although form- 
erly a democrat. He had previously' 
served four terms in congress. He was 
born in Kentucky, in 1794; had but a 
limited education; served with distinc- 
tion in the war of 1812; conducted the 
campaign of 1832, against Black Hawk. 
He came to Illinois when quite young. 

Thomas Carlin succeeded Duncan, 
having been elected on the democratic 
ticket in 1838. He had but a meagre 
education; held many minor offices, 
and was active, both in tlie war of 11S12 
and the Black Hawk war. He was 
born in Kentucky, in 1789; came to Il- 
linois in 1812, and died at Carrollton, 
February 14, 1852. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



41 



Thomas Ford, the next governor, 
was elected as a democrat, in 1842. He 
was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 
18(K); was bvonght by his widowed 
inotlier to ^lissouri, in 1804, and shortly 
afterwards to Illinois. He received 
a good education, and studied law; was 
elected judge tour times — twice as cir- 
cuit judge, judge of Chicago, and judge 
of the supreme court. He wrote his 
history of Illinois in 18-17, and died in 
1850. ' 

Augustus C. Frencli was born in New 
Hampshire, in 1808; was admitted to 
the bar in 1831, and shortly afterwards 
moved to Illinois. He was elected 
governor in 184(i. On the adojitinn of 
the constitution of 1848, he was again 
chosen, serving until 1853. He was a 
democrat in ]iiditics. 

Joel A. iNIatteson, who succeeded 
French in the gubernatorial office, was 
born in .Ictrersun county. New York, in 
ISDN. \l\ti father was a farmer, and 
gave bis son only a common school ed- 
ucation. He first entered ui)on active 
life as a small traih'sman, but sul)se- 
(Hicnl ly became a laigc coiit ractoi' and 
manufacturer. He was a heavy con- 
tractor in building the canal. He was 
elected governor in 1S52 upon tlu' d.im- 
ocratic tii'ket. 

William II. I'.issell was (dccted by the 
republican party in 185(1. He had pre- 
viously served two terms in congress; 
he was a colonel in the Mexican war, 
and had held many minor offices pre- 
vious to being chosen governor. He 
was born in New York state in ISll; 
received a common school education; 
came to Illinois early in life and en- 
gaged in }be medical profession. This 
he changed for the law, and became a 



noted orator, and the standard-bearer 
of the republican party in Illinois. He 
died in IStiO, while governor. 

liicbard Yates, the "war governor" 
of Illinois, was born in Warsaw, Ken- 
tucky, in 1818; came to Illinois in 1831; 
served two terms in congress; in 18G0 
was elected governor, and in 1865, 
United States senator. He was a col- 
lege graduate, and read law under J. J. 
Hardin. He rapidly rose in his chosen 
profession and charmed the i)eoijle 
with his oratory. He filled the gid)er- 
natorial chair during the trying days of 
the rebellion, and by his energy and 
devotion won tlie undying atlection of 
the loyal people. He died in St. Louis 
at the expiration of his tei'm as senator. 

Richard J. Oglesby, who was elected 
governor in 1864, was born in Kentucky 
in lS-i4; at the age of eight years he 
found himself an i>rphan, and four 
years later he came to Illinois. lie 
was aijprenticed to learn the carpen- 
ter's trade, worked some at farming, • 
and read law occasionally. He enlisted 
in the Mexican war. and was chosen 
first lieutenant. .Vttcr his return, be 
again took up tiie law, but during the 
gold fever of 1849, went to California; 
he soon returned, and in 1852, he en- 
tered upon his illustrious jiolitical 
career. He raised the second regiment 
organized in the state to suppress the 
rel)ellion, and for gallantry was pro- 
moted to be major-general. His elec- 
tion as governor in 1.S64 was due, in a 
great degree, to his patriotic war record. 
He was again elected to the same posi- 
tion in 1872, but resigned to go to the 
United States senate. He was again 
elected in 1884. He is a staunch re- 
jjublican in politics. 



42 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



John M. Palmer succeeded General 
Oglesby. He was born in Kentuck}' 
in 1817, and came to Illinois in l<Sol. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1<S89. 
He was elected to the office of probate 
judge of Macoupin county in 1843; was 
a member of the constitutional conven- 
tion in 1847; county jndge in 1S49; 
elected to the state senate in 1851; 
member of the peace conference in 
1861. He was colonel of the 14th Illi- 
nois infantry, and rose by successive 
promotions to major-general, comman- 
der of the 14th army corps, and after- 
wards of the department of Kentucky. 
Was giivernor from 18G9 to 1872, both 
inclusive. 

Richard J. Oglesby was again elected 
to the office of governor in 1872; in 
1878 he was sent to the United States 
senate and Lieutenant-Governor John 
L. Beveridge succeeded to the gover- 
norship, which he held until 1877. 

Shelby M. Cullom succeeded Gover- 
nor Beveridge. He was born in Ken- 
tucky in 1828; studied law, was admitted 
to the bar, and commenced the practice 
of his profession in 1848; was elected to 
the state legislature in 1856, and again in 
1860. Served on the war commission 
at Cairo, in 1862, and was a member of 
the 39th, 40th, and 41st congresses, in 
all of which he served with credit tt) 
his state. He was again elected to the 
state legislature in 1872, and re-elected 
in 1874. He was elected governor in 
1876, and again in 1880. During the 
last term he was sent to the United 
States senate, and Lieutenant-Governor 
John M. Hanulton succeeded to the 
office of governor, which he held with 
credit and ability lor the remainder of 
the term. 



John M. Hamilton was succeeded as 
governor by Richard J. Oglesby, elected 
in 1884. A sketch of Gov. Oglesby is 
given in connection with the mention 
of his first election. 

I.IEtlTENANT-GOVEKNORS. 

Pierre Menard was the first lieuten- 
ant-governor of Illinois. He was born 
in Quebec, Canada, in 1767. He came 
to Illinois in 1790, where he engaged in 
the Indian trade, and became wealthy. 
He died in 1844. Menard county was 
named in his honor. 

Adolphus F. Hubbiird was elected 
lieutenant-governor in 1822. Four 
years later, he ran for governor against 
Edwards, but was beaten. 

^\'illiam Kinney was elected in 1826. 
He was a Baptist clergymen; was bf)rn 
in Kentucky in 1781, and came to Illi- 
nois in 1793. 

Zadock Casey was elected lieutenant- 
governor in 1830, although on the oppo- 
sition ticket to Governor Reynolds, the 
successful gubernatorial candidate. He 
subsequently served several terms in 
congress. 

Alexander M. Jenkins was elected on 
the ticket with Governor Duncan, in 
1834, by a handsome majority. 

S. H. Anderson, lieutenant-governor 
under tiovernor Carlin, was chosen in 
1838. He was a native of Tennessee. 

John Moore was elected lieutenant- 
governor in 1842. He was born in Eng- 
land in 1793, and came to Illinois in 
1830. He won the name of "Honest 
John Moore." 

Joseph B. Wells was chosen with Gov. 
French, at his first election, in 1846. 

In 1848, when French was again 
chosen governor, William McMurtry 
was elected lieutenant-governor. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



4;5 



Ciustavus P. Koerner was the next to 
liold the otfiee, having been eleeted in 
lSo2. He was born inGernuiny in ISOil. 
At the age of 22 he eanie to Illinois. In 
1872 he was the eandidate of the liberal 
party for governor, but was defeated. 

John Wood was eleeted in 18-">(), and 
on the death of Ciovernor Bissell, became 
governor. 

Francis A. Hoffman was chosen with 
{Jovernor Yates in ISIM). He was l)orn 
in Prussia in 1822, and came to Illinois 
in 1S4(). 

William Bross was the next, elected in 
1864. He was born in New Jersey, and 
came to Illinois in 1S4S. John Dough- 
erty was elected in l.S(j,S. 

John L. Beveriilge was chosen lieuten- 
ant-governor in 1872, and when (iov- 
ernor Oglesby was sent to tlie senate in 
1<S7;'5, he became governor, and held the 
position the remainder of the term. 

Andrew Sherman was elected lieuten- 
ant-governor in 1870. 

John M. Hamilton, eleeted in 1880, 
became governor when Shelby M. Cul- 
lom was elected to the ofticc of United 
States senator. 

\\'ni. J. Campbell was eleeted presi- 
dent of the senate and ex-officio lieuten- 
ant-governor when Hamilton suceeede<l 
to the gubernatorial chair. 

John C. Smilli is the present incum- 
bent. 

SrPKRIXTEN'DKNT OF mU.IC INSTRfCTlON . 

The following have served in this ac- 
jiacity: Ninian W. Edwards, lS.34-5(j; 
W. 11. Powell, l.S.^7-')8; Newton Bate- 
man, 1859-7o; Samuel iM. Etter, 187(5-80; 
James P. Slade, 1880-81; Henry Kaab 
succeeded Slade. His last ti'rm will ex- 
pire in 1887. 



ATTOUNEY-GKXKR.\L. 

The attorney-generals of Illinois have 
been as follows: Daniel P. Cook, ISII); 
William Mears, 1820; Samuel 1). Lock- 
wood, 1821-22; James Turney, 1823-28; 
Ceorge For(iuer, 1829-32; James Seni- 
ple, 1833-34; Ninian W. Edwards, 1834- 
35; Jesse B. Thomas, Jr., 1835; Walter 
B. Seates, bS3ti; Asher F. Linder, 1837; 
(Jeorge W. Olney, 1838; Wickliffe 
Kitcliell, is;;;i; Josiab Lamliorn, lcS41- 
42; James A. M(d>ougall, l.s43-4f); 
David B. Campbell, 184(); [office abol- 
ished and recreated in 1867]; Robert G. 
IngersoU, l<S()7-()8; Washington Bush- 
nell, 1SG9-72; James K. Edsall, 1.S72-80; 
James McCartney, 1880-84; tieorge 
Hunt, present incumbent. 

TKEASUUER. 

The state treasurers of Illinois have 
been as follows; John Thonuis, 1818-li); 
R. K. McLaughlin, 1819-22; Ebner 
Field, 1823-2(); James Hall, 1827-30; 
John Dement, 1831-36; Charles Greg- 
ory, 1836; John D. Whiteside, 1837-40; 
M. Carpenter, 1841-48; John Moore, 
l,S4S-.56; James Miller, 1857-60; Wil- 
liam Butler, 1861-62; Alexander Starne, 
1863-64; James H. Beveridge, 1865-66; 
George W. Smith, 1867-68; Erastus N. 
Bates, 1869-72; Edward Rutz, 1878-79; 
John C. Smith, 1879-81; Edward Rutz, 
1881-83; John C. Smith, 1883-.S4; Jacob 
Gross, 1885-S9. 

SECRKTARIES OF STATE. 

Elias K. Kane, 1818-22; Samuel D. 
Lockwood, 1822-23; David Black well, 
1823-24; Morris Birkbeck, 1824; George 
Farquer, 1825-28; Alexander P. Field, 
1829-40; Stephen A. Douglas, 1840; Ly- 
man Trumbull, 1841-42; Thompson 



44 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



C!anipbell, 1843-46; Horace S, Cooley, 
184(i-49; David L. Gregg, 185()-.52; Alex- 
ander Starne, 1853-5(3; Azias M. Hatch, 
1857-60; Sharon Tyndale, 1865-68; Ed- 
ward Rummel, 1869-72; George H. Har- 
h)w, 1873-79, Henry D. Dement, 1881. 
He is the present incumbent. 

AX'DITOR.S. 

Elijah C. r.erry, 1818-31; I. T. B. 
Stapp, 1831-35; Levi Davis, 1835-40; 
James Shields, 1841-42; W. L. D. Ew- 
ing, 1843-45; Thomjtson C'amphell, 1846; 
Jesse K. Dubois, 1857-(i4; drliu H. 
Miner, 1865-68; Charles E. Lippincott, 
1.S69-76; Thomas B. Needles, 1S77-79; 
Charles P. Swigert, elected in 1880, and 
again in 1884, is the present incumbent. 

UNITED STATES SENATORS. 

Ninian Edwards — On the organization 
of the state, in 1848, Ninian Edwards, 
the popular territorial governor, was 
chosen senator for the short term, and 
in 1819 re-electeil for full term. 

Jesse B. Thomas — One of the federal 
judges during the entire territorial exis- 
tence, was chosen senator on organiza- 
tion of the state, and re-elected in 1823, 
and served till 1829. 

John McLean — In 1824 Edwards re- 
signed, and John IMcLean was elected 
to fill his unexpired term. He was born 
in North Carolina in 1791, and came to 
Illinois in 1815; served one term in con- 
gress, and in 1829 was elected to the 
United States senate, but the following 
year died. He is said to have been the 
most gifted man of his period in Illi- 
nois. 

Elias Kent Kane — Was elected No- 
vember 30, 1824, for the term beginning 
March 4, 1825. In 1830 he was re-elec- 



ted, but died before the expiration of his 
term. He was a native of New York, 
and in 1814 came to Illinois. He was 
first secretary of state, and afterwards 
state senator. 

David Jewett Parker — Was appointed 
to fill the unexpired term of Judge 
McLean in 1830, November 12, but the 
legislature refused to endorse the choice. 
Parker was a native of Connecticut, 
born in 1792, and died in Alton in 1869. 

John M. Robinson — Instead of Baker, 
the governor's appointee, the legislature 
chose Robinson, and in 1834 he was re- 
elected. In 1843 he was elected sujireme 
judge of the state; Ijut died within two 
months of his election. H*^ was anative 
of Kentucky, and came to Illinois when 
quite young. 

William L. D. Ewing — Was elected 
in 18.35, to fill the vacancy occasioned by- 
the death of Senator Kane. He was a 
Kentuckian. 

Richard M. Young — Was elected in 

1836, and held his seat from March 4, 

1837, to March 4, 1843, a full term. He 
was a native of Kentucky; was a circuit 
judge before his election to the senate, 
and supreme judge in 1842. He died 
in an insane asylum at Washington. 

Samuel McRoberts — The first native 
Illinoisan ever elevated to the high 
office of United States senator from this 
state, was born in 1799, and died in 1843, 
on his return home from Washington. 
He was elected circuit judge in 1824, 
and March 4, 1841, took his seat in the 
LTnited States senate. 

Sidney Breese — Was elected to the 
LTnited States senate, December 17, 1842, 
and served a full term. He was born in 
Oneida county, New York. He was a 
major in the Black Hawk war; was cir- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



45 



luit judge, anil in 1^41 was I'lectcd .su- 
]innK' judjie. Ho served a full torm in 
the I'liited States senate, lieginning 
March 4, 1.S43, after which he was 
elected to the legislature, again circuit 
judge, and, in 1S.")7. to tlie su])renie 
court, which jiosition he held until his 
death, in IS7S. 

James Scniple — Was the successor of 
Saniuid JfcRoberts, and was a]]iiointed 
l)y Governor Ford in 184."). He was 
afterwards elected judge of the supreme 
court. 

Stejdien A. Douglas — Was (dected I)e- 
(;end)er 14, 1)S4(). He had previously 
served three terms as congressman. He 
hecatne his own successor in 18">3, and 
again in lS-^9. From his first entrance 
in the .senate, he was acknowledged this 
p( cr of Clay, Webster and (.Jalhoun, 
witii whom he served his first term. His 
famous contest with Ahraliam Lincoln 
for the senate in IS.IS, is the most niem- 
oralile in the annals of our comitry. It 
was called the "hattle of the giants," 
and resnlted in Douglas' eh'ction to the 
senate, and that of Lini'oln to the pres- 
idciu-y. He was horn in Braiulon, Ver- 
mont, April '2'.>, ISl,"), and came to 
Illin.iis, in IS;}.'!. HiMlicd inlSdl, |I,. 
was ap|)ointed secretary of state by 
(iovernor ('arlin, in l.S4i), and siiortly 
afterward to the supriMuc licnch. 

James Shields — Was elected and as- 
sumed bis scat in the United States 
senate in 1849, March 4. He was born 
in Ireland, in 1810, and came to the 
United States in 1827. He served in the 
Mexican war, was elected senator from 
Wisconsin, and in 1879 from Missouri 
for a short term, 

Lyman Trumliuli — Took bis scat in 
the United States senate March 4, 18-55, 



and became his own successor in 1861. 
He had previouslv served one term in 
the lower house of congress, and served 
on the supreme t)encb. He was born in 
Connectit'ut; studied law and came to 
Illinois in early life, where for years he 
was actively engaged in politics. He 
resides in Chicago. 

Orvillc H. Browning was ap|)ointed 
United States senator in 18(;l to hll the 
seat made vacnnt by the dt'atli of 
Ste])hen A. Douglas, until a senator 
could br regularly elected, Mr, llniwn- 
ing was liorn in Harrison county, Ken- 
tucky; was admitted to the bar in 18;!1, 
and settled in (iuincy, Illinois, where he 
engaged in the practice of law, and was 
instrumental, with his friend, Abraham 
Liuc-obi. in fofiniut;- tiic rcimblican party 
of Illinois, at the IMoomington conven- 
tion, lie cnti'rcd .lohnson's cabinet as 
si'crctary of the interior, and in Mar<di, 
18()8, was designated by the ])resident 
to [lerform the duties of attorney gen- 
eral, in addition to his own as secretary 
of the interior dci)artment, 

William A, Iticbardson — Was elected 
to the United States senati' in 18(5;;, to 
fill the imc.xpired term of his friend, 
Stephen .V, Douglas. He was born ni 
Fayette county, Kentticky. about 1810, 
studied law, and settled in Illinois; 
serve(l as captain in the Mexican war, 
and was ])romoted for bravery on the 
battle-tieid of Bucna Vista, by a unani- 
mous vote of his regiment. He served 
in the lower liouse of congress from 
1847 to 1857, continuously. 

Kicbaril Yates — Was elected in 1865, 
and served a full term of six years. A 
sketch of him is given in connection 
with the ottice ot governor. 

John A. Logan — Was elected to the 



46 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



United States senate in 1871. He was 
l)Orn in Jackson covinty, Illinois, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1826, received a common school 
education; enlisted as a private in the 
Mexican war, where he rose to the rank 
of rctriniental quarter-master. On re- 
turning home he studied law, and came 
to the bar in 1852; was elected in 1858 a 
representative to the 36th congress 
and re-elected to the 37th congress, 
resigning in 1861 to take part in the sup- 
pression of the rebellion, served as 
colonel, and subsequently as a major- 
general, and commanded with distinc- 
tion, the armies of the Tennessee. 
He was again elected to the senate in 
1879, and served the full term. He was 
the candidate of the republican party in 
1884 for vice-president of the United 
States, with Blaine, but was defeated. 

Pavid Davis — Was elected to the 
Ignited States senate in 1877, for a term 
of six years. He was born in Cecil 
county, Maryland, March 9, 1815; grad- 
uated at Kenyon college, Ohio, studied 
law, and removed to Illinois in 1835; was 
admitted to the bar, and settled in 
Bloomington, where he has since resid- 
ed, and amassed a large fortune. He 
was for many years the intimate friend 
and associate of Abraham Lincoln, rode 
the circuit with him each year, and after 
Lincoln's election to the presidency, was 
appointed by him to fill the position ( f 
judge of the supreme court of the 
United States, which position he re- 
signed to accept the senatorship. When 
Arthur ascended to the presidency, at 
the dcatli of (iarfield, Davis was elected 
president of the senate and acting vice- 
president of the I'nited States. 

Shelby M. Cullom — Was elected to the 
United States senate in 1883, to succeed 



David Davis for a term of six years, and 
is serving in that capacity at present. 
At the time of his election to this oflice 
he was filling the gubernatorial chair, 
and resigned, and John M. Hamilton 
succeeded him. Senator Cullom is a 
resident of Springfield. 

In 1885, John A. Logan, after a pro- 
tracted contest in the legislature, was 
elected as successor to himself in the 
senate, and is the ])resent colleagiu' of 
Senator Cullom. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

Fifteenth congress, 1818 — John Mc- 
Lean. 

Sixteenth, 1819-20— Daniel P. Cook. 

Seventeenth, 1821-22--Daniel P. Cook. 

Eighteenth, 1823-24— Daniel P.Cook. 

Nineteenth, 1825-26— Daniel P. Cook. 

Twentieth, 1827-28— Joseph Duncan. 

Twenty-first, 1829-3(1— Joseph Dun- 
can . 

Twenty-second, 1831 32 — Joseph Dun- 
can. 

Twenty-third, 1838-84— Joseph Dun- 
can, Zadock Casey. 

Twenty-fourth," 1835-36— Zadock Ca- 
sey. John Reynolds, William L. May. 

Twenty-fifth, 1837-38 — Zadock Casey, 
John Reynolds, William L. May. 

Twenty-sixth, 1839-40— Zadock Ca- 
sey, John Reynolds, JohnT. Stuart.. 

Twenty-seventh, 1841-42— Zadock Ca- 
sey, John Reynolds, John T. Stuart. 

"Twenty-eighth,1843-44—Robt. Smith, 
Orlando B. Ficklin, Stephen A. Douglas, 
John A. McClernand, -Joseph P. Hoge, 
John J. Hardin, John Went worth. 

Twenty-ninth, 1845-46— Robt. Smith, 
Stci)hen A. Douglas, Orlando B. Fick- 
lin, John J. Hardin (1845), Joseph P. 
Hoge, John A. McClernand, John Went- 
worth. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Thirtieth, 1847-8— John Wentworth, 
Thomiis J. Turner (1847), Abraham 
Lincoln, John A. McClcrnand, Orlandt) 
B. Ficklin, Robert Smith, William A. 
Richardson. 

Thirty-first, 1849-oU— John A. Mc- 
Clernand, John Wentworth, Timothy R. 
Younj;, AA'illiani A. Richardson, Edward 
D. Baker, W. H. Bissell, T. L. Harris. 

Thirty-second, 18ol-.52— M'illiam A. 
Richardson. Thompson C'amjibell, Or- 
lando B. Fieklin, John Wentworth, 
Richard Yates, Richard S. Maloney, 
Willis Allen, William H. Bissell. 

Thirty-third, lS.'i.",-.")4— William H. 
Bissell," John V. Allen. Willis Allen, 
Elihu B. Washburne, Richard Yates, 
Thompson Campbell, James Knox, Jesse 
0. Norton, William A. Richardson. 

Thirty-fourth, 18.W-6— Elihu B. 
Washburne, Lyman Trumliull, James 
H. Woodworth, James Knox, Thomp- 
son Campbell, Samuel S. Marshall, J. 
L. D. Morrison, ('. Allen, Jesse O. Nor- 
ton, William A. Richardson. 

Tliirty-tifth, lS.-)7-.")S— Elihu B. Wash- 
burne, Charles D. Hodges, William 
Kellogg, Thompson ('ani])l)ell, John F. 
Farnsworth, Owen Lovejoy, Samuel S. 
Marshall, Isaac N. Morris, Aaron Shaw, 
R(.ibert Smith, Thomas L. Harris. 

Thirty-sixth,l.s.V.)-t)U— EliliuB.Wash- 
hurnc, John A. Lo^jm, Owen Lovejoy, 
John A. JlcClernand, Isaac N. Morris, 
JdIiu F. Farnsworth, Philip B. Fouke, 
Thomas L. Harris, William Kellogg, 
James C'. Robertson. 

Thirty-seventh, 1861-(i-2— Elihu H. 
Washburne, James C. Robertson, John 
A. Logan, Owen Lovejoy, John A. Mc- 
Clernand, Isaac N. Arnold, Philip B. 
Fouke, William Kclligg, .Vnthony L. 
Knajip, William A. Richardson. 



Thirty-eighth, 1868-64— Elihu B. 
Washburne, Jesse 0. Norton, James C. 
Robinson, William J. Allen, Isaac N. 
,\rnold, John R. Eden, Lewis W. Ross, 
John T. Stuart, Owen Lovejoy, William 
R. Morrison, John C. Allen, John F. 
Farnsworth, Charles W . Mori-is, Eben 
Ingorsollj'A. L^Knapp. 

Thirty-ninth, 186.5-66- E. B. Wash- 
Iiurne, Anthony B. Thornton, Jno. Went- 
worth, AbnerC. Hardin, Eben C. Inger- 
soll. Barton C. Cook. Slidby M.Cullom, 
John F. Farnswortli, .Idlin liakcr. Henry 
P. H. Bromwell,. Andrew Z. Kuykendall, 
Samuel S. Marshall, Samuel W. Moul- 
ton, Lewis W. Ross. 

Fortieth, 18(;7-6,S— Elihu B. Wash- 
burne, Abner C. Hardin, Eben C. Injier- 
soll, No,rman B. Jndd, Albert (!. P>urr, 
Barton C. Cook, Shelliy M. Cullom, 
John F. Farnsworth, Jolni Baker, 
Henry P. H. Bromwell, John A. Logan, 
Samuel S. Marshall, Oreen B. Rauin, 
Lewis W. Ross. 

Forty-first, 1869-70— N. B. Judd, 
John F. Farnsworth, H. C. Burciiard, 
John B. Hawley, Klicii C. Ingersoll, 
Barton C. Cook, Jesse H. Moore, Shelby 
M. Cullom, Thomas W. McNecley, .\1- 
hert (i. Burr, Samml S. Marshall, John 
P.. Hay, John M. ('nl)s, John \. Logan. 

Forty-second, 1S71-72 — Charles B. 
Farwell, John Farnswortli, Horatio C. 
Hurchard, John B. Hawley, IJradford N. 
Stevens, Henry Snaj>i), Jesse H. Moore, 
James C. Roliinstm, Thos. W. ]\IcNally, 
Edward Y. Rice, Samuel S. Marshall, 
John B. Hay, John .M. Crebs, Jolin S. 
Beveridge. 

Forty-third, 187;{-74 — John H. Pice, 
Jasper D. Ward, Charles B. Farw<dl, 
Stephen A. Hurllmrt. Horatio C. P>nr- 
chard, J. B. Hawley, Franklin Corwin, 



48 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



win, Robert M. Knaiip, Jniucs V. Rob- 
iu8on, Jobn B. McNulta, Ju?eph G. 
CaiiiKin, Jiihn R. Eden, James S. Mar- 
tin, \\'illiani R. Morrison, Greenliury 
L. Fort, Granville Barriere, William H. 
Ray, Isaac Clements, Samnel S. Jlar- 
shall. 

Forty-fourth, l.S7o-76 — Bernard G. 
Caulfield, Carter II. Harrison, Charles 
B. Farwell, Stephen A. Hurlburt, Hora- 
tio C. Burehard, Thomas .J. Henderson, 
Alexander Camiibell, Greenbury L. 
Fort, Richard H. Whiting, .Tolni C. 
Bagby, Scott Wike, William M. Springer, 
Adlai E. Stevenson, .loseph (i. Cannon, 
.John R. Eden, W. A. .1. Sparks, Wil- 
liam R. Morrison, \\'illiani Hartzell, 
William B. Anderson, 

Forty-fitth,1877-7<S— Wi'lliamAldrich, 
Carter H. Harrison, Lorenzo Brentano, 
William Lathrop, Horatio C. Burehard, 
Thomas .1 . Henderson, Philip C . Hayes, 
Greenbury L. Fort, Thomas A. Boyd, 
Benjamin F. Marsh, Robert M. Knapp, 
William M. Springer, Thomas F. Tip- 
ton, -Joseph G. Cannon, -John R, Eden, 
W. A. .J. Sparks, \\'illiam R. Morrison, 
William Hartzell, Richard W. Town- 
shend. 

Forty-sixth, 1S7H-.S0— William Aid- 
rich, George R. Davis, Hiram Barl)er, 
John C. Sherwin, R. M. A. Hawk, 
Thomas J. Henderson, Philip C. Hayes, 
Greenbury L. Fort, Thomas A. Boyd, 
Benjamin F. Marsh, James W. Single- 
ton, ^\'illianl ^I. Springer. A. E. Steven- 
son, Joseph G. Cannon, Albert P. 
F(n-sythe, W. A. J. Sparks, William R. 
Morrison, J<ihn It. Thomas, R. \\'. 
Townshend. 

Forty-seventh,l<S<Sl-S2— William Aid- 
rich, George R. Davis, Charles B. Far- 
well, John C. Sherwin, Robert M. A. 



Hawk, Thomas J. Henderson, William 
CuUen, Lewis E. Payson, John H. 
Lewis, Benjamin F. ]\Lirsh, James W. 
Singleton, William M. Springer, Diet- 
ricli C. South, Joseph G. Cannon, Sam- 
uel W. Moulton, W. A. J. Sparks, 
William R. Morrison, John R. Thomas, 
R. W. Townshend. 

Forty-eighth — Ransom ^\^ Dunham, 
John F. Finerty, GiM)rge R. Davis, 
George E. Adams, Reidien Ellwood, 
Robert R. Hilt, Thomas J. Henderson, 
William Cullen, Ijcwis E. Payson, 
Nicholas E. Worthington, M'illiam PI. 
Neece, James M. R'ggs, M'illiam M. 
Springer, Jonathan H. Rowell, Joseph 
(i. Cannon, Aaron Shaw, Samuel W. 
Moulton, William R. Morrison, R. W. 
Townshend, John R. Thomas. 

Forty-ninth — Ransom W. Dunham, 
Francis Lawler, James H. Ward, George 
E. Adams, Reuben Ellwood, Robert R. 
Hilt, Thomas J. Henderson, Raljdi 
Plumb, Lewis E. Payson, Nicholas E. 
Worthington, ^^'i]]iam H. Neece, .James 
M. Riggs, William M. Springer, Jona- 
than H. Rowell, Joseph G. Cannon, 
Silas Z. Landes, John R. Eden, William 
R. Morrison, Richard W. Townshend, 
John R. Thomas. 

Only three-fourths of a century ago, 
the territory of Illinois was organized, 
\yth a population estimated at 9,000; 
to-day it numbers more than three and 
one-half million.s — a greater number 
than in all the colonies during the rev- 
olution. When organizea, steamboats 
had never traversed its waters; rail- 
roads, telegraphs and telephones were 
unknown; to-day, every navigable 
stream is alive with vessels, carrying 
her products to other lands; while rail- 
roads traverse every county and almost 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



49 



every township in the state; while the 
number of miles of telegraph wire 
would probably encircle the globe, and 
the telephone is placed in many thous- 
ands of homes, enabling their inmates 
to converse intelligiV)ly with parties at 
a distance of many miles. Then the 
light that shone out of darkness was 
only the tallow dip, or that furnished 
from blazing logs in the old-fashioned 
fire-places; to-day, after having dis- 
placed the tallow dip, the candle and 
the common house-lamp, the darkness 
of night is penetrated by the glare of 
gas, and the bright rays of the electric 
light, rivalling the light of day. Then 
agriculture was in its infancy, it being 
possible with the machinery then used, 
only to raise sufficient crops to supply 



the wants of those lying within ilfe 
boundary; to-day, with the improved 
plows, the self-binding reaper, the 
steam thresher, and other improved 
machinery, Illinois can feed a nation of 
50,000,000 of people. Then the news- 
paper was a rare visitor in ihe house- 
hold; to-day, the humblest citizen can 
scarcely exist without his daily and 
weekly paper. Then knowledge was 
possessed by few; to-day, by means of 
tree schools, well endowed colleges and 
other influences, there is no excuse for 
living ignorant. But time would fail 
to compare the advantages of tj-day 
over the first decade of the present 
century, and the student of history, as 
he reads of the progress made, can only 
wonder what the future will reveal. 



50 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



HISTOR\^ 



r 



OF 



JERSEY COUNTY, 



ILLINOIS. 



OHAPXEIR I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



To nearly every thinking mind the 
study (if history is one of peculiar pleas- 
ure and enjoyment. The sage and 
scholar poring over a dusty tome, draws 
from the details of a vanished past the 
lessons of to-day. The fiery mind of 
youth receives from its pure well the in- 
spiration for bright and noble deeds 
that oft bear the fruit of name and fame. 
The pelitician, too, can therein see the 
rocks and shoals that have wrecked so 
many a noble craft, and can steer his 
bark into safety's haven by its glow. 

All history, if properly written, is in- 
teresting; and there is not a country, or 
a city, or a hamlet — nay, it might be 
said, not a family or an individual on 
the globe — whose history might not be 
more or less valuable to posterity. 



From those days called ancient, away 
back in the dim and misty past, when 
the human race first arrived at a state 
of intelligence sufficient to enable them 
to transmit a traditionary account of 
themselves, all along down "the dim 
corridors of recorded time" our ances- 
tors have left in various ways, and by 
difl'erent means, information, more or 
less mythical and fabulous, of the age 
and generation in which they played 
their ephemeral part on the world's ever 
changing theater of action. It is graven' 
in bronze on the wonderful works of the 
central nations of Africa, around those 
"dim fountains of the Nile;" the grey 
old pyramids in the valley of that clas- 
sic river are covered with the demotic 
and hieoglyphical language of the past. 



HISTOIIY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



51 



Tlio vast and mighty '■ palaces and piles 
stupendous," heavy witli the dust of 
luiknown centuries, tliat hewildcr the 
traveler amid Egypt's drifting sands, 
upon the plains of the Tigris and 
Euphrates, and hidden away in the 
jungles of the Indies; the gigantic ruins 
of Central and Southern America, under 
the snow-capped Cordilleras, and among 
the prolific forests of Yucatan; the 
seamed and wrinkled pyramids of the 
Aztecs, in Mexico and California, and 
the ten thousand crumhling evidences 
of a powerful and advanced civilization 
scattered throughout the great valley of 
the Mississippi, all bear testimony to 
the countless attempts to transmit 
knowledge to posterity. 

The written history of the American 
Continent dates back scarcely four cen- 
turies, yet within that comparatively 
short period its pages have garnered 
from her hills and mountains, from her 
grand rivers and mighty inland seas, 
valuable additions to the world's stock 
of knowledge. 

Like the Eastern Continent, our own 
has its historic points, its nuclei around 
which cluster the memories of heroic 
deeds, the story of martyrs, and the le- 
gends of a barbarous past. St. Augus- 
tine, Jamestown, Plymouth Rock, Que- 
bec, Montreal, Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia and Detroit, are localities 
about which gather volumes of history. 

\ recital of these chain the attention 
and inflame the imagination of the care- 
ful student, as he slowly peruses its 
pages, and lives over again the deeds of 
those that have left such "footprints in 
the sands of time" as e.xcite the emula- 
tion of all good people. 

If this is true of general history, the 



annals, of the long ago, in distant 
climes, among a strange people, how 
much more interesting it nmst be to 
peruse the pages of local history — the 
chronicle of the birth and develop- 
ment of our homes, the history of the 
people with whom we have an ac- 
quaintance, the record of the develop- 
ment of towns, the buildings, the 
institutions that surround us and that 
we have known for years — when on 
each page we can scan the rise and 
growth of some familiar landmark in our 
own lives, or watch with pride the ca- 
reer of some one loved and dear. 

It is the aim of this work to collect 
and preserve in enduring and popular 
form some of the facts of the early set- 
tlement and subsequent growth of a great 
county of a grand state. The families 
whose ancestors were early on the 
ground, and whose members have made 
the county what it is are worthy of re- 
membrance, and it is the intention to 
rescue them from the dust of oblivion. 

The hands upon the dial of time had 
scarcely pointed to the last hour of the 
second decade of the present century 
when first the foot of civilized man 
pressed the virgin soil of Jersey county. 
Before that era this bright land was a 
vast, unbroken wilderness, whose only 
inhal)ilants were the birds and beasts, 
and their scarcely less wild congener, 
the nomad Indians of the plains, who 
here found a hunting ground, oftimes a 
place of battle and a red grave. To 
the untutored savage, who lived but 
in the present, the thought that the 
"palefaces" would penetrate this beau- 
tiful country occurred not to disturb 
his dreams, and he continued on 
with his daily life of hunting and fish- 



52 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



ing, and only varied the monotony of his 
lazy existence by a short, but bloody, 
passage-at-arms with some rival tribe. 
But the time must come when he must 
surrender this lovely heritage of his 
fathers and move onward to the sunset 
land, to give place to the hated white 
man. The time was soon to come when 
all nature must be changed ; when the 
fair prairies with their gorgeous flowers 
and emerald sod must be broken up by 
the husbandman, and grain fit for the 
uses of civilized man sown therein. 

Seventy years ago the soil was as yet 
unvexed by the plow, andthe woodman's 
ax had never been heard ; the rude cabin 
of the settler with its smoke curling 
heavenward, with an air inviting the 
weary traveler to come and rest, was 
totally wanting in the broad landscape, 
and there was not even the slightest 
trace of the coming civilization — noth- 
ing but emerald seas and luxuriant 
grasses. 

"These, the g;inlens of tlie desert these 
The unshorn fields, boundless and beautiful, 
As the young earth ere man had sinned. 

lio! tliey stretch 
In airy undulations far away. 
As thoui;h the ocean, in the gentlest swell, 
.Stood still, with idl its rounded IMUows fixed. 
And motionless forever." 

But these beautiful prairies that but a 
few short years ago lay basking 'neath a 
summer sun, without a trace of human 
habitation upon their broad bosoms, are 
now covered with fertile farms, thriving 
villages, commodious mansions and busy 
towns. The wilderness has been changed 
into the abode of man and the home of 
civilization. And the annals of the men 
and the times that wrought this wonder- 
ful transformation, it is the duty as well 
as the pleasure of the historian to collect 



and jot down upon these pages, so that 
when these heroes of the frontier shall 
have passed onward to their " great re- 
ward " they shall have left these lines 
behind them as monuments to mark 
their memories — monuments more en- 
during than stone or brass, even were 
their epitaphs written in letters of gold. 
Even while they live, the recital of 
those early days when first they " stuck 
their stakes " in this their land of prom- 
ise, the changes from the then to now 
will come uppermost in their minds, and 
the contrast will aff'ord some food for 
thought. In those by-gone days the 
road hither was long and tedious, no 
roads, no bridges; the only mode of cross- 
ing the numerous streams that mean- 
dered across the path of the pilgrim was 
by fording or swimming. The only mode 
of transportation was the covered wagon, 
within whose protecting hood was packed 
the courageous wife and mother with her 
little ones, together with the few articles 
of furniture thought necessary to begin 
life in the "far west." Letters from the 
dear ones, left in the home-nest, were 
like the proverbial angels' visits, " Few 
and far between." Entering upon pos- 
session of their new-found home, after 
the labor, keen and arduous, of the 
father and husband had been rewarded 
])y the completion of the humble cot, 
built of the primeval logs, the family 
settled down to the hardships and scant 
fare of pioneer life. No labor-saving 
machinery was there in those days to 
lighten the work in husbandry or domes- 
tic economy, only heavy manual lal)or, 
with the crudest of tools. No conven- 
ient mill or store at which to purchase 
the necessities of life when "reluctant 
nature withheld her smile " and crops 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



53 



failed to meet the emergency. These 
were but a tithe of the trials and incun- 
veniences of a new settleaiont, but how 
changed to-day. -In place of the weary 
journey through mud, or dust, or drifted 
SHOW, thirty or forty miles to mill, or dis- 
tant village for provision, the only 
means of transport, the slow-paced oxen 
or scarcely faster plodding farm-horse, 
now the iron steed of commerce, with 
rush and roar, dashes up almost to the 
door-step of the farmer, and towns and 
villages with stores and mills dot these 
verdant hills and plains. Conveniences 
are brought to their very homes, and the 
mails, that were many weeks on their 
way in the past, now are hardly cold 
from the hands of the loved ones in the 
"old home" ere they are in the hands of 
the receiver. Ye newer-comers, com- 
pare, in your minds, the rudeappliaiices 
of early days, both in the farm imple- 
ments, and the domestic helps to the 
labors of both man and wife; contrast 
the horse-power thresher with the Hail; 
the scythe and cradle with the self-bind- 
ing harvester; the sewing machine with 
its humble sister, the needle, and thous- 
ands of other innovations and imj)rove- 
ments with the makeshifts and ruder 
implements of former times. 

The heroes and heroines of the early 
days, for women met the same fate with 
as bold a front as the sterner sex, havo 
earned their place in history, and it is 
but meet that they should occupy it. 

A history of the pef>ple is, par cxc(d- 
lence, the history of the state, the nation 
or the county, and in these pages the 
people shall till the iirominent place. 
The annals of the lives of these, the 
"Pilgrim Fathers" of Jersey county 
have within them all the elements of 



tragedy or comedy, and the story of their 
conflict with nature and the vicissitudes 
of pioneer life shall be the principal 
theme of this history. 

Thousands of facts are herein record- 
ed, and individual sketches of hundreds 
of citizens, living and dead, arc here 
placed in enduring form. These men 
and women are, or have been, actors in 
the drama of the settlement and devel- 
opment of Jersey county. By inserting 
these sketches, in addition to other mat- 
ter, is preserved, not only the recital of 
historic fact, but a sulicurrent of indi- 
vidual deeds that run through it, like 
some minor chord in the grand melody, 
giving a realism to the narrative, which 
could be imparted in no other way. 

The first place in a history of this 
class necessarily begins with the first 
settlers, the hardy pioneers who first 
broke the way for civilization into these 
pristine wastes. The pioneers! how 
that word strikes a responsive chord in 
every bosom — how at its sound we con- 
jure up the bold, hardy and adventurous 
father of a family packing up a few iu- 
dispensables and turning his back upon 
the parent roof-tree, all its conveniences 
and luxuries, and plunging into a savage 
and untried wilderness, far in advance 
of the hosts of civilization, there to carve 
him out a new honie. Rugged men, 
with nerves and muscles of steel, and 
hearts bold as the Vikings of old, they 
merit our fullest aibniration of their 
heroism, for heroic it was, this defying 
of nature in her wildest moods. Let, 
then, the tablets of history bear their 
names, that when, in a few short years, 
they have been called to the land of the 
hereafter, their deeds and actions perish 
not with them, and that coming genera- 



54 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



tions may have ever before them the 
bright examples of these noble men. 

Rough were they in manj' cases, and 
uncouth, yet in them lies the true nobil- 
ity that lifts a man from an ignominious 
position and places him upon a high pe- 
destal. Burns, the Scottish poet, truly 
says: 

" The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
Tlie gold the gold for all that." 

And although in many cases these 
bold pioneers were men of limited edu- 
cation and little -eocial training, men 
who would be out of place in the gilded 
salons of society, or the silken boudoir 
of beauty, still they were possessors of a 
noble manhood that is the monopoly of 
no race or caste. Then honor to these 
noble men, and women, too, that first 
made a settlement on the wild prairies 
and in the timber of Jersey county; and 
here planted the seeds that have grown 
into such a flourishing community; that 
have had a pronunent hand in making 
it what it is. 

A\'hen these argonauts first came here 
they were completely isolated from their 
kind. No railroads, and, in fact, no 
roads of any kind connected them with 
the far-away land of their kin. No 
house in which to dwell until they could 
rear their humble log cabin, no neigh- 
bors to render aid in sickness or trouble, 
no one to close their eyes in death — 
alone. Life with them was not all a 
ros}' dream, but a hard and bitter strug- 
gle with want, penury and privation, and 
the wonder is that they should still be 
spared to us, after almost a life-time of 
toil and conflict; but still many of them 



linger this side of the grave. Let us 
then hasten, and inclining the ear, listen 
to their tales of bygone days, the story 
of their lives, the description of their 
acts during the heroic age, that history 
njay inscribe them upon her tablets, a 
monument, when they ar,e gone, more 
enduring than stone or bronze. 

The men of to-day, hardy sons of 
heroic sires, prominent in ofhcial or in 
commercial circles, also deserves a place 
in history, for "each day we live, we 
are making history," and the details of 
the rise and growth of the business in- 
terests of the county are not without 
their value in observations on the grad- 
ual rise of this section from barbarism 
and a wilderness to the teeming farm 
lands, interspersed with cities, towns 
and villages, as we now find it. 

These old settlers must be gathered 
unto their fathers; the men so full of 
business and activity to-day must go 
down into the grave; the youth and bud- 
ding maiden, rise to manhood and 
womanhood, linger and decay, and even 
children that now linger 'round their 
parents' knee, give place to other people 
and other things. Then the value of 
history will be better understood, when 
all these actors upon the stage of life 
have lain down, 

"With patriai-chs of the inr'aut world,— with 

kings, 
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages jKist, 
All ill one mighty sepulchre," 
Then posterity will hail with gladness 
these annals of the times and deeds of 
their forefathers, that they may pattern 
after their noble sires. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



55 



OHAPO^EIR II. 



GEOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND RESOURCES. 



Jersey county lies on the western 
border of the great state of Hlinois, at 
the junction of the Illinois river and the 
mighty Mississippi, and embraces some- 
what over ten congressional townships 
or about three hundred and sixt^'-three 
square miles, and contains about ■2;{2,0(X) 
acres of land, nearlj^ all of which is val- 
uable for tillage or pasture. 

The county is bounded on the north 
by Greene county, on the east by Ma- 
coujiin and Madison counties, on the 
soutli by the state of Missouri, from 
which it is separated by the Mississippi 
river, and on the west by Calhoun coun- 
ty, the Hlinois river forming the boun- 
dary line between. 

The central and eastern portions of 
this sub-division of the state, are mostly 
prairie, level or gently rolling, but the 
southern and western j)art becomes more 
broken and rough as it approaches the 
rivers, forming in bluff's and hills, sepa- 
ted from each other by narrow ravines, 
and with sharp declivities, crowned with 
a narrow, knifelike ridge, some towering 
some two or three hundred feet in the 
air. This portion of the county was 
heavily timbered at one time, but thi' 
hands of the busy woodman has wielded 
the axe so well that much of the land 
has been cleared of its leafy mantle, but 
enough remains to give to it tlic a])])('ar- 
ance of a wooded country, and with the 



outcrop of gigantic rock, deep shady 
ravines and purling springs, make as 
picturesque lo'cality as any found in the 
state. 

The territory of Jersey county is di- 
versified with many streams of water, 
that How in all directions from the cen- 
ter, of which Jerseyville is the highest' 
])oint. The principal of these streams 
are the Macoupin, the Otter, Piasa and 
Phill's creek with their affluents. Ma- 
coupin creek enters Jersey county first 
in the northern part of Ruyle townshij) 
and winding, with devious course in a 
general westerly course close to the 
boundary line between this and Greene 
county, is sonu^ times in one county and 
some times in the other, until it reaches 
the northeast corner of the township of 
Richwoods, from which point to the 111- 
nois river, into which it empties, it 
forms the boundary line between the 
two counties. Phill's creek, which is 
an aflhient of this stream, is formed Ijy 
the junction of several small rivulets, 
which unite on section 17, of Fidelity 
township, and from tlience Howing 
northwesterly, receives the waters of 
the Owl and Dorscy's branches, and 
flows into the Macoupin creek. Piasa 
creek has its sourse in the southwestern 
part of Macou]iin county, and is fornu'd 
by the function of two or three small 
runs that meet on section 35., of 



56 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Fidelity township, and from thence 
flowing in a general southwesterly 
course, empties into the Mississippi 
river. Otter creek has its rise in the 
center of the county, and flows west- 
wardly into the Illinois river, at the 
southeast corner of section 6, Rosedale 
township. These streams, with their 
numerous affluents, and many small 
creeks, runs and rivulets that empty 
into the two rivers, afford ample drain- 
age for the county, and supply an abun- 
dance of water for stock purposes. 

RAILROADS. 

There are three lines of railroad tra- 
versing the territory of Jersey county, 
in various directions, connecting it with 
eastern and southern markets. The St. 
Louis and Kansas City branch of the 
Chicago and Alton railroad enters the 
county on the north from Greene county 
and traverses the townships of Jersey- 
ville, Mississippi and Piasa. It has 
two stations within the county, those of 
Jerseyville and Delhi. Another branch 
of the same road crosses the southeast 
corner of Piasa township, the main line 
from Chicago to St. Louis. The Rock 
Island and St. Louis branch of the Chi- 
cago, Burlington and Quincy railroad 
crosses the northeastern part of Ruyle 
township and has one station within 
this county, Kemper. The St. Louis, 
Jerseyville and Springfield branch of 
the \^'abash railroad, enters the county 
from the northeast, crosses the town- 
ships of Fidelity and Jerseyville to the 
city of the latter name, and then turns 
south, passing through Mississippi and 
Elsah to the town of Elsah, on the Mis- 
sissippi river, thence turning west, runs 
to Grafton, where it, at present, has its 



terminus. Besides these iron roads, 
nature has provided the most magnifi- 
cent of waterways for the carrying off 
of the surplus products of this portion " 
of the state, the Illinois river and the 
mighty Mississippi, the Father of Wat- 
ers. All these numerous avenues of 
trade, facilitate the transportation of 
merchandise and produce, and bring 
the county of Jersey into direct com- 
munication with the mighty marts of 
commerce, both north and south, and 
add largely lo the commercial value of 
everything raised within its borders. 
From early times the energetic agricul- 
turists of this county have throve and 
gathered stores of this world's goods, 
until to-day Jersey county stands well 
to the front as one of the most prosper- 
ous in the state of Illinois. The blufl' 
lands of the county are most admirably 
adapted to the cultivation of all kinds 
of Iruits, as well as wheat and other 
cereals, and the prairie with its rich, 
black alluvial soil seems the home of 
corn and other grains. The rich succu- 
lent grasses of this region betray by the 
sleek hides and rounded forms of the 
stock that are pastured therein, the nu- 
tritive qualities drawn from a kindly 
soil. Thrift and affluence are mani- 
fested on every hand in the fine im- 
provements and graded stock throughout 
the county, and taking it as a whole, in 
an agricultural sense, this county ranks 
with the best in the land. Its proxim- 
ity to the great rivers, together with its 
excellent railroad facilities, and unex- 
ceptional resources, must make it com- 
mend itself to those seeking homes in 
the West. The broken land in the 
vicinity of the rivers is well adapted to 
the culture of grape, as is demonstrated 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



57 



by those who have made essay in this 
direction, and in the hands of skillful 
vinegrowers could be made to yield a 
more liberal return for the labor de- 
voted»to them, than can be obtained 
from the richest prairie land, devoted to 
the common cereals, indigenous to this 
climate and latitude. Sheep would, no 
doubt, do well here, as it is a known 
fact that thej' are more healthy on hill 
land than on the lowlands. 

The following tables will give some 
idea of the wealth of the county, being 
the assessments made at various times 
during the existence of the county, and 
shows how the real and personal prop- 
erty of the citizens of Jersey county, 
has increased from time to time: 

Valued at. 

8T8 
,963 
,T29 
Mb 
295 
,477 
976 
730 
,150 
:»Zi 
,040 

100 



1853. No. 

Horees 3,241 

Neat Cattle 6,790 

Mules SSO 8, 

Sheep 2,3.37 2, 

Hogs 14,707 29, 

Carriag'es aud wagons 1,109 35 

Clocks and watches 737 3. 

Pianos 7 

Goods and merchandise 41, 

Manufactured articlea 7, 

Money and credits 134 

Unenumerated property 30, 



$121. 
50, 



Ag^egate $466,514 

Deductions 27,473 



Total value taxable personal property $4.39,041 

Land 8 $996,652 

Town lots 87,679 $1,084,331 

$1,623,370 



1859 No. 

Horses 3,903 

Neatcatlle 9,023 

Mules and asses 606 

Sheep 2,413 

Uogs 14,323 

Carriages and waeons 1,549 

Clocks and watches 1,008 

Pianos 37 

Goods and merchandise 

Bankers' and brokers' property 

Manufactured articles 

Moneys and credits 



Va 



lued 

$176. 

88, 

28, 

2, 

23, 

53 

6, 

2, 

50, 

16, 
144. 



at. 
,480 
Oil 
,729 
4'21 
753 
639 
009 
,475 
,130 
,0tK) 
,005 
,875 



Bouds, stocks; ,.tc 2ii0 

Unenumerated property 6-3,6.'>4 

Aggregate $66.5,179 

Deduction 12.751 

Total value taxable personal property $652,428 

Railway property $ 12,507 

Lands 1,50'2 582 

Town lots 211,448 $1,726,637 

Total value of real and personal proDerty.$ 2, 378,986 
1664 No. Valued at. 

Horses 5,099 $208,024 

Cattle 9,154 87,7a3 

Mules and asses 463 15,160 

Sheep 5,561 10,576 

Hogs 13,378 25,852 

Carriages and wagons 1,772 59 224 

Clocks and watches 967 6.220 

Pianos 65 6 645 

Goods and merchandise 75,690 

Bankers' property 2,000 

Manufactured 5,335 

Moneys and credits 144,877 

Bonds, stocks, etc 11,100 

Unenumerated property 103,392 

Aggregate $760,878 

Land $1,481 ,720 

Townlots 220,430 $1,702,150 



$2,463,028 



Tax levied 169,998,74. 

1869 No. 

Horses 4,698 

Neat cattle 6,733 

Mules and asses 679 

Sheep 4,459 

Hogs 8,%1 

Carriages and wagons 1,612 

Clocks and watches 1,196 

Pianos 88 

Goods and merchandise 

Bankers' property 

Manufactured articles 

M«neve and credits 

Unenumerated property 



Val 



ued at, 

;171,056 

77,319 

2,5,266 

5,887 

19,767 

51,225 

7,806 

10.160 

79,840 

1,000 

7.415 

200,690 

103,829 



Aggregate $760,790 

Deduction 1,590 

$759 2U0 

Railroad property $66,208 

Lands in the county 2,219,282 

Townlots 499,0.39 2,784,529 

Total assessed valuation $3, .543. 729 

1884 ValUfdat. 

Lands $2,741,398 

573,710 

704,.364 

206,540 

918 



Town lots 

Personal properly... 
Railroad property... 
Telegraph properly. 



Aggregate value $4,228,9.30 



58 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



OHAPXEIR III. 



GEOLOOY. 



[Hon. Wm. McAdams.' 



The geological strncture of Jersey 
county presents, with the exception of 
(Calhoun, the most interesting and va- 
ried field for investigatiim of any county 
in the state. The outcrops of the strat- 
ified rocks include a thickness of over 
one thousand feet of strata, ranging 
from the lower coal measures to the 
Trenton limestone of the Lower Silur- 
ian period. Some time after the depos- 
its of the carboniferous period were 
made, some great convulsion of the 
])ent up forces of nature caused an up- 
heaval of the strata, and a mountain, 
or rather the half of a mountain, arose, 
whose highest point was in the south- 
ern portion of (-alhoun county, with 
the foot of the elevation extending in a 
half circle from Alton through a part of 
Madison, Jersey, Greene and Calhoun 
counties to the southwest corner of Pike 
county, on the Mississippi river. This 
singular mountain doubtless presented 
on its southern and western side a 
mural wall, showing the whole range of 
the Paleozoic strata, from the St. Peters 
sandstone of the calciferous period to 
the coal measures, including over 100 
feet of the latter formation. Jutting 
up against the base of this precipice, 
the rocks, with the coal measures on 
top, lie in their natural positions, 
though somewhat distorted, as if they 



had been raised up and fallen back 
again. The lowest rock exposed in 
the county of Jersey is the well-known 
Trenton limestone.' 

This mountain was eroded away by 
the drift period, which, according to ' 
the theory of Agassiz, was an immense 
glacier, miles in thickness, and the fin- 
ishing stroke in the earth's creation. 
The erosive forces of the drift period 
left the site of the mountain on a gen- 
eral level with the surrounding country. 
The stream known as Otter Creek has 
its source over tne coal measures, in the 
prairie near tlie city of Jerseyville, and 
its course in a western direction, for a 
dozen miles to its mouth, passes di- 
rectly over the exposed edges of the 
rocks raised by the upheaval, thus pre- 
senting nearly the whole series of rocks 
in the county. This locality, from the 
number of strata exposed in so limited 
an extent, makes it the most interest- 
ing field for the study of geology of 
which there is any knowledge in this 
part of the state of Illinois or the United 
States. 

The following section will show the 
position and comparative thickness of 
the difi'erent group_s in the county. The 
names of the groups given are some of 
the local, but are those by which they are 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



59 



designated in the geological rei)ort of 
the !»tate of Illinois, hy Prof, ^^'o^■then: 



= 


KWteet. 


Quarternary. 


1 1 


200 feet. 


Lower Coal Mt'apures. 




15 feet. 


Oheeter Limestone. 


O 


00 to 75 feet. 


St. Louie LimeRtoue, 


a 


ISO leer. 


Keokuk LimeBtoue. 


5 


200 feet. 


Burlington Limeetom:. 




S(i to 100 feet. 


Kiudertiook Group. 




30 feet. 


Blat'.k Slate. 




15 fnet. 


Hamilton Limestone. 




120 feet. 


Niagara Limestone. 


5e "C 


40 to 50 feet. 


Cincinnati Limestone. 


5 £ 

X 


50 feet. 


Trenton Limestone. 



The total thickness of the geological 
dei)osits exposed is not far from 1 lUU feet. 

We shall now proceed to describe the 
strata represented in the above section, 
taking them up in their order of se- 
quence, and giving some of the more 
prominent features that have attracted 
our attention. 

In the Quarternary sy.stem we include 
the Alluvium, Loess, and Drift, com- 
prising all the loose superficial material 
that overlies the stratified rocks. The 
alluvial deposits of Jersey count}- are 
the bottom lands bordering on the Illi- 
nois river, and on the Piasa, Otter and 
Macoui)in creeks. The bottom along 
the Illinois rLver is a deep, sandy loam, 



differing somewhat in localities, by 
being formed wholly from the sediment 
deposited by the annual overflow of the 
river, or mainly formed from the wash 
from the highlands of the adjacent 
bluffs. These bottom lands are exceed- 
ingly fertile, producing annually large 
crops of grain and vegetables, which are 
grown year after year on the same 
ground, with but little perceptible di- 
minution in the value of the crops. 
These lowlands are now gradually 
being elevated from year to year by the 
the causes already referred to ; the 
swampy portions are filling up or being 
drained, and the arable area constanth' 
increasing. The alluvial lands of Jersey 
county will, at no distant day, be very 
valuable. 

,That portion of the county bordering 
on the rivers has, adjacent to the bot- 
toms, a range of high blufi's, cut up by 
deep ravines and narrow ridges. These 
bluffs are covered with a heavy deposit 
of loess, varying from twenty to sixty 
feet in thickness. The term loess is ap- 
plied by geologists to certain deposits 
of partially stratified marly sands and 
clays, mainly restricted to the vicinity 
of our great river valleys. The deposit 
is in a finely comminuted comlitioii, 
and contains the remains of fresh water 
and land shells, as well as some of the 
bones of animals of that period. It was 
doubtless formed after the deposition of 
the true drift, and when the Mississippi 
valley more resembled a lake than a 
flowing river. Where the deposit of 
loess is well developed, the blufi's 
usually present a series of bald knobs, 
which form such a marked feature in 
the topography of the county along the 
rivers. 



60 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



This formation, from its peculiar na- 
ture, is easily manipulated by the 
farmer, and yields excellent crops. The 
loess seems more especially adapted to 
fruits and vines, and some of the finest 
orchards and vineyards in the county 
are in this formation. It does not ex- 
tend far back from the river, except in 
the valleys of the creeks and streams, 
which are filled with the deposit, in 
some instances, three to six miles from 
the bluffs, an evidence that the valleys 
were excavated by other agencies than 
the water which now flows in them. In 
many places in the deposits of loess in 
tlie county are found curious concre- 
tions, which go by the names of petri- 
fied potatoe or petrified walnuts. Some 
of these are very singular, but none of 
them are fossils, being simply secre- 
tions, and their presence is without 
doubt due to some chemical action 
among the materials of which the loess 
is composed. 

DKIFT. 

The drift deposits are those accumu- 
lations of clay, sand and gravel which 
overlie the stratified rocks. The upper 
part of this deposit in this county is a 
yellowish, broivn clay, furnishing an in- 
exhaustible supply of material for the 
manufacture of brick. It is also used 
in the manufacture of coarse pottery, 
by being mixed with the blue clay be- 
neath it. The middle division of the 
drift is usually a gravel bed, with clay 
or sand intermingled, and is the main 
supply of water for our wells. Boulders 
of granite, sienite, greenstone quartz and 
porphyry are often washed out of these 
gravel beds, and are seen in the course 
of all the streams. They are sometimes 
called "lost rocks," a name quite sug- 



gestive, as they are indeed far away 
from their original ledges. The sand 
in the streams is all washed out of the 
drift. 

The liase of the drift in this county 
is a blue, plastic clay, in which are 
often found fragments of the vegetation 
of tlie period. A large proportion of 
the materials occupying the drift de- 
posits have been derived from regions 
far beyond the limits of the state, and 
consist of water-worn fragments of 
primitive rocks from the Lake Superior 
region, and beyond, and which have 
been transported southward by the com- 
bined action of ice and water, and were 
distributed over the valley of the Mis- 
sissip])i as far south as the Ohio river, 
where the whole valley was covered by 
a vast sea of water. 

Sometimes fragments of valuable min- 
erals, sucli as gold, silver, copper and 
lead, are found in the drift, and have 
been the cause of leading many person^ 
to give many fruitless search for mines 
supposed to be hidden below. All over 
the country, in digging wells, pieces of 
coal are found that have been dragged 
away from the coal measures, and de- 
ceive the unwary by their presence. 
Occasionally in digging wells, after 
penetrating the drift deposits, an old 
soil is discovered. This is generally 
found in ancient valleys that existed 
previous to the drift period. Other 
creek cuts through one of these an- 
cient valleys not far above the 
iron bridge, and there is plainly to 
be seen, below the base of the drift, a 
curious black or dark brown formation, 
almost wholly composed of the limbs, 
leaves and fruits of trees mingled with 
a true soil. From a cubic foot of this 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



61 



old deposit we extracted perha))s a score 
of perfect cones, from an inch to three 
inches in length, that belonged to some 
old conifer tree. Of the vegetation of 
this period but little is known; the same 
may be said of the animals. They 
were, however, without doulit fitted to 
live in a cold climate. We have some 
remains of an animal found in the drift 
deposits near Grafton. It was an ani- 
mal as large as an ox, and had long 
tusks, verj' different, however, from 
those of an elephant; it is unknown to 
science. From the same locality we 
have the teeth of a mammoth species of 
elk or reindeer, together with the re- 
mains of rodents of unknown species. 
On the Piasa, Macoupin and Otter 
creeks a number of the remains of the 
huge and peculiar mannnals of the drift 
period have been found. Relics or re- 
mains of this kind, found in digging 
wells or other excavations should be 
jireserved, as they are the fragmentary 
pages of a lost history. 

Although no beds of the Tertiary age 
have been identified in this country, 
certain indications liave lieen observed 
that would go to show that this forma- 
tion existed in local patches at least, in 
the valley of the Illinois river. Whih^ 
digging a well on the William's farm on 
bottom, four miles from the Illinois 
river, at the depth of twenty feet, a 
stratum of marl and sand was discov- 
ered, in which were fossils undoubt- 
edly of the Tertiary age. One of these 
fossils, in our possession, is a well pre- 
served shark's tooth, some four inches 
long. The river valley at tiiis point is 
three to four miles wide, and seems to 
be filled with true drift deposits, beneath 
which was found the shark's tooth. 



Further researches in this locality will 
no doubt reveal matter of great interest 
to science. 

COAI. ME.VSl'KES. 

The rocks that belong to the coal 
measures in this county have a thick- 
ness of about 2(X) feet, embracing three 
or more seams of coal of workable 
thickness. These coal beds under-lie 
the eastern ])ortion of the county. 
There is no coal of any value west of 
the Jacksonville and .\lton railroad, 
which runs through the county from 
north to south. On the western side 
of this coal region the measures, if any 
are found, are thin and of no great 
value, but as we proceed easterly the 
measures increase in thickness, and the 
seams of coal become more numerous. 

The following section is compiled 
from various local exposures, examined 
by the state geologist as well as myself, 
and given in his report, from which we 
draw largely in writing this chapter. 
The section may ])e taken as the ap- 
proximate thickness of the coal meas- 
ures of the county: 

Feet. 
Gray sliale exposed west of Brigh- 
ton 10 

Compact brownish limestone 

Brown calcareous shale 3 

Green and blue argillaceous shale. .8 to 10 

Coal No. 6 21-^to 3 

■Slialey clay 1 J-:^ 

Calcareous shale t! 

Clay sliale 8 to 10 

[..imestone and bituminous shale. . 3 

Cual Nil, .5 3 to 4 

Slialey line clay 1 to 2 

Xoilular argillaceous limestone 4 

Gray shale 30 

li.tuuiiiiciiis sliale 4 

Saiidstoiie and shale 40 to 50 

Coal \n. 1 2 to 3 

<'lay sliale 2 

Xoilular dark-blue limestone, in 

local outcrops 3 to 6 

Shale and sandstone 10 lo 20 



62 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



The upper beds of this section, in- 
cluding the two upper coal seams, can 
be seen in one locality near the town of 
Brighton. Tlie coal beds in the state 
of Illinois are numbered from one to 
twelve, comniencing with the lower 
seam, which is known as No. 1. In 
the rocks, in immediate connection with 
each one of these coal seams, are cer- 
tain fossils that are peculiar to them, 
generally in the shale, limestone or 
sandstone that form the roof over the 
coal. By these fossils, with which any 
one can with a little study become fa- 
miliar, the position and proper horizon 
of each coal vein is ascertained. 

The two coal veins, near Brighton, on 
the eastern side of the county, are 
known by the associating fossils as Nos. 
o and (), in the series of veins in the 
great coal fields in the state. These 
are the best workable beds in Illinois, 
being the greatest in thickness, and 
furnishing the most valuable coal. 

These two coal beds both crop out 
along the eastern portion of the country, 
and are separated by 20 to 30 feet of 
shales. They are both underlaid by a 
calcareous clay shale, passing into lime- 
stone. The lower bed is overlaid by a 
brown limestone, which sometimes forms 
the roof immediately over the coal, or 
is separated from it by a thin bed of 
bituminous shale. The coal bed No. 5 
furnishes most of the coal mined in the 
county, as it does in the state. It, no 
doubt, underlies the greater part of 
townships 7 and S, in range 10, and may 
be found still further west, but so near 
its outcropping edges its presence is un- 
certain. 

Coal beds Nos. 2, ?, and4 of the series, 
seem to be wanting in Jersey county; at 



least we have failed to find any evidence 
of their presence. There is, however, a 
third coal seam exposed on the Piasa 
creek, east of Delhi. This coal seam 
has been opened at various localities 
along the banks of the creek, and is 
reached by a shaft on the farm of Silas 
Bates. The coal varies in thickness 
from two to three feet, and is overlaid by 
a few inches of bituminous shale, which 
passes upward into a brown clay shale. 
It is underlaid by four or five feet of fire- 
clay and about 10 feet of sandy shale 
and sandstone, which lies directly upon 
the St. Louis limestone. There is no 
coal seam below this one, and it is prob- 
ably the lowest of the series, and equiv- 
alent to No. 1. It is not so good a coal 
as Nos. 5 and 6. 

In sinking a well for the city of Jer- 
seyville, a few feet of micacious sand- 
stone was passed through, which, in all 
probability, belongs to the coal meas- 
ures. The rocks exposed in the streams 
north of Jerseyville belong below the 
coal measures. The irregular borders 
of the formation, without doubt, run in 
an northeast direction from that city. 
There is plenty of coal in Jersey county 
for the use of the inhabitants. Its easy 
access, on account of its nearness to the 
surface, and consequently small outlay 
for sinking shafts, should make it very 
cheap to the consumer. 

CHESTER LIMESTONE. 

Passing below the coal measures, we 
come directly upon the lower, or sub- 
carboniferous rocks. In several places 
about the head branches of Otter creek 
are exposed thin outliers of the Chester 
group, which is not more than 15 feet 
thick. On a branch of Otter creek, near 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



63 



, ]?t'atty"s Mound, there is a stratum of 
white sandstone three or four feet thiek; 
beh)w this, several feet of thin-bedded 
sandstone is seen, which rests on the 
St. Louis limestone. This sandstone, 
wiiieh, however, is really a silicious 
limestone, contains many beautiful fos- 
sils, among which are Retzia vera and 
Athyris ambigua, familiar forms in the 
Chester group. At Cooj)er's quarries, 
three miles southwest of Jerseyville, 
the same beds are partly changed into a 
brown, ferruginous, shaly sandstone, in 
which are curious nodules of good iron 
ore. In this formation are found some 
beautiful pentremites, with a triangular 
base, and of an undetermined sjiecies. 

ST. LOUIS LIMESTONK. 

This formation seems generally to be 
the underlying work ;ilong the uutcrop- 
))ing edges of the eoal measures. It 
has considerable develo{)ment through 
the central [jortion of the county, and 
its ma.ximum tliickness i)robably reaches 
from a hunch-ed to one hundred and 
fifty feet. This rock, from its central 
position, is more generally used than any 
other rock in the county for building 
purposes. It has its greater develop- 
ment on the Piasa, and thins out in the 
northern part of the county, until it is 
not more than about thirty feet thick 
nortli of Jerseyville. There are many 
good (piarries on the Piasa, and the 
abutments of the railroad bridge across 
that stream are built of this rock, from 
<|uarries in its vicinity. It out-crops on 
the farm of James Lamb, and there are 
excellent quarries both south and west 
of Beaty's Mound on Otter creek, ami at 
Cooper's quarry, three miles southwest 
of Jerseyville. It is the underlying 



rock beneath the city of Jerseyville, 
and is sometimes reached in digging 
deep wells in that locality. In the 
lower part of thi.s formation in Jersey 
county there is a bluish, dove colored 
hydraulic limestone, which is as soft in 
some places as to have the appearance 
of a bed of blue clay. It out-crops on 
the Piasa near its moutli, where there is 
a manufactory for making cement. It 
is simply burned in a kiln to deprive it 
of water, and then ground into flour. It 
makes an excellent cement, and when 
mixed by water with two-thirds of its 
bulk of clean sand, will soon harden 
into a body having the consistency and 
hardness of rock. 

The bed worked at the hydraulic 
mills is eight feet in thickness. Over- 
lying the hydraulic limestone is a brown- 
ish magnesian limestone, in wliich are 
found ( )rthis dul)ia, sjiirifer lateralis, and 
a beautiful little pentremite peculiar to 
this formation. This hydraulic lime- 
stone seems to be present wiierevcr the 
St. Louis limestone is found in tlie 
county. Beds of it are exjiosed near 
Beaty's Mound, ai^d it underlies the city 
of Jerseyville, where we have seen it 
brought up from the liottom of wells 
that were less than a hundred feet in 
depth. The western limits of the St. 
Louis group in Jersey county, would 
form an irregidar line running from the 
Mississippi about midway between the 
mouth of the Piasa and the town of 
Elsah, north, one mile west of Beaty's 
Mounil, thence to Macoupin creek. Five 
miles above Grafton the St. Louis lime- 
stone is found, forming a part of the 
river bluff". It is not, however, in its 
original position, but seems to have 
been thrown down bv the dislocation of 



64 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



the strata caused by the upheaval of the 
Cap au Grey axis, whicli crosses tlie 
Illinois river a short distance above. 
These rocks at Dinsmore's lime kiln 
resemble the upper beds at Alton, and 
makeexcellent lime. This bed of rocks 
will, at some future .day, be a great 
source of revenue to the people of the 
county. 

KEOKUK LIMESTONE. 

This group underlies the St. Louis 
limestone, and has a thickness in this 
county of about 150 feet. It is gener- 
ally thin bedded, seldom affording strata 
more than a foot in thickness. Almost 
the entire thickness of these rocks can 
be seen in the Mississippi bluffs above 
the mouth of Piasa creek. Fine exposures 
are also to be seen on Otter creek and its 
affluents, between Jerseyville and Graf- 
ton. The rocks on Otter creek at the 
iron bridge, for a half a mile above and 
a mile below, belong to this group; it is 
also exposed on the Macoupin, north- 
west of Jerseyville. The rocks of this 
group are not near as valuable as the St. 
Louis limestone, being shaly, thin bed- 
ded, easily broken, and liable to crumble 
on exposure. It was formerly used to 
some extent in wallingcellars and wells, 
for which purpose, as well as for found- 
ation walls, it answers very well. 

One peculiarity of this group of rocks, 
is its beds of geodes, which occur in 
the shaly limestone strata, sometimes 
so thickly disposed as to press against 
one another. Many of them are hollow 
spheres of quartz or chalcedony, with 
their interior cavity lined with beauti- 
ful crystal of quartz, calcite, dolomite, 
gypsum, aragonite, pyrites, pearl spar, 
silicate of alumina, and many other 
minerals in a crystalline form. It is 



said that there is no formation in the 
state that presents such attractive and 
interesting specimens of crystallized 
minerals, as are to be foimd in the geode 
beds of the Keokuk limestone. 

On some of the branches of Otter 
creek after a severe rain storm, hun- 
dreds of these geodes can be seen lying 
loose in the bed of the stream. The 
Keokuk rocks are noted for their fossils, 
and the beds of this formation in this 
county are rich with the remains of an- 
cient life. Fossil shells, corals, encrin- 
ites and bryozoans of many beautiful 
and varied forms are abundant. Among 
the fossil shells, the most common are 
Spirifer Keokuk, S. cuspidatus, Pro- 
ductus puntatus and Platyceras equilet- 
era. Of the corals, the most abundant 
are Zaph rentes Dalii, Sphenopolerium, 
obtusum. Of the bryozoans, the curious 
screw shaped Archimedes Owenana is 
most comri'ion. A familiar acquaintance 
with the specific of the above named 
fossils, will enable anyone to identify 
the Keokuk rocks wherever they may 
be observed. Forty-eight species of 
fossil fish have been determined from 
this group, and are figured in the state 
reports. The temple at Nauvoo was 
built of this stone. 

BURLINGTON LIMESTONE. 

This group of rocks lies below the 
Keokuk limestone, from which it is 
separated in this county by cherty lay- 
ers of considerable thickness, and which 
form beds of passage from one limestone 
formation to another. On the farm of 
Mr. Wm. McAdams, on Otter creek, 
a good section of this chert 
bed, some 20 feet in thickness, can be 
seen with the overlying Keokuk beds, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



65 



and beneath it the fossilifefous beds ol 
the Burlington limestone. It is an excel- 
lent locality for the student of geology 
to see a plain line of demarcation sepa- 
rating two periods. 

The Burlington strata below the chert 
is a heavy bedded, light grey crinoidal 
limestone, largely composed of the re- 
mains of crinoidea, interspersed with 
shells and corals that must have grown 
in remarkable abundance in that ancient 
quiet sea. In the formation of the chert 
bed these conditions seem to have been 
changed the exuberance of life is wanting 
the few fossils in the chert bed plainly 
showing the terrible struggle during an 
age of convulsions, for existence. The 
shaly beds of the Keokuk group, 
above the chert, show plainl^y that dif- 
ferent conditions were ushered; the con- 
vulsions ceased, the storms gradually 
subsided, new forms of life, strange and 
beautiful, came slowly in the new seas, 
and the wonderful process of creation 
was continued. 

The cleavage of the Burlington lime- 
stone is generally through the joints 
of the crinoidea, which gives the fresh- 
ly-broken surface a crystalline appear- 
ance. The thickness of this group in 
the county is about 200 feet. The for- 
mation of these rocks seems to have 
been subject, at different times, to dis- 
turbing influences of the elements, al- 
ternating with periods of tranquility, 
and chcrty bands are interspersed 
through the formation, causing much of 
the strata to be easily broken into sharp, 
angular fragments, and is useless for 
Iniilding purposes. There is, however, 
Bome good building rock in this forma- 
tion in the county. 

At Elsah, the river bluff is entirely 



composed of this limestone, and is, in 
one place. 190 to 200 feet high. The for- 
mation is exposed at the head of the 
hollow through which the road leads 
out from Grafton to Jersey ville. It is 
also seen where the Jerseyville and 
Grafton road crosses the south branch of 
Otter creek. Fine exposures of rock 
in the ravines west of Otterville, on the 
poor farm and in the bluffs and ravines 
near Fieldon. Among the fossils, those 
generally seen are Euomphalus latus, 
Spirifer Grimesi, Orthis Michelini, with 
Actino crinus turl)an:\tus, and many 
beautiful and singular crinoids. 

The Burlington rocks forming the 
bluffs on the Mississippi river in this 
county, form perpendicular cliffs nearly 
200 feet high. These being capped by 
40 or 50 feet of loess, makes the entire 
elevation from 225 to 250 feet high. 
From the river they present a pic- 
turesque and beautiful appearance, the 
whole formation being weathered and 
worn into straight columns and but- 
tresses that, at a distance, have the ap- 
pearance of being the ruins of some old 
feudal castle, with towers and bastions 
and buttressed walls. 

KINDERHOOK LIMESTONE. 

This formation forms the basis of the 
lower carboniferous limestone series in 
this county, and rests directly on shales 
belonging to the Devonian epoch. Be- 
tween Elsah 'and Grafton, where this 
group is exposed in the bluff, it seems 
to be about 100 feet in thickness. It 
consists of thin-bedded, ash-colored, 
impure, earthy limestone, with an oc- 
casional heavy layer of dolomitic lime- 
stone. At Grafton, up the hollow in 
which the road runs to the north, the 



G6 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



formation is represented by 50 feet or 
more of gray, impure limestone, some- 
times 'magnesian, with marly partings 
between the beds. These beds contain 
nodules of crystallized carbonate of 
limestone, with a silicious crust, re- 
sembling geodes in appearance, but hav- 
ing no cavity within. At Grafton, in 
the Kinderhook, which overlies the up- 
per quarries, there is a heavy-bedded, 
bluish, compact limestone, called by 
Prof. Swallow, in Missouri, lithographic 
limestone, from its general resemblance 
to the celebrated German stone used in 
lithography. The Missouri lithographic 
limestone, in all probability, occupies 
the same horizon as these compact beds 
of the Kinderhook in this county. This 
rock breaks with a smooth, conchoidal 
fracture, and from its compactness and 
fine texture would, no doubt, receive a 
high polish. Fossils are found in this 
group, but not in such abundance as in 
the Keokuk and Burlington. 

EL.iCK SL.\TE. 

The Devonian sj^stem is not very ex- 
tensively developed in Jersey county, 
the whole extent probably not exceeding 
40 or 50 feet. It is divided into two 
groups, the first of which is known by 
tke name of black slate. This group 
comprises a series of dark-blue, green 
or chocolate-colored shales, which pass 
locally into a lilnck bituminous shale, 
from which it derives its name, which 
was given to it by early investigators of 
western geology. In the deep hollow 
going north from Grafton, this forma- 
tion can be seen on the eastern slope, 
of a deep blue color, and somewhat re- 
sembles the hydraulic limestone of the 
St. Louis, but is without its constitu- 



ents, being a shale. In this same hol- 
low the black slate changes its local 
color from blue to a greenish, brownish 
hued shale. In Graham's hollow, five 
miles northwest of Grafton, tliis forma- 
tion is ablackshale, highly Itituminous. 
On Otter creek, near the bluffs, in the 
lateral branches, we find exposures of 
tliis formation. These black shales 
have a resemblance in color to coal, 
and at a distance has very much the 
appearance of an outcrojiping seam 
of fine bituminous coal. This has 
lead many people to believe that 
coal existed in this locality, and much 
search has been made, and money and 
time expended uselessly. This forma- 
tion occupies the horizon of the great 
oil producing zone of Ohio and Penn- 
sylvania, but the l)ituminous bods of 
this county are not thick enough to 
promise any considerable j'ield of oil. 
The exposures of this formation extend 
in this county only from Grafton to the 
mouth of Otter creek, the lines of the 
outcropping group becoming shorter 
and narrower as we approach the center 
of the upheaval. 

H.^MILTON LIMESTONE. 

This group also belongs to the Devo- 
nian, and together with the black slate 
comprises all the deposits of that sys- 
tem in the county. It may be proper to 
state here, that the scarcity of fossils 
from the black slate makes it question- 
able whether it belongs to the Lower 
carboniferous series, or to the Devo- 
nian. There seems to be a plain line 
between the black slate and the Hamil- 
ton group; indeed, the line of demar- 
cation .is more plainly observable than 
between the black slate and the Kinder- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



r>7 



hook. There is found a Lingula in the 
black slate that is identical with the 
Lingula found in the Devonian in other 
states, and its stratagraphieal position 
wouhl seem to place it in the Devonian. 
The Hamilton limestone furnishes 
many fossils characteristic of the De- 
vonian system. A thin strata of the 
group exposed in Graham's hollow, a 
few miles north west of Grafton, is liter- 
ally made of the fossil inhabitants of 
that old Devonian sea. Some of these 
fossils are very perfect. Slabs of this 
fossiliferous strata make beautiful cabi- 
net specimens. In some of the deep 
ravines, near the nioutli of Otter creek, 
many of these fossils are weathered out, 
and can be picked up among the debris. 
In tills locality corals are seen in re- 
markable jirofusion; there being at one 
time, possibly, a coral reef in the shal- 
low Devonian ocean. The fossil most 
characteristic of the Devonian rocks of 
Jersey and Calhoun counties is a coral 
of the genus Heliophyllum, of these is 
one or more of the undescribed species. 
These Heliophyllums are called by 
some of the local collectors, "petrified 
cows horns," and in fact they greatly 
resemble a short, thick, curved cow's 
liorn. The Hamilton in tliis locality is 
almost merged into a sandstone, is quite 
soft, and the fossils are easily weath- 
ered out, making tlie vicinity a most 
excellent one for collecting cabinet spe- 
cimens. The Hamilton is exposed in a 
narrow belt in the ravines and creeks 
between Grafton and the mouth of Otter 
creek. It is not more than 10 or 15 feet 
in thickness in the county. In Gra- 
ham's hollow, a fi'W miles from Grafton, 
this formation is saturated with petro- 
leum. Upon taking a portion of the 



rock, freshly broken from the bed, it 
has the smell of coal oil, and the petro- 
leum can be seen filling the cavities in 
the rock. At two or tliree points in this 
locality borings have been made through 
black slate, Hamilton limestone, and 
some distance into the Niagara rocks 
below, in search of oil, but no paying 
quantities were discovered. These 
rocks are, however, in the same horizon 
as the petroleum districts of Pennsylva- 
nia and Ohio. The unmistakable pres- 
ence of petroleum in the upheaval and 
outcropping edges of this system, in its 
limited exposure in tlie county, is signi- 
ficant at least. All the rocks of the 
county have a strong inclination down- 
ward toward the northeast, on accoimt 
of the upheaval mentioned at the begin- 
ning of this chapter. If these rocks 
were tapped by boring on the eastern 
side of the county, where the rocks lie 
conformable and in a horizontal posi- 
tion, who knows but that coal oil ma}' 
be found in quantities? 

NIAGAE.\ LIMESTONE. 

Underlying the Devonian system of 
rocks in Jersey county is the Niagara 
group of the Upper Silurian system. 
This group of rocks is important, from 
the great value of its material as a 
building stone. This formation is well 
exposed in the deep hollows and rav- 
ines, from the mouth of Otter creek to 
the town of Grafton, where it forms the 
princijial part of the bluffon the Missis- 

.\ mile below Grafton it disappears 
beneath the bed of the river, and we 
believe is seen no more in Southern Il- 
linois. It has a thickness in this 
county of about 120 or 125 feet, and is a 



68 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



bufF-colored dolomitic limestone, in 
regular beds, which vary in thickness 
from four inches to three feet. At 
Grafton the group is very evenly bed- 
ded, and dimension rock, almost any 
required size, can be easily obtained 
from the quarries, which are situated 
directly on the bank of the Mississippi 
river, with the very best shipping fa- 
cilities. The rock has a firm, even 
texture, cuts easily when freshly quar- 
ried, and can be readily worked into 
forms for ornamental purposes. It 
hardens on exposure, and is remarkably 
free from chert or deleterious material. 
Beautiful fossils are found in the quar- 
ries at Grafton, the most abundant of 
which is a trilobite, Calymene Bluman 
bachii, and a large multivalve shell, 
Orthoceras Annulatum. There are six 
or seven species of these curious crus- 
taceans, known as trilobites, some of 
them very large. There are also sev- 
eral species of orthoceras, with bivalve 
shells, cronoids and corals. These fos- 
sils, especially the trilobites, are found 
in great perfection, apparently in exact 
positions as when living; in some in- 
stances a mark is left behind them, ap- 
parently the track of their travels, the 
whole indicating a sudden death. The 
crevices and apertures, caused by the 
shrinkage in the strata in this forma- 
tion, often contain the most beautiful 
stalactites, or a beautiful encrustation 
of stalagmite on the floors and sides of 
the caverns. Fine crystals of calcyte 
are frequently met with. This forma- 
tion contains the most valuable build- 
ing stone to be found in the state, and 
are a source of wealth to the owners of 
the quarries. Some of the finest build- 
ings erected in St. Louis had their wall 



made from stone taken from the Grafton 
quarries, among them the Lindell and 
Southern hotels. 

CINCINN.\TI LIMESTONE. 

This group of the Lower Silurian 
system is represented in the county by 
40 or 50 feet of agillaceous shales. It 
appears to be mainly a soft, bluish clay 
shale, that weathers on exposure about 
where it outcrops, to a i)ure clay, that 
apparently might be suitable for a pot- 
ter's clay. This clay has somewhat the 
appearance of some of the fire clays of 
the coal measures, but has not the same 
consistency. It is filled witli innumer- 
able small, lancet shaped crystals of 
gypsum or phosphate of lime. ALany 
of the crystals are double; some are 
half an inch in length, perfectly trans- 
parent, and exactly resemble the point 
of a physician's lance. Many of the 
crystals are found adhering together, 
forming curiously complicated groups. 
Great numbers of these crystals are 
seen wherever we have seen these clay 
shales weathering out in the county. 
No analysis of the crystals or the clay 
has ever been made to our knowledge. 
They may prove to be of commercial 
value. The outcrop extends from Ma- 
son's landing, or Upper Grafton, where 
the blue clay is exposed at the base of 
the old quarry back of the mill, to 
within a short distance of Coon creek. 
Although this formation furnishes char- 
acteristic fossils in adjoining counties, 
we have found but few in Jersey, 
enough however to know it occupies 
the same horizon. 

TRENTON LIMESTONE. 

This group of the Lower Silurian rocks 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



69 



has a limited outcrop in the county. It 
is well exposed on the farm of S. P. 
Dinsmore, and extends in a northeast 
direction less than a mile, and is mostly 
confined to section 9, T. 6, R. 13. 40 
to 50 feet of this formation is to be seen 
in this locality. The rock is thin-bed- 
ded, compact, and of a light-gray or 
white color, splitting easily, with un- 
even cleavage. It has been quarried 
and burned for lime, of which it makes 
a good quality, but not equal to that 



made from the St. Louis limestone. It 
is filled with the peculiar and charac- 
teristic fossils of the Lower Silurian age. 
Ami>ng those most familiar are Orthis 
testudinaria, Spirifer lynx, Strophome- 
na alternata, S. deltoidea, two or three 
species of Pleurotomaria,Orthoceratites, 
and a large specie of Receptaeulites, or 
" sunflower coral," with remains of tri- 
lobites and crinoidea. 

The Trenton is the oldest formation 
of which Jersey county can boast. 



aHAF»T:^EXR IV. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



To the reader of local history, this 
chapter is of general interest, but to the 
pioneer himself it is more. Here he 
has himself, and friends and neighbors, 
as in days ])ast they first sought out the 
western wilds and fought for existence 
in the wilderness. See him, as he takes 
the book in hand, slowly, critically pore- 
ing over every word, recalling in his 
nund the pictures of a vanished past at 
the mention of some well-known name, 
or smiling as recollection brings back 
some ludicrous adventure in the early 
days of his settlement. His old associ- 
ations, the trials and tribulations inci- 
dent to a new country, the battles 
against hunger and cold while settlers 
were scattered thinly over a large ex- 



panse of country. All these rise up be- 
fore him as he reads. Even now, in 
memory, he hears the wind moan round 
the humble cottage that first sheltered 
him, and hears the wolves howl as they 
did in days of yore. The picture of the 
past rises up vividly before him, and he 
once more rejoices in the pride of youth. 
Now the thought comes over him that 
by and through his efforts he has helped 
to make this wilderness blossom as the 
rose, and emerge from a state of na- 
ture into a well developed and thrifty 
land, and views with satisfaction the 
growing towns and villages and fertile 
farms that dot the landscape over. But, 
perhaps the brow will cloud and the eye 
dim as memory's mystic voice recalls 



70 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



the dark and j^ainful side of those early 
experiences. The loved wife of his bo- 
som fading slowly away before the 
breath of the cold destroyer, or some 
laughing, prattling babe, the joy of the 
household, laid away under the sod in 
solemn silence, by the hands of rough- 
appearing but sympathizing neighbors. 
Time has healed those wounds, but to- 
day, as memory is fast unlocking the 
chambers of the mind, the silent tear 
will well itself to the surface and drop 
as a tribute to the loved and lost of that 
by-gone time. 

Notwithstanding the cares and adver- 
sities that clustered round the cabin 
door of the pioneer, these hardy Argo- 
nauts led a happy life. Here all were 
free and equal, and the absence of the 
restraining presence of wealth and po- 
sition was to him a source of comfort 
and satisfaction. The rough hospitality, 
the hearty feeling of brotherhood, 
among these vanguards of civilization 
were the spontaneous overflow of hearts 
full of regard for humanity, and was 
practiced more as the natural prompt- 
ing of their nature than from any teach- 
ing of a Christian duty. They were 
men in the highest acceptance of the 
word. 

FRENCH EXPLORATIONS. 

Early in the spring of 1673, accord- 
ing to the most authentic accounts. 
Father Marquette and Joliet, a fur- 
trader of Quebec, with five hearty voy- 
ageurs, began to make preparations for 
a grand expedition to discover the 
mighty river in the west, of which they 
had heard from the Indians, and which 
is now known by the name of Missis- 
sippi. On the 10th of June, of that 
year, they started on their monientous 



trip. Crossing the water-shed dividing 
the Fox from the Wisconsin river, they 
journeyed to the latter stream. On the 
l7th of June, their two canoes entered the 
broad majestic current of the Mississippi 
river. They landed and remained for 
six days at the mouth of the DesMoines 
river, near the present site of Keokuk, 
enjoying the hospitality of the Illinois 
Indians. They then re-embarked, and 
sailing on down the mighty stream, 
came to the confluence of the Illinois 
with the Mississippi. Here, upon the 
2nd of July, they disembarked upon 
what is now the soil of Jersey county, 
ascended the bluffs for the purpose of 
viewing their surroundings. They did 
not linger long but soon entered their 
canoes and passed on down the river as 
far as the present site of Memphis, 
Tennessee. On account of the exposure, 
to the malarial air, and the toil of 
striving against tlie strong current, 
some sickness prevailed, but none were 
seriously afiected, excej)t Father Mar- 
quette. They were informed, when 
nearing the mouth of that stream, by 
friendly savages, that the Illinois river 
was a shorter cut to the lakes. They 
therefore turned the pro'Cvs of tlieir 
canoes up that stream. Its languid 
current was easier to overcome, and in 
the journal of the voyage, kept by 
Father Marquette, himself, is given 
their highly drawn pictures of an earthly 
paradise, which, altliough at the time 
were treated liy all that read them as 
wild fancies, but were found to be simi)ly 
the statements of facts. 

The next visitors to this county, were 
doubtless some of the command under 
LaSalle, in 1G79. He started Father 
Hennepin down the Illinois river to its 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



71 



juncticiii witli the Mississiijipi, ami 
which was then to ])roceed up that 
stream towards its headwaters. Thus 
Heiiiieiiin was the first of this hand to 
gaze upon this beautiful land. In 1680, 
while in search of Tonti, his lieutenant, 
who had been left at Fort Creve-coeur, 
and who had been deserted by most of 
his men, and compelled to leave the de-. 
fense, came down the Illinois river, 
until he saw the mighty "Father of 
waters." He landed on the prominent 
jiuint on the bank of the river, al)ove 
Grafton, and set up a sign, so that it 
would attract the attention of Tonti, if 
he should come that way, and fastened 
to it a letter directing him to come on 
to the lakes. He then proceeded back 
uj) the Illinois. 

Two years had hardly elapsed when 
this portion of Illinois was again visited 
by these adventurous Frenchmen. La 
Salle with "io white men and IS Indians, 
again descended the beautiful Illinois, 
and reached its mouth on the 6th of 
February, 1682. It was their intention 
to descend the Mississippi to its mouth, 
but on reaching this j)oint, he found 
that the great river was tilled with float- 
ing ice, and it was determined to camp 
and await the clearing of the stream. It 
has been conjectured that this camp was 
in the immediate vicinity of (irafton, 
hut no clue exists in La Salle's account, 
further than a very vague description of 
the ]ilace, and the circumstance, that he 
could not cross the river through the ice 
so he most likely camjic<l upon the soil 
of.Iersey county. Here lu' remained a 
week. This exi)edition was the first to 
ixplore the giant river to its mouth. 
Many of the early settlers of Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia came by this same route, 



the Illinois. But no settlement was 
n)ade within the limits of what is now 
Jersey county, by these early French 
settlers, as far as known, liut, probably 
the timbered bluffs of the south and west 
of J ersey may have held many hunting 
parties in these almost, pre-historic 
days. 

During the war of 1812-15, the In- 
dians, incited by British influence, were 
very hostile to the settlers, and depre- 
dations were of almost daily occurrence. 
Great numbers of block-houses or log- 
forts, were built for the security of set- 
tlers' families, at intervals from Kas- 
kaskia to the Illinois river. One of 
these log forts stood near the the site of 
the present town of Grafton, at the 
mouth of the Illinois, opposite the town 
of Portage des Sioux. Here were sta- 
tioned some rangers under Capt. John 
Whiteside The trooj)s marching to and 
fro, between, the settlcin(>nts down 
the river, and the Indian villages 
aliove, crossed the territory of what is 
now Jersey county, several times. 

But with the close of tlie war emi- 
gration set in toward the rich lands of 
Illinois in a strong and steady flow. 
Congress passing in 18i;>, the i)re-emp- 
tion act, contributed to this to a large 
extent, as prior to this the incomers 
were compelled, m most cases, to 
"squat" on the public lands, without 
right or title to the improvements that 
they might make, and were in danger of 
losing them every day. In 1815, the set- 
tlements began to push themselves out 
northward from JIadison county, and in 
five years had dotted most of tlu; country 
now known as Central Illinois. It 
seems that the Indian title to tiiis land 
had never been extinguished, so, we are 



72 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



told, in about the year 1817, Auguste 
Chouteau and Benjamin Stephenson, on 
the part of the United States, bought at 
Edwardsvilie, of the Kickapoo Indians, 
10,000,000 acres of land, lying between 
the Illinois river on the northwest, the 
Kaskaskia on the southeast, the Kan- 
kakee on the northeast, and the Missis- 
sippi on the southwest. On the 20th of 
August, Benjamin Parke, also, bought 
for the United States, all the lands on 
the Wabash, owned by the same tribe. 
In consequences of these purchases, the 
richest lands in the State were thrown 
open to settlement. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT OF JERSEY COUNTY. 

In the fall of the year 1815, ^ix men, 
Daniel Allen and his three sons, John, 
James and Daniel and two brothers, 
Paul and James Harriford, left their 
native state — Tennessee, to search out a 
new home. They came as far as the 
"Wood river settlement, without finding 
any place that suited them, and on ar- 
riving at that place, after some delib- 
eration, started on further north. They 
settled within the limits of what is now 
Jersey township, south of the Macou- 
pin creek, nearly opposite to the mouth 
of Taylor's creek or branch, on Section 
13. Their nearest neighbors were 20 
miles south of them and north of them 
much further off. During the year 1816 
these pioneers raised a crop of corn, 
and enjoyed themselves. During the 
fall of that year Daniel Allen, Sr., and 
his two sons, James and Daniel, Jr., 
moved westward about six miles into 
what is now Greene county. The Har- 
rifords removed to Missouri. 

Philip Grimes came to this county in 
the spring of 1818, and erected a cabin 



on Section 2, of what is now known as 
English township. He brought his 
family here from Upper Alton and in- 
stalled them therein. At this place, on 
the 20th of January, 1820, was born 
Jarrett T., his son, who is supposed to 
be the first white child born within the 
limits of the county, now living. Philip 
Grimes resided in the cabin until 1822, 
when he purchased the improvements of 
Thos. Lynn, on section 23, of the same 
township, and moved there. Mr. Grimes 
was born August 26, 1782, in Virginia, 
and was united in marriage to Polly 
Boyett, June 4, 1808, in Davidson 
county, Tennessee. Mrs. Grimes was 
a native of that county and state, born 
March 10, 1790. She died September 
29, 1853, and Mr. Grimes, October 4, 
1851. 

Philemon Higgins is believed to have 
settled on the banks of the stream 
called after him, Phill's creek, in 1817, 
as he was found there by those who 
passed that way early in the following 
year. He made this his residence for 
many years, and finally died in this 
county. 

Jacob Lurton, Sr., came to Jersey 
county, in the spring of 1817, and 
built a cabin near the east line of sec- 
tion 1, in what is now Elsah township. 
He remained here but a short time, 
when finding the water not very good 
in that locality, moved a short distance 
east of it to the neighborhood of a 
spring, but which still left him in Jer- 
sey county. He lived in this latter 
cabin until his death in 1827. His son 
Judge Jacob Lurton and grand children 
are still residents of the county. 

David Stockton and James White- 
sides came to Jersey county on the 10th 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



73 



of June, 1817. Tradition has it that a 
party, amonjj whom were the above 
mentioned, Edward Carroll, and others 
came through this section of the state 
looking for a home, the most of them 
going as far north as Sangamon county, 
but these two gentlemen liking the 
looks of the country hereabouts, stop- 
ped and made settlements. James 
Whitesides settled upon section 25, in 
what is now English township, where 
he lived for several years. He made 
another improvement besides this, and 
in 1821, sold out and removed to Greene 
county. 

William Bates made a settlement in 
Elsah township among the very first to 
locate in that sub-division of the county. 
He erected his cabin on section 25, in 
1817, and resided there some years and 
finally removed to a farm near Upper 
Alton, where he died at a later date. 
With William Bates came his son, 
James, a married man with a family. 

John W. Huitt came to what is now 
Jersey county, and located on the north- 
east quarter of section 31, in Ruyle 
township in 1818. This land was en- 
tered at the land office on the 23d of 
October, 1820, in the name of H. and 
John, Jr. The elder Huitt remained here 
about two years, removing, in 1820, to 
the neighborhood of Carrollton on a 
farm, and later to thecity of Carrollton, 
where he died in 1882. He was one of the 
pioneers of the state having located in 
Madison county in 1804. 

The pioneer settler of Piasa township 
was John Wilkins, who came to this 
county in 1818, and located upon the 
southwest quarter of section 31. He 
improved a farm there, but in 1824, re- 
moved to section 18, near the present 



site of Delhi. He lived there some 
twenty years, keeping a stage station 
most of the time. He then went to 
Jerseyville to live with his daughter, 
Mrs. Harriet Silloway. Shortly after- 
wards he went to Paw Paw Grove, Illi- 
nois, to live with his daughter, Sarah 
Baker. While there he died. He was 
a brother-in-law of V. R. and S. A. 
Lurton. 

William Larue made a settlement in 
what is now Rosedale township early in 
1818, where he lived, on section 8, until 
1837, when he sold out and removed to 
Greene county. 

Jesse White came to Jersey county, 
in 1818, locating in what is now Missis- 
sippi township. He was born in Madi- 
son county, Illinois, January 5, 1807. 
He is now dead. 

Edward Carroll was one of the early 
settlers of what is now Elsah township; 
he having located with his family on the 
center of section 23, on July 17, 1818. 
His settlement should probably date a 
little farther back, as he selected his lo- 
cation in 1817, and returned to it in the 
early si)ring of 1818, having everything 
in readiness for his family when they ar- 
rived, in charge of his brother-in-law. 

With Mr. Carroll came his brother-in- 
law, James Mofiit, who made a settle- 
ment on land adjoining Carroll's. He 
resided here a few years, but moved 
back to Ohio, where he died. 

John Carroll, also, settled in the same 
locality in 1819, and resided there 
until 1837, when he died. He was the 
father of Thomas Carroll, at one time 
county commissioner, and prominently 
identified with this county. The latter 
gentleman died July 24, 1870. 

David Gilbert aud John Stafford were 



74 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



also settlers of the year ISIO, taking up 
farms west of Grafton, on the Illinois 
river hottum. 

About the same time, Henry Babcock 
settled in the southeastern corner of 
Quarry township, where lie died. 

George Finney, who had been a sol- 
dier in the' regular army, on receiving 
his discharge, in 1819, came to this 
county, and located U])on the Illinois 
bottom land, within the present limits 
of Quarry township. 

Sanford Hughe-^, a companion and 
friend of the above, came here with him 
and located in the same neighliorliood, 
the same year. 

Timothy Copeland, another dis- 
charged soldier, settled in Quarry town- 
ship in 1819, on the southern part. 

John G. L((fton and John D. Gilham 
came to Jersey county in 1819, and 
made a settlement in Mississippi town- 
ship, the former on section ol. This 
neighborhood received its name of Lof- 
ton's Prairie from the former of these 
gentlemen. Judge Lofton resided here 
nearly always after this, with the ex- 
ception of a short time spent in Fulton 
county, until the day of his death in 
1837. 

John D. Gilliam was a South Carolin- 
ian, but came here from Kentucky, and 
later from Madison county. 111., where 
he had settled as early as 1800. He 
settled, on coming here, on section 28, 
where he resided until the coming of 
death, in October, 1852. 

John Grain settled in this county in 
1819. He was a North Carolinian who 
had settled in Tennessee in 1806, where 
he was married to Heriba Rumney. In 
1811 they came to Illinois, settling in 
St. Clair county, where they resided 



until coming here. They located in 
English townsliip. He afterwards 
moved to Texas, where he died. 

Walter Cresswell located in the pres- 
ent township of Rosedale, in 1819, and 
is said to have b-^en the first justice of 
the peace ever appointed within the 
limits of what nt)w constitutes Jersey 
county. He received this appointment 
in the year 1820. 

Daniel McFain settled in what is now 
Ilichwoods township, on section 20, in 
1819. He built a caliin at the foot of 
the bluff in the same year, and gave his 
name to McFain's lake. He was one 
of the early justices of the peace of 
this county. He died while a resident 
of the county, in 1830. He was a Penn- 
sylvanian by birth. 

Jolm Gunterman, a native of Ken- 
tucky, came into what is now Jersey 
county in the spring of 1819, and set- 
tled upon a farm on section 5, in the 
present Richwoods township. On the 
10th of January, 1821, he entered a 
quarter section of land here, on which 
he lived until 1832, when he died. 

Josiah Cummings and his sons, James 
and Jacob, made a settlement in Missis- 
sippi township in 1819, the former lo- 
cating upon land on section 11, where 
he lived until his death, James subse- 
quently moved to Oregon. Jacob died 
in this county. 

Thomas Cummings, another son of 
Josiah Cunnnings, came to Jersey 
county in 1819, and assisted his father 
in agricultural pursuits until 1824, when 
he was married, and purchased a farm 
adjoining his father, where he resided 
until his death in 1856. 

Col. Josiah T. Askew came to Jersey 
county in 1819, with George Finney, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



to 



Sanfuid Hughes and the others. He 
was a native of Tennessee, and had 
served some five 3'ears in the reguhir 
army. On his discharge he came here, 
as above, and settled on Lofton's prai- 
rie. He married Hannah Bates in 1821, 
this being the first event of that nature 
in tluit precinct. 

James Thompson, settled in the [ircs- 
ent township of Elsah, about the year 
1819. He afterward removed to the 
state of Texas, and has been lost sight of. 

Joseph Basey, came to the county as 
early as 1819, and settled neighbor to 
James Thompson. He is reported to 
have been the first justice of the peace 
in this township or precinct, having 
been elected to that oflice in 182'2. 

Jehu Brown, commonly called 
"Judge," came to Jersey county about 
the year 1S2U, He was a native of 
South Carolina, but came here from St. 
Louis county. Mo. He, on the r)th chiy 
of Januai'V, 1S21, entered 880 acres of 
land, in sections 1 and 2, in English 
township. He died while a resident of 
this county in 1885. 

John lirown came to Jersey comity 
in 1820, and settled oti section 25, of 
what is now English townshij). He 
lived here until his death which occurred 
about the year ]S7o. 

Abii-am McKinnej' settled on the Illi- 
nois river bottom land in liichwoods 
township, in 1820, but in October, 1821, 
having entered land oh section 28, he 
removed thither, where he lived until 
1822, when he removed to section 24. 
where he did die in tin; year 1S40. 
James McKinney, his son, came with 
him. The hitter died here liut his wi- 
dow is still living in Kansas. 

John Stall, settled on section 3, Rich- 



wood township in 1820, where he built 
a cabin, which he vacated the following 
year, going over on the Macoiipin creek, 
cutting logs, and drifting thcni down to 
St. Louis. 

Major Gerslioni Patterson was one of 
the settlers, coming late in 1820, and 
entering land in what is now English 
township, in January, 1821. Before 
coming here he had lived in St. Clair 
count}' for some time. He was known 
as an enterprising man, and built the 
first brick house, the first mill and the 
first distillery within the present limits 
of Jersey county. He was captain of a 
company in the Black Hawk war, and 
was afterwards made a major of the 
state militia. He was a zealous mem- 
ber of the Methodist church, and became 
an exhorter in that faith. He died in 
1857. a resident of this county. 

Major Patterson had a large ))each 
orchard on his place, and he put up a 
copjier still, about 1828 or 1829, and en- 
tered into the manufacture of peach 
brandy. The (juality of the product is 
described as having been very good, and 
as the licjuor was very cheap, therc^ be- 
ing then lib revenue tax, the ea])acity 
of the still was often taxed by apjdi- 
cants for the brandy, who would come 
w\\\\ their jugs to be filled. Sucth goods 
are saiil to have been then much jiurer 
than they can be obtained at the present 
time, and were much used by the hard- 
working pioneers while at their labors. 
Still, it is said, there was little or no 
druidcenness ainiong the early settlers. 
Major Patterson made a financial suc- 
cess of his pioneer distillery, and after 
about ten years, quit the business, hav- 
ing accumulated considerable money 
and property. He sold the still to some 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



one at a distance. Some thirty years 
ago the buildings were torn down. 

John Gillworth made a settlement in 
this county in 1820, in what is now 
Rosedale township, where the Otter 
creek passes through the bluff. In 1830 
he removed to the township of Ruyle, 
entering a tract of land in section 29. 
He has since died. 

John R. Black made a settlement in 
what is now Mississippi township, in 
1820. A sketch of him will be found in 
the chapter entitled: "National, State, 
and County Representation," he having 
been the first treasurer of the county. 

Samuel J. Kincade, came to Jersey 
county in 1820 or 21, and settled in what 
is now Mississippi township. The circuit 
court of Greene county, (of which this 
was then a portion,) in 1821, appointed 
him one of the judges of election for the 
company district, as it was called, to 
preside over the election of militia offi- 
cers. 

John Waddle, was another settler of 
the same year, as is evident by the re- 
cord, he being one of the judges of the 
same election. With him came David 
Waddle and William Waddle. They 
probably settled within the limits of 
Mississippi township. These old pio- 
neers are now numbered with the dead, 
but have descendants living in Jersey 
county. 

William Davidson made a settlement 
in what is now Otter creek township, 
about the year 1820 or 21, coming from 
the American Bottom. After a short 
residence here he returned to that local- 
ity, where he eventually died. 

William Adair located in English 
township in 1821, and opened up a farm. 
He married a Miss Grain. He sold his 



place to Robert La Force and removed 
from the county. This farm is now 
known as the Wright place, 

Nathaniel Rowdon made a settlement 
in the present Richwoods township in 
1820, where he lived for many years. 
He married a daughter of Abiram Mc- 
Kinney, who afterwards died. He is 
said to have lived, at one time, in a big 
hollow sycamore tree. He left here, 
going to Texas, where he is believed to 
have died. 

William Rowdon. also, settled in 
Richwoods township the same year. 

William Dixon and Ira Kelley made 
settlements in this county early in 1821. 
They have long since passed away from 
the memory of the oldest inhabitant, 
but they filled positions as judges of 
election in 1822, as appears from the 
records. 

James Barnes, who settled in Elsah 
township, was an incorrigible bachelor, 
and remembered by old settlers as wear- 
ing a heavy beard and whiskers. 

John Smith settled on section 8, in 
Richwood township, in 1820 or earlier. 
In 1823 he removed to Greene county. 

Samuel Gates settled on section 9, 
Richwoods township, about 1820, and 
removed to Greene county in 1827, 
where he died in 1842. He was the 
first justice of the peace in the pre- 
cinct, being appointed to that office in 
1828. 

John and William Buck came about 
1820, and located in the vicinity of 
John Smith's settlement, in the north- 
western portion of Richwood township. 
They removed to Greene county in 1823, 
and died there. 

Among the settlers of 1820, were 
William Cresswell, Elisha Fowler, and 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



John Cox, who made homes for them- 
selves within the limits of what is now 
Rosedale township. Elisha Fowler re- 
moved to Calhoun county, and died 
while a resident there in 1858, at an ad- 
vanced age. 

Thomas Cresswell and Samuel Cress- 
well, settled in Richwood township in 
the spring of 1820, where they resided 
for many years. Thomas located upon 
the southeast quarter of section 9, and 
Samuel on section 4. 

Moses Seeds was the next settler in 
the fall of 1820. He located in Rich- 
woods township, on section 17, where 
he lived until 1825, when he sold out 
and removed to the American Bottom, 
in Madison county. 

John Thornton came to Jersey county 
in 1820, and in January, 1821, entered 
280 acres of land on section 28, of Eng- 
lish township, where he resided until 
1824, when he disposed of this farm to 
Mathew Darr, and removed to Rich- 
woods ti)wnship, where he subsequently 
died. 

Among the pioneers of 1821 or 22, was 
Joseph White, who settled in what is 
now Otter creek township. He died, a 
resident of the county, previous to 1830. 

Silas Crain, 8r., settled in Jersey 
county in 1821, on some land one section 
15, in what is now English township. 
He afterwards removed to Rosedale 
township. He died at the residence of 
James McKinney, of consumption. 

John Medford made a settlement on 
section 8, Richwoods township in the 
spring of 1821. He was an English- 
man but came here from Cape Girar- 
deau, Mo.. He built his cabin, and 
started back after his family and 
brought them here and settled down to 



the hard work of a western pioneer, 
and remained here until his death, 
which occurred in 1825. 

Thomas White and Samuel Lofton 
made a settlement in Mississippi town- 
ship in 1821. They resided here for 
two or three years, when they removed 
to Otter Creek towaship, where they 
lived for many years. 

Jesse Watson came to Jersey county 
in 1822, and located on a farm in Rich- 
woods township, where he hewed out a 
clearing and put up a cabin. Here he 
lived until his death which occurred in 
1838. 

John Neal made a settlement in 
Richwoods township in 1822, on a 40 
acre tract on section 14, in the timber, 
one of the first to enter land on the 
Idutf. He afterwards removed to an- 
other state. 

Francis Colean, was another of the 
pioneers of the year 1822. In April, of 
that year he entered the west half of 
the southwest quarter of section 13, in 
what is now English township, where 
he lived until the day of his death, in 
1846. 

A man by the name of Richardson, 
the father-in-law of Ashur Chase, made 
a settlement in Mississii)pi township in 
1822, or 1823. He removed, sometime 
afterwards, to Scott county, where he 
was drowned. 

John Ballard came to what is now 
Jersey county, in 1821, and located on 
section 30, of what is now Jersey town- 
ship, but in the year 1823 he sold out to 
John Falkner, who died there in 1824. 
Ballard then removed to the present 
site of Jerseyville, and erected a cabin. 
James Falkner, in 1826, purchased the 
improvements of Ballard, and the latter 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



removed to a place on what is now 
known as Dorsey's branch, then known 
as Ballard's brancli, l)iit shortly after- 
wards left the county. 

Mathew Cowan, who had settled in 
Madison county, in 1812, came to Jer- 
sey county in l.S'22, and made a 
settlement within the limits of Ruyle 
township where he lived for many 
years. He was a native of Virginia and 
died a resident of Jersey county. He 
was known by the nickname of "Doc- 
tor," and for many years had spells of 
insanity, but was capable of doing busi- 
ness between them. 

John Falkner came to this county in 
1823, and purchased the place on sec- 
tion 30, occupied by Jolm Ballard, and 
commenced to open up a farm. He was 
a native of Pennsylvania and an excel- 
lent farmer. He was frozen to death in 
the winter of 1S24-2."). 

John C. Whitlock was one of the 
pioneers of 1823, coming to Jersey 
county, and locating in what has since 
been known as Ruyle township. He 
was a native of the "Old Domiiwon" — 
N'irginia, but came here from Kentucky. 
He died sometime in 1879. 

William Gillham, the father of John 
D., following his son, came into the 
county in 1823, and made a settlement 
in Mississippi township, on section 29, 
where he died two years afterward. 

jNIrs. Jane Gillham, a widow with her 
family, came from South Carolina, in 
1823. and made a settlement on section 
28, in what is now Mississippi town- 
ship. She died here about the year 
1828. 

Thomas McDow, a native of South 
Carolina, came here from Missouri, and 
settled on section 82, Mississippi town- 



ship, in 1823. He had, previous to 
going to Missouri, lived on the Ameri- 
can Bottom, being one of the pioneers 
of the state, where he was married in 
1819, to Mary L. Lofton. He died a 
resident of this county in 1874. 

Jacob Cumraings settled oti section 
15, in the year 1823. He was from 
Madison county, and made an entry of 
his lands, shortly after coming here. 
He lived and died a resident of this 
county from that time on. The last 
event took place in 1825, 

.John Findley located on section 22, 
in Mississippi township, in the fall of ; 
1823, but after a year's stay sold out | 
and moved from the county. I 

A settlement was made by William G. 
Waddle, in 1823, on Section .33, Missis- ' 
sippi township. He was a native of 
South Carolina, but raised in Madison 
county, this state. He lived and died a 
resident of the county. 

Ashur Chase is numbered among the 
early settlers of Mississippi township, I 
locating there, on the Stone jjlace, in 
1823. He afterwards moved to Knox 
county, and a few years ago was alive, i 
With him came his father, Abel, who 
is numbered among the oldest settlers. 
The latter died a resident of this county. 

John N. English, still a resident of 
the county, made his settlement in Jer- 
sey county in 1824. A sketch of him 
occurs further on. 

Mathew Darr came to Jersey county 
in 1824. He had been running a horse 
mill on the American Bottom, but lik- 
ing the looks of this couhty, came here 
and purchased the farm of John Thorn- 
ton, in English township. He resided 
here until 1853, when he was removed 
by the hand of death. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



•79 



John McDow, f:itlier of Thomas, came 
ill 1S24, and settled on section 2.'5, on 
hvnd now owneil liy Joseph Knight. 
He came from South Carolina, and was 
a powder maker by trade, haviii"; owned 
a mill in that state. He lived on the 
old homestead in this townshi]>, until 
his death, in 188'). 

Thomas Cummings, a brother of Ja- 
cob's, made a settlement just east of the 
latter in the fall of 18-24. He died a 
resident of this place. His descend- 
ants are among the citizens of the 
county . 

Orman Beeman, in the fall of 1824, 
made another settler of the county, 
locating on section 3U, in Mississippi 
townshij). He was a native of South 
Carolina. He died here at an advancetl 
age, about eight years ago. 

With Orman Beeman came a man })y 
the name of M. Criffith, who made a 
settlement. 

Joab White, a lilacksmith by trade, 
made his appearance in Mississi]jpi 
township in the spring of 1824, and 
settled upon the northeast quarter of 
section 3U, and opened a forge, which 
was the first in the county. He died a 
resident of this county. He was a na- 
tive of North Carolina. 

James ITinson made a settleim^nt in 
what is now Mississippi township in 
1824. He died on the homestead which 
lie took U]) then, and all of his children 
have followed him to the land of shad- 
ows. 

Alexander P. Scott and David (iilbert 
made settlements and cleared land in 
the woods of Rosedale township, about 
the year 1824 or 1825. Here they lived 
for many years. 

Robert Latham, a North Carolinian, 



came to Jersey county in 182/5, and set- 
tled in Jersey township, where he lived 
for many years. He died at his rc'si- 
deiice here in 1885. He was a bachelor, 
and disposed of his property to schools, 
churches, and relatives. 

John Ryan was a settler of 1825, in 
Mississippi township. He located at 
first, about five miles southeast of Jer- 
seyville, on the Caleb Stone place, but 
afterwards removed to the neighbor- 
hood of Carrollton. In 184(1, he re- 
turned t<i this county, and settled on 
section 27. Ituyle township. Here he 
died, January 27, 18(55. 

John R. Caldwell came to Jersey 
county about the i';ill of 1S28, and set- 
tled within the limits of what is now 
Mississippi township. 

(jregg McDaniel settled on Otter 
creek, on section 7, in the fall of 1828, 
and died there in 1851t. 

A. Carson made a settlement in Mis- 
sissippi townsliip, about 182(). 

James Falkner settled on the present 
site of the town of Jerseyville, in 1826, 
and lived here until about 18;!0 or I80I. 
when he removed to (Juiiuy. 

Francis Swan, a native of North Car- 
olina, made a settlement in Mississi]ipi 
township in ]82(i, where he lived until 
his death, in 1850. 

James Dabbs, a native of South Caro- 
lina, moved thence to Barren county, 
Ky., several years after his marriage, 
which occurred in 1802. There he re- 
sided until 1819, when he came to Illi- 
nois, and settled on Wood river, north 
of Upper Alton. In 182(), he came to 
Jersey county, ami located on what is 
now the McAdaiiis farm, but in 1829 or 
I80O, he removed on section i), of Otter 
creek townshij), where he resided until 



80 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



his death, which occurred December 19, 
1JS41. With him came his brother, 
Samuel Dabbs. 

Charles Dodson settled on section 31, 
Mississippi township during the year 
1828, where he resided severel years. 
He was a son-in-law of Judge Lofton. 
He afterwards went to Greene county, 
where he died. 

John Stafford settled in Rosedale 
township in 1828. He was well known to 
the early settlers, and died on the old 
homestead, in 1865. 

In 1828, William Starr, Coe Edsall, 
R. C. Baugh and James Perry made set- 
tlements in Rosedale township. James 
Perry removed from the county years 
ago, and Baugh, Starr and Edsall died 
here, after lengthy residences. 

Jesse C. Ennis first settled just west 
of Jerseyville in 1828, and afterward 
moved to Rosedale township, settling 
on section 16, near a spring of water. 
He and liis wife died about 1833, and 
were buried in Rosedale cemetery, being 
the first interment therein. They were 
natives of Tennessee. Mr. Ennis, while 
a strictly honest, conscientious man, 
was rather noted in this locality for his 
ai)titude for pretty tougli yarns. One of 
these was, in describing the timber of 
this country, he said that he had cut 
down a sumach tree, from which he 
split out some fourteen joists for a 
house. At another time he related a 
long story about taking the fiddle and 
sitting down near some rocks com- 
menced to play, whereupon thousands 
of snakes came out of their dens, as 
they will, and that laying about with a 
club he killed some three thousand of 
them. Many other stories he did tell 
all dealing in the same exaggerations. 



Gregg McDaniels and family settled 
in Otter Creek township, in the spring 
of 1828, locating on section 7, where 
Charles McDaniels now lives. 

In 1828, Jasper M. Terry, afterwards 
associate justice of this county, lo- 
dated on section 24, in Otter Creek 
township. He died in 1876. He is 
noticed at length in connection with his 
official position further on. 

Amos Lynn and Enoch Spaulding, in 
1828, settled in what is now Rosedale 
township, where they lived many years. 

Richard and Samuel Rhoads came to 
what is now Jersey county in 1828, and 
made settlements. Both these gentle- 
men were natives of Kentucky, and 
located in what is now Ruyle township. 

John Hart made a settlement in Eng- 
lish township, in 1828, and in 1829, 
opened a small stock of goods in his 
cabin. He remained here a few years, 
when he left for other scenes. 

W. D. F. Slaten made a settlement in 
the present township of Quarry, in 
March, 1829. 

Ezekiel Chance, a North Carolinian, 
came to Jersey county from Madison 
county in 1829, and settled in Otter 
Creek township, but two years later set- 
tled in Richwoods township, where he 
died about 1879. 

With Mr. Chance, came Maurice 
Armstrong, who was in partnership 
with Mr. Chance, but in 1831 they dis- 
solved this and moving to Richwoods, 
settled down as neighbors. Mr. Arm- 
strong was a very prominent figure in the 
county in those early days. He re- 
moved from here to Montgomery county, 
but later to Girard, Macoupin county, 
where he died. His son is a prominent 
merchant in that city at the present. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



81 



Elias and William Palmer made a 
Rpttlement in what is now Ruyle town- 
sliii), in 1829. They were from Ver- 
mont, of which state they were natives. 
Willhuii located on section 13. He 
(lied on this farm afterwards. 

in 1829 Tarlton F. Brock settled on 
section 25, in Otter Creek township. 
His biograiihy is given elsewhere. 

Elijah Brown made a settlement in 
Otter Creek, also, in 1829. He after- 
wards removed to Greene county, 
where he died. 

During the years 1830-31, John D. 
Combs, David and George Settlemier, 
James Cummings, Benjamin J. Harri- 
son, William Harrison and Joseph An- 
drews also made settlements in Piasa 
townrihip, in Jersey county, and are 
numbered among the gallant pioneers 
of this section of the state. John D. 
Combs has long been numbered with 
the dead. His widow married Levi 
McNeil. George and David Settlemier 
emigrated to Oregon. James Cunmiings 
moved to Montgomery county, locating 
in Litchfield. 

A. L. Carpenter and wife settled on 
the site of the town of Jerseyville, pur- 
chasing the "Old Red House," a stage- 
ing station, or inn, on the present site 
of the C;hency mansion, as is more 
fully detailed in the account of the his- 
tory of that town. 

James B. Pinckard, Levi McNeil, Jo- 
sejjh Richardson and Samuel Clarke 
made settlement in what is now Piasa 
township in 1830, among the fir.st in 
that section of the county. 

William Phillips settled upon section 
25, Fidelity township, in 1830, where 
he resided some years. He has since 
died. 



Rev. George Slaten made a settlement 
in this county in the spring of 1829. 
He was a minister of the M. E. church. 
He located in Mississippi township, 
where he resided until the day of his 
death, in 1844. 

Dr. Silas Hamilton was a settler of 
this county during the year 1830, com- 
ing to what is now Otter Creek town- 
ship in the spring of that year. He 
was a practicing physician. He died in 
1834. 

James Derick and Solomon Dixon 
both made settlements near Otterville, 
during the year 1830. The latter died 
in 1830; Derrick moved to Missouri. 
He was a member of Captain Carlin's 
company of militia, in the Black Llawk 
war. 

James Richey came to Jersey county 
in 1836, and made a settlement in Ruyle 
township. He was a Kentuckian by 
birth. 

William Hamilton, a brother of Dr. 
Silas Hamilton, with his three sons, 
came to Jersey county in the fall of 1830, 
and located on section 13, Otter Creek 
township. He died in 1846, in Calhoun 
coimty. 

William Moore made a permanent 
settlement on section 20, in Jersey town- 
ship in 1831, but came to the county two 
years earlier, living in Mississippi town- 
ship until then. He was frozen to death 
during the winter of 183.5-6. 

After this the settlement grew more 
rapidly, and many sought this paradise 
on earth. The details of the settlement 
of these and many other pioneers will 
be given at length in connection with 
the histories of the several townships, 
where biograjjhical sketches of many of 
them are given. 



82 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



HISTORIC ITEMS. 

The oldest living white child born in 
Jersey county was J. T. Grimes, com- 
monly known as' " Tram " Grimes. He 
was born Jan. 20, 1820, and is a son of 
Philip Grimes. J. T. now lives about 
one mile northwest of Jersey ville. 

The first child born in the county is 
believed to have been a daughter of 
James and Julia ^loflit, born in 1S19. 
It lived only a short time, when it died. 

The third white child born in Jersey 
county was Thomas Edward Carroll, son 
of Edward and Mary C. Wright Carroll. 
He was born on the 2d day of Feb., 
1-820, about three weeks after the birth 
of the second white child. He now lives 
near the east line of Macoupin county, 
not far from Litchfield, 111. 

The first death in the county was that 
of Thomas Carroll, which occurred in 
July or Aug., 1819. The family of his 
brother Edward had come to the county, 
the year before, and settled in what is 
now Elsah township. Thomas had been 
keeping store in St. Louis before coming 
here, to live with his brother Edward. 
Not two months had elapsed after his 
arrival in the county, until he had con- 
tracted an illness which speedily re- 
sulted in his death. His body was 
placed in a skiff, and taken down to St. 
Louis for burial. He was the youngest 
brother of Edward Carroll. 

The pioneer store of Jersey county 
was established in the latter part of 
1829, at the foot of the bluff on which 
the town of Eminence was laid out, by 
Henry Mills, who had been running a 
store across the river at Portage des 
Sioux, in St. Charles county, Mo. 

The second store was that of John 
Hart, in English township, in 1829. 



The third store in the county is be- 
lieved to have been opened in 1830, by 
Woodbury Massey, at Mason's landing, 
but in 1831 moved to the forks of Otter 
Creek. He remained here but a short 
time when he removed to Galena, 
where he was wantonly murdered by 
two men by the name of Smith, in Sep- 
tember, 1835. The cause of dispute 
was a lead mine that Massey was oper- 
ating at the time. Henry L. Massey, a 
brother of Woodbury's, shot tlie elder 
Smith down upon the street, and Louisa 
Massey, a sister of the murdered man, 
arming herself, called Smith out of a 
store or saloon, discharged the pistol 
into his breast, and he likewise was 
called to his long account. Public opin- 
ion being in favor of Miss Massey, no 
action of any moment was taken by the 
authorities. 

The first postoffice in what is now 
Jersey county was established at Emi- 
nence, in Elsah township. Isaac N. 
Piggott was the first postmaster. 

Tarlton F. Brock was the second 
postmaster in the county, having charge 
of Otter Creek postoffice. 

Both Otter Creek and Eminence post- 
offices were discontinued, and one was 
established at Newbern, with Jacob 
Lurton as postmaster. 

In the year 1821, John L. Evans built 
a grist and saw mill on the Macoupin 
creek, on Sec. 38 or 34, T. 9, R. 13, This 
was a sash saw, and grist mill and had 
two run of five foot buhrs. One run of 
these buhrs is in C. C. Buzby's mills in 
Fieldon, at the present time. This on 
the authority of Moses Ward, of the 
latter village. 

William Kelley was the first person 
married in the county by a Catholic 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



83 



priest, the event occurring in 1839, 
Rev. Father Hamilton officiating. 

First bhicksmith shop in county by 
Josiah White on section 30, Mississippi 
township. Established about the year 
1824. 

Gregg McDaniel erected a grist mill 
run by water power, in the county, and 
also the first saw mill. The saw mill 
was built in 1828, and was located on 
section 7, Otter Creek township, on 
the south bank of Otter creek. The 
grist mill was erected in the sjjring of 
1830, on the opposite bank of the creek. 
The dam afterwards washed away, and 
as steam mills were then being built in 
this vicinity, tlie damage was not re- 
paired, and the mills were allowed to 
go to decay. 

The second grist mill erected, actual- 
ly within the present limits of Jersey 
county, was that of Major Gershom 
Patterson. It stood right east of what 
is now known as the John Brown place, 
about two miles from Jerseyville, and 
was built in 1828. The grinding ma- 
chinery was operated by a treadmill 
run by cattle. It would grind about 30 
bushels per day. He had a small bolter, 
which turned by hand, but the wheat 
was generally not cleaned before grind- 
ing, and the bolter, working very slow- 
ly, the bran generally had to be separa- 



ted from the flour by the customer him- 
self, after arriving at home. 

The first brick house built in the 
county was that of Gershom Patterson. 
It was built about 1827, and was blown 
down by a wind storm in the spring of 
1830. 

The brick house of J. D. Gillhain, 
built in 1828, was the second brick 
house in the county. 

James Redden and Nancy Bates, then 
residents of what is now Jersey county, 
were one of the first couples in the 
early settlement to be married. Greene 
county (Jersey was then a part of 
Greene) had just been set off from Mad- 
ison, and no court was yet organized in 
Greene. So, Redden went to Edwards- 
ville, got a license in Madison county, 
and then came back to get his intended 
bride. They traveled on horseback un- 
til sure they were in Madison county, 
then lighted a fire under a large tree 
and were there married by a justice of 
the peace. They then went back to 
Bates' to live. 

John Clark, a Baptist, was one of the 
early preachers. He went about on foot 
ministering to the spiritual wants of the 
pioneers. He is described as a tremen- 
dous tobacco chewer, though this in no 
wise interfered with his efficiency as a 
minister of the Gospel. 



QHAPT^KR. V. 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



When the state of Illinois was ad- 
mitted into the Union as a great sover- 
eign state, in December, 1818, the terri- 
tory now known as Jersey county was a 
part of Madison county, that then 
stretched away north to Chicago. In 
1820, the inhabitants of this and Greene 
county put forth an effort for a sepa- 
rate organization, and the matter was 
brought to the attention of the legisla- 
ture, that convened at Vandalia, in the 
winter of 1820-21. In accordance with 
the wishes of the people, an act was 
passed, organizing the county of Greene, 
which was approved by Governor Bond, 
January 20, 1821. This sub-division was 
made to include the present counties of 
Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan and 
Scott, and was named in honor of Gen- 
eral Nathaniel Greene, of revolutionary 
fame. For a history of the government 
while Jersey and Greene counties re- 
mained as one, the reader is referred to 
the history of Greene county, in this 
volume. But that no item of history 
may be lost, it would be well in this 
connection to briefly mention some of 
the minor events that occurred in this 
end of Greene county. It is of record 
that in 1821, the court laid the county 
off into military districts, for militia 
purposes; these were called company 
districts. The first district comprised 
what are now the townships of Quarry, 



Elsah, Rosedale, Otter Creek, Missis- 
sippi and Piasa, and an election for 
officers? — one japtain, one lieutenant and 
one ensign — was ordered, and John D. 
Gillham, John Waddle and Samuel 
Kinkead were authorized to act as 
judges of election. The second district 
was also in this county, and embraced 
the present townships of Richwoods, 
English, Jersey and Fidelity, and Ger- 
shom Patterson, William Adair and 
Nathaniel Rowdon were appointed as 
judges ef election. At the same time, 
Ira Kelly, Samuel Kinkead and Jehu 
Brown were recommended to the gov- 
ernor, Shadrach Bond, as suitable per- 
sons for the offices of justice of the 
peace. Jurors were also selected at this 
term of the county court, to serve as 
such at the next meeting of the circuit 
court, and among those drawn were the 
names of the following residents of what 
is now Jersey county: Ezekiel Gilhani, 
William Davidson, Gershom Patterson, 
John D. Gilham, James Whitesides and 
Philip Grimes. The first probate judge 
of the double county was John G. Lof- 
ton, who received $30,121 for his ser- 
vices, and $5 for recording deeds. 
Among the jurors for the spring term of 
1822 were the following residents of 
what is now Jersey county: Edward 
Carroll, Joseph White, Robert Avery, 
Joseph Piggott and John Gunterman. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



85 



As the southern part of Greene 
et)imty increased in pojiulation, the idea 
of a se))arate organization began to en- 
ter into the minds of the people, and 
was agitated seriously. Greene county 
was at this time represented in the gen- 
eral assembly by two members, one of 
whom it was the custom to elect from 
the territory south of Macoupin creek. 
In 1838, Edward Daley was the member 
from this section, and it is somewhat 
due to his exertions that the new count^^ 
organization was effected. The people 
generally were in favor of it, Col. 
John.^. English canvassing the county 
for signatures to a petition to be pre- 
sented to the legislature, in favor of the 
measure, securing several hundred 
names. Many people in Greene county 
were not averse to the measure, but 
some opposition was manifested in the 
town of Carrollton, the citizens fearing 
that taking off so large a portion from 
the south end of the county, the re- 
moval of the seat of justice from that 
j)la('e to a more centrally located one 
would soon ensue. A vote on the 
(jucsticm of sejjaration was therefore 
taken, on the 5th of August, 1839, 
which resulted in 1,239 voting in favor 
of the erection of the new county, and 
714 against it, a clear majority of 525 
in its favor. So the separation took 
place. The larger part of the later 
emigration having come from the state 
of New Jersey, the new county was 
christened Jersey in honor of that noble 
state, and Jerseyville was elected the 
ciiunty seat without opi)osition. At 
this time the government of the coun- 
ties of this state was vested in a county 
coninnssioners' court. 

The first commissioners of the county 



were Thomas Cumniings, Solomon Cal- 
houn and Amos Pruitt, and the first 
court held by them was a special term, 
which met on Monday, Oct. 4, 1839, 
at Jerseyville, when all three of the 
commissioners were present. In the 
absence of the clerk elect, who had not 
yet qualified for tlie office, the court 
appointed Robert L. Hill, as clerk pro 
tem., to hold the same until the duly 
elected clerk should file his bond and 
be sworn in, whereupon Robert Hill, 
filed his bond and entered upon the 
discharge of his duties. His bond, 
which was ordered to be recorded, was 
for the sum of $l,tK)0, and was signed 
by Edward M. Daly, John Brown and 
Joseph Crabb, as sureties. The first 
business brought before the court was 
the appointment of trustees for the 
townships, and a county agent, Joseph 
Crahb, being the gentlemen selected to 
fill the latter position. Robert L. Hill 
was instructed to purchase a stove, and 
Edward M. Daly, the books, seals, 
papers, etc., necessary to carry on the 
various offices of the county govern- 
ment. It was also ordered: 

"Tliat Solomon Calliuiui and Hohert L. 
Hill be api)uii)teil to contract tin; and super- 
intend the erection of a building, to be located 
on the public square in Jerseyville. for the 
use of the county of Jersey, and to obtain 
from the trustees of Jersevville a lease ol the 
said stpiare; the said Imilding to be 18 feet 
S(|uare, and one story liigh, and lobe built in 
a strong and workmanlike nianner.an<l to be 
paid for oul ot tlie county treasury." 

The second meeting of the county com- 
missioners' court was also a special one, 
held Oct. 28, 1839, when John R. Black, 
the newly elected county treasurer, filed 
his bond for 815, CKM) and qualified. His 
sureties were Joseph Crabb and E. Van 



86 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Horn. At this meeting of the court the 
following were appointed as road super- 
visors of the various road districts of the 
county: John Utt, Joseph Duncan, Pol- 
lard Kirkland, John Gilworth, H. N. 
Belt, William Tompkins, George Stamps 
John Cowan, Joseph Crabb, George Set- 
tlemiers, Perley Silloway, Henry Rip- 
son, William McDow, Thomas Cress- 
well, William Williams, Ezekiel Gil- 
lam, John Simmons and Jacob Lurton. 

Richard Graham, who had been elect- 
ed to fill the office of clerk of the com- 
missioners' court, came forward, at this 
meeting, and filing his bond for one 
thousand dollars, with John Anderson 
and R. H. Van Dike as sureties, was 
duly qualified, and entered upon the 
discharge of his duties. 

The first regular session of the com- 
missioner's court was held in Decem- 
ber, 1839, commencing on the 2d of that 
month. The house, contracted for by 
Messrs. Calhoun and Hill for the use of 
the county, having been finished by 
the contractor, Peyton C. Walker, it 
was received from his hands by the 
commissioners, and the clerk ordered 
to draw warrants for the sum of $220, 
in payment for the same. 

Thomas Cummings having, with 
Chilton Smithe, been appointed a com- 
mittee to confer with the county com- 
missioners of Greene county, and to ad- 
just the claim of Jersey county to ap- 
portionment of the internal improve- 
ment fund, at this meeting presented 
a report stating that they had secured 
the sum of $6,000 and an agreement to 
make a final adjustment "under and 
after the census of 1840." Thomas 
Vance was at once appointed as an agent 
to loan this fund at a rate uf 10 per 



cent, per annum, payable in advance, 
he entering into a bond with the county 
for the faithful performance of the 
same. 

On Thursday, December 5, 1839, 
James C. Perry, a native of England, 
came before the court, and having taken 
the oath of allegiance, was duly natur- 
alized a citizen of the United States, the 
first in this county after its organization 
as a separate county. 

At a special meeting of the county 
commissioners, held on the 13th of 
January, 1840, the following preamble 
and order was made : 

" Whereas, Elijah Van Horn, .Solomon Cal- 
houn and Thomas L. McGill, a cunuiiittee ap- 
pointed by a meeting of the citizens of Jersey 
county, to superintend the erection of the pub- 
lic buildings for said county, this day pres- 
ented to tlie court a draft of a plan and expla- 
nations thereof, of a building foracourt house 
and jail for said county, which plan and ex- 
planations are ordered to be filed. And it is 
further 

"Ordered, that if tlie citizens of Jersey ville 
and its vicinity will build, at their own ex- 
pense, a building according to the said draft 
and explanation, tlie said building will be re- 
ceived by the commissioners' court of Jersey 
county, for the use of said county, as a good 
and suitable court house and jail for the^said 
county of Jersey." 

But little was done by this court, be- 
yond the usual routine work, laying out 
roads, building bridges, auditing claims, 
etc. In March, 1840, however, they 
appointed John Kimball, assessor for 
the county, and George W. Lowder, 
collector. 

The county commissioners' court that 
met on the 7th day of Sept., 1840, was 
composed of Amos Pruitt, Chauncey 
Brown, and Cyrus Tolman, the latter 
two of whom produced their certificates 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of election, and after duly qualifying, 
took their seats. 

At the March term of the court, 1841, 
the following order was made, and en- 
tered upon the records: 

•' Wlieieas, Solomon CalUuun. E. Van Home 
i\iul 'riiDUuus L. JklcGill, :i conmiittee to supei- 
intend the erection of the coiut house and jail 
of Jersey connty,tliis clay presented tothe court 
a statement, marked C, showing that the enclos- 
inj? of the court house is under contract, and 
alsosliowing the probable costof tiulshlng the 
court house and jail to be $2,170, and the said 
committee exhibited to the court, subscrii)- 
tions, notps antl obligations, to be applied to 
the public buildings, for llie sum of $2,1N».'j1 
ovei and above the am<iuiit under contract and 
expended, and also an obligation to make up 
the deficit, should tlie above not be enough ; 
and whereas, also, a deed from tlie trustees of 
Jerseyville to the county of Jersey, for the 
public square in said town, being more than 
an acre of ground, whereon the court house 
now stands, duly recorded by the recorder of 
Jersey county, as appears by ( ei I iticate thereon, 
has been presented to the' court, which is <)r- 
dered to be tiled. Therefore, it is ordered that 
it be entered on record, that the court is satis- 
tied that tlie citizens of Jerseyville and vici- 
nity will comply with the provisioi.s of the 
sixth section of the act of tht^ general assembly 
of the state of Illinois, entitled, an act to cre- 
ate and establish' the county of Jersey, ap- 
proved Fel). 2X, is:'.!i." 

A few days after, the court made a 
further order as follows:- 

" Whereas certain snl)scriptions toward the 
public buildings of Jersey coiuily, have been 
nuule payable to the county commissioners of 
said county, and according to their terms are 
not binding on the subs<'ril)ers uidil they are 
entered upon the records of said court, it is 
therefore, 

"Ordered, that the saiil sidiscriptioiis be en- 
tered of lecord, and that th'* .said subscriber.*-- 
jiay their subscrii)tions to the committee 
appointed by the citizens of the county 
to su|)erintend the erection of the public 
buildings, as other subscriptions." 



The court which met at the regular 
September term in the year 1842, was 
composed of Chauncey Brown, Cyrus 
Tolman and William Palmer, the latter 
taking the place of Amos Pruitt. The 
court first assembled on the 5th of Sept- 
ember. The regular routine work of 
auditing claims and hearing road peti- 
tions was gone through with, and the 
regular tax levy ordered. This latter was 
for thirty cents on the hundred dollars 
for county purposes. 

In September, 1843, Thomas Carroll 
became a member of the county com- 
missioners' court, in place of Chauncey 
Brown, whose time had expired. 

In September, 1844, Maurice Arm- 
strong became a county commissioner, 
the court for this year consisting of 
Armstrong, William Palmer and Thomas 
Carroll. • At the June term, 1845, of 
this court, they appointed Thomas L. 
McGill, as the agent of the county for 
the collection of the subscription of the 
citizens to the fund for the erection of 
the court house and jail, in the town of 
Jerseyville. 

In the fall of 1845, Ambrose T. 
Wyckofi' became a member of the court, 
in place of William Palmer, whose term 
had expired. 

At a special session of this court held 
on Monday, Oct, 13, 1845, the follow- 
ing order was placed on the records: 

"Ordered, that Samuel II. Perry, of the 
county of Greene, and stateof Illinois, be and 
he is hereby allowed the sum of S!»00.00 
in full payment for a certain farm situate and 
being in the county of Jersey and state of Illi- 
nois, containing 100 acres; it being the same 
tracts or lots of land heretofore owned by 
'I'hos. Vance, and conveyed by the said Vance 
to the said Samuel K. Perry, whicli said farm 
the court has this day piuchased for the pur- 



88 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



pose of establishing a iioor house thereon ; and 
it is further ordered, that tlie clerk deliver to 
the said S. R. Perry, the afoiesaid sum ot $900, 
in Jersey county prders. upon receiving the 
and of conveyance of said premises." 

In December of the same year, the 
county commissioners established a 
county poorhouse, on this farm which is 
located several miles northeast of Jer- 
seyville, on which was a house already 
for occupancy; it was, at once, used for 
the purpose intended. 

Maurice Armstrong, Ambrose S. 
Wyckofl' and Benjamin Cleaver, consti- 
tuted the county commissioners' court 
for the year commencing Sept. 7, 1846. 

On the 6th of September, 1847, when 
court was duly opened, James McKin- 
ney, who was, on the 2d day of August, 
1847, elected county commissioner as 
the successor of Maurice Armstrong, pre- 
sented his certificate of election, and 
after due qualification took his seat. 

James A. Piggott, James McKinney 
and Ambrose S. WyckoS', comprisedthe 
county commissioners' court, from the 
1st day of Sept., 1848^ and on account 
of the change in the mode of govern- 
ment, consequent upon the adoption of 
the state constitution of 1848, held over 
until the following December, 1849, 
when the county commissioners' court 
gave place to 

THE COINTY COURT. 

The first meeting of this court was 
held on the 3d day of Dec, 1849, 
was presided over by George E. Warren, 
county judge, assisted by Jacob Lurton 
and James McKinney, associate justices. 
The commission of the judge being read 
and placed upon the records, court was 
opened in due form, and proceeded to 
the transaction of the business of the 



county. The usual routine work of 
laying out roads, building bridges, aud- 
iting claims, etc., was gone through 
with. At the January term, 1850, the 
contract for the superintending of the 
poor-house for the term of one year from 
the first of March following, for which 
proposals had been invited, was awarded 
to Ira Moore, who had ofi"ered to do it 
for the sum of $235. About this time, 
on account of expenditures of the county 
exceeding the income, county orders 
became somewhat depreciated and 
Judge Warren gave considerable atten- 
tion to the matter of repairing the 
credit of the county and restoring the 
warrants to a par value. One of the 
methods employed was to pay interest 
at the rate of six per cent, per annum, 
on all warrants or orders for which the 
treasurer had no funds on hand to meet. 
This was partially a success, the credit 
of the county being strengthened. 

In December, 1852, Jasper M. Terry 
became associate justice of this court, 
in place of Jacob Lurton, entering upon 
the duties of his office at once. The 
question now came up before this court 
of the county subscribing the sum of 
$50,000 in bonds toward the building of 
the Jacksonville & Carrollton railroad 
and it was placed before the people who 
voted upon it on the 26th of March, 
1853, and a majority of the voters of 
the county being in fovor of the said 
subscription, the court 

"Ordered that (leorge E. Warren, pounty 
judge, or his successor in otlice, be, and he is 
hereliy, autliorizeil and empowered to sub- 
scribe, on behalf of Jersey county, 500 
shares, e(iual to $50,000 of the capital 
stock of said company, and to issue the bonds 
of the county, in sums not less t han .§50, bear- 
ing six per cent, interest, payable annually. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



89 



and retlecmiiblc in tlie year of our lionl, one 
thousand eight liundred and seventy-tive 
(1S75), to pay suoh suliscriptiou in such in- 
stallments as may be called for by said com- 
pany. " 

On Monday, December 5, 1853, the 
term of the office of the judge and asso- 
ciate justices having expired, George 
E. Warren having been re-elected to the 
position of county judge, and Jasper M. 
Terry to that of associate justice, to- 
gether with Charles H. Bowman, the 
other newly elected associate-justice, 
came together, and presenting their 
commissions, and having been duly 
sworn, opened court in form. 

It now becoming necessary to have 
larger accommodations for the paupers, 
the court k)oked around for a proper and 
suitable place. 

In September, 1854, the court pur- 
chased of James C. Graham, 20 acres of 
land off of the west side of the farm 
owned by the said Graham, lying east 
of Jerseyville, on the Carlinville road, 
and including the house fronting on said 
road, together with the orchard and 
other improvements. The sum paid 
was $2,(KjO. This was used as the poor- 
house, as soon as possession was had. 

At the meeting of the county court, 
held ill December, 1856, J. Murray 
Bacon succeeded C. H. Bowman as asso- 
ciate justice. 

On Thursday, Sept. the 10th, 1S57, the 
Jacksonville, Alton & St. Louis railroad 
company presented a reiiuest "that tlie 
court issue lunuls to said com])any for 
the amount of the capital stock, $50,000, 
subscribeil by the county of Jersey to 
the said Jacksonville, Alton & St. Louis 
railroad company, "agreeably to the pro- 
visions of an act of the legislature of 



the state of Illinois." In accordance 
the court made the following order. 

" It is therefore ordered, that said bonds be 
issned in behalf of said county, for the sum of 
.'tf.")0,00O, in sums of .SoOO each, bearing date in 
this day, and payable at the American Kx- 
change bank, in the city of New York, on the 
1st day of March, 187."), with interest at the 
rate of si,\ per cent, per aniiiun, iiayableon the 
1st day of March in each and every succeeding 
year, at the said Americ.ui Exchange bank. 
And that the judge and associate justices of 
the court sign said bonds, and that the same 
be attested by the clerk of the court, under 
the seal thereof. And that the clerk of this 
court sign the interest warrants, to be attached 
thereto, for the accruing interest on each of 
said bonds, and <Ieliver said bonds to the said 
comi)any uiion the receipt of the certilicate of 
stock, to which the said county of .Jersey is 
entitled, by virtue of their said subscription." 

At the December session of the county 
court for the year 1857, there was an 
entire change in the composition of the 
same. At that time, O. P. Powcl,' 
county judge, Richard 11. Ely and Wil- 
liam Williams, associate justices, pre- 
sented their commissions, filed their 
official bonds, aud being duly qualified, 
entered upon the discharge of their 
duties. 

Witli th(^ DcccMiibcr term of IStil, came 
a new county court, consisting of llich- 
ard I. liowe, county judge, Jacob Lur- 
ton and Larkin Ricliar<lson, associate 
justices. In ISt').'!, at the June term of 
tills court, $3,400 was placed in the 
hands of Richard I. Lowe, for the jjiir- 
p()S(' of making tlie necessary ailditions 
and repairs to the court house according 
to plans and siiecifications submitted by 
William Kiiiblcy, and adopted l>y the 
court, the additions to l>c made by Em- 
bley & Coddington. 

Upon Thursday, Sept. 22, 1864, at a 



90 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



special session, the following was spread 
upon the records: 

"Whereas, upon the representation of many 
of the eitizeiis, who are huge tax-payers in the 
county, tha'" by tlie offering of a bounty of 
!!f.")0.00 to encourage enlistments, a draft 
to fill the required quota of Jersey county 
may be averted, and -it the earnest request of 
such citizens, a special term of the court is 
called on this day. And the court being satis- 
fit-d that it is the general wisli of the tax-pay- 
ers of the comity, that eidistments should be 
encouraued, both by individual and county 
bounties; tlierefore, 

'•It is oi-dered, that the sum of .'i?10,0o(i.(io 
be and the same is hereby appropriated 
by the comity court of Jersey county, for the 
{)uri)ose of paying a bounty of ^oO.OO to 
each person who shall volunteer from .lersey 
county on or after die 19th day of September, 
lSii4, until her (lUoLa shall be tilled. 

A special levy of a tax was ordered to 
meet this deniaiid upon the finances of 
the county, of 50 cents on a dollar. 

A committee, consisting of William 
Shepard, John S. White and H. 0. 
Goodrich, were appointed to inquire in- 
to and report to the court the names of 
the parties entitled to the bounty, who, 
on the 10th day of December, 1864, 
made the following report: 

■' i'our committee appointed to ascertain 
who were entitled to receive the bounty ap- 
pro|)riated by your honorable body for such as 
would volunteer in the service of the United 
States and be credited to the various l>recincts 
of .lersey county, thereby relieving the county 
from the hardships of the recent draft, would 
respectfully beg leave to report that in their 
opinion ali members of the 144th regiment, 
stationed at Alton, who are credited to the 
county, are entitled to and should receive said 
bounty of -S.iO.OO each, the names of all, 
or nearly all so credited are herewith subjiiit- 
ted, and credits certified to by the adjutant- 
general of the state. 

•• We would further recommend that the 
same liounty be paid to the following parties, 



who have enlisted since the issuing of your 
order, in the (Jlst regiment, and been credited 
to the county, as shown by accompanying cer- 
tificate. (Here follows the list of volunteers.) 
'■ Relieving, as we do, that the parties above 
sjiecitied have, by their voluntary acts, relieved 
the county you have the honor to repre.sent 
in a most unjirecedented manner from the 
haidships necessarily attending a draft, and 
which has borne so heavily on other counties 
in our district, we respectfully renew our 
reconimendatit>u that the bounty be i)aid, 
feeling suie the i)eople of this county will 
sanction and approve your action in these 
inemises." 

The court approved the report, and 
ordered the bounty paid as recom- 
mended. There were 249 names on the 
list, all but five being in the ranks of 
the 144th Reg. of 111. Inf. 

The court that came into existence in 
Dec, 1865, was composed of the follow- 
ing gentlemen — 0. P. Powel, county 
judge; Phineas Elldredge and William 
H. Allen, associate justices. 

On Monday, December 6, 1869, J. M. 
Hurd, county judge; Caleb Noble and 
G. W. Gorin, associate justices, entered 
upon the duties of the county court, 
having been elected to those offices at 
the regular election that fall. Before 
this court, on the 9th day of Septem- 
ber, 1871, came William Shephard, and 
made an offer to the court to pay the 
sum of $12,750, in cash, for the 5(X) 
shares of stock in the St. Louis, Jack- 
sonville and Chicago railroad, succes- 
cors to the Tonica and Petersburg and 
Jacksonville, Alton and St. Louis rail- 
road, belonging to the county of Jersey, 
in right of the $50,000 subscribed to the 
capital stock of the said company, as 
previously mentioned. This offer, ap- 
pearing to be advantageous to the coun- 
ty, it was accepted and the clerk au- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



91 



thorized to make out and sign the re- 
quisite papers necessary to vest the 
title of the same in the said William 
Shephard. 

Robert M. King succeeded J. M. Hurd 
as county judge, at the December ses- 
sion, 1872, the associate justices being 
Caleb Noble and William A. Scott. 
They at once entered upon tlie discharge 
of the functions of the court according 
to the law governing this bod.y Some re- 
pairs were made upon the court house 
by this court, and a bell purchased and 
placed on that building in September, 
1873. This was the last county court 
held as the C(nmty government, the con- 
stitution of the state, adopted in 1870, 
making change in the form of govern- 
ment and originating the rule of 

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

The first meeting of this board was 
held on Monday, in Jan., 1874, they 
not being able to organize at the regular 
time, December, on account of some 
lack of action on the part of the legis- 
lature in passing the necessary laws. 
The board comprised the following gen- 
tlemen: William H. Allen, Edwin Co- 
lean imd Isaac R. Ely. These parties 
at once jiroceeded to cast lots as to the 
Isngth of time each would occupy the 
office, when William H. Allen drew the 
one year term; Edwin Colean the two 
year and I . R. Ely the three year. On 
organization, Isaac R. Ely was declared 
chairman, and the board commenced 
the consideration of the business of the 
county. The first business brought be- 
fore them was the examination and ap- 
proval of the reports of the various road 
supervisors, they having jurisdiction 
over those officers at that time. 



The boards of county commissioners 
for the succeeding years were as fol- 
lows : 

1875 — Isaac R. Ely, Edwin Colean 
and G. S. Compton, with the first-named 
in the chair. The first meeting was 
held on the 7th day of Dec, 1874. 

1876 — Isaac R. Ely, G. S. Compton 
and William H. Fulkerson. The first 
meeting was convened on the 6th day 
of Dec, 1875, and G. S. Compton was 
chosen chairman for the ensuing year. 

1877— G. S. Compton. W. H. Fulker- 
son and John W. Evans, with Mr. 
Compton again in the chair. First 
meeting held on Monday, Dec. 4, 1876. 

1878— W. L. Ruyle, John W. Evans 
and Prentiss D. Cheney, the latter 
elected to fill vacancy occasioned by 
the resignation of W. H. Fulkerson. 
The last-mentioned was elected chair- 
man for the year. The first meeting 
was held on the 6th of Jan., 1878. 

1879— W. L. Ruyle, J. \V. Evans and 
S. B. Force, with Col. Ruyle in the 
chair. At a special meeting held on 
the 25th of Feb., of this year, the 
chairman stated the object of the meet- 
ing to be to obey the summons of the 
supreme court, on mandamus, to ap- 
point commissioners to divide the county 
into towns under the township organi- 
zation act. It seems that on the od of 
Sejjt., 1878, a petition numerously 
signed was presented by Henry Slover, 
asking the board to order the submission 
of the cpU'Stion of township organization 
to the people of Jersey county. The 
conmiissioners accordingly ordered the 
submission of the question at the next 
general election. At that time it was 
found that the total number of votes cast 
was 2858, of which 1459 were for town- 



92 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



ship organization, and 1.399 against it, 
hut hecause of some informality in the 
retvirns from Grafton precinct, the vote 
of that snb-division was not counted 
which made the vote stand as follows: 
For township organization, 1268, and 
against township organization, 1295. 
The troulile that grew out of this ruling 
was carried to the supreme court of the 
state, hence the above action of that 
V)ody, in ordering the appointment of 
commissioners. E. M. Fuller, George 
H. Jacks and Phineas Eldredge, were 
selected as the parties to divide the 
county into townships for the purpose 
of carrying out the wishes of the people. 
They made their report, at the March 
term of the commissioners court, in 
which they recommend the following 
subdivisions: 

Piasa — embracing all of T. 7, nortli, 
R. 10 west. 

Fidelity— T. 8 north, R. 10 west. 

Ruyle— fract'l T. 9 north, R. 10 west. 

Jersey — all of T. 8 north, R. 11 west, 
and fractional T. 9 north, R. 11 west. 

Mississippi — T. 7 north, R. 11 west. 

Elsah— fractional T. 6 north, R. 11 
west. 

Grafton — all of fractional T. 6 north, 
and Rs. 12 and lo west. 

Otter Creek— T. 7 north, R. 12 west. 

English— T. 8 north, R. 12 west. 

Illinois — fractional T. 7 north, R. 13 
west. 

Riclnvoods — fractional Ts. 8 and 9 
north, Rs. 13 and 14 west. 

This report was adopted and the com- 
missioners ordered an election for 
county supervisors, and upon the 2.5th 
of March, 1879, the court of county com- 
missioners adjourned sine die, and were 
succeeded by the 



BO.\RD OF SUPERVISORS. 

The first meeting of this body was 
on the 14th of April, 1879, when the fol- 
lowing supervisors appeared, presented 
their credentials, and after due qualifi- 
cation took their seats: 

Walter E. C^arlin, Henry J. Hoffman, 
Lewis Elliott, William A. Scott, Addison 
Greene, Samuel B. Force, E. Meysen- 
burg, C. C. Buzby, P. W. Rogers, J. L. 
English, J. (i. Erwin. 

On organization, Walter E. Carlin 
was chosen chairman. 

The following liave been the various 
boards of supervisors of Jersey county, 
for each and every year. 

1880— W. E. Carlin, J. L. Reed, B. 
P. Kelly, I. R. Ely, M. V. Hamilton, 
James R. Livingstone, C. C. Buzby, Ad- 
dison Greene, S. W. Rogers, J. G. Er- 
win, E. Meysenburg. 

W. E. Carlin was duly elected chair- 
man f(ir the year. 

1881 — This board met for the first 
time on the 6th of June, when there 
were present the following supervisors: 

W. E. Carlin, P. D. Cheney, A. M. 
Slaten, C. B. Eaton, W. H. Allen, Jr., 
B. F. Kelly, John A. Cory, M. V. Ham- 
ton, Archie Craig, Elias Palmer, J. G. 
Erwin, C. C. Buzby. 

W. E. Carlin was nominated and re- 
elected unanimously to the chairman- 
ship. 

1882— W. E. Carlin, M. J. Richey, 
M. V. Hamilton, C. B. Eaton, Archie 
Craig, Milo Landon, N. M. Lurton, J. 
K. Cadwalader, Elias Palmer, C. P. 
Staflbrd, B. F. Kelly. 

W. E. Carlin was again re-elected 
chairman of the board for the ensuing 
year, at the meeting which convened 
June 6th, for the first time. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



93 



1883 — The board for this year met for I 
the first time on Tuesday, June 26, i 
1883, and re-elected W. E. Carlin as 
chairman. The board consisted of the ' 
following gentlemen: 

W. E. Carlin, M. J. Richey, Ephraim 
Cliappel, James Segraves, M. V. Ham- 
ilton, Archie Craig, Chas. Ruy}e, Milo 
Landon, Isaac N. Moore, A. J. Thomp- 
son, C. P. Stafford, J. K. Cadwalader. 

1884 — First meeting on the 3d of 
June, when the following supervisors 
took their seats: 

Walter E. Carlin, M. J. Richey, M. 
V. Hamilton, Andrew J. Tliompson, 



J. M. Segraves, C. P. Stafford, Geo. W. 
Reed, H. V. Vorhees, N. T. Rogers, V. 
L. Dodge, Lloyd T. English, Isaac N. 
Moore. 

1885 — The present board of supervis- 
ors, held their first meeting on the 2d 
of June, when the following gentlemen 
took their places: 

W. H. Bartlett, B. F. Kelly, V. L. 
Dodge, H. V. Vorhees, Geo. H. Van- 
Horne, N. T. Rogers, Lloyd T. English, 
C. P. Stafford, John L. Reed, W. E. 
Carlin, F.J. Mains, John A. Kraus. 

W. E. Carlin was again chosen to fill 
the chair for the year. 



OHAPXEvR VI. 



OTHER OFFIC 

In this chai)ter it is designed to pre- 
sent the various official matters, which, 
although too brief to place in a chapter 
separately, are too important to be 
ignored. These items have been mostly 
gathered from the records of the comity, 
although some have been gained in 
fragments during interviews with those 
familiar witli the subject. 

MATRIMONI.VL. 

Tliis is a matter which always attracts 
attention when treated historically, and 
is espccuilly interesting to the younger 
portion c)f the connnunity, who, their 
time not yet having come, still walk ''in 
maiden meditation fancy free," dream- 
ing of the prince that will "a wooing" 
come, or picture the charms of the fu- 
ture mistress of their household. 



lAL MATTER. 

In various lands the marriage rite is 
solemnized in different ways and by dif- 
ferent ceremonies; in all, the acts of the 
contracting parties must be imderstood 
by each, and b}' the community in which 
they live, as being a mutual agreement 
to hold relations toward one another as 
man and wife. In this state a license 
has always been required, althiaigh it is 
not in all the states, and thus from the 
records in most all instances we can 
trace all the earlier marriages of the 
county. In this county, it is impossible 
to do so, as the first eighteen years of 
the county's existence the records were 
kept in what is now the county of 
Greene. Therefore, for the record of 
these the reader is referred to the hist- 
orv of that countv for them. 



94 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



In early days, young men and maidens 
were not married in the grand style 
which usually charaeterizes the mar- 
riages of the present j)eriod. They did 
not wait until riches came before they 
married, as is too much the case in this 
money-loving age, but chose their mate 
without regard to this point, and settled 
down to live in simple and comfortable 
style, and they generally lived happily 
and gained the respect of their neigldjors 
by attending to their own business. 

There were no "diamond weddings" 
in those days, and the extravagance that 
now often attends the marriage cere- 
mony was then unheard of. The old 
folks were plain, economical and hos- 
pitable people, and the young folks 
were imbued with the same attributes 
that characterized their fathers and 
mothers. They were willing to com- 
mence housekeeping in a style corres 
ponding with their means, trusting to 
the future for larger houses and more 
expensive furniture. 

There are many rich anecdotes of the 
rustic marriages in early days, but where 
possible they are treated of in connec- 
tion with the history of the townships 
in which they occurred. How, when 
the time came, the blushing and rosy 
maid would drop her milk pails, throw 
ofl" her apron and tying on her sunbon- 
net, clamber into the lumber box wagon, 
while "John" in his overalls and farm 
boots would take up the whip, and the 
oxen would move off with the bridal 
procession to the "Squire's" who did 
the "jining of the knot." 

Among the amusing stories told of 
some parties in the county, away back 
in the misty past, is one where a country 
couple made their way to one of the in- 



cipient villages in the county in quest 
of some one who was authorized to tie 
the hymeneal knot. They went to a 
young storekeeper, who, in the way of a 
practical joke, referred them to the 
postmaster, stating that the government 
authorized him to officiate upon such 
occasions. When the postmaster was 
seen he disclaimed any knowledge of 
such authority, and said that he had 
only been in the employment of the 
government a short time and was not 
yet "quite up to snuff." But if the 
merchant said he could, he supposed it 
was so. Accordingly the couple were 
ranged up in front of the postmaster, 
who in the most approved style im- 
pressed them with the solemnity of the 
occasion, warned them to "let no man 
put asunder what he had jined," and in 
closing pronouced them "Mr. and Mrs., 
as provided by the United States postal 
regulations. Go your way, keep your 
mouths shut, and you'll be happy." 
As they turned to leave, he remarked, 
"only a dollar a piece, please." 

The first marriage in Jersey county 
after the organization of the same, ac- 
cording to the records, was that which 
united the destinies of John P. Allcorn 
and Mary Hawkins, the lisence for 
which was issued Oct. 17, 1S39; the 
ceremony was performed by David 
Myers, J. P. 

The other marriages recorded are as 
follows: 

Thomas Jackson and Rebecca Cowan, 
issued Oct. 17, 1839, married by David 
Myers, J. P. 

David Arnspiger and Jane Stephens, 
married Oct. 20, 1839, by David Myers, 
J. P. 

Nathan C. Swann and Mary Ann 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



95 



Piitton, married Oct. 31, 1839, by John 
Keys, J. P. 

James G. Swann and Elizabeth A. 
Roliston, married Oct. 31, 1839, by John 
Keys, J. P. 

Joel Elledge and Mrs. Lucinda Davis, 
married Dec. 10, 1839, b}' Urial Downy, 
J. P. 

Henry Marshall and Barbara Arin- 
hart, married Jan. 6, 18^40, by David 
Myers, J. P. 

Josiah L. Draper and Rachel C. Bar- 
ton, married Jan. 9, 1840, by Jos. G. 
Scott, J. P. 

Jackson A\'illiams and Maigaret Smith 
married Jan. 2, 1840, by Reuben S. 
Spencer, J. P. 

Thornton Hugs and Elizabeth Wag- 
goner, married Jan. 23, 1840, by Thos. 
McDow, J. P. 

Jeremiah Panick and Evaline Fuller, 
married Jan. 26, 1840, by Joseph G. 
Scott, J. P. 

Solomon Heter and Jane Giles, mar- 
ried Jan. 31, 1840, by Jos. Fowler, min- 
ister. 

Samuel Piper and Levina Rutherford, 
married Jan. 16, 1840, by V . Downy, J. P. 

Hardin Rowdon and Lucretia George, 
married Feb. 2, 1840, by Reuben S. 
Spencer, J. P. 

Robt. P. Murphy and Mary Ann 
Clark married Feb. 20, 1840, by Amos 
Dodge, preacher. 

Abraham Borer and Cyntha E. Jon- 
nessee married March 1, 1840, by Geo. 
W. Lowder, J. P. 

Isaac Harbert and Mrs. H. M. Shull, 
married April 24, 1840, by Joseph Fow- 
lei", minister. 

Richard Arnold and Jane Cowen, 
married April 8, 1840, by Geo W. Low- 
der, J. P. 



Christopher Hirchna and Elizabeth 
Thurston, married April 23, 1840, by 
Nathaniel Hamilton, J. P. 

Aaron Wood and Nancy E. Phelps, 
married April 28, 1840, by Reuben S. 
Spencer, J. P. 

Albertus Tjofton and Lucinda Chap- 
pell, married March 12, 1840, by Thos. 
McDow, J. P. 

John Parker and Mary Ann Chase, 
married May 21, 1840, by Thomas Mc- 
Dow, J. P. 

Augustin Stralder and Polly Lance, 
married April 29, 1840, by J. Keys, J. P. 

M'illiam Lee and Hily Dunham, mar- 
ried May 14, 1840, by David ]\Iyers, J. P. 

David McFain and Mary Cooper, 
married June IS, 1840, by Geo. W. 
Lowder, J. P. 

William Lavender and Margaret H. 
Little, married June 15, 1840, by David 
Myers, J. P. 

Edward S. Atkinson, and Sarah Rog- 
ers, married July 13, 1840, by Joseph 
Fowler, minister. 

Joseph Cope and Martha Bullard, 
married July 16, 1.S40, by N. Hamilton, 
J. P. 

Perley Silloway and Harriet Wilk- 
ins, married May 28, 1840, by Joseph 
Crabb, J. P. 

Stanford Moore and Eliza \\'atson, 
married July 26, 1840, by Geo. Hotf- 
man, J. P. 

Henry H. Cooper and Mrs. Mary 
Burrett, married Aug. 18, 1840, by Reu- 
ben Spencer, J. P. 

.Vlbcrt (i. Minor and Abigail C. 
Tyler, married Aug. 13, 1S40, by tieo. 
Hoffman, J. P. 

(ieorge Stafford and Ann Elizabeth 
Cresswell, married Aug. 25, 1840, by 
Silas Crain, J. P. 



96 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Caleb Noble and 8usannab E. Gill- 
ham, married Sept. 11, 184U, by William 
Jerome, minister. 

Vincent Martin and Luuinda Hughs, 
married Sept. 24, 1840, l)y Silas Crain, 
J. P. 

Robert Williams and Martha Smith, 
married Oct. 1, 1840, by Reuben Spen- 
cer, J. P. 

E, Miller and Judeth Amanda Winne- 
ford, married Oct. 2, 1840, by Amos 
P. Brown, minister. 

John Clittbrd and Hetty L. W. Van 
Hart, married April 15, 1840, by James 
Harriott, J. P. 

William Rogers and Elizabeth Ham- 
ilton, married Oct. 15, 1840, by Moses 
Lemen, minister. 

Philip Darr and ^lary E. Jonnessee, 
married Oct. 29, 1840, by Geo. W. Low- 
der, J. P. 

James Anderson and Hannah Finney, 
married Nov. 5, 1840, by John Keys, 
J. P. 

Thomas Smiril and Euphemia Dough- 
erty, married Oct. 22, 1840, by William 
Jerome, ruinister. 

William P. Pitman and Mary Rogers, 
married Dec, 2, 1840, by W. S. Mc- 
Murry, minister. 

Joseph Parker and Sarah Beeman, 
married Nov. 15, 1840, bv Thos. McDow, 
J. P. 

Sanmel Ralston and Margaret War- 
ren, married Dec. 3, 1840, by W. S. Mc- 
Murry, minister. 

James Magee and Mary J. Bramlett, 
married December 8, 1840, by Luke 
Lyons, minister. 

James Swain and Hannah* Watley, 
married Dec. 13, 1840, by James Har- 
riott, J. P. 

Abram Rowdiin and Tamelia Walden, 



married Dec. 17, 1840, by Thos. L. Mc- 
Gill, J. P. 

John N. English and Elizabeth Ann 
Belt, married Dec. 17, 1840, by W. S. 
McMurry, minister. 

J. I. Hupp and Elizabeth P. Abraham 
married Dec. 25, 1840, by AV. S. Mc- 
Murry, minister. 

William K. Miner and Mary Ann Sal- 
ly, married D£c. 24, 1840, by Geo. Hoflf- 
man, J. P. 

•William W. Botkili and SUsahna Siln- 
mons, mttfried Dec. 10, 1840, by Henry 
Ilewberry, minister. 

Hiram H. Adams and Elizabeth Ham- 
ilton, married Dec. 20, 1840, by David 
Myers, J. P. 

The following persons were married 
in the year 1841: 

Hiram English and Mary Ann Grimes), 
Jan. 3, by Horatio N. Belt, J. P. 

William Willis and Altha Ann Car- 
son, Jan. 7, by Thos. McDow, J. P. 

Elisha H. Barton and Rebecca Lof- 
ton, Jan. 19, by Silas Crain, J. P. 

Ephraim Carter and Elizabeth Sey- 
more, Jan. 21, by Uriah Downey, J. P. 

AA^illiam Henry Frost and Rebecca 
Miner, Jan. 28, by Luke Lyons, min- 
ister. 

Samuel Turner and Sally Jane Spen- 
cer, Jan. 17, by Silas Crain, J. P. 

William Hughs and Eunice Burley, 
Feb. 4, by Thos. McDow, J. P. 

William Post and Hannah W. Cal- 
houn, Feb. 4, by James Hartiott, J. P. 

James H. Maupin and Maay Whis- 
man, Feb. 4, by Geo. W. Lowden, J. P. 

Herrend Gardner and Nancy Spangle, 
Feb. 11, by Thos. McDow, J. P. 

William S. Wilson and Mary Ann 
Smalley, Feb. 14, by W. S. McMurry, 
minister. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



97 



Hugh Rusk and Ellen Barr, Feb. 14, 
by R. S. Spencer, J. P. 

David Kirkwood and Elizabeth 
Cowen, Feb. 18, by D. Myers, J. P. 

Jonathan Plowman and Elizabeth 
Crull, March 4, by Silas Grain, J. P. 

Dan'l K. Fitzgerald and Catharine 
M. Skeene, March 11, by William F. 
Jarrett, minister. 

Joseph Fowler and Eliza Ann Brown, 
March 23, by L. Lyons, minister. 

Joseph Brown and Annis Lee, JLirch 
30, by Horatio N. Belt, J. P. 

William Millross and Maria Hobbs, 
April 8, by William Jerome, minister. 

Jackson Calfee and Martha Blalock, 
April 14, by Joseph Crabb, J. P. 

James A. Goodrich and Esther Bush, 
April 22, by L. Lyons, minister. 

Philip R. Cook and Elizabeth Sam- 
son, May 23, by William Jerome min- 
ister. 

David Waddle and Mrs. Esther Parker 
June 23, by John Stafford, J. P. 

David T. Bonnell and Sally Ann Kirby 
June 3, by Liike Lyons, minister. 

Stephen Tunnell and Elizabeth Rice, 
June 12, by Joseph P. Tyler, J. P. 

Cleland W. Curry and Eliza Springale, 
July 8, by Rev. Wm. Wilson. 

Milton Riche}' and Margaret Courts, 
July 4, by Silas Grain, J. P. 

Felix Staggs and Mary Catlett, July 
24,l)y Joseph Crabb, J. P. 

Richard L Simmons and Margaret 
Davis, Aug. 1, by Rev. W. S. Mc- 
Murry. 

Jacob VanDike and Mrs. Sarah French 
July 31, by Rev. W. S. McMurry. 

Wilson Davis and Margaret Arin- 
spiger, Aug. 5, by Rev. G. I. Gardiner. 

Joseph Beggs and Permiah Hinson, 
July 29, by Geo. W. Lewder, J. P. 



Miles Misenhermer and Margaret F. 
Jarrett, Aug. 5, Rev. Wm. F. Terrall. 

Vincent Lee and Prisilla Johnson, 
Aug. 80, by Geo. W. Lowder, J. P. 

David Sego and Elizabeth Mankins, 
Sept. 7, by Geo. W. Lowder, J. P. 

William B. Nevis and Laura Goodrich, 
Sept. 9, by Rev. Luke Lyons. 

John W. Farron and Caroline Pearson, 
Sept. 30, by Samuel Haycroft. 

Irvine White and Matilda Quigley, 
Oct. 3, by Silas Grain, J. P. 

George Hoffman and Mary Ann Koll- 
enborn, Sept. 30, by Joseph Crabb, J. P.' 

Benj C. Rhodes and Amanda Darr, 
October 7, by Geo. H. Lowden, J. P. 

Abraham Houser and Barbara A. 
Arinspiger, October 14, by Rev. Elijah 
Dodson. 

Philip Pennnington and Mary Ann 
Cummings, Oct. 10, by Rev. Elijah 
Dodson. 

William Chappell and Elizabeth 
Hooper, Nov. 7, by Geo. Hoffman, J. P. 

Isaac Elledge and Winnefred A. Piper. 
Nov. 18, by Solomon Calhoun, J. P. 

James Darr and Rachel Cowen, Nov. 
21, by Geo. W. Lowder, J. P. 

Richard J. Ely and Mrs. Sarah Grigs- 
by, Nov. 27, by Rev. Elijah Dodson. 

William Kelley and Jane Miller, Dec. 
9, by Rev. G. A. Hamilton. 

John Massey and Maria Brown, Dec. 
9, l)y Rev. Jas. H. Dickins. 

Singular Pence and Sarah A. Winne- 
ford, Dec. 13, by Jas. A. Harriott. 

William M. Bailey and Mary Ann 
Parker, Dec. 16, by Rev. Luke Lyons. 

Jacob Rickey and Nanc^ Higgins, Dec. 

16, by Thos. L. McGill, J. P. 

Delavin D. Wilcox and Caroline E. 

Landon, Dec. 30, by Thos. L. McGill. 

J. P. 



98 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Henry Darlington and Marian Noble, 
Dec. 13, by Rev. William -Jerome. 

John H. Whitlock and Emmaline My- 
ers, Dec. 16, by Benj. Cleaver, J. P. 

William Lewis and Sarah Smith, Dec. 
21, by Rev. Henry Newberry. 

The following table will show how the 
number of marriages varied with each 
year, and how the market matrimonial, 
was affected by the circumstances of the 
times: 



18,39 from C 


>ct 6 


1862 


127 


1840 


47 


1863 


151 


1841 


55 


1864 


153 


1842 


44 


1865 


148 


1843 


45 


1866 


198 


1844 


50 


1867 


198 


1845 


48 


1868 


160 


1846 


67 


1869 


157 


1884 


77 


1870 . 


156 


1841 


73 


1871 


183 


1849 


76 


1872 


124 


1850 


80 


1873 


140 


1851 


.. 73 


1874 


163 


1852 


89 


1875 


147 


18.53 


102 


1876 


157 


1854 


82 


1877 


144 


1855 


101 


1878 


168 


1856 


136 


1879 


161 


1857 


126 


1880 


1.58 


1858 


123 


1881 


139 


1859 


117 


1882 


148 


1860 


751 


1883 


146 


1861 


221 

HECC 


1884 

RDS. 


126 



Shortly after the separation of Jersey 
from Greene county, and its organiza- 
tion into a distinct sub-division of the 
state, the county commissioners ordered 
the copying upon the record books of 
Jersey county all the transaction relat- 
ing to real estate in Jersey county, and 
a complete set of books of this nature 
were made and are on file in the office 
of the recorder of the county. From 
these it will be seen that the first deed 



relating to land lying within the present 
limits of Jersey county was recorded in 
Greene county on the 24th day of June, 
1822. This warrantee deed bear the 
date of Feb 7, 1822, and was made by 
John Evans and Ann Evans, his wife, 
to Davis Stockton, conveying to the 
latter the east half of the northeast 
quarter of section 11, and the west half 
of the northwest quarter of Sec. 12, T. 
8 north, R. 12 west, containing 160 acres 
of land. The consideration was $160. 
This instrument was acknowledged be- 
fore Joel Meacham, a justice of the 
peace. 

The first mortgage recorded was given 
by Isaac Piggott to John Evans and was 
dated Feb. 16, 1826, and was for S800, 
the security being the jvest fraction of 
the southwest quarter of section 20, con- 
taining 53.63 acres ; and the south frac- 
tion of the northeast quarter of section 
30, containing 103.56; and the north 
fraction of the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 33, containing 37.09 acres, all ly- 
ing in T. 9 north, R. 13 west. The 
terms of this mortgage were that it was 
to be paid with 100,000 feet of good, 
merchantable flooring plank, to be de- 
livered b}^ said Piggott, at the rate of 
lOjtXX) feet per year. It was acknowl- 
edged before Samuel Lee, J. P., and 
was satisfied in full, Nov. 27, 1828. 
This instrument was filed for record 
Feb. 27, 1826, in Greene county, and 
transcribed into the records of this 
county. 

TOWN PLATS. 

The plats of the original towns in 
Jersey county were laid out and filed 
for record upon the dates given below. 
To nearly all of them additions have 
since been made, but space forbids the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



99 



mention of them, and as they are a 
matter of record it is useless. 

Jorseyville, laid out by John W. 
Lott, Edward M. Daley and Alexander 
H. Burrett, Oct. 1, 1834, and was sur- 
veyed by G. M. Richards. The plat 
filed for record March 2, 18.'v5. 

Franklin, filed for record Aug, 11, 
1836, by James L. Taylor. 

Grafton, filed for record, April 15, 
1836, by Sarah Mason, guardian, by her 
attorney. Perry Mason. 

Upper Grafton, filed by David Pier- 
son and Caleb Stone, May 2, 1836. 

Fieldon, filed by Robert Terry, Aug. 
21, 1837. 

New Pliiladelphia, filed for record by 
William B. Little, Dec. 18, 1837. 

Hartford, filed for record by Joseph 
Hawkins, W. B. Canby and Levi 
Church, Oct. 30, 1837. 

■Rome, filed for record by Jay Daggett, 
it having been laid out by liim Nov. 7, 
1838. 

Fidelity, filed for record. June, 1850. 
Josejih Russell, proprietor. 

El.«ah, filed for record by James Sem- 
ple, March 7, 1853, and amended plat 
filed March 4, 1664. 

Newbern, filed for record Jan. 10, 
1867, by L F. Gillham, Marcus Gill- 
ham, John Chambers, Jr., and Enoch 
Briggs. 

Otterville, filed for record Nov. 20, 
1867, by the trustees of Hamilton semi- 
nary, Baptist and Cumberland Presbyte- 
rinn churches. 

Delhi, filed for record June 5, 186S, 
liy Sarah A. Lurton, Joseph N. Lurton, 
Jacob M. Early, Caroline S. Early, Wil- 
liam A. Scott and Sarah A. Scott. 

Kemper, recorded November 9, 1870, 
W. H. H. Kemper, proprietor. 



Nelson, filed by T. J. Campbell, Dec. 
1, 1880. 

Dow, filed by John H. McDow and 
Medora A. McDow, Oct. 18, 1883. 

Howe (now McClusky) filed for record 
by Hiram and Mary A. McClusky, July 
21, 1883. 

TREASURY. 

The first settlement with the treasurer 
of Jersey county was at the December 
session of the county commissioners' 
court, in 1841, and is given here, as a 
curiosity. 
Treasurer in account tvith Jersey comity : 

Dr. 
To aiiKiuiit rec'd froiii collections. . . .52,072 17 
Amount received from proceeds 

of land sold for taxes Do !»7 

Amount received from circuit 

court clerk 21 UO 

Amount from lisences 25 00 

Cr. $2,214 4-t 

By county orders paid $2,12.5 17 

Commns on .'$2,214.14, 

at 2 per cent 44 2.S 

Cash paid printer .50 

lialanee on hand 44 19 

iS2,214 14 

In order to show the difference be- 
tween the then and now, the report of 
County Treasurer John X. She})lierd for 
the year 1884, is here inserted: 

County Treasurer in account toith Jersey 

county, 1883=1884; 

8e|>t. 10— To balance on hand S.5,8.57 G6 

Oct. i;}— Toamt rec of W.E. t'arlin 3 75 

Dec. 1— To amt lec'd col and treas 300 83 

Mch. 10 -To Co. Atl'y, judgment.. 3!)5 (0 

April 17 — To Co. Att'y, judgment. . 80S 95 

May 14— To amt from town col'r. . 14,01!) 62 

" 14— To amt from town <'urr.. I.') 'VA 

July 21)— To amt from town col"!-.. . fl.Os'.i 78 

2() — To ami from town col" r. . 77 li4 

" 21)— To auit from town col. iiit 47 70 

.June, 22— Proceeds sale of C. H. . . . l.>5 00 

Total S30,S(Jl 70 



100 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



CONTRA. 

Nov. 21— By orders paid m,Sif> 16 

" 21— By orders paid 1,018 90 

" 21— By commission 322 75 

" 21 — By commission 5 20 

June 3— By county orders paid 10,397 86 

" 3— By county orders paid 1,-590 85 

Sept. 8— By county orders paid 3,833 03 

" 8 — By county orders paid. .. . 3180 

Bal. in hands of Tre;is. . . . 9,836 21 

Total $30,861 76 

COURT HOUSE. 

The old court house was built in 1840, 
by subscription of citizens, and was 
originally 40 feet square. Aaron Rue 
and Peyton C. Walker did the cai-pen- 
ter work, and Peter Perrine the brick 
work. In 1862 an addition, 16x30 feet 
in size, was added, on the north side of 
the building, which was used for jail 
purposes, but about 1873 or 4, some 
prisoners escaping by digging through 
the rear wall, the county commissioners, 
ordered that it be lined with 2x4 pine 
scantling laid flat and spiked and cov- 
ered with common sheet iron. On the 
early morning of January 6, 1884, as 
Charles Lipscomb, the janitor of the 
Baptist church, was going to that place 
of worship, at 4 o'clock, to build the 
fire, it being one of the coldest days 
during that winter, he smelled smoke, 
but attaching no attention to it, suppos- 
ing that somebody was building a fire. 

He remained in the church until after 
6 o'clock, when going out he discovered 
smoke issuing from the jail windows. 
He at once proceeded to awake G. C. 
Cockrell, who lived near by and then to 
inform Sheriff C. S. Frost. Finding 
that C. Blay, the janitor of the jail, 
had the keys of the jail, and knowing 
that several prisoners were in confine- 



ment there, he hastened to the house of 
the above, half a mile distant. AVhen 
they arrived at the jail, the found it 
filled with a dense smoke, and the pris- 
oners not able to come out. Charles 
Keith, James Powel, W. Hibble, J. E. 
Cory and M. Cockrell at considerable 
risk to themselves plunged into the 
room and soon brought out the dead 
bodies, for they were nothing else. 
These victims were Walter Dunsdon, 
in jail under accusation of murder; 
Emile Koehler, for horse-stealing; 
August Shultz, for purloining a coat; 
James Griggs, for petit larceny. 

The fire is generally believed to have 
been owing to a defective flue and the 
pine wood close to it catching fire early 
in the night and being closely confined 
between the iron casing and brick wall, 
smouldered until it broke out about six 
or seven o'clock in the morning. The 
flames soon wrapped the whole build- 
ing and soon the edifice was but a smok- 
ing ruin, and Jersey county was with- 
out a court house or jail. All the 
books, furniture, even the bar railing 
and the matting on the stairs was taken 
out of the building and saved. 

The subject of building a suitable 
court house in Jerseyville is, at the 
present writing, 188-5, under considera- 
tion, and no doubt, in the near future, 
the county will find itself in possession 
of an edifice of that character. The 
present depressed state of trade and low 
price of farm products, causing a strin- 
gency in the times, is all that is defer- 
ring the matter. 

COUNTY JAIL. 

The original county jail was a part 
of the court house and when that build- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



101 



ing was destroyed by fire, Jan. 6, 1884, 
the county was left without any place 
for the incarceration of its prisoners. 
Therefore, at the meeting of the board 
of supervisors on the 3d of June, 1884, 
the grand jury made the following pre- 
sentment: 

"^Vhereas, during the past winter a sad and 
fatal calamity befell our county, whereby our 
court house and county jail were destroyed 
by tire, and 

"Whereas, the immediate erection of a 
good and substantial county jail, adequate to 
the present and future demands, therefore we 
regard, as an absolute and pressing necessity, 
dictated alike by consideration of justice, 
safety and an enlightened civilization." 

The board of supervisors thereupon 
took the matter under advisement, and 
having some idea at the time of build- 
ing a court house and jail together, ad- 
vertised for plans, and appointed a com- 
mittee to examine the said plans, and 
decide upon one and make a report to 
the board, the result of their delibera- 
tions. The committee consisted of the 
following gentlemen: C. P. Stafford, V. 
L. Dodge, J. M. Segraves, G. W. Reed 
and Lloyd T. English. On consideration 
of the subject, at the September term, 
they reported that they agreed, that on 
account of "hard times," caused by the 
light crops for the past three years, it 
would be useless to ask the people of 
the county to lay a tax upon themselves 
to build a structure of this kind, but in 
view of the absolute necessity of build- 
ing a jail at once, they considered a 
plan for one, presented by William 
Emhley, of Jersey ville, eminently fitted 
for construction and whicli could be built 
for $15, (XX), and reconnnended that the 
board of supervisors submit to the peo- 
ple of the county, at the November 



election, 1884, the question of levying 
a tax of 35 cents on the $100, to provide 
a fund for its erection. 

This report was at once adopted and 
the necessary orders issued for submit- 
ting the question to the people, and the 
latter approving of the measure by a 
majority of 426 votes, the plan of Mr. 
Embley was adopted, and the tax levied 
in accordance with the resolution. A 
building committee was appointed to 
superintend the getting of bids, to make 
contracts and oversee the erection of 
the building. This committee consisted 
of M. V. Hamilton, W. E. Carlin, C. 
P. Stafford, L. T. English and V. L. 
Dodge. 

Bids for the work, according to the 
plans and specifications of William Em- 
bley, which had been adopted, were re- 
ceived and opened by the board and after 
some delay the contracts were let. Dow- 
dall and Sturdevant agreed to do the 
stone foundation work for $870; H. C. 
Leak, of Jerseyville, the superstructure 
and woodwork, or, in other words, the 
building proper, for $7,445, and P. G. 
Pauly &Bro., of St. Louis, to put in the 
steel-clad cells, corridors and other iron 
work, for $6,800. 

W^ork was at once commenced, and 
soon carried to a successful finish, pro- 
ducing as superb a building of this 
character as is found in the state. 

The building is of a composite order 
of architecture, combining the merits of 
the Tudor and English Gothic, is of 
brick, with handsome stone trimmings, 
and presents an agreeable appearance. 
The front part of the building is the 
residence of the sheriff, and contains, 
on the first floor, an office 14x27 feet in 
size, a parlor and sitting-room, each 



102 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



15x17*, and a kitchen 14x15' feet. In 
the second story are two bedrooms the 
size of the parlor and sitting-room, over 
which they are situated, a guard-room 
over the office, and two steel-clad cells 
for female prisoners. This part of the 
building is 30x40 feet in ground area. 
The jail proper is in the rear of the 
dwelling part, and is 38x48 feet in size. 
This latter contains two tiers of i^eel- 
clad cells, four on each floor, with cor- 
ridors, also enclosed in grating, and 
surrounded by a jailor's corridor, which 
is spacious and comfortable. The cells 
are each 6'x8 feet in size, are well-ven- 
tilated and exceedingly comfortable 
for places of that kind. The steel-clad 
work is the best known, and will defy 
the most energetic attacks upon it, cold 
chisel or file having no material effect up- 
on it. Altogether the edifice is one in 
which the county can take pride, and 
reflects great credit on the people, the 
board of supervisors, the architect and 
builders. 

COUNTY CHARITY. 

Although the heart of every man in 
the county beat in earnest sympathy 
with the poor and destitute that lay 
within his knowledge, and the hand of 
pity and help was never withheld, in 
time of need, from those who were in 
want, it was for many years after the 
organization of the county ere its citi- 
zens felt it just to themselves and others 
to .provide a building to be used as a 
sanctuary for the poor and friendless. 
]\Iany, having in mind the parish poor- 
houses and "unions" of the old coun- 
tries, shrank back with horror at the 
idea that any in whom they felt an 
interest should be doomed to inhabit a 



place within the cold and cheerless 
walls of such an asylum. The large 
and generous heart of the pioneer could 
not tolerate it. Little did they feel 
that many a waif upon the broad and 
troubled sea of the world's bitter expe- 
rience, has hailed as a safe harbor, as a 
secure haven, the much dreaded alms- 
house. Perhaps it was owing, partially, 
to these mistaken notions in regard to 
that noble charity, that so long delayed 
the erection of the building. But let 
not those of this later generation think 
that their forefathers, and the early set- 
tlers here, were a people wanting in 
brotherly charity. As early as 1840, 
measures were taken looking to the 
relief of the necessitous. The method 
of relief, the letting out of the care 
of the unfortunate, though not deem- 
ed the best now, went far toward 
mitigating the sufl^erings of the weary 
wight that had lost his all through force 
of untoward circumstances; the widow 
and orphan struggling for the daily 
crust of bread; the waif left to live or 
die, as best it may. For some years 
this system of. relief was the only one 
practiced, and as but few needed it, it 
sufficed. 

At a special term of the county coyi- 
missioners' court, held Oct. 13, 1845, 
the purchase of a tract of land for a 
poor farm was consummated. This 
farm, which comprised some 166 acres 
of land, was purchased for $900, of 
Samuel R. Perry, and was situated 
northeast of Jerseyville. On it was a 
house already built, and in December 
of the same year, the commissioners 
having established it as a poorhouse, it 
was at once odenee for that purpose. 
This was used for many years. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



103 



In 1864, the building being too small 
for the purpose intended, and in a 
dilapidated condition, it was determined 
to build a new almshouse. For that 
purpose a new farm was purchased, the 
old one proving ineligible. This latter 
is on section 16, English township. On 
it the present handsome and substantial 
brick edifice was erected, in 1865. It is 



two stories in height, the main building 
occupying 30x60 feet of ground area, 
with an L 20x40 feet in size. Close by- 
is a smaller building, used for the sick, 
which is 20x30 feet in size. A fine barn 
is also on the premises. The farm, 
which is an excellent one, and the 
house, is under the superintendency of 
Castleton Lynch. 



QHAPHTEXR VII. 



POLITICAL. 



How much better can the political 
history of a county be given, than by 
grouping together, in one comprehensive 
chapter, the vote of each succeeding 
year? What long dissertation upon the 
causes that lead to this or that issue, 
equal the plain facts, deduced from the 
mathematics of the ballots on the occa- 
sion? It has been the endeavor to give 
the oflicial vote of every year, Jjut in 
some cases, some parts are wanting, but 
a diligent research among the records 
and papers, both of the county offices 
and the office of the secretary of state, 
at Springfield, fails to produce anything 
more. The following is the 

OFFICIAL VOTE. 



SPECIAL ELECTION. 1839. 



NflHon R. Liirton, .. 
William Spriugatti 
Isaac N. Bacey. . . . . 



Coroner. 



W IT. narrieon, w... 
Maitin VauBuren, d. 
Scattering 



BLEcnoN 1840. 

PrcBideut. 



308- 236 
8H 
86 



517- 

360 

11 



Sheriff. 

.John . English, w 439— 4 

Samuel T. Keudall, d 435 

Coroner. 

A. G. Minor 658— 619 

I. N, Basey 13 

Vinson Lee 26 

Repreiieatative. 

.loh ' Drum 29 

Joliu McDonald 850— 821 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1843. 

Governor. 

Joseph Duncan, w ^ 531,— 116 

Thonms Kold. d 415 

Charies W. Uoiiter 17 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

William U. Henderson, w 515 — 95 

J i)hn Moore, d 420 

Frederick i£. Collins 19 

Senator. 

Charles Gregory, w .502— 97 

AllVed W. Caverly, d 405 

Peter Vanarsdell 18 

Representative. 

Samuel T. Kendall 444— 18 

Goorge W. Lovvder 426 

James C. Perry 74 

James M. Medford 8 

John L. Morrell 4 

Coroner. 

John Britton 178— 85 

H. D. l-arlev 26 

P. C. rt'alker 4 

John Cope 13 

H.E Uayes 65 

J. West 78 

James Walden 98 

E.Ham 1 

Aaron Rice 3 



Sheriff. 



Murray Chener... 
Perley'Silloway . . 
Adam Wagoner... 



429 

484- 

92 



104 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



County Commiseioner. 



M'iliiam Palmer. 
Ilt'ury Webeter.. 

Aiuoa Pruitt 

Thoiuae McDow., 



For 

AgaioBt. 



Od the question of a CoBventioo. 



ELECTION, AUGUST. 1843. 

CongresB. 

Orville H. Browning, w 

Sri'phen A. Doujilae, d 

Thomas Moore 



County Commissioner. 

Thomas Carroll 

Maurice Armstrong 

County Clerk. 

Richard Graham 

CieorKt! W. Lowder 

George W. Bnrbe 

Recorder. 

Thomas L. McGill 

Pfter Perriue. 



Probate Justice. 



Martin B. Miner. 

Joseph G. Scott 

David T. Bounell 

School Commiseioner. 

James Harriott, (i^o opposition). 

Surveyor. 
James A. Potts, (no opposition) 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

C. Eaeell 

John K. Black 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1844. 

Cnngress. 
David M. Woodson 

Stephen A. Douglas 

Richard E. Klls 



John Harris 

Jumes C>rahani 
John Vlall 



State SeoLtor. 



Representative. 

James Harriott 

Isaac Darueiile 

Thomas McDow 

County Commiseioner. 

Maurice Armstrong 

Cyrus Tolman 

Joab White 



Peiiey billoway — . 

Isaac Harbert. Jr 

Delavan D. Willcox. 



Sherifl. 



John BrittOB 

Bnshrod W. Hamilton. 
George Wharton 



Coroner. 



ELECTION, AUGUST, l845. 



County Commissioner. 

Ambrose S Wyckoff 

beujamin Sauuderfe 

John tIawkiuB 

VirgilNoble 

J. Pennifield 

School Commiseioner. 

James Harriott 

B. B Hamilton 

W. F. Guernsey 

D. D. Wilcox 



43:1— 

92 
43 


75 


328— 
384 


64 


srs- 
4:i9 
IS 


126 


494— 
451 


43 


3fl4 

48b— 

'.(IS 


122 


237 


416 


297 

325- 

293 


28 


695 




700 




601- 
426 


76 


473— 

460 

57 


13 


457— 
424 
62 


33 


460— 
40:j 

82 


57 


492— 

392 

"3 


100 


509—1^ 
384 
62 


424 — 

384 

67 


40 


283- 
2:i5 

:» 

3;i 

14 


47 


387— 

33 

16 

8 


354 



Augnptiie C. French, d. 
Thomam M. Kil Patrick, w 
Richai'd Ells 



ELECTION, AUGUST, 1846. 

Governor. 



Lieutenant-Governor. 

Joseph B. Welle, d 

Nathauie] G. Wilcox, w 

Abraham Smith 



Repreoentative. 

J.M.H'ird.d 

Thomas Cammings, w 

Thomas McDow 

Elihu .1 Palmer 

County CommisBiuner. 

Benjamin Cleaver, w 

Jacob Lnrton, d 

James Brown 

Sherifl". 

Perley Silloway 

Jonathan Piowman 

Isaac Snedeker 

John Darneille 

Coroner. 

George Hufi'man 

John Stafford 

William Edsall 



48-} 

6 9— 27 
40 



478 
50:)— 25 



478 

525— 47 
SI 
1 



53:)- 
459 



437 
493- 

30 

21 



64 



58 



5:)2- 182 
350 
46 



SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 19, 1847. 

Delegate to ConstitntioLal Convention. 

Augustus A. Knapp 

Dauit^l E. Brown 

Edward A. D'Arcy 

Elihu Palmer 



2:)9 
147 
31 



George W. Lowder. 
John Kimball 



BEOULAR ELECTION, 1847 

County Clerk. 



Thomas L. McGill. 



J. M. Burd 

Joseph G. Scott. 
M.JB. Miner 



Recorder. 



Probate Jndge. 



686— 482 
204 



856— 856 



James McKinney. 
Paris Mason. 



County CommUsioDer, 



B. B Hamilton. 
Willard Guernsey. 
James Harriott. .. 



School Conimissioner. 



579- 

279 

11 

578- 
299 



289 



279 



Job Collins 

James A. Potts 

John H. Bufflugtou. 



Surveyor. 



Solomon Calhoun... 
James E.VanHorue 
Jonn L.CromDtou... 



Treasurer. 



ELECTION, AU8UST, 1848. 

Congress. 

William A. Richardson, d 

hli Wilson, w 

Governor. 

Augustus C. French, d 

C. V. Dyer, w 



Lieutenant-Governor. 

William McMurtry, d 

Henry H. Snow, w 



Horace S. Cooley, d. 
S. C. Painefreer, w. 



Secretary of State. 



338— 22 
279 
:)7 

459— 77 
372 
10 

440— 33 
;)52 
55 



693— 648 
45 



691— 645 
46 



688— 643 
45 



684- 610 
44 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



105 



Auditor of state. 

Thomas H rsmpboll, d 781- 

BeDJamin E. Vlall.w 45 

Treasurer of State. 

Milton Carpent'^r. d 

Moses Petteueill, w 



636 



682- 
44 



State Senator. 

Franklin Witt, a 521— 

James Metcalf, w 359 

Scatterine. 6 



John D. Fry, d. 
I^aac Danie' w. 
Scattering 



Represeatative. 



Jonathan Plowman. 
Wright Casey. 
Josiab French 



Sheriff. 



510— 
460 
46 


59 


5M— 

425 

36 


98 


619— 251 
368 
349— 75 



County Commissioner. 

Ambrose S. WycKoff 

James A. Piggott 

Jacob H. I'rtchett 

Josiah Jackson. . . 274 

John Aruspiger 37 

Asa Suell 2 

Isaac Snt'deker 45 

Abijab Davis 43 

Coroner. 

WilliamLay 472^ 

William W . Bailty 321 

School CommiseioDer. 

Hiram Bridges 449— 

Charles H. Knapp ■KO 

ELECTION. 1849. 

Associate Justice. 

James McKinney 5.'>J 

Jacob Lurtun 291 

James A Piggott 254 

8 P Strattou 193 

EM 1 ease _ 22 

County Surveyor. 



89 



James A Potts.... 

George M. Burlte 1 

School Commissioner. 

Iliram Bridges 559 — 

Elihu J. Palmer 101 



458 



Solomon Calhoun., 
John (i- Cr<mipton. 



County Treasurer. 



642— 6:18 
4 



George B. Warren.. 
Cyrus Tolman 



County Judge 



George M. Lo\\'(U*r,. 
Anthony L. Kuapp.. 



County Clerk. 



ELECTION, SEPTEMBER, 1848. 



704— 
1 



Supreme ludge. 

Lymsn Trumbull 380 

David 1. Baker 466— 

Supreme Clerk. 

Edward II Kidgiway 768— 

John K Gallerfield 18 

Circuit Judge. 

Alfred W. Caverly 347 

David .M. Woodson 511 — 

Scattering 1 

Attorney. 

.Mark W. Delahay 278 

Clark K. Goodrich 481— 

Circuit Clerk. 

Charles 1. Ja«'kson 2H0 

Robert I,. lliU 126 

Thomas L. Hill 472- 



703 



2C3 



192 



ELECTION. NOVEMBER, 1848. 

President. 

Lewis Cass, d 5.30 

Zachary Taylor, w 454 

.Martin VanBuren, f 93 

ELECTION, 1850. 

State Treasurer. 

John Moore 116-- 116 

John Y. Knox 

Congreasmau. 

William A Richardson 364 

Urville H. Browning 417- 53 

State Senator. 

Franklin Witt 382- 82 

John A. Logan « 300 

Representative. 

Charles D. Hodges 448— 332 

J. C. Winters 116 

ELECTION, 1851. 

On the adoption of the general banking law. 

For the banking law 216 

Against 237— 21 

County Treasurer. 

Solomon Calhoun 411— 411 

Surveyor - 

James P. P..tts 452— 445 

T. Hnmerlaw 7 

School Commissioner. 

Hiram Bridges 315— 221 

E. J. Palmer 94 

ELECTION, 1852. 

President. 

Franklin Pierce, rt .564 

.Millard Fillmore, w 651— 87 

Governor. 

Joel A. Matteson 576 

E. B Webb 654-- 1 

D. A. Knowlton 77 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Gus. Koerner 5i>8 

J L. E. Morrison 650— 4 

P. Carpenter 78 

Secretary of State. 

Alexander Starne 570 

Bnckner S. Morris 647— 1 

Erastui Wright 76 

State Auditor. 

Thos. H Campbell S70 

Chas Belts 6.51— 81 

E. J. Smith 76 

State Treasurer. 

John Moore 570 

Francis Wery 649 - 79 

Moses PettlugiU 72 

Congressman. 

Richard Yates 743- 199 

John Calhoun 544 

State's Attorney. 

Cvrus Epler 424 

VVm VVeer 420 

Mahlou Ross 285 

ELECTION. 1852. 

Representative. 

Chns. I). Hodges 736 

A. I,. Kmipp 711 

Jacob l.urlon 354 

T. W.Brvo in 60 

William "v\ebb 37 



106 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Sheriff. 

Jonathau Plowman 637 

J. M. Hurd Ml— 4 

Clerk of the Circuit Court. 

Thos. L. McGill . 890— 890 

Coroner. 

William Williams 587— 310 

J. O. Hamilton 277 

SPECIIL ELECTION. MARCH, 26, 185.3. 

On the qnegtion op the county subecribing $50,000 toward 
the capital ptock of the JticksoDville *fc Carrollton 
railroad. 

For the subscription 1036-- 79S 

Against the subscription 238 

ELECTION. NOVRMBER, 1853. 

County Judge. 

George E. Warren 653—289 

Anthony L. Knapp 364 

Associate Justices. 

Jasper .M Terry 491 

Charles H Bowman 6.^8 

John N. English 354 

William Loy 255 

Thomas U. Chapman 44 

County Clerk. 

George W. Lowder 557 — 471 

ChurleeU. Roberts 186 

J- Murray Bacon 177 

County Surveyor. 

James A. Potte 475 

Levi F. McNeil 518— 43 

School Commissioner. 
Hiram Bridges, (no opposition) 942 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

Solomon Calhoun 937— 935 

H N. Belt 2 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1854. 

Congress. 

Richard Yates, w T14— 234 

Thomas S. Harris, d 480 

State Treasurer 

John Moore, w 490 

James Miller, d 596— 206 

Senator. 

John M Palmer, w 721— 264 

B. T. Burke, d 460 

Representative. 

Lafayette McCrillis 409 

Augustus li- Knapp 457 

B. Ji. Hamilton 263 

Sheriff. 

Jonathan Plowman 603 — 25 

John F. Smith 578 

Coroner. 

Benjamin Wedding 724 — 297 

William Williams 427 

ELKCTION, 1855. 

On the question of prohibiting the sale of intoxicating 
liquors. 

For prohibition 841— 343 

Against 498 

Judge of the Circuit Court. 
D. M. Woodson 1136— 1136 

KLKCTION, NOVEMBER, 1856. 

President. 

James Buchanan, d 702 — 172 

Millard Fillmore, a 530 

John C. Fremont.r 387 



. Congress. 

Thomas L. Harris 732 

John Williams 769 — 

Governor. 

William A. Richardson,' d 748 — 

William A. Bissell, a 692 

Buckner H. Morris, r 177 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Ricnard J. Hamilton, d 740 — 

John Wood, a 679 

Parmenus Bond, r 154 

Secretary of State. 

OziasM. Hatch 893— 

William U. Snvder 703 



90 



Jesse K. Dubois.. 
Samuel K. Casey. 
Hiram Barber. . .. 



State Auditor. 



State Treasurer. 



710— 

701 

2U7 

907- 
705 



James Miller. 
John Moore .. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

EzraJenkins 208 

VV iliiam H. Powell 710 — 

John H. St. Mathemy ;oo 

Associate Justicen. 

J. Murray Bacon 751 — 

Kichard Ely 720 

State's Attorney. 



202 



25 



Albert G. Burr. 
James W. English. 



909- 
702 



207 



Circuit Clerk. 
Thomas L. McGill (no opposition) 1005 

Sheriff. 

Charles H. Bowman 510 

Benjamin Wedding 7:i4 — 204 

J.Al. Huid 370 

^ Coroner. 

C.P.Stafford 634 

Felix \iruey 824— 190 

\V illiam Evans 18 

On the question of a Convention to amend the consti- 
tution of the State of Illinois. 

For 137 

.'\gaiust 607— 470 

ELECTION, NOVEHBBB, 1857. 

Supreme Judge. 

Edwin B. Webb 666— 497 

Sidney Breese 169 

County Judge. 

O.P.Powell 794— 385 

George E. Warren 409 

Associate Justices. 

William Williams 789— 3"9 

Richard R. Kly 8o3— 436 

J. Murray Bacon 410 

Jasper M. Terry 366 

County Clerk. 

Andrew Jackson 871— 536 

Thomas P. Wilson 336 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

John T.Smith 777— 364 

E. M. Smith 413 

Surveyor. 

HenryM. Chase 708— 217 

Josiah White 491 

School Commissioner. 

Henry H. Howard 

Joseph O. Hamilton 



348 



480 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



107 



ELECTION N0VE5IBER. 1858. 

Thomas L. llilrris 1059— 485 

.Tames H. Mfttheny. '. 574 

Johu L. McCounell 11 

State Senator. 

Antbouy L. Knapp 1032— 432 

Alexander B. Morean (KX) 

Representative. 

Francis P. Riiah 1046— 450 

C. M. Hamilton 596 

State Treasurer. 

William B. F.mdey 1051— 458 

James Miller 593 

John Dougherty U 

Snperittendent of Public Instruction. 

AuEUstns C. French 10,W— 473 

Newton Batcraan 581 

John Ueynolde 13 

Sheriff. 

Charles H. Bo\vmau 830— 18 

John L. Johnson..." 802 

Coroner. 

Lewis Johnson IMfi— 540 

James B. Veitch 49(5 

SPECL4L ELECTION JANUAET, 1859. 

Congress. 

Charles D. Hodges 641— 273 

James C. Conkhng 368 

EI.BCTI0N NOVEMBER, 1858. 

Congress. 

John A. McCleruand, d 725 — 273 

John M. Palmer, r 452 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

John F. Smith, d 736— 331 

Robert Darlington, r 405 

School Commissioner, 

William J. Herdmau, d 605— 53 

Fennel Corbett, r 552 

Surveyor. 

Josiah H. White, d 556— 4 

Georire I. Foster, r 552 

ELECTION NOVEMBER, 1860. 

President, 

Abraham Lincoln, r 910 

Siephen .-v. Douglas, u. d , 1291— 381 

John Bell, c 105 

John C. Brocken ridge, s.d 11 

Congress. 

John A. McClernaud, d 1318— 341 

Henry Case, r 977 

Governor. 

J<imcs {'. Allen, d A l."^03— 871 

Kichard Yates, r 951 

John T. Smart, c 56 

Thomas M. Hope, s. d 8 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Lewis W. Koss, d 1295— ai9 

Francis A. Iloflman, r 948 

A. C Blackburn, c 58 

Thomas Suell, s. d „ 11 

Secretary of Slate. 

George H. Campbell, d 129.')— 343 

Ozais M. llatrh, r 952 

Jamas Monroe, c 58 

B. T. Burke, ». d _ 11 

Stale Auditor. 

Bernard Arntzen, d 1288— 334 

Jesse K. Dubois, r 954 

James I),.^inilh, c 59 

Uarrj S. Smith, s. d 11 



State Treasurer. 

Huffh Maher. d 1244— 3M 

William Butler, r 865 

Jonalhuu Stamper, c 58 

William H. Gather, s. d 11 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Edward R. Roe, d 1292— 35 

Newton Bateman, r 9.=)3 

D. I. Snow,'c 58 

John H. Dennis, s. d 11 

Representative. 

John N. English, d 1299- 311 

Benjamin F. Slatcu, r..... 988 

state's Attorney. 

James W. English, d '. 1375— 300 

James Lee, r 975 

Robert Hitt, c 19 

Circuit Clerk. 

M. E. Bagley, d 1093- 133 

Thomis L. McGill, r 957 

Sheriff. 

William H, Cummings. d 1329 — 154 

Benjamin Wedding, r 1075 

Coroner. 

Lewis Johnson, d 1285— 325 

W. B. Slaten, r 959 

On the question of a convention to amend the consti' 
liition. 

For 771 

Against 1658—^897 

On the question of township organization. 

For 1429— 5.39 

Against 890 

SPECI AL ELECTION, 1861. 

Congress. 
Anthony L. Knapp, to fill vacancy caused by 
resignation of John A. McClernand 616 

Delegates, Constitutional Convention. 

William H. Allen 1229— 607 

D. M. .McKinney -.. 623 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Sidney Breese 258— 258 

Clerk Supreme Court. 

Noah Jobusou 306 — .306 

Circuit Judge. 

D. M. Woodson 360— 360 

ELECTION, 1861. 

County Judge. 
Richard I. Lowe. 184:- 1842 

Associate Justices. 

Larkin Ricliardson 1159— ■158 

William Williams 701 

Jacob Lurton lli:j— 193 

Archibald Craig 92J 

County Clerk. 

Andrew Jackson 1150— 453 

Samuel W. Davis 697 

County Treasurer. 

John E. Van Pelt 1203— 506 

James S. Peairs 037 

School Commissioner, 

William J. Ilerdman llSii- 673 

L. M. CHtting 708 

Surveyor. 

George I. Foster 1251— 673 

U. M. Chase 578 

ELECTION, NOVKMBEK. 18t2. 

Congress — At Large. 
Samnci C. Allen, d 1259— 733 

E. C. IngersoU, r 536 



108 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



Con^reBs — 10th District. 

Authony L. Knapp, d 1256— 719 

Samuel VV. iMoultou, r 537 

State Senator. 

L. E. Worcester (no opposition) 1279 

Treasurer. 

Alexander Starae, d 1356 — 730 

William Butler, r 536 

Superintendent of Public luptruction. 

John P. Brooks, d 1259— 7*5 

Newton Batcuiau. r 534 

Repreeentative. 

John N Knglish. d 1858— 725 

Benjamin F. Childs, r 533 

Sheriff. 

Charles H. Bowman. A 120-2— 6-17 

Adam Clendeniu, r 555 

Coroner. 
Jamee L. Beirne, r,(no opposition) 1285 

ELECTION, NOVBtlBER, 1863. 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

John E. Van Pelt tuo opposiliou) 853 

School Commissioner. 
William J. Herdman 841 

Surveyor. 
George I. Foster g49 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1864. 

President. 

Georee B McClcUan.d 1546 739 

Abraham Liucolu,r 817 

Congress — At Large. 

James C. Allen, d 15:j7 705 

S. W. Moultou, r .'..'.".11*..!! 833 

Congress— lOtn District. 
K. M. Knapp, r 838 

Anthony Thornton, d "'.'.'.""'. 1539 711 

Governor. 

Richard J. Oglesby, r 825 

Jamee C. Roniiisitn, d !!!!!! 1551 73^ 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

S. Corning Judd.d 1540— 712 

V\ illiam Bross, r ggy 

Secretary of State. 

William A. Turney, d l.e;38 ^jy 

Sharon Tyudttle, r !!'.'.*.'.'.".'.'.! 828 

State Auditor. 

i°^° g'.ee, d 1539_ 712 

O. U Miner, r go; 

State Treasurer. 

Alexander Starne. d 16:)8 710 

Jame..i H. Beveridge, r !.!...!!! 838 

Representative. 

Jf'hn McDonald, d 15*4 7Q3 

Carlin Twitcbell, r !!..!.!!!.!!.! 831 

Superintendent ot Public Instructions 

John P. Brooks, d I.>i7- 

Newtou Bateman, r !!!!!!!!!!!.!!! 830 

„ „ „ Clerk of Circuit Court. 

M G. Baglev, d 1544- 

Emraor Brinton, r '.'.'.!!!'.!'.'.!.'.!'.'.!!'.!'.'.!!.'. 819 

„,., State'.s Attorney. 

William Brown (no opposition) 1538 

Sheriff. 

T. J. Selby, d i4.„ kj, 

William BilliuKs,] '.'.!'.'.!'.'.!'.'.'."".'.'.!'.! 121 

Archibald Craig, r .'!!.'!!.'.'.'!!! 793 

„ Coroner. 

F. W. Bestirfeldt, d isos_ 7,. 

Brook Stafford, r !!!!!!!!!!!!!'.!.'.' SS 



707 



725 



ELECTION, 1865. 

County Judge. 

O. P. Powel ; 976— 

Geo. E. Warren 625 

County Clerk. 

Andrew Jackson 980— 

Thus H. Simmons C18 

County Treasurer. 

John F. Smith 993— 

J. T. Ross 611 

Surveyor. 

Geo I. Foster 966— 

Linn4 Humistou 610 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. J. Herdman 98:5— 

P. Corbelt 6.!0 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1866. 

Congress- At Large. 

T. Lyle Dickey, d , 1407— 

John A. Logan, r 965 

Congress — lOlh District. 

Albert G. Burr, d 1416— 

Heuiy Case, r 942 

State Treasurer. 

Jesse J. Phillips d 142:!- 

George W. Smith, r 942 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

John M. .'rebs, d 1418— 

N. Bateman, r 946 

Sheriff. 

Charles H. Bowman, d _ 1225— 

H. C. .Maseey, r 857 

D. S. Keeley, i 213 

Coroner. 

Lewi* John«on 1417 - 

H. E Hayes 904 

ELECTION JUNE, 1867. 

Circuit Judge. 

Charles D. Hodges, (no opposition) 581 

Clerk Supreme Court. 

R AD Milbanks 496— 

T, 1 Founlain 158 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1867. 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

John F. Smiib 

Uarle> E. Hayes 279 

Surveyor. 

George I. Foster 640 — 

Henry D. Edwards 369 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1868. 

Presidtnt. 

Horatio Seymour, d 1998— 

U. S. Grant, r 1131 

Congreos — At Large. 

W. W. O'Brien d 2007- 

John A. Logan, r 1128 

Congress 10th District. 

Albert G. Burr, d 2007— 

J. B. Turner, r 1130 

Governor. 

John R. Eden, d 3009— 

John M Palmer, r 1138 

Lieutenant-GoTemor. 

William H Van Epps. d 200.5— 

John Douaherty, r 1139 



362 



356 



363 



442 



472 
368 

513 



338 



89- 510 



867 



879 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



109 



Srcrclary "f StatC- 

Giietaviie Van H<K)rebeku, d 2fK)4— 871 

Edward Riiiu me], r 113;J 

Auditor. 

J.ihn R Shannon, d 3007— 87" 

Charles E. Lippiucott, r 1130 

T-eaeurer. 

Jess J.Phillipa.d 20ai— 870 

Krastus N. Bat.s, r 113:3 

Attornej General . 

Poben E. Williams, d 2W4— 873 

Washington Bushnell, r 1132 

Kepresertative. 

Thomns B. Fuller, d 2no.>— ma 

J. Ausall, r 1131 

Penitenliary Commissioaera. 

John W. Counett, d 2004 

W M (iarr.ird, d 2004 

Calneh Ziirle.v, d 2004 

Andrew shun uon. , U'^i 

Jiihn Keid. r li:« 

Kobert K . Loean, r 1133 

Member Board Equalization. 

W. H.Reed, d 2006- 873 

Jamns H. Vanausdall. r Il;i3 

Stele's Attorney. 

William Brown, (no opposition) 2017 

Circuit Clerk. 

M. K. Bagley, d 2018— 897 

Emmur Brinion, r 1131 

Sherifl. 

Henry B-11 ll^S- 484 

H.niry nouKherty 1084 

James McKiuuey 4ijb 

Coroner. 

SidneyNoble 1978— 843 

H.F. McNeil Il:i5 

On the Question of a Convention to Amend the Stale 
Constitution. 

For 746— 198 

Against 548 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER. 1869. 

County Judge. 

J M Hard 1149— 405 

David E. Beaty 714 

County Justices. 

Charles Noble 1221 

(ieor^c W. (iorin 1135 

Isaac McCollister ,. 774 

James Downey 752 

Clerk of Court. 

Thomas I. Selbv 1016— 142 

John C. Darby ■ 874 

Treasurer. 

John F.Smith 1110— 340 

James W. Calhoun 770 

Surveyor. 

George I. Foster 1097— 346 

Linus Ilumiston 751 

Superintendent ol Schools. 

ChailesII. Knapp 1196— .513 

1.. M. Brady 684 

Delegate to Convent on. 

Robert .\. Kins; 1123- 351 

George E . Warren 771 

ELECTION, JULY, 1870. 

On the Question of a new Constitution. 

For 5!i7_ 51) 

Against 496 

Supreme Judge. 

Anthony Thornton 763— 576 

Aarou Shaw 187 



BLbCilON, NOVEMBER, 1S70. 

Congress- At Large. 

William B.Anderson 1286- 399 

John A. Logan 887 

Congress — 10th District 

E. Y Rice 1290— 399 

J. W. Ki chell 891 

State Senator. 

William Sheph rd 1271 

J. M Bush 1282 

Gec.rge E. Warren 879 

Thomas li. Flynn 88) 

Representative. 

George W H rdman 1048 

Robert A King iari5 

Beujiimin F t'hilds 911 

Emmor Brinton 1002 

State Treasurer. 

Charles Ridgelv 1289— 401 

Era*tus N. Bates 888 

Superintendent of Public Instructiuu. 

Charles Feinee 1286- 399 

Newton Bateman 867 

Penitentiary Commissioners. 

Francis T. Sherman 1287— 400 

Elmer Washlnirn 887 

Thotnas Hedmoiiri (to All vacancy) 128.5— 388 

Casi)er Blitz (to till vacancy) 887 

Sheriff. 

Charles H. Bowman 11.53- 165 

JohnC. Darby 988 

Ct.roner. 

E.L.Harriott 1348— 534 

.lohn T. Ciirliss 814 

Congressman at Large, to Fill Vacancy 

S. S. Hnv8 1084— 431 

J. L. Beveridge 653 

County Treasurer and .Assessor. 

Jarae< Young 1090- 436 

James Biiriie 651 

Survujor. 

William L. West 981— i'50 

Heuiy D, Edwards ,. 731 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER, 1872 

President. 

U. S Grant, r 1203 

Horace Greeley, d 1431— 2)6 

Congress. 

Kobert M Knapp, d 1481— 293 

AC. Mathews, r 1191 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

L.T Whitcsiile, d 1497- 2'.l8 

Charles II Eldred, r 1199 

Governsr. 

RichardJ Oglcshy, r 1198 

GustaTUs Koerner. d 1.537— ;)39 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

John L Beveridge, r 1201 

John C Black, d 14.57— 246 

Secretary of Slate. 

George II Hnrlow.r '.200 

Edward Ruinmel, d U'M— 290 

State AHdilor. 

Charles E Lippincott, r 1800 

Daniel Ollara, d 1489— 289 

State Treasurer. 

Edward Kutz. r 1200 

Charles H. Lamphiur. d 1490— 290 

Attorney-General . 

James K Edsall, r 1200 

John V. Eustace, d 1488— 288 





no HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 


Senator. 

Beattv P. Burke, r 

Daniel E. Beaty, d 


1481- 
1192 

2405 !4 
192S;4 
32:J7'4 
38954 

1494— 
1192 

11K7— 
1160 

.571- 

381 

98 

820- 
119 

1219— 
946 

1216— 
967 

1346- 
818 

57 
1252— 
887 

1234 
1216 
l»i9 

970 

929 

951 

1.538— 
1135 

1519— 
1155 

1215 
1414— 

1475- 
1201 

1343 
1529— 
2 

n. 
1242 

1633— 

1228 
91 
1488- 
4 


293 

302 

7 

190 
701 

273 
249 
528 

365 

393 

364 

199 
2;'4 

186 
391 

260 


Sheriff. 

Harry C . Allen 

AH. Barrett 


. 13.30 
. 1481— 
. 99 

. 1331 
. 1436— 

. 1399 
. 1496— 
. 96 

ation. 
. 1294— 
. 1103 

. 1057— 
. 1009 

25 

11 

. 980 
. 1000 
. 100 

. 1120— 
. 913 
. 65 

. 1345 
. 2166— 
. 12 

. 2159— 
. 1330 
. 12 

. 1349 
. 2164— 
. 12 

. 1343 
. 2170— 
. 12 

. 1343 
. 2171- 
. 12 

. 1348 
. 2135— 
. 12 

. 1349 
. 2172— 
. 12 

. 1346 
. 2172— 
. 12 

. 2176— 
. 1:142 

2106— 
. 1329 
61 


151 

105 

97 

191 

48 

207 

821 
829 

815 

827 

828 

787 

822 

826 
8.34 


Representative. 
William McAdamB, Jr 




Coroner. 

Herman Roesch 

Wesley Park 

County Commissioner. 

N. M. Lurton 

G. S. Conipton 


A. L. \irden 




Jonathan Plowman 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

n A. D. Wilbnnks, rt 

John W. Campbell, r 

SPECIAL BLECrroN, KEB. 15, 1873. 

Sheriff. 
Stephen H. Bowman to fill vacanev caused 
by death of C. H. Bowman ' 


On the Question of Township Crganiz 

For 

Against 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1875. 

County Treasurer. 

John P. Stout 

Thomas O'Donnell 


Emmor Brinton 

ELECTIOH, JUNE, 1873. 

Circuit Judge. 
D. M Woodson 


M. C. Stanly 

Surveyor. 

HenryD. Edwards 

(ieorge I.Foster 


N.M. Knapp 


Cyrui Epler 


Supreme Judge. 
John Schofield ; 


A. P. Kiuegbury 


County Commissioner. 

William fl. Fulkerson 

William Noble 

Henry C. Massey 


ELECTION NOVEMBER 1873. 

Conuty Judge. 




ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1876. 

President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, r 

Samuel J. Tilden, d 

Peter Cooper, g 


Clerk. 
Thomas J. Selby d 


Treasurer. 


Congress. 

Robert M. Knapp, d 

Joseph Robbins, r 


Horalio N. Belt, r 


Superintendent of Schools. 
Mrs. E. Halslead 


J A Edie, g .... 




Governor. 
Shelbv M. Cullom, r 


Daniel Brown, r 


County Commissioners. 
WilliamH. Allen 


Lewis* .Stewart, d 

James F. aimpsou. g 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

.Andrew Shuman, r 

Archibald A. Glenn, d 




Isaac R. Elv 




Addison Green 




State's Attorney. 


Secretary of State. 
George H. Harlow, r 




Circuit Clerk. 
MB. Basley 


Stephen Y Thornton, d 

James Lemout, g 

State Auditor. 

Thomas B. Needles, r 

John Hise, d 

Jacob Hootstetler, g 

State Treasurer. 
Edward Ruiz, r 


John W. Vinson 


Sheriff. 
Eramor Brinton 


Stephen H. Bowman 


Coroner. 
E. L. Harriott 




ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1874. 

Congress. 

David E. Beaty 

Scott Wike 




Abraham B. Van Dorn, g.., 

Altorney-General. 

James K. Ed.-^all, r 

Edmund Lynch, d 

Uriah Copp, Jr.. g 

.Member Board of Equalization. 
Levi T. Whiteside, d 


W. R. Richardson 

Superintendent of Public Instructic 

William B. Powell 

Samuel M. Etttr 

State Treasurer. 
Thomas S. Ridgway 


State Senator. 

George W. Herdman. d 

Jonathan Plowman, r 


Charles Carroll 


John F. Clark, g 




1 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Ill 



Reprcseutatives . 

John N. English, d 2784 

Hampton W. Wall, d 2T29 

Ricburii Rowett, i 341"!4 

O. 1'. Puwcl, g 1336'/i 

Statii'e Attorney. 

William M Jackson. d 1912— 416 

Theodore S. Chapman, r HSKi 

Circuit Clerk. 

Marcus E. Bagley, d 2086— 694 

Jameb Burke, r 1392 

Sherifl". 

Jamee M Yonng, d 2017— 625 

A. H. Barrett, r 139J 

Coroner. 

Johns. WilliamB, d 21.i0— B2i 

Thomas A. Kiugstoo, r 1337 

County Commissiouer. 

John W. Evant, d 198fr- 578 

Brook Stafford. Sr., r 1414 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1877. 

Circuit Judge. 

Alberto, Burr 985— 914 

Silas Beasou 71 

ELECTION, NOVEUBEit, 1877. 

Count Judge. 

Robert A. King, d 2768-2668 

William U. Poijue, p 100 

Clerk. 

Jamee Eads, d 144.5 — 17 

Harry C. Allen, r 1428 

Peari Combs, p 37 

Treasurer 

Thomas 0'Donnell,d 1469— 76 

M W Nelson, p 38 

John P. Stout, r 1355 

Saperintendeut of Schools. 

Lott Pennington, d 1.577— 299 

Leonard .M. Cutting, r 1278 

John A. Blenaerhassett, p 35 

County Commissionti . 

William L Ruyle, d 1419— 14 

Archibald Craig, r 1405 

William R. Mears, p .36 

On the Question of an Appropriation to Comrlete the 
State Capitol. 

For 935— 151 

Against 784 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER, 1878. 

Congress. 

James W Singleton, d 173S— 1059 

William 11 Pogue, p 293 

James P. Dimmitt, r 679 

State Treasurer. 

John C. Smith, r 674 

Edward L Conkrite, d 1.5.58— 884 

ErastusN. Bates, p MO 

Jerome R. Gorin 56 

Superintendent Public Instrnction. 

Kate L. Hopkins 65 

James P. Siade, r 674 

Samuel .M Etter. d 1588— 884 

Frank H. Hall, p 532 

Representative. 

JohnN. English 2298H 

Hampton W Wall iTii'/, 

Oeorge E Warren 1B28 

James A. Starr 169.3l>i 

JothamA. Scarritt &12 



Supreme Clerk. 

Jacob O Chance, d 1564— 896 

Adam Knoph,r 668 

George Busick, p 62 

Appellate Clerk. 

John D. Harmon, d 1571 — 904 

Benjamin L. Ullen,r 667 

Pearl Combs, p 57 

Couuty Attorney. 

A . A . Goodrich, d 1771— 1060 

A.M. Slaieu.r 710 

OB. Hamilton, p 5 

Sheriff. 

James M. Young, d 1676— 1140 

Willinm Ford, r 536 

William McBride, p 62 

John W. Vinson, i 521 

Coroner. 

John S "Williams, d 166.3—1049 

John T. Curii.as, r 614 

Wilham Bowker, p 57 

E.L Harriott, i 465 

County Commissioner. 

Samuel B. Force 1440 — 375 

Ephraim Chappell 665 

H. N. Belt 687 

P. D Chonev 1 

On the cjuestion of Township Organization. 

For 1459— 367 

Against 1092 

On the Question of an Amendment to the Constitu- 
tion. 

For 1985— 1827 

Against 158 

On the Question of Domestic Animals Running at 
Large . 

For 1313— 113 

Against 1199 

ELECTION, JUNE, 1879. 

Supreme Judge. 
John Schofield (no opposition) 1.519 

Circuit Judge. 

Cvrus Epler, d . 1873 

Albert G. Burr.d... 868 

Lyman Lacy, d 892 

^athauiul VV. liroupou, r 653 

James T. Hohlit, r 648 

Herbert G Whitlock, r 62:J 

ELECTION, 1879. 

County Treasurer. 

Thos. O'Donnell 1207— 306 

John i: Darbv - 828 

W H. H. West 73 

County Surveyor. 

I) J. Murphy 1171- 249 

H. D Edwards 801 

Geo . I . Foster 121 

SPBCLkL ELECTION, JANUARY, 1880. 

Trcisurer. 
John A. Shephard (no opposition) 815 

ELECTION, NOVEMBKil, 1880. 

President. 

Winfleld S. Hancock, d 2107— 759 

James A. Garfield, r 1348 

James B. Weaver, e 13:3 

Congress . 

James W Singleton, d 2104— 756 

William D Edsiar, r 1348 

A B. .\lk'H,g IIJ 



112 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Governor. 

Shelby M- Cullom. r 1327 

Lvmaii Trumbull, d 3(^98— 771 

A'leou J. Streator, g 149 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

John M , Hamilton, r.... 1342 

Lew IB B. l-'ttieODH, d 2114— 772 

Andrew B, Adaii, g 12*) 

Secretary of Slate. 

Henrv D. Dement, r 1345 

Johii"H. Ober y,d -2111— 766 

J. M- Thompson, g 124 

State Auditor. 

Charles P. Swigert, r 1347 

Lewif* C. Starke), d 2109— 7H2 

William T. luKram. g.. , 124 

State Treasurer. 

Edward Rutz. r 1345 

TUeinae Butterworth, d 2110— 7b5 

Ueojge W. Evans, t;. 124 

Atoruey General. 

James McCartney, r 1^7 

Lawrence iluruion. d 2lu9— 7b2 

G. H\V hillock, g 124 

Senator. 

Charles A. Walker. d 2 05- 740 

Orville A. Suedaker, r 1:365 

Juhn K. Gara^niy, g 1 

Kepresentative. 

J.jhn N. English, d 2123^ 

A N Yauircey d alll'a 

Belfuur Gormen, r 3992 

S. V. Keller, g 417'/2 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

Egbert B. Brown 2109- 758 

Charles M. Grammer .. 1351 

Stat".'*s Attorney. 

Adam A. Goodrich 2162—2154 

Morns R. Locke 38 

Circuit CU-rk. 

Jesse I. McGreadv, d 188:5- 390 

liuTijamin Wedding, r 1493 

Thomas a . Reeves, g 114 

Sheriff. 

Henry C . Massey, d 1995— 505 

Charles C. liuzby, r 1490 

Coroner. 

Caleb Dulladway, d 31:54- 748 

J limes K Greary, r * i:i86 

On the tiuestiou of an Amendment to the Constitution. 

For 1981—144.; 

Against 535 

SPECIAL KLECTION. -RTNE, 1882. 

Circuit Judge— To fill Vacancy. 
Guorge W lierdman 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1882. 

Congress. 

James M, Riggs. d 156t>— 795 

James U'- Singleton, r 771 

1 hilip N . Mincar, g :U9 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Henry Raah, d ims- 618 

CharU'HT, Stratton, r 1045 

Klizabeth B. Brown, g 21 

State Treasurer. 

Alfred Orer.dorfl", d 1664— 631 

J<jhn C. Smith, ■ 1010 

John G. Irwin, g 19 



benaior. 

Frank M, Bridgfls, d 1658- 611 

Thomas H. Smith, r 1047 

Representative. 

Walter E. Carlin, d 2581'/, 

George W. Murray, d. 2391 

Juhn H. Coats, r 3094 

Duncan C. Mclver, r 6 

On the (iueelion of an Appropriation to Complete the 
State Capitol. 

For 1631— 1108 

Against 523 

On the Question of Ceding the Illinol- and Michigan 
Canal to the United Stales, 

For 11^- 430 

Against 734 

County Judge. 

William H. Pogue, d 1487— :i36 

Oscar B. Hamilton, r 1151 

Clerk. 

James Ead8,d 149;J— 297 

Edson A, Dudge, r 1196 

Sheriff. 

Charles S. Fro^t, d , 1614— 528 

Thomas F. Hansel, r 1086 

Coroner. 

Caleb Du Hadwj.y, d 1683— 554 

Wesley Park, r 10-M 

Treasurer. 

John A. Shephard, d 1706— 697 

John K. Beaty, r 1^)9 

Superintendent of Schools. 

Lott Pennington, d 15&3— 484 

M J.Hoflman,r 1099 

ELKCIION, NOVEMBEB, 1884. 

President. 

JamesG. Blaine, r 1:'07 

GrovtT Cleveland, d - 2014— 7o7 

John P. St. John, p 80 

Benjamin F.Butler, g. 1 

Congress. 

Milton J. Rises. d 203:i— 713 

ThcunasJ. Black, r 1310 

J, A VValUce, p 73 

H.J. Parker, g 2 

Governor. 

Richard J Oglesbv, r 1:304 

Carter H. Harrison, d 2034— 7:iO 

James B. Hobbs, p **.> — 72 

Jeet-e Harper, g -1 

Lieutenant-Governor 
JohnC. Smith, r 1297 

Henry Seiter, d 2037— 840 

James L. Ferryman, p 78 

A. C. Vander water, g 1 

Secretary of State. 

Henrv D. Dement, r " 1300 

Michael J. Duugheity. d ■ 2916— 716 

Charles W. Euos, p ; 98 

HE, Baldwin, g i 

Auditor. 

Charles P. Swigert, r 1204 

Walt.T E. Carlin. d 2090— 886 

AesanderB Irwin, p 80 

E. F. Reeves, g 1 

Treasurer. 

Jacob Gross, r 1309 

Alfrer' Orendorff, d... 20:i5— 726 

Uriah Capp 80 

Berij min N. Goodhne, g 1 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



ii;j 



Attorney-General . 

GcoreeHunt.r I:i01 

Hohe'rt h McKinluy, d 3020— 719 

Hale Juhnsuu. p V;j 

J. N. Gwiu, g 1 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

Samuel R. Chittenden 2ni5— 715 

William H. EUie 1310 

Representatives. 

Hcnrv C MsBnej 3058!4 

Bvron McEvcrs. 2!)H8 

Tbeodori' S. Chapman : 3839 

JuhuH-Reevep ^48 

U.A.Tralter 5 

Supreme Clerk. 

Ethan A. Snivelv, <i 2027— 734 

Thomas L. McGrath, r 1293 

Appellate Clerk. 

George W. Jones, il .•2024— 719 

L. W. Shi'phard r 1305 

State's Attorney. 

A. A. Goerlrich. d 2066— 790 

James F Gr<*atLou8e, r 273 

AneilHt Bcrger 1 

Scattering 2 

Circuit Glerk. 

JeKSe I. Mi-Oready.d 2n:M— 753 

Robert T. Brock, r 1280 

CoryP. Edsall, p 94 



Coroner. 

E. L. H. Barry 2001— 675 

J. Tidhall 1328 

Surveyor 

Daniel J. Murphy 202:1- 729 

Heiiry D Edwards 1394 

W. E. Kingeley 81 

On Question of Levying a Tax to Build a County Jail. 

Kor 1614— 426 

Against 1188 

On the Question of an Amendment to the Constitutiun. 

For 2109- 18.58 

Against 251 

On the Question of an Appropriation to Complete the 

State Capitol. 

For 3842— 2714 

Against 128 

8PKC1AL ELECTION, AfRIL, 1B85. 

State Senator — To fill Vacancy Occasioned bv the death 
uf F. M. Bridges. 

Robert H Davis m-i— 609 

E. Wilson 11 

A. M. Hackley 12 

ELECTION, .rUNE, 1885. 

Circuit Judge. 

George W Herdman 1007— 34 

Cyrus Epler 9«8 

Lyman Lacy 973 



QHAPTKR VIII. 



JUDICIAL. 



Man, a finite licing, is of a necessity, 
fVdiii liis nature, an imperfect creature, 
and as such requires that laws, both 
human and divine, shall be enacted, with 
the ))cnalties attached fortheir violation, 
for his government. Ever since the day 
when our first parents, Adam and Eve, 
were placed in the garden of Eden, with 
the injunction to let the fruit of a certain 
tree alone, with the penalty for trans- 
gression attached, man has had to have 
some law to govern him, or he descends 
til Imrliarism or rai)inc. Tlirt)Ugh a 
long line of law-givers and legislators, 
we trace the laws of the present hack to 
the decalogue, given to the tribes of 
Israel when they wandered in the 



deserts of Araljia, the underlying prin- 
ciples of which are the fundamental 
basis of all modern law. Circumstances 
and surroundings have changed since the 
days when that alone was needed, and 
the present complex and often prolix 
laws are the superstructure built upon 
the foundation of the "ten command- 
ments." 

The existence of laws implies the e.x- 
istcnce of courts wherein all (juestions 
of law shall be dctcrinineil and intiT- 
l)rctcd. This fact, so patent, being de- 
termined, the franiers of the state 
constitution instituted certain courts of 
justice, each with well defined powers. 
Changes have been made, from time to 



114 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



time, in the jurisdiction of these courts, 
but the rights of every citizen, of high 
or low degree, have ever been main- 
tained. 

Among the men who took a part in 
laying the foundation of this portion of 
the state of Illinois, there is, perhaps, 
no class that stands out more promi- 
nently than the members of the bench 
and bar, and Jersey county has had the 
honor of having contributed some of the 
ablest meii to this portion of govern- 
ment. Of these, in their turn, it is 
now the pleasure of the historian to pre- 
sent a view. Many of the sketches of 
the talented men who have occupied the 
bench in some of these courts are 
meager, but, they having passed from 
this arena of active life, but little can 
be gathered respecting them, although 
no pains have been spared to make this 
chapter as full and complete as possible. 

The first term of circuit court in 
Jersey county, convened Nov. 25, 1839, 
in a small frame school house which 
then stood in the southwest corner of 
the old Morean place, now owned by 
John Smith. That building was after- 
wards removed about two squares further 
northwest, when it was owned by Mrs. 
Abijah Davis as a dwelling. It was torn 
down in the summer of 1884. It was 
also the first school building erected in 
Jerseyville. Judge William Thomas, 
of the first judicial circuit, presided at 
this session. 

The certificates of appointment of 
Robert L. Hill, clerk, John N. English, 
sheriff, and Nelson R. Lurton, coroner, 
were produced, with the oath of office 
endorsed thereon, and were ordered to 
be recorded, together with the bonds of 
the several officers. 



The sheriff' returned the panel of 
grand jurors selected and summoned 
for the body of Jersey county. The 
following constitutes a list of those 
present : Elijah Van Home, William 
Draper, John D. Gillham, Thomas 
Hamilton, Samuel L. McGill, James 
Davis, John Corson, George Hoffman, 
Josiah Rhodes, John Hawkins, Henry 
Coonrod, Maben Anderson, John Kim- 
ball, George Smith, John Brown and 
Robert B. Robbins. Elijah Van Home 
was selected and sworn as foreman, and 
the other members of the grand jury 
were sworn and charged by the state's 
attorney and retired to consider the du- 
ties assigned them. 

The first case which came up for 
hearing before this body was that of J. 
M. Hurd, for the use of Ezra Hurd, 
plaintiff, against John W. Slaten, de- 
fendant, being an appeal from the jus- 
tice's court. John W. Scott and Ed- 
ward M. Daley, plaintiffs, against Al- 
exander H. Burrett, defendant, being 
an action for trespass, was the second 
case. Both cases were continued by 
the attorneys who appeared for the par- 
ties concerned. 

The first state case was that of Wil- 
liam Dixon, alias Captain Dixon, in- 
dicted for passing fictitious notes and 
for forgery. This called into requisition 
the first petit jury, which was composed 
of the following named gentlemen: Jos- 
eph Duncan, James Ritchie, Josiah 
Jackson, JohnKeyes, Thomas H. Chap- 
man, Richard Simmons, Moses Cock- 
rell, Ambrose S. WyckofT, Chilton 
Smithe, Isaac Barree, William Palmer, 
William K. Miner. The jury found the 
defendant guilty, in the manner and 
form as was alleged against him in the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



llo 



indictment of the grand jury, and in- 
stnictcil that he shouhl be confined in 
the penitentiary for a term of four years. 
The day fi)llowing, the court executed 
the verdict of tlie jtetit jury, by sen- 
tencing defendant to 46 months at hard 
lab(jr in the penitentiary. Dixon was 
also held for larceny, by an indictment 
of the grand jury, but the attorney for 
the state refused tofurtlier prosecute tlie 
case, and it was consequently dismissed. 

After completing the balance of busi- 
ness which came before the court, an 
adjournment was hail until the next 
rei^'ular meeting. 

The next term of court convened 
April 80, 1840, Judge William Thomas 
l)residing. Nothing worthy of particu- 
lar mention in this connection appears 
in the record of this session. 

The next term of the court began on 
Oct. 28, 1840, Judge Thomas still pre- 
siding. 

At this term, tlie first murder case, of 
which I'llias Cockrell was defendant, 
was heard. The deft>ndant pleaded 
"not guilty," and filed his aflidavit and 
moved the court for a change of venue, 
whereupon the court ordered that the 
venue be changed to Greene county. 

At the following term of court, which 
convened April 26, 1S41, Judge Samuel 
D. Lockwood occupied the bench for 
the first time in this count}'. He pre- 
sided at every session until that of Sep- 
tember, 1848, which was his last in that 
capacity. 

In conformity with the provisions of 
the general assembly of Illinois, at their 
last session, the court, at tlie April 
term, of 1843, appointed Robert L. 
Hill master in chancery of Jersey 
county, and the said Hill being present, 



accepted the appointment, took the oath 
of otHce and filed a bond with si^curity, 
a})proved by the cnuit, in the penalty 

of $2,ck;)o. 

At a meeting of the Jersey county 
bar and oflScers, before the convening 
of court, Sept. 13, 1848, the following 
resolutions were adopted in honor of 
Samuel D. Lockwood, circuit jmlge. A. 
W. Caverly, the oldest member of the 
bar, was selected to read and tender the 
resolutions for the acceptance of Judge 
Lockwood, about to retire from the ju- 
dicial circuit. These resolutions were 
as follows: 

Wliereas, tlie Iloniiralilc Daniel I). Lock- 
vvooil will shortly retire from the .jiiilici:il 
station which lie has so long anil eniinently 
ailorneil, thereloie, 

liesolveil, that tlie inenilicis of the liar can- 
not let the occasion |)a,ss without ex|)ressiiig 
their iirofouiui respect for the purity of his 
life, aiiil tlieir admiration for his distinguihhwl 
bearing as a jurist. 

Kesolveil, that on the contempliilcil re- 
tirement of Hon. .Judge Lockwood from 
the public service, we will take our 
leave of him with imfeiiined I'egret. ') he 
iniifoini courtesy and urbanity which has ever 
characterized his inleicuurse with the li;ir and 
the people; his learning, dignily, imparLiality 
and sirict honesty as a judge, have einleared 
liim Id us all, and in bidding him farewell we 
tender to him the ardent wishes of oni- he.iiis 
that his future days to a good old age may be 
unclouded and serene. 

liesolveil, that while the memory of the 
pleasant iiitercour.se betwi.xt Judge Lockwood 
and the bar of the circuit court must in a 
great measure pass away with the lives of 
its members, we rejoice that the o)>iinons de- 
livered by .Judge I-ockwood, as a justice of the 
supreme court, of whiidi he has lim,i; been a 
distinguished member, constitute a monnment 
to his ability and learning as a jndfie, upon 
which the liar of Illinois will ever look with 
respect and admiration. 

Resolved, that these proceedings be signed 



116 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



by the chaiiiiian and secretary, and a copy of 
the same be presented to Judge. Lockwood, 
and a like coiiy lo the court, with a request 
that tlipy be spread upon the records, and ttiat 
tliey be puljHslied in tlie ditferent newspapers 
of the circuit. 

Resolved, that A. W. Caverly, Esq., as the 
oldest memljer of this bar, be requested to pre- 
sent the foregoing resolutions to the court, 
with the request that the same be spread upon 
the records. 

After reading the resolutions Mr. 
Caverly remarked: "In behalf of my 
professional brethren of this bar, I now 
jjresent you a copy of these resolutions 
as a tribute of our admiration and re- 
spect, and beg your acceptance of the 
same." Judge Lockwood, on receiving 
the copy, replied: "I accept them. 
My heart is too full to say more." 

At the term of court, which convened 
May 14, 1849, Judge David M. Wood- 
son presided for the first time in this 
court. He occupied the bench at ever^^ 
session of the court in this county from 
that time until April, 1867, with the ex- 
ception of the October term, 1851. 

He was born in Jessamine county, 
Ky. , May 18, 1806. His parents were 
Samuel H. and Ann R. (Meade) Wood- 
son. His father was a leading lawyer 
in Kentucky, and had several times 
represented Jessamine county in the 
state legislature. In 1831, David M. 
was himself elected to the legislature, 
on the whig ticket, and cast one of the 
votes which elected Henry Clay to the 
United States senate. When elected, 
Mr. Woodson was carried through the 
streets of the village in which he lived, 
on men's shoulders, which attested his 
popularity, even then. On the 6th day 
of October, 1831, he was married to 
Lucy McDowell, daughter of Major 



John McDowell, of Fayette county, 
Ky. He came to this state in the 
autumn of 1833, and chose Carrollton, 
Greene county, as his future home, and 
then returned to Kentucky for his fam- 
ily, whom he brought out the following 
year. He had studied and practiced 
law in Kentucky, and when he came to 
Carrollton, entered into his partnership 
with Charles D. Hodges, which contin- 
ued 14 years, being terminated by the 
election of Mr. Hodges to a judgeship. 
His first wife died in Kentucky, in Au- 
gust, 1836. He was again married, 
Nov. 1, 1838, to Julia Kennett. At the 
sesion of the legislature of 1838-39, he 
was elected to the office of state's attor- 
ney, to fill a vacancy to which he had 
recently been appointed by Governor 
Duncan. In August, 1840, he was 
elected to the legislature from Greene 
county. In 1843, he ran for congress, 
from the 5tli district, against Stejjhen 
A. Douglas, but was defeated. He was 
a member of the state constitutional 
convention of 1847. The next position 
to which he was elected was the circuit- 
judgeship of the first judicial district, 
which he held until 1867, when he re- 
tired from the bench. He was elected 
to the house of representatives from 
Greene county, in 1868, on the demo- 
cratic ticket. He was the father of one 
son, by his first marriage, John M. 
Woodson, of St. Louis. By his second 
marriage there was one child, a daugh- 
ter, now the wife of H. C. Withers. 

The October term of 1851 began on 
the 20th day of the month. It was pre- 
sided over by Judge 0. C. Skinner, and 
this was the only term not presided 
over by Judge Woodson, from the first 
one until his retirement from the bench. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



117 



Court met Oct. 14, 1867, with Charles 
D. Hodges on the bench, he having 
succeeded his law partner, Judge Wood- 
son. Judge Hodges presided at every 
term for about six years, the session 
beginning March 17, 1873, being his last 
in this county. 

Court convened Sept. 22, 1873, with 
Judge Cyrus Epler occupying the bench. 
Judge Epler like those who had preceded 
him in that capacity, had been widely 
known for his legal attainments before 
being elevated to the bench, and while 
occupying that position in this circuit, 
adiled largely to his reputation for wis 
dom and brilliancy in his profession. 
Judge Epler presided at each term of 
court until that of September, 1877. 

At that session, which began on the 
24th day of the month. Judge Albert G. 
Burr occupied the bench for the first 
time in this county. 

Charles S. Zane, then of Springfield, 
now chief justice of Utah territory, 
presided at the term commencing Sept. 
22, 1879. 

Judge Burr {)resided at each subse- 
(juent sitting of the court, until he was 
succeeded by Judge Cyrus Epler, at the 
March term, 1.S82. Judge Epler also 



occupied the bench at the term begin- 
ning Sept. 25, 1882. 

George W. Herdman, the present 
judge, presided for the first time at the 
March term, 1883. 

George W. Herdman is a native of 
the state of New York, and was born 
March 6, 1839. In the fall of 1854 he 
located in Jersey county, having previ- 
ously removed to this state with his 
parents. His early life was spent on a 
farm. At the age of 24 years he com- 
menced the study of law, and in the 
spring of 1867 received a diploma from 
the University of Louisville, Ky. He 
commenced practice in Jerseyville, the 
same spring. In the fall of 1870 he 
was elected to the legislature as repre- 
sentative from Jersey and Calhoun 
counties. In 1876 he was elected state 
senator, and served four years. In 
July, 1882, he was elected judge of the 
7th judicial circuit, to fill the un. 
expired term occasioned by the death 
of Albert G. Burr, and in June, 1885> 
was re-elected for a term of six years. 
He has also been a member of the Jer- 
seyville board of education three years. 
In February, 1880, he was united in 
marriage with Helen A., a daughter of 
James W. Parrisii. He is a democrat. 



OHAPTRR IX. 



The inception of journalism dates 
from remote ages. The institution now 
known as the newspajier was ante-dated 



JOURNALISM IN JERSEY COUNTY. 

lications, in which the accounts of piib- 
lic occurrences and familiar gossip was 
made known to the citizens of imperial 



nearly 1,000 years by manuscript pub- ! Rome, seated upon her seven hills. 



118 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Tliese sheets were known by the name 
of "Acta Diurna;" but tlieir issues were 
at all times irregular, and in times of 
scarcity of news totally suspended, the 
editor either engaging in some other 
calling, or indulging in the sports of the 
day. 

But little progress seems to have been 
made for many years in this branch of 
business, until the early part of the 17th 
century. 

Frankfort-on-the-Main claims to have 
produced within her walls the father of 
modern newspapers. She claims that 
Egenolf Emmel, a book dealer and book 
pi-inter of Frankfort, in the period of 
that city's greatest literary prosperity, 
was the first in Europe to issue a news- 
paper at regular intervals in the shape 
in which we see them to-day. This 
honiir t)f priority of newspaper produc- 
tion lias been considerably contested, 
but unsuccessfully. Emmel first pub- 
lished a weekly, Fmiikfurter JoarnnI, in 
Kilo. The Nuremburgers say that 
Wendelin Borsch i)U.blished a newspaper 
in their city as early as 1")71; but there 
is no proof that this was anything more 
than the fugitive leaves which had then 
become pretty common in the great 
trading ccuiters of Europe; and as the 
iMiglish claim their first regular news- 
paper to have appeared in 1622, and the 
French in Itt.'il, to Frankfort must be 
left tlu^ honor of Egenolf Emmel, the 
father of newspapers. 

The precursors of (iernian newspapers 
were the sm:ill, printed, Hying slieets 
issued in tlie latter half of the 15th cen- 
tury, under the titles Relativnea or Aeue 
Zcifuii'j (Xrw 'I'itliiiy), which, however, 
only made their appearance at irregular 
intervals, generally to record some event 



of more than ordinary . note. These 
reports are said to have existed as early 
as the middle of the 15th century; the 
oldest mentioned are from the years 
1457-14t)0; though the oldest copy now 
preserved in the university library at 
Leipsic bears the date of 1494. But 
these Re/nfions or Tidinyg cannot be looked 
upon as the germs of the modern press. 
The beginnings of the German newspa- 
papers are to be traced in the written 
commercial correspondence of the mid- 
dle ages. The editorial bureaus were 
the counting-rooms of the great mercan- 
tile houses, which had their agents 
transmit information to them from all 
parts of the world then open to com- 
merce. But as these sheets were almost 
private, they were of little service to 
the world at large. As Gutenburg's 
invention won its way, and the large 
trading houses entered into communica- 
tion with each other and with their 
various governments, which had an 
equal interest in the information con- 
tained in the commercial correspond- 
ence, types were introduced into the 
trading bureaus, or the written corres- 
pondence was placed in the hands of the 
special writers, and a regular system of 
printed correspondence was inaugurated. 
Venice is usually awarded the honor of 
first printing this commercial corres- 
pondence in iht' NiitizielScrHU', which was 
at first written and exhibited in certain 
public places; but Germany was not 
long in following her example. 

A eolleetion of 28 volumes of this 
printed commercial correspondence, 
from the years 15G8 to 1604, was taken 
with the library of the celebrated Fug- 
ger family, to the imperial libraiy, at 
Vienna, in 1606, and is of great histori- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



119 



cal importance, connected, as it is, with 
the Rothechild house of the middle 
nges, These reports contain not only 
commercial intelligence, but political 
and social news from the districts' and 
countries, which then were attracting 
the attention of Europe. Many reports 
are written by eye-witnesses, and official 
documents relating to incidents de- 
scribed, are frequently transmitted. 
When important political information is 
reported, the source from whence it is 
procured, is generally given. Others, 
again, contained literary departments 
corresponding to the feuillton of the 
European press of to-day, bringing 
graphic descriptions, accounts of popu- 
lar festivities, manners and customs; 
accounts of the discovery of America, 
of the conquests of the Turks, and local 
occurrences, such as all sorts of fearful 
signs in the heavens, wonderful animals, 
and misbirths; accounts of executions, 
inundations, earthquakes, burning of 
witches, and child-murders committed 
by l)igots, together with i)rophecies and 
warnings — the editorials of to-day — con- 
nected with passing events. News then 
came to hand very slowly. An Indian 
overland ))ost re(juired eleven months to 
get to Europe, and 40 or 50 days were 
re(|uired for a letter to get from C(hi- 
stantinople to Vienna. Naturally 
enough, as the papers gained a more ex- 
tended circulation, the jealous govern- 
ments began to look after them; and 
history knows whole series of govern- 
ment ordinances, issued from Paris to 
Rome, condemning them as destructive 
to soul and body. 

The idea of issuing a news])aper at 
regular intervals, that is, every week, 
first originated in the mind of Egenolf 



Emmel, of Frankfort, and with his 
Frankfurter Journal, which made its ap- 
pearance in 1G15, the transition from 
the irregular publications, such as the 
Relationen, to the newspapers, was made. 
The same journal still flourishes, and 
the house from which it was first issued, 
may yet be seen. The Journal appeared 
as a weekly up to the year 1740; then it 
appeared oftener; in 1795, it appeared 
five times a week, and subsequently be- 
came a daily. 

In England, the mental appetite was 
fed by the News Letter, a manuscript 
production, which was only furnished at 
fabulous prices. It was in 1622, as 
above mentioned, when the first English 
newspaper was born. This was The 
Weekly News from Italie and Germanie, 
which was printed upon a mechanical 
contrivance, perfected by one Nathaniel 
Butler, who is thus the progeniter of the 
English press. The first attempt at the 
publication of parliamentary reports 
was made in 1641, when the parties and 
politics of the realm first occupied a 
place in the newspaper. It was some 
seven years later, in 1648, when the first 
advertisement appeared. This was in 
verse form, and was an invitation to 
call upon a fashionable tailor of the 
period, and purchase of him the styles 
then in vogue among the beaux. 

The pioneer daily morning newspaper 
of the world was the London Oourrni, 
which was initiated in 1709, and con- 
sisted of only one page of two columns, 
each five paragraphs long, and was made 
up from translations from foreign jour- 
nals. The revolutions in journalism 
during the present century have been of 
80 stupendous a type as to be almost 
beyond comprehension, were we not 



120 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



brought face to face with the fact day 
by day. In this country, from the ad- 
vent of the Boston News Letter, in 1704, 
unto the present time, when the United 
States can boast of its 962 daily, and 
over 8, (XX) weekly papers, seems a tre- 
mendous step in the forward march of 
improvement, but is only a forerunner 
of what may be the achievements and 
power of an independent press in a free, 
republican country in the future. 

Jersey county has had considerable 
opportunity to test the value of news- 
papers, as aids in building up its busi- 
ness centers, and making known its re- 
sources and advantages to the outer 
World, while the ennobling influences 
of the press has been incalculalile; and, 
as a general thing, its citizens have 
always manifested a liberal spirit of en- 
couragement toward the various jour- 
nalistic enterprises that have originated 
in their midst, and which support is 
rapidly growing in extent and volume. 
It would be almost impossible to esti- 
mate in a money value, the advantages 
derived by Jersey county, in a business 
point of view, from the influence of the 
press, but it is beyond all cavil inesti- 
mable. At all times the press has, in 
advocacy of local interests, called into 
requisition respectable, and in many 
instances, eminent talent, which has a 
tendency to inspire its citizens, as well 
as friends, with hope and confidence in 
its prosperity. 

As patrons of the press, as would be 
expected of those who people it, Jersey 
county's citizens have established a good 
name. As records of current history, 
the emanations of the local press should 
be preserved by town and county gov- 
ernment among the archives for refer- 



ence. These papers are the depositories 
wherein are stored the facts and the 
events, the deeds and the sayings, the 
undertakings and achievements, that go 
to make up the history of the day. One 
by one these things are gathered and 
placed in type; one by one these papers 
are gathered together and bound, and 
another volume of local, general, and 
individual history is laid away imper- 
ishable. The volumes thus collected 
are sifted by the historians, and the 
book for the library is ready. 

There should be some means devised 
by which press records might be pre- 
served and made accessible. This is, 
of course, attempted in all offices, but by 
the removal of editors, who claim the 
files as their property, and a general 
carelessness on the part of all inter- 
ested, in many instances the files are 
sadly deficient. 

BACKWOODSMAN. 

This was the singular title of the first 
newspaper ever issued within the lim- 
its of the county of Jersey. It was es- 
tablished in the year 1837, at Grafton, 
by Paris Mason, who was sole proprie- 
tor ; but the editorial management was 
under the control of John Russell, quite 
a noted and talented gentleman. He 
was a native of Vermont, boi-n at Cav- 
endish, that state, July 31, 1793. He 
entered Middlebury college in 1814, 
against the wishes of his parents, and 
was driven to the drudgery of author- 
ship by the stern necessity of i)rocuring 
funds for his education and living. His 
fii'st venture in this line was " The Au- 
thentic History of the Vermont State 
Prison," published by Preston Merri- 
field. He was a noted school teacher, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



121 



after leaving college. While teaching 
in Bonhoniinie bottom, Missouri, in 
1819 or 1820, he wrote for the Missourian, 
a local paper, an anonymous article 
entitled, " The Venomous Worm," that 
much resembled in pithiness, punfrency 
and brevity the writings of Benjamin 
Franklin, which attracted attention over 
the World. It was afterwards placed in 
Pierpont's and in McGufi'ey's readers, 
as a specimen of native talent He took 
charge of the Back-woodmnnn. cm its inau- 
guration, and remained at the helm of 
that paper until the organization of the 
county, in 1839, when he removed to 
Louisville, Ky., and, in 1841 and 1842, 
edited the Advertise)-, of that place. In 
1828 he came to Bluffdale, a very ro- 
mantic place in Greene county, where 
he made his residence, except at such 
times as related above, until the day of 
his death, Jan. 21, 1865. As a writer 
(and he was considerable of an author) 
liis language was chaste and classical, 
his style clear and concise, although 
sometimes vigorously ornate ; his taste 
was pure and his thoughts always ap- 
l)ropriate and frequenth' striking. 

In 18o9, when Jerscyville was made 
the seat of county government, a joint 
stock company of Jerseyville ])eople 
punliased the paper and material and 
removed it to the county seat, and in 
the spring of 1840 its publication was 
lesumed, with A. S. Tilden as editor. 
This gentleman did not remain long, 
but was succeeded by Fletcher and Par- 
eiitcau, who had obtained control of it 
and changed its name to tliat of the 

NE\VSP.\rKU. 

This ])aprr had a life of only al)out 
four months, wIk n the olhce was de- 



stroyed by fire, and it never was revived. 
Mr. Fletcher afterwards started andjjub- 
lished the Carr(dltou Advocate, in 1842. 

THE DEMOCR.\TIC UNION. 

During the year 1854, the above 
named paper was established at Jersey- 
ville, by Thomas Wright, who came 
from Indiana. The Uniuu was the first 
democratic paper ever published at Jer- 
seyville. Its publication was continued 
by Mr. Wright until 1856, when it was 
suspended and he left town. The fol- 
lowing year Henry H. Howard revived 
the paper, and was succeeded in 1858 
by John C. Doblebower, who continued 
to publish the Union until the 1st of 
April, 1865, when it was discontinued. 
The following valedictory appeared in 
the last issue of that paper: 

" We approach the above subject with 
feelings of the greatest regret, ^^'e are 
filled with compunctions because the 
change we have recently made from the 
editorial chair of the loved and cherished 
Democratic Union to that of the Alton 
National Democrat, while it has, perhaps, 
been an advantage to us, has resulted in 
the death of our old friend. This was 
wholly unexpected by us, nor did we 
know such was the intention of the com- 
mittee to whom we sold, until the ar- 
rangements were so far comj)leted as to 
make it unadvisable to negotiate upon 
that point. 

" To our friends and patrons in .lersey 
county and elsewhere, we return our 
hearty thanks for the liberal and con- 
stant sujiport they have given us; wo 
shall cherish their friendshijt and kind- 
ness to the latest moment of our fu- 
ture existence. We should lie pleased 



122 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



if that kindness and liberality should 
follow us into our new relations, and 
hope to have the pleasure of receiving a 
share of their support and patronage 
while we shall occupy our new position 
as the editor of the daily and weekly 
Alton National Democrat. To the editor 
and the paper that shall succeed us and 
our paper, the Democratic Union, we wish 
the most unbounded success; and we 
welcome both into the field of journal- 
ism in Jersey count}', hoping that they 
may successfully maintain and defend 
the good old cause of Jefl'ersonian dem- 
ocracy . ' ' 

The office material was purchased by 
a stock company, and a new journal was 
immediately inaugurated in Jerseyville, 
which was christened 

THE JERSEY COUNTV DEMOCRAT. 

The first issue of this paper appeared 
April 7, 18fi5, imder the editorial man- 
agement of Augustus C. Smith. It was 
a seven-column folio, all printed at home 
and displayed a good amount of adver- 
tising — the life and existence of a coun- 
try paper at that time. Mr. Smith con- 
tinued in editorial charge of the Demo- 
crat until the issue of April 20, 1866, 
when the stock company was dissolved, 
and Thomas J. Selby became editor and 
proprietor. With the issue of October 
9, 1869, Mr. Selby disposed of the paper 
to A. A. Wheelock and L. L. Burr. 
On that date of the Democrat, the follow- 
ing notice of the change was made by 
the new proprietors: 

"The undersigned, having purchased 
of T. J. Selby the Jerseyville Democrat, 
appear before the old friends and patrons 
of that paper confident that with their 
etibrt and co-operation, the enterprise 



will prove a success. They come with- 
out promises or pledges, save only the 
discharge of their duty as public jour- 
nalists, and with the determination to 
devote their time and talent to the best 
of their ability, to build up and main- 
tain a local paper that shall refiect the 
interests and advance the prosperity of 
the citizens of Jerseyville and the county. 

"The name of the paper will remain 
unchanged. Its politics will be demo- 
cratic, aiming, at all times, to discuss 
political questions fairly and candidly, 
and reserve the right to condemn cor- 
ruption and wrong, wherever brought 
to light. The support of the public 
generally is respectfully solicited." 

With the issue of September 29, 1870, 
Wheelock & Burr sold the Democrat 
oflSce to J. A. J. Birdsall and J. I. 
McGready, formerly of the Macoupin 
Times. In the first issue, under the 
control of the new firm, the following 
salutatory appeared. 

"Having purchased the office of the 
Jersey county Democrat from Messrs. 
Wheelock and Burr, with the present 
issue, the undersigned assumes its con- 
trol and management. 

"It is customary upon such occasions 
to publish a long salutatory, full of 
pledges and promises, and abounding 
with fine words. We shall do nothing 
of the kind. It is one thing to promise 
and another to perform. Any man can 
tell what a good newspaper ought to be. 
Few men can make one. Without at- 
tempting the former, we shall try our 
best to accomplish the latter. 

"The only pledge we have to make is, 
that it shall be as good a newspaper, 
and as soundly democratic, as we know 
how to make it." 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



123 



Mr. Birdsall was connected with the 
paper about one year, when he retired 
and Mr. McG ready became sole editor 
and proprietor. In the isisue of Oct. 27, 
1871, speaking of the change, Mr. Mc- 
Gready f^ays : 

"Having purchased Mr. Birdsall's in- 
terest in the Democrat, the responsibility 
of continuing the paper devolves upon 
myself. I h()])e to be able, in a short 
time, to present to the people of Jersey 
county a paper in every way worthy of 
their support, one, at least, equally as 
good as is generally published in a place 
the size of Jerseyville. Of course, I 
shall look particularly to the democracy 
of Jersey county for encouragement and 
support. The paper will be 'demo- 
cratic at all times and under all circum- 
stances.' I therefore call upon all the 
democrats to give me whatever support 
they can in the way of subscriptions, 
advertising and job work. It has been 
said by some one who has evidently 
made the matter a particular study, that 
'money makes the mare go,' and it will 
make a printing office just as 'goish.' " 

From this time until 1880, the Demo- 
criil was under the exclusive control of 
Mr. Mc(i ready. During that time, he 
brought it to a high standard in journal- 
ism in this part of the state, and be- 
came very popular with all classes, with- 
out rccrard t(i political l)elief, and also 
enjoyed a most j)rospcrous existence. 
At the IjegiiHiing of the new year of 
1880, the Democrat was changed in form 
to a six-column eight-page paper, ])re- 
senting a very neat and tasty appear- 
ance, in which form it has continued 
permanently. Mr. McCiready disposed 
of the i)aper to its present editor and 
proprietor, . I. M. Page, Nov. 11, 1880, 



after a most successful career of over 
ten years. In severing his connection 
with the Democrat, in the last issue un- 
der his supervision, he took occasion to 
say: 

'• Having sold the Democrat office to 
Mr. J. M. Page, our management with 
the paper ceases. We return our thanks 
to our friends for the liberal patronage 
and enc(juragenient extended us during 
ten years connection with the demo- 
cratic organ of Jersey county, and ask 
that it be continued to the new proprie- 
tor, who is in ever}' way worthy of the 
confidence of the party, and the people 
generally. Subscriptions up to Octo- 
ber 1st, and advertising and job work 
up to Nov. 1, 1880, will be pajable to 
me. With our best wishes for the read- 
ers of the Dciiwcnit, we bid them good- 
bye." 

On presenting himself to the friends 
and patrons of the Democrat, Mr. Page 
indulges in a salutatory which appears 
in the issue of November 11, couched in 
the following language : 

"Having purchased the Democrat of its 
late proprietor, Jesse I. McG ready, 
whose retirement from the paper is 
caused by his idection to the otlice of 
circuit clerk, we offer our salutatory to 
our friends in to-day's issue. We sliall 
continxie the Dnnocral in it>^ present form 
for a while at least. It will still be dem- 
ocratic politically, and we shall strive 
to instill into the minds of our readers 
the true meaning of all that the phrase 
signifies, feeling, as we do, that the well- 
fare of this country needs patriots not 
only to fight for its perpetuity wlien as- 
sailed by enemies, but to preserve it 
from the peculations of unscrupulous 
officeholders, the tyranny of demagogues 



124 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



and the machinations of ambitious party 
leaders. These evils to be shunned are 
to-day found in the bosom of the repub- 
lican party, nurtured and protected by it, 
and unless throttled by the honest yeo- 
manry of the country will sap the vital- 
ity of our free institutions. Men whose 
characters have been weighed in the 
scales of public opinion and found want- 
ing, even when balanced by friendly 
hands, have been elected to fill the two 
highest offices in the gift of the people, 
and we see in the near future a plot to 
overthrow tiie constitutional liberty of 
this country, and establish on the ruins 
thereof a monarchial government, against 
the thought of which the feeling of the 
patriot should rise above that of the 
partisan. The perpetuation of our pres- 
ent form of government, we lielieve, is 
in tlie success of democratic principles 
in the field of politics, and we shall en- 
deavor to impress this upon the minds 
of our readers until the sun shall rise 
upon this nation to find it freed from 
sectional strife, and a man seated in the 
presidential chair who will be put there 
by the honest vote of a free people, 
honestly counted, and not a political 
demagogue. We shall strive to make 
the Democrnt a newspaper in fact as well 
as in name, and to succeed in this, ask 
all our friends to aid us. If you know 
of an item of interest tell it to us, that 
all may be enlightened. All personal- 
ities calculated to engender bitterness 
of feeling, one towards another, we shall 
try to exclude from our columns; but if 
such do at any time appear, don't come 
at us with a shot-gun, for that will do 
no good, but if told in a gentlemanly 
manner, we will make the amende honor- 
able, and be more careful in the future. 



Ed. Gray will still have charge giving 
personal supervision to all job work; 
and we ask a liberal patronage from our 
citizens for this class of work, guaran- 
teeing satisfaction in all cases. In look- 
ing over our subscription list we notice 
the absence of the names of some of our 
prominent democrats. This should not 
be, as every party needs an organ, and 
in order for that organ to discourse first- 
class music to its patrons, the bellows 
should be filled by a high-pressure sub- 
scription list. This inspires the editor 
with enthusiasm, and his paper is filled 
with the vitality conseciuent thereon. 
We have a host of friends in this county 
who have often remarked: ' Joe, if we 
can do anything for you, let us know;' 
and we wish to say to them: Now is 
the time; come up with your $2.00 
for a year's subscription to the iJemocrat, 
give us your job work, and tell us all 
you know, that we may tell it to others. 
The length of time intervening between 
this, our salutatory, and our valedictory, 
will depend entirely upon the success of 
our enterprise, as we do not intend to 
sacrifice ourself upon the altar of our 
country, and when we die have written 
as an epitaph upon our tombstone; 
' Here lies a fool, who thought he could 
run a newspaper without being possessed 
of either money or brains.' We shall 
publish the paper at the old place of 
business, and will always be happy to 
greet our friends in our sanctum. In 
closing this article, we quote an item 
from the Johnson county, Nebraska, 
Journal that applies to our case exactly: 
'If you like the paper, help extend its 
circulation. If you don't like it, if it 
will relieve your feelings any to swear 
at it or its editor — pitch in.' " 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



125 



Since the accession of Mr. Page to the 
editorial chair of the Democrui, it has 
continued to enjoy a most flattering 
juitronage. The paper is a six-column 
quarto at the present time, neatly 
]irinted, and manifesting in its make-up 
the oversight of a ])raclical printer of 
first-class ability; ably edited, and with 
a birge amount of spicy local matter 
and pungent editorial connuent. 

Joseph M. W. Page, editor and }iro- 
])rietor of the .Jersey County Denuicvat, 
is among the business men of Jersey 
county who have, by the exercise of 
industry, energy, a sterling character, 
and of their natural abilities, won for 
themselves an honorable station in life. 
He is a native of Stoughton, Massachu- 
setts. Elisha Page, his father, was born 
in the same state, and was united in 
marriage to Almira Wightman, of Bos- 
ton. She still survives her husband. 
Py this union there were five children, 
three of whom are living — Lizzie H., 
who has been a teacher of high stand- 
ing in the Stoughton high school, Bos- 
ton, during a pt'riod of over 30 years; 
Elisha W'., farmer and grain dealer, 
Girard, 111.; and the subject of this 
sketch, who was born May 20, 1845. His 
fatlicr dying when Joseph was only three 
years of age, the responsibilities of real 
life rested heavily ui)on the mother and 
older memliers of the family, who were 
comj)elled to provide for themselves at 
a time when more favored youths were 
receiving an education and fitting them- 
selves for the battle of life. Joseph 
received a good education in the jjublic 
schools of Stoughton. He graduated at 
the age of 16, just at the ()j)ening of the 
late civil war, and yielding to those 
patriotic desires which so marked his 



career in after life, he enlisted in tlie 
12th Massachusetts infantry; but after 
the usual examination to qualify as a 
soldier, he was not permitted to be mus- 
tered in, to his bitter disap])ointraent, 
on account of age and ill-health. He 
returned home, where he remained 
attending school until the next year, 
when he again enlisted in the 35th Mas- 
sachusetts regiment, but was rejected 
for the same reason as on the previous 
occasion. In the spring of IStJo, he 
bade farewell to friends and companions 
of the home circle, and launched his 
craft upon unknown currents, steering 
to the west. He landed at Greenville, 
Bond county. 111., where he was em- 
ployed to work on a farm. Soon after 
he went to St. Louis, and engaged him- 
self as a clerk in a wholesale grocery 
store, where he worked diligently for 
some time. Being irrepressible and 
thoroughly imliued with jnitriotism, he 
still desired to serve his country in time 
of need, and again offered his services 
to the government. This time he en- 
listed in the 40th Missouri infantry, in 
August, 18()4, was accci)ted, and served 
till the close of the war, being mustered 
out in ,\ugust, l<S(io. He served under 
(ienerals Canby, Sehofieldand Thomas, 
taking an active part in various cam- 
paigns. He was in several engagements 
in ditl'erent states — at Spring Hill, Co- 
lumbia, Franklin, Nashville, second 
linttle of Corinth, Mobile *and Fort 
Blakcley. After the close of the war, 
he returned home, where he remained 
nearly a year, and in the spring of 186(5, 
again came west, this time to Jersey- 
ville. He had now reached the age of 
21, and ui)on his arrival his aggregate 
capital amounted to 25 cents. Then 



126 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



was shown the true metal of his charac- 
ter, for at this age how few young men 
woukl entertain the ambition to appren- 
tice themselves for a number of years to 
learn a trade and call for the sufficient 
will power and energy to accomplish 
tlie object they have in contemi)lation. 
This, Mr. Page did. He. engaged him- 
self with Wm. Embley, architect and 
Iniilder, for a period of three years, to 
learn the carpenter's trade, receiving 
for his services, the first year, the sum 
of SlOO, and S2') additional for each of 
the following years. Being apt, as well 
as industrious, he soon became a skill- 
ful workman, and at the exi>iration of 
his apprenticeship, was em])]oyed as 
fireman, witli a lucrative compensation, 
liy X. F. Smith, Jr., for whom he 
worked until 1877, when, on account of 
of threatened disturl)auce, occasioned 
l)y strikers who boldly disregarded law 
and order throughout the entire country 
— he having gained by his fearless, 
upright manner the confidence of the 
23eople and a reputation for undaunted 
bravery — wa.s unanimously elected city 
marshal, his predecessor having been 
removed. Soon after he was elected, an 
incident occurred that now confirmed 
the respect and esteem in which he was 
held liy tlie people, ^\'itll the assist- 
ance of but two otticers, Kinsla and 
Dunphy, he recaptured a train that was 
taken conyilete possession of by several 
hundred strikers, cai)tured the leaders, 
and l)rought them to the bar of justice. 
They were sent to the penitentiary for 
a term of two years. He succeeded in 
sub(hiing the mob spirit that had been 
gaining ground in the vicinity. For 
this meritorious conduct, he was pre- 
sented with a family pass by General 



Manager McMullin, of the Chicago & 
Alton railroad. It is gratifying evidence 
of the manner in which he was endorsed 
by this people, as he was elected with- 
out opposition for four successive terms. 
In November, 1880, he resigned, and 
purchased of Jesse I. McGrcady, who 
had been elected circuit clerk, the Jer- 
sey County Democrat, the olficial organ 
of city and county. He has continued 
the publication of this news journal to 
the present. Under his ownership and 
vigorous management, many improve- 
ments have been added the office has been 
equipped with an Acme engine and large 
Campbell printing press, the paper has 
grown to be the pride of the party it 
represents in this coimty, has proved a 
paying investment, and continues to be 
one of the most potential democratic 
organs in this congressional district. It 
is in a great measure due to his efforts 
as a worker, and to the political articles 
published in his paper, that the county 
has remained so strongly democratic. 
Politically, he is most soundly indoc- 
trinated in the principles of the demo- 
cratic party, and has been an active 
member of that political organization 
since he cast his first vote for Seymour 
and Blair, in 1868. In political cam- 
paigns he has taken an active part, is 
an effective campaigner, and his time 
and services are in great demand in all 
interesting political times. He has held 
various offices of public trust at differ- 
ent times, among which have been city 
alderman, clerk and treasurer, is now 
chairman of city and county democratic 
central committees, secretary of con- 
gressional committee, 12th district, 
member of central committee of 7th 
circuit, secretary of Jersey County Sol- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



127 



diers' Monument Association, and of 
the Jersey ville Manufacturing Co., Sir 
Knight Connnandcr of Washington di- 
vision No. 2, U. R. K. of P., Chancel- 
lor Commander of Antioch lodge No. 
65, K. of P., Post Commander of Lowe 
post No. 205, G. A. R., member of Jer- 
seyville lodge No. 295, A. F. & A. M., 
and of Apollo lodge No. 877, K. of H. 
His fidelity to public trusts received still 
further evidence of the approbation of 
the people by his being appointed by 
the three judges of the 7th circuit as 
master in chancery of Jersey county, in 
the spring of 1885. In all his under- 
takings he has been eminently success- 
ful, and it is evident that all he has 
accomplished has been through his own 
efforts, and that, too, from very disad- 
vantageous l)eginnings, when he had no 
friends — not even an acnuaintanee, and 
in a strange land, thrown upon his own 
resources. His success in life is only 
an evidence of what can be accomplished 
by the exercise of sober industry, backed 
by an indomitable will-power. The 
world's measure of success is success. 
On the 17th of March, 1871, he was 
united in marriage with Sadie M. Remer, 
who is of American parentage, a native 
of New Jersey. Her father and mother, 
Mr. and Mrs. Abram Remer, are yet 
living, and are residetits of Jerseyville. 
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Page are both con- 
sistent members of the Baptist church, 
he having joined in 1871. They have 
one child — Theodore. 

PRAIRIE ST.\TE. 

A newspaper with the above name was 
established at Jerseyville, somewhere 
about the year 1857. A diligent search 
has failed to discover any of the files of 



it, and therefore it is impossible to be 
exact as to the time. It ran along until 
the campaign of 1S60, between Lincoln, 
Douglas, Breckenridge and Bell, in the 
race for the presidency. 

Early in 18(){) the republicans of Jersey 
county, foreseeing the gigantic struggle 
for the presidential office of that event- 
ful year, formed themselves into an 
association . They adopted a constitu- 
tion of which the following is the pre- 
amble: 

"In view of the great issues involved 
in the approaching presidential election, 
and believing that the welfare and safety 
of our common country is in a great 
measure dependant upon the success of 
republican principles, and that those 
principles, if fairly promulgated and 
understood, will conimenil themselves 
to the intelligence and patriotism of 
every true citizen of this great rejuiblic. 
Yet conscious of the power of the dem- 
ocratic party, not in its inherent 
strength, or the truth of its jirinciples, 
l)ut in the thorough organization and 
drill of its forces, who, rallying under 
the shibboleth of democracy, are ready 
to follow their leaders to the death. 
And being assured that a thorough and 
perfect organization of all the opposi- 
tion forces is essential to the overthrow 
of that party in the coming election, 
and that such an organization can only 
be efTccted by associated eflbryi in every 
county and election precinct throughout 
the country. And encouraged by the 
hope of redeeming our own county from 
the bondage of democracy and restoring 
her to the i)osition she once held, a 
bright spot amid surrounding darkness, 
we, the undersigned, for the pur|H)se of 
afl'ecting such an organization at the 



128 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



county seat, as a center and rallyin"; 
point for the whole county, as shall 
unite all the forces of the opposition, 
and lead them a solid jdialanx to the 
polls, do form ourselves into an asso- 
ciation to be called the Republican Club 
of Jersey county." 

This club numbered among its mem- 
bers some of the best citizens of the 
county, and as they were much in need 
of a newspaper to further their political 
interests, arrangements were completed 
by which the trustees of the association 
— George E. Warren, J. J. Paris, James 
A. Barr, E. M. Smith and Harley E. 
Hayes — purchased the Prairie Stttte of 
Augustus S. Smith, then editor and pro- 
prietor, for the consideration of $1,625. 
An agreement was also entered into at 
that time, with A. C. Clayton, now a 
resident of St. Louis, Mo., to conduct 
the paper for the association. The first 
issue under his management a])peared 
Jan. 20, 1860. 

The salutatory of ]\Ir. Clayton was a 
most excellent one, and would amply 
repay perusal, but its great length will 
not permit its insertion in this place. 

Mr. Clayton was an able writer, and 
conducted the paper with success and 
satisfaction for the association until Jan- 
uary, 1862, when he retired, and the 
services of Lambson ^\'illiams were se- 
cured. 

After this, the paper had a varied ex- 
perience until about 1863 or 1864, when 
it came to an end. 

THE JEESEYVILLE EXAMINKK. 

The Examiner was established in Jer- 
seyville in 1878, the first issue appear- 
ing August 14. The material affairs of 
the olfice were owned by a stock com- 



pany known as the Jersey ville Publish- 
ing Company, of which William H. 
Pogue, James A. Barr, Horace N. Belt, 
William McBride and Morris R. Locke 
were stockholders. The paper was a 
neatly-printed five-column quarto, is- 
sued Wednesdays, J. Sterling Harper 
being engaged as editor. The journal 
was an uncompromising advocate of the 
temperance cause, and continued as 
such during its entire existence. In 
the first issue of the Examiner, the fol- 
lowing salutatory appears : 

" Here we are, in Jerseyville, to work 
in the temperance cause. We will not 
task your patience with a lengthy ad- 
dress, or profess too much ; but sim- 
ply and sincerely state that we desire 
the good of all, and to that end and for 
that object propose to write and speak 
our sentiments on the great questions 
of the day. The paramount subject is 
temperance, and in regard to it the peo- 
ple generally are interested. The pro- 
hibition of the liquor traffic would be 
one of the greatest blessings of the 
age. The Examiner will teach this 
wholesome doctrine, and endeavor by 
all honorable means to obtain a hearty 
endorsement from the people of Jersey 
county and elsewhere, and especially in 
the city of Jerseyville do we ask a 
hearty co-operation. 

" We will do the best we can to inake 
the Examiner a welcome visitor in every 
household, filled with local and general 
intelligence of a high moral character, 
and we kindly ask each and all of you 
to lend us a helping hand in a worthy 
and noble cause." 

With the issue of November 27, the 
Examiner was leased by the editor, Mr. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



129 



Harper, wlio ('(intinucd to publish the 
jiaper but two weeks, when he with- 
drew entirely. A salutatory which ap- 
peared in the issue of December 11, 
from the pen of Morris R. Locke, is 
ex{>lanatory, as follows: 

" By direction of the Jerseyville Pub- 
lishing t'oinpany, I assume editorial 
management of tiie E.rnmiiihr. I shall 
hew to the line of prohibition, as an- 
nounced by that party, believing that 
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound 
of cure. 

"The news of the county and of the 
day will be given. 

" To our friends, I would say, be of 
good cheer ! To the opposition — ' Come 
with us and we will do you good.' " 

The paper was continued under this 
management until its consolidation with 
the Ripablicrni, which occurred Sept. 10, 
1880. 

TIIK .IKIiSKVVILLE REGISTER. 

This journal was established in the 
early part of November, 18(>5, by Fred- 
erick S. Houghawout, editor and pro- 
prietor. It was a seven-column folio, 
all printed at home, at a subscription 
jjrice of two dollars a year. Mr. Hough- 
awout continued the publication of the 
Regider until the year 18G7, when he dis- 
posed of the jiaperto L. Williams, fami- 
liarly known l)y his friends as " Yank." 
He afterward removed to Topeka, Kan., 
and his son, Charles F., leased the office 
and became its editor and publisher. 
In October, 1868, the office was ailver- 
tised for sale, and later purchased by 
Col. G. P. Smith, of the Jacksonville 
Jounuil, who established the 

.IKKSKVVII.I.l'; IlKPUBLIC.^N. 

Part of the material which went to 
form the new' paper was removed from 



Jacksonville, by Frank M. Roberts, now 
senior editor of the Repi(h/ir'iii-K.riiiiiiiirr. 
The material arrived from .Iacksonvill(>, 
on Christmas day, 1868, and on tlie first 
day of Jan., 1869, W. IT. Edgar assumed 
editorial control. When the Jackson- 
ville Journal was disposed of in 1869 to 
Chapin ct Glover, the latternamed firm 
also became proprietors of the Ri'/iiih- 
liciin. 

The Rfpuhlicuv, which was an eight- 
column folio, all printed at home, con- 
tinued, under the proprietorship of 
Chapin and Glover, with W. H. Edgar 
as an editor, until Aug. '_'■'), 1870, when 
it was disposed of to the latter named 
■ gentleman, who then became sole editor 
and proprietor. The following card 
which appeared in the issue of the above 
date, is explanatory: 

" With this issue of the Jerseyville 
Rfipuhllcuii, we transfer to Mr. MMlliatii 
H. Edgar, who has so long and intelli- 
gently labored as resident editor, our 
entire interest in the paper, and take 
pleasure in commending him anew to 
the best offices of the people of Jersey 
citunty. He has, during his connection 
with the Republlcnii, evinced an ability 
which is rarely met with in the editorial 
room of other than a metropolitan 
paper, and has succeeded, by his well 
directed efforts, in securing for the 
Republican a standing which is most cred- 
itable, and must redound greatly to 
the interests of the city of Jerseyville. 
Having done so much effective work fur 
the city of his adoption, he certainly 
deserves and has reason to expect the 
hearty support and generous patronage 
of his fellow citizens. 

"Having become by this transfer an 
exclusively local enterprise, business 



130 



HISTORY OP JERSEY COUNTY. 



men may bestow their favors upon the 
Republican, knowing that money thus 
expended will be kept at home, and be 
used in the upbuilding of Jersey ville." * 

Immediately following the above card 
appears the salutatory of Mr. Edgar, 
which is appended as follows: 

"Having purchased the interest of 
Chapin and Glover in the Jerseyvillo 
Republican, I have with the present 
number assumed its entire control and 
ownership, and hope by continued effort 
to increase the business and usefulness 
of the paper, and to make it a welcome 
visitor in many households that it has 
not as yet reached. With the exper- 
ience of the past three years before me, 
I am persuaded that the Republicnn, with 
proper industry and economy, may be 
made one of the best and most influential 
weeklies in this section of the state; its 
circulation is to-day much larger than 
the average circulation of provincial 
weeklies, and its business patronage has 
steadily increased during the past year; 
with this showing 'tis safe to count on 
continued success. It is my purpose to 
largely increase the facilities of the 
office for doing every variety of job 
work, and to this end I shall, so fast as 
my means will permit, add to our 
already well assorted stock, the latest 
and best styles of job and advertising 
type, thus hoping to meet every de- 
mand, and give entire satisfaction to all 
patrons. It is also my purpose to make 
the Republican pre-eminently a local 
paper, i. e., by adding to its list of home 
contributors, and by increased effort 
myself to gather into its columns, 
weekly, all the available county and vi- 
cinity news, and thus hope to make the 
paper still more valuable as a reliable 



news medium. In the past we have 
labored under many disadvantages, 
which it is hoped are in a measure ob- 
viated by this change. The prejudice 
(perha2)S wholly imaginary) against a 
foreign ownership (a circumstance which 
has greatly disturbed our considerate 
neighbor, at least, in tlie past,) is re- 
moved, and the Republictui may now be 
regarded as a strictly home institution, 
wholly devoted to home interests and 
enterprise, and as such I do not fear 
but that it will receive its share of the 
public patronage and support. * * * 

* Tendering our grateful acknowledg- 
ments to the patrons of the paper for 
their kindness, forbearance and lib- 
eral patronage in the past, I shall hope 
by increased effort to merit a continu- 
ance of the same in the future." 

The Repiiblican was edited and pub- 
lished successfully by Mr. Edgar for a 
number of years. In the issue of Sept. 
3, 1880, the following notice of a business 
change appeared, in reference to the 
consolidation of the Exumiaer and Repub- 
lican, under the caption of 

THE REPUBLICAN EXAMINER. 

" As already indicated in the Examiner 
of this city, a consolidation of the two 
papers, Republicnn and Examiner, has 
been effected, the first issue under the 
new management appearing on the 10th 
inst., under the headline, Republicun- 
Examiner. 

" It is the purpose of the proprietors 
to make the new paper second to none 
of its character in this section of the 
state. In politics the paper will be 
progressively and aggressively republi- 
can, holding that the continued peace 
and prosperity of the country depends 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



131 



upon a continuence in power of the 
republican party. Its weekly compila- 
tion of news, local and general, the 
l)roprietors will spare no pains or 
expense to make full and complete. 
In a word, it will be the aim of the pub- 
lishers to furnish a first-class family 
newspaper, devoted to republican prin- 
ciples, to the development of home in- 
terests, to practical temperance, and to 
elevation of the moral and social stand- 
ard in our midst. 

" The RqiubUean returns thanks to its 
l)atrons, in the past, and believing that 
the combination will make a more effi- 
cient and satisfactory journal than either 
alone could have been, solicits a contin- 
uance of their patronage and good will." 

The first issue of the Repub/lnin- 
Exuminer appeared September lOth, 
as a five-column quarto, in whicli 
form it has since continued, \\'il- 
liam H. Edgar and Morris R. Locke 
acting as editors and propriett)rs, under 
the firm name of Edgar & Locke, tlie 
latter gentleman having served as editor 
and projirietor of the Examhifr. The 
foUiiwing salutatorj' appeared in the 
first number of the newly consolidated 
journal: 

"With this issue the Repuh/lcan-Exnm- 
twer makes its bow to the good people of 
Jerseyville and Jersey coimty, not as 
strangers, but as friends joined to- 
gether, with the hope that united we 
may be of greater service to the relig- 
i<His, moral, social and business inter- 
ests of the city and county. We make 
no pretentious boasts of what we pro- 
pose to do, preferring rather to let our 
work speak for itself in our effort to 
furnish a first-class family newspaper to 
our patrons. Politically, the paper 



will be unqualifiedly republican, and 
we shall labor assiduously for the up- 
building of our party in the county and 
its continuance in power in tlie nation. 
In the other departments of our i)aper 
we shall know no one class or sect to the 
exclusion of any other, but shall en- 
deavor to treat all classes and all sexes 
with equal candor and fairness. We 
thus hope with diligence in business to 
make our paper a valuable one, and a 
welcome guest in every household it 
may enter. With these few plain words 
we launch the Republmm-Exitmiuer forth 
on its mission, with malice toward none 
and charity for all, hoping the paper 
will prove worthy of an enlarged and 
generous patronage." 

The firm of Edgar & Locke conducted 
the paper until January 12, I880, when 
Mr. Locke retired, and was succeeded 
by Frank M. Roberts, who some three 
weeks previous had leased the oflice, 
and who, at present, is the senior meiii- 
ber of the firm conducting that journal. 
In the issue of Jan. Ifi, the fV)llowing 
valedictory of Morris R. Locke api>eared: 
"Reluctantly I leave the editorial rooms 
of the liepiMicnii-Exiniiini'r, but having 
sold my undivided one-half interest in 
the newspaper and job office of the Rr- 
piMican-Exaviiner to Frank M. Roberts, 
nmst of necessity make room for him. 
Mr. Roberts comes to the front with a 
ripe newspaper experience and a practi- 
cal knowledge of all the various br;incli- 
es of the printers' art. I hesi)eak for 
him a cordial welcome. And, in liidding 
the readers of the RepubUcun- Examiner 
adieu, I shall always remember their 
kindly indulgences and pleasant ac- 
quaintanceship. Before closing this 
brief ' leave taking,' I want to express 



132 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



thus publicly my sense of obligation to 
the kind, courteous and gentlemanly 
treatment received at all times and un- 
der all circumstances from my late part- 
ner and colleague, Col. Wm. H. Edgar, 
who remains editor-in-chief of the Re- 
jmbliean-Examvier. ' ' 

Immediately below the foregoing ap- 
peared the following just and worthy 
comment, upon the retirement of Mr. 
Locke, by the new firm: 

"The facile pen of Morris R. Locke, 
Esq., will be missed in the columns of 
the Repuhlican- Examiner , that gentleman 
having, as will be noticed elsewhere, 
dissolved his connection with the paper. 
As a partner, Mr. Locke has been con- 
siderate and honorable, seeking by every 
fair means to do justice to his business 
associates and deal fairly with the pa- 
trons of the paper. In leaving, he 
takes with him the kindliest feelings 
of those with whom he has been associ- 
ated, and the assurance of their best 
wishes for his future success." 

In March following, another change 
occurred in the management of the Ri- 
publiean- Examiner. William H. Edgar, 
who had edited the paper since its 
advent in Jerseyville, retiring, and 
giving place to Will H. Hedley, one of 
the present proprietors. In the last 
issue — March 27, 1885 — under Mr. Ed- 
gar's control, he inserted the following 
adieu to his friends and patrons, as the 
sad farewell of a parent parting from a 
child: 

"After 16 years continuous service in 
newspaper work in Jerseyville, I yield 
to the pressure of other duties and lay 
down the pen for others, and doubtless 
worthier hands. To my friends I can 
say in parting that I reluctantly break 



the tie that has so long bound us to- 
gether. When I recall the many bitter 
political struggles of the past, tlie ups 
and downs of our minority party, the 
different leaders who have from time 
to time stood at the head of afl'airs in 
Jersey county, and their hearty and 
cordial co-operation in the effort to up- 
build the republican party; when I 
think of this record extending through 
these many years — the best of my life, I 
turn from it with the feeling of one 
whose cherished work is still unfinished, 
and reluctantly bid farewell to the 
friends who must carry forward the 
work in the future. Whether much or 
little has been accomplished in these 
years, I have here sought to do what I 
could, not only to advance the interests 
of the republican party in Jersey county, 
but to advance as well the moral, social 
and material interests of Jerseyville and 
Jersey county. If mistakes have been 
made, and doubtless they have, they 
were of the head and not the heart. To 
the business men of Jerseyville I shall 
ever feel profoundly grateful for their lib- 
eral patronage and support, by reason of 
which I have been enabled to pass 
through the panics and 'hard-times' in 
years past without pecuniary embarass- 
ment, and prepared always to meet my 
obligations as they fell due. Such lib- 
erality is exceptional and prompts me 
to say what few publishers of provincial 
papers can say, that in all these years I 
have never had to borrow a dollar or 
ask for an extension, to carry on my 
business. My successors, Messrs. Rob- 
erts & Hedley, are in every way worthy 
the confidence and support of the citi- 
zens of city, and county. They are 
young men trained in the republican 



1 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



133 



faitli and will labor in season and out of 
season to hold up the republican ban- 
ner, and being practical newspaper 
men, they will carry forward the busi- 
ness of the paper in a practical and 
workmanlike manner. To these skilled, 
active and enterprising young men, I 
leave the Rfpnblicdii-E.niminKr. with the 
assurance that they will not only main- 
tain the present standard of the paper, 
but will greatly increase its facilities for 
usefulness in the future." 

The present management, on assum- 
ing editorial control, wrote the follow- 
ing short but pithy salutatory, a speci- 
men of Spartan terseness, that should 
serve as a model to many other young ad- 
venturers upon the rough and stormy 
seas of journalism: 

"We are not after scalps, but after 
friends and dollars, and hope by com- 
ducting a fearless republican paper, and 
square dealing with all to merit both. 




From 7 o'clock a. m., until 9 o'clock 
p. m., every working day in the year." 

Messrs. Roberts and Hedley are both 
young men of ability and practical ex- 
perience in the newspaper field, full of 
push, enterprise and industry, which 
cannot help but redound to the best 
interests of not only themselves, but 
also the town and county in which they 
reside. The Republican- Exnminer, at 
present, is a neat, five-column quarto, 
ably edited, and is a spicy local paper. 



Frank M. Roberts was born in Lan- 
caster, Schuyler county, Mo., Aug. 28, 
1840, his parents being Thomas and 
Elizabeth A. (Brown) Roberts. In 1862 
the family removed to Jacksonville, 111., 
where Frank M. learned the printer's 
trade, in the Jovrnnl ofhce. In Febru- 
ary, 18G5, he enlisted in Company K, 
154th Illinois volunteer infantry, and 
served till September, 1865, when he 
was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. 
Returning to Jacksonville, he resumed 
work at his trade, and continued the 
same till July, 1868. He then went to 
Decatur, and had charge of a job print- 
ing ofhce till December. On the 24th 
of that month he was at Jerseyville, ar- 
ranging presses and material prepara- 
tory to establishing the Jerseyville Re- 
publican — now the Rejjublican-£xamine)- — 
with which oHice he was connected 
eight months. The following year he 
was in Missouri, but did not follow his 
trade. He, however, longed to again 
enter a printing office, and thus, in No- 
vember, 1870, accepted a position in the 
job rooms of the Springfield, 111., Stuie 
Journal. Five months later we find him 
a shareholder in the Daily Leader, at 
Bloomington. In July, 1872, he went 
to Humboldt, Kan., wh*ire, during the 
presidential campaign, he published 
the Sonthivf.it. Afterwards, the paper 
was moved to Ncodesha,^^'ilson count)-, 
Kan., and the name changed to the 
Free Press. W\n\c in Humboldt, on the 
22d of December, 1872, Mr. Roberts 
was united in marriage with Lydia Boyce 
a daughter of William and Diana Boyce. 
In March, 1873, he returned to S|)ring- 
field. 111., and again entered the employ 
of the iSfate Journal company. In the 
fall of 1873, he went to LaPorte county. 



134 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Indiana, and accepted a position as trav- 
eling agent and correspondent for thie 
Herald, which position he held till Jan- 
uary, 1<S74, when he went to Burlington, 
Iowa, and became superintendent of 
the Hinokeijf job rooms, which were 
changed to Acres, Blackman & Co., with 
whom he remained till the winter of 
11S7-1. During his stay he introduced 
many novelties in the job printing 
business. He next had charge of the 
C'edar Rapids Republican job office, and 
in Jul}', 187(5, became superintendent of 
the Westcriiiitock Journal and Farmer. In 
March, 1877. he estal)lished a job office 
at Oscaloosa, Iowa, and commenced the 
publication of the Mexitenger and Appeal, 
A publication in the interest of the la- 
bor movement, and continued the same 
till November, 1879. He then went to 
Sigourney and took charge of the yews. 
Thence, to Ottumwa, and became fore- 
man of the- Courier job room. Nov. 10, 
1881, he returned to Sigourney and ac- 
cepted the position of superintendent 
of the News office. March 29, 1882, his 
wife died. She had given birth to two 
children, one of whom — Coral F. — is 
still living. After the death of his wife 
he went to Chariton, Iowa, and took 
charge of the Democrat- Leader. July 21, 
1881, he went to Santa Fe, N. M., and 
accepted a position as foreman of the 
New Mexico Printing and Publishing 
Company. In June, 1882, he accepted 
a position in the office of the general 
manager of the Tertio-eentennial Cele- 
bration Association, and remained till 
after the exposition, in August. He 
then took a camp outfit and started out 
prospecting and mining. He located 
mines in October, and remained till 
April, 1884. He was then appointed to 



a position in the government printing 
office, at Washington, which he retained 
till September, when he returned to 
Jerseyville. In December, he leased 
the Republican-Examiner job rooms, and 
Jan. 9, 1885, he bought Morris R. 
Locke's half-interest in the paper, and 
in March assumed editorial charge. 
April 15, 1885, Mr. Roberts was mar- 
ried to Clara E. Buliington, a daughter 
of Dr. J. M. and Frances (Gordon) 
Buffington. Quite a romance was con- 
nected with this marriage, of which 
part will be given here as taken from 
the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. "The 
bride and groom were betrothed l(i 
years ago, but owing to the opposition 
of her parents, the nuptials were not 
celebrated, and they separated, she 
knowing nothing of his whereabouts 
for lo years. In 1872 he married an- 
other lady, and in 1882 she died, exact- 
ing from him the promise that if he 
married again, it should be to the one 
to whom he was at first betrothed, if 
jjossible. Subsequently, he found her 
unmarried, and the sequel indicates her 
fidelity." 

Will H. Hedley wasborn in St. Louis, 
Mo., August 21, 1859. His parents, 
James and Mary A. Hedley, are natives 
of Sheffield, England, having emigrated 
to America about 1852. The subject of 
this sketch resided in St. Louis until 
18B9, when, with his parents, he moved 
to Chicago, 111., residing there one year; 
removing back to St. Louis in 1870. Since 
1871 the life's experiences of the above 
subject have been rather rugged for one 
so young in years. In 1872 he went to 
Webster's Grove, Mo., remaining there 
about 18 months; from thence he re- 
moved to Barry, 111., and took up his 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



135 



abode with a farmer for about nine 
months; he then traced his steps back 
to St. Louis, Mo., and in August, 1875, 
entered the olHce of the Central Ohridlan 
Advocate, for the purpose of learning the 
printing business. He labored in this 
capacity about one year, when he once 
more engaged in farm life for two years; 
returning to St. Louis in 1878, and la- 
bored at the printing business there 
until July, 1880, when he left the latter 
place for Barry, 111., and entered the 
printing office of S. Fitch, proprietor of 
the Unicorn, remaining with him until 
March 8, 1881; at this date he accepted 
a position with A. Hughes, Griggsville, 
ni., publisherof the YVcAi*. He remained 
at the latter named place until Feb. 20, 
1884, at which time he departed for St. 
Louis, Mo., and took a position in tlie 
Nixon-Jones, book and job printing es- 
tablishment, remaining there until Oct. 
20, 1884. He then accepted a position 
in the state printing office of H. W. 
Rokker, at Springfield, 111., remaining 
at that place until March 21, 1885, when 
he came to Jerseyville, 111., and pur- 
chased Col. W. H. Edgar's half interest 
in the HejjKb/ican-E.rainlner, and asso- 
ciated himself with Frank M. Roberts 
in jiublishing the paper above named. 

GRAFTON INDEPENDENT. 

This newspaper was established by 
Col. W. H. Edgar, of Jerseyville, in 
1877, the first number appearing on the 
11th day of October. It was a seven 
column folio; decidedly neat in appear- 
ance, and well filled with local news 
and pointed editorial paragraphs. The 
paper was issued from the ofiice of the 
Rvjiiiblican, Jerseyville, where all the 
mechanical work was done, though the 



editor, Mr. R. R. Claridge, prepared all 
his manuscript at tirafton. Like all 
other newspapers, the launching of this 
one was accompanied by a salutatory, 
which was as follows: 

"In presenting the initial of the Inde- 
pendent to the citizens of Grafton and 
vicinity, we shall not weary our readers 
or friends with any learned disquisition 
on the mission of the newspaper, or 
what we projjose or expect to accom- 
plish. This stereotyped method of salu- 
tation has had its day, and the world is 
now looking out for something practical 
ratlier than the mere visionary or ideal, 
A newspaper air-castle is very similar 
to any other kind of an air-castle, and 
just as likely to collapse; golden prom- 
ises are easily made and oft times easily 
broken; and a newspaper promise is 
possibly less value than any other kind, 
particularly a promise to pay. A news- 
paper, we may remark, is a very preca- 
rious institution at best, depending up- 
on the variable temper of the people 
that sujiport it. One week tlie editor is 
popular and is credited with being a very 
useful citizen; the next, he is under a 
cloud, and is pronounced an ass of the 
first magnitude, aad so the business 
suffers or prospers accordingly as the 
editorial barometer is high or low. It 
is, therefore, unwise, not to say foolish, 
for tlie mouthpiece to promise in ad- 
vance what tunes the organ shall play; 
many of them will of necessity be dis- 
cordant and harsh, while many will be 
the reverse and pleasant to hear. The 
Independent is a practical business enter- 
prise, and will be conducted as such. It 
is not conceived in the interest of any 
sect, party or class, but in the interest 
of the whole people, with a proper re- 



136 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



gard for honesty, sobriety, justice, in- 
dustry and economy. Tliese ends it 
liopes to subserve, and thus be worthy 
the cordial and liberal support of the 
people for whom it is intended. To 
merchants and business men we say, 
we hope to make our columns useful to 
you — a valuable medium fur the adver- 
tising of your goods and wares, resulting 
we trust, to your mutual advantage and 
profit. To the general reader we may 
say, we hope weekly to furnish you with 
such a budget of local and general news, 
as shall make our paper a welcome 
visitor, and one to which you may point, 
we hope, with some degree of satisfac- 
tion and pride. This is no Utopian 
scheme. We expect to work hard and 
unceasing to make the Independent use- 
ful and profitable to its patrons. We 
are not of those who exjiect something 
for nothing, but we hope to render an 
honest equivalent for what we get, and 
t<i merit the respect and confidence of 
all." 

The pajjer continued without any 
change of management until September, 
1878, when R. R. Claridge purchased the 
necessary materials, and removed the 
t)ffice to (jrafton, becoming himself sole 
proprietor, as well as editor. In the 
issue of September 20, the following 
paragraph, relative to the change, ap- 
pears: 

Heretofore this i)aper has been simply 
an ex2Jeriment, but it may now be re- 
garded as one of the permanent institu- 
tions of the county. It shall be our en- 
deavor to give the people of Jersey and 
the lower portion of Calhoun counties a 
paper that they may regard with at least 
some degree of local pride. The prep- 
aration of printing the Independent at 



home has involved the outlay of a com- 
paratively large sum of money, and in 
addition, the expense of publishing will 
be considerable, therefore it will be 
necessary for our patrons to be as prompt 
as their circumstances will admit in 
paying their subscriptions. Our })atrons 
have doubtless observed that in the 
past they have not been bored with the 
duns for subscriptions tliat are so com- 
mon in country papers. We have two 
reasons for this: First, because to do 
this would _J)e very unpleasant for us; 
and second, we do not think it would do 
any good, as we take it for granted that 
those who are sufficiently interested in 
the Independent to subscribe for it, will 
pay their subscriptions as soon as they 
are able to do so. And in the mean- 
time, we have reason to believe that we 
receive as much or more money on sub- 
scriptions, than if we were continually 
reminding deliufjuent subscribers of 
their failure to pay. In conclusion, we 
feel justified in stating that the Inde- 
pendent will enter its second volume 
under very favorable auspices." 

The Independent was continued at Graf- 
ton until in November, 1880, when it was 
removed to Jerseyville, the name being 
changed to 

THE JERSEY INDEPENDENT. 

The size of the paper, as well as the 
place of publication, was changed with 
this issue, it coming out at the county 
seat, as a five-column folio. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of the salutatory: 

"Encouraged by the generous support 
bestowed uj)on the Independent during 
the past three years, we have moved it 
to Jerseyville, enlarged and improved 
it, and here it is. We have faith that 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



137 



an earnest, faithful, independent paper, 
devoted to the interests of Jersey county 
— ^even sueh as this paper has been and 
will continue to be — will not be suffered 
to go begging for support. And as show- 
ing that we have not reckoned without 
our host, the change has been made at 
the solicitation of a large number of the 
best citizens of the county, irrespective 
of party — men who have stood by the 
paper in the past, and who will not for- 
sake it now. In conclusion, if by dint 
of hard work we can make a respectable 
living for our family, and at the same 
time make tht> paper of use to the peo- 
l)le wlio support it, we shall be content." 

With the issue of April 5, 1882, Mr. 
Claridge closed his connection with ihe 
paper, disposing of it to Lj'man T.Wag- 
goner, who became editor and proprietor. 

A. M. Slaten became identified with 
the j)aper as part owner, with the issue 
of June 4, 1882. The firm name was 
then changed to Slaten & Waggoner, 
the latter being the editor. Mr. Slaten 
soon afterward assumed entire owner- 
ship and control, and in turn disposed 
of the property to J. M. Giberson, of 
Elsah. 

In July, 1882, the paper and the ma- 
terial was purchased by J. M. Giberson 
and C. II. Kelly, of Elsah, but before a 
jiaper was issued the latter bought out 
tlie interest of his partner and became 
sole |)roi)rietor. The first paper under 
the new management was issued August 
2, 1NS2, and contained the following 
saiutatorj'. 

"\\'itli this issue we commence the 
jniblication of the Jersey Inilrjiriidfiil, 
and hope that the fdlowing few lines 
will sufficiently serve to introduce us to 
the public. Our object shall lie the dis- 



semination of news, and the honest re- 
fiection of our own political oj)inion 
editorially. Another aim will be to 
publish a paper for our patrons gener- 
ally, and not to meet the views alone of 
any individual, class, or corp(nation. 
All promises herein contained will be 
fullfilled to the satisfaction of the patrons 
of the Independent, as our everj^ endeavor 
will be for that end. What we ask is 
the cordial co-operation <if our friends 
and jiatrons, and once this is secured to 
us we can safely promise that a news- 
paper shall be secured to them. A\'e 
close here trusting that our intro<luction 
will be found sufficient. 

In the fall of 1885, the supi)ort given 
to the Indepcinh-iit proving insufficient 
for its existence, the office was closed, 
and the paper discontinued. 

In October, 1885, a new journal came 
into existence in Jerseyville. which 
bears the title of 

THE FREE PRESS. 

This is owned and edited by E. T. 
Lurton and U. E. Smith, and is inti-nded 
to take the place of tlie Jiidejirndint. It 
is quite a neat and well gotten up sheet. 

Charles H. Kelly, the late editor 
and proprietor of the Independeuf, is a 
native of the state of Illinois, having 
been born in Alton, in Decendier, 1848. 
In 1850, his parents removed to Jersey 
county, where Charles was reared, and 
where he has lived ever since. He like 
the other 1ioys, attended the common 
district schools of the neighlK)rhood in 
winter, but during the summer was en- 
gaged in work mi the farm. His latter 
school days were spent at the t'liristian 
Brothers' College, at ,\lton,the place of 
his birth. Finishing his education, he 



138 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



returned home where he divided his 
time between farming and teaching 
school. Politics now attracted his at- 
tention, and he was four times succes- 
sively elected to the office of assessor of 
Elsah township, and one term hs treas- 
urer of the school fund of the same 
township. In l!SiS4, after removing to 
Jerseyville, he was duly elected col- 
lector of Jersey township. He was 
united in marriage, in May, 1874, with 
Sarah A. Darlington, and as the result 
of this union there have been five child- 
ren, three of whom are living — Bertha 
K., Samuel B., and Percy D. Myrtle 
and Willie are deceased. In politics 
Mr. Kelly is a staunch democrat, of the 
old Jacksonian type, notwithstanding 
the name by wliich the journal over 
which he presided has l)een known dur- 
ing his connection with it. During his 
editorial career, his general aim was 
always to labor in the interest of the gen- 
eral advancement and enlightenment of 
his oountrj' and this community in par- 
ticular. As an editor he was conscientous 
in the discharge of what he conceived 
his duty to his friends and party, and 
therefore had the confidence of many 
who admired his honor and adherence to 
his principles. 

THE GR.\FTON NEWS. 

When the Independent was removed to 
Jerseyville, in November, 1880, Grafton 
was left without a newspaper. This 
state of affairs continued until April, 
1882, when the Gnifton News made its 
appearance, the first number coming 
out on the loth of the month named, 
with J. A. McClintock as editor and 
publisher. A four-column, eight-page 
paper, it was well gotten up and edited. 



and was received with genuine greeting 
by the citizens of Grafton and vicinity. 
The following is Mr. McClintock's sa- 
lutatory, appearing in this number: 

"What, another newspaper? Yes sir, 
and this time it is to be a natural one. 
This is the agreement with the sub- 
scribers, and with that understanding I 
have promised to do the best I can for 
its columns in all that pertains to the 
general news and welfare of the sur- 
rounding country. I shall have noth- 
ing to do with the political questions of 
the country at large, and very little 
with such questions in any way that 
does not strictly interest the people of 
Jersey county. What we do say shall 
be in an independent way, entirely re- 
gardless of partyism, and we shall be 
glad to have the hearty co-operation of 
those who wish honestly to advance the 
interests of the people of Jersey county. 
Knowing well that there is no big 
bonanza in a newspaper published in 
Grafton, and still feeling as though the 
community ought to support a small 
paper, and that it will be for the benefit 
of everybody else as well as myself, I 
would like to ask, at least, the encour- 
agement the people think I am entitled 
to. We know many people of good 
judgment think a newspaper cannot live 
in a town of the population of this, 
while others, when such an enterprise 
is talked of, will come forward and blow 
their whistle long and loud about the 
he'p they will give, and when you get 
into the mire they slip oft' and leave you 
to help yourself. 

" What we want is good genuine 
friendship that will take you by the 
hand and help you up and let you go on 
your way untrarameled. I certainly 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



139 



think that this side of the county ought 
to support an enterprise of this kind, 
and if even the few who are ready and 
willing to assist in such an undertaking 
will stand by me and not expect en- 
tirely too much of me, I shall spare no 
exertion of which I am capable to make a 
success of the Grafton News." 

With the issue of Aug. 22, 1884, the 
name of the paper was changed to that of 

JERSEY COUNTY PROHIBITIONIST. 

No change was made, however, as re- 
gards editorship, furm or size, but under 
its new name it was everything that its 
name implied — a strong advocate of 
prohibition. It continued thus, without 
change until the end of the year, 1884, 
when it resumed its former name of the 
Grafton News, Mr. McClintock turning 
over the editorship to C. B. Edsall, and 
retaining the ownership himself. No 
changes have been made in these de- 
partments since that time, though the 
size of the paper has been altered to 
that of a six-column folio. 

Corydon Perry Edsall is a native of 
Jersey county, born three miles north 
of Grafton. He is a son of William 
and Lydia H. (Perry) Edsall The for- 
mer, who was born in Cayuga county, 
X. Y., settled in this county in 1838. 
The latter parent was born in the state 
of Alabama. The subject of this sketch 
attended the district schools of his na- 
tive township, and, later, the Illinois 
Industrial University, at Champaign, 
where he became fitted for school teach- 
ing, in which occupation he has since 
engaged. He has taught, altogether, 
15 years, 7 years of the time in one 
school — Shiloh district. He is thor- 
oughly qualified for his responsible 



position, and as an instructor is highly 
successful and popular. He was mar- 
ried April 6, 1879, to Catherine Shaffer, 
daughter of Andrew Shafler, of this 
county. They have three children, 
Thomas Harry, Perry A. and Lennie 
Edith. Mr. Edsall is a supporter of 
the prohibition party, and was defeated 
on that ticket for tlie position of circuit 
clerk in 1882. He took charge of the 
Grafton News, as editor, Jan. 1, 1885, 
which position he still occupies. He is 
also the representative of the ^Etna in- 
surance company at this point, and a 
real estate agent. 

JERSEYVILLE EVENING TIMES. 

This paper was established by Messrs. 
J. A. Walker and J. A. Blanneihassett. 
The first issue appeared on the after- 
noon of May 25, 1885, as a five-column 
folio. The initial number contained the 
following salutatory : 

"For some months past we have been 
frequently urged by our friends to es- 
tablish a daily newspaper devoted to the 
interest of Jerseyville and Jersey 
county. We have finally yielded to 
their friendly solicitations and with this 
number enter into the arena of journal- 
ism. The Time, an evening paper, will 
strictly adhere to, and advocate the 
principles of justice, and equity, assist 
in advancing every work of enterprise 
in our midst, and always be in the front 
rank in opposing wrong and defending 
right." 

On July 13, 1885, the paper was 
changed to a morning publication and 
the name altered to that of 

THE DAILY TIMES. 

Both proprietors were practical print- 
ers, and understood the wants of the 
communitv, and catered to it. 



140 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



On the 17th of Aug., 1885, Mr. Blen- 
nerhassett retired from the firm and the 
paper is now in the hands of J. A. 
Walker, sole proprietor and editor. 

John A. Walker, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Deavertown, Mor- 
gan county, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1858. He 
spent the early part of his life on his 
father's farm, and at the age of 12 
years moved to Jerseyville, 111., in the 
spring of 1865. In 1867 the family re- 
turned to Ohio, and in 1870, leaving his 
paternal parent there, he again visited 
Jerseyville, and entered the office of 
the Democrat, then published by Burr 
& Wheelock, as apprentice. He re- 
mained in the office until 1873, when he 



went to Carrollton, Greene county. 111., 
und engaged as a compositor on the 
Patriot, published by Minor & Lindley, 
where on Nov. 11, 1879, he married 
Susie Sapp, adopted daughter of Hon. 
George Wriglit. In the spring of 1880 
he moved to Jerseyville and was em- 
ployed on the Republican- Examiner, where 
he labored until May 1885, when he 
liecame the junior editor and publisher 
of the Jerseyville Daily Times. 

He received his education in the free 
school of his district, and was noted for 
his close application to study, receiving 
a good knowledge of the branches gen- 
erally taught in the common schools of 
the day. 



OHAPTEIR X. 



THE BAR. 



Horace Greeley once said that the 
only good use a lawyer could be put to 
was hanging, and a great many other 
people entertain the same opinion. 
There may be cause for condenming the 
course of certain practitioners of the 
law, but the same may be said within 
the ranks of all other professions. Such 
men should not be criticized as lawyers, 
doctors or the like, but rather as indi- 
viduals who seek, through a profession 
that is quite essential to the welfare of 
the body politic as the science of medi- 
cine is to that of the physical well be- 
ing, or theology to the i>erfection of 
moral nature, to carry out their nefari- 
ous and dishonest designs, which are 
usually for the rapid accumulation of 



money, although at times for more evil 
and sinister purposes, and which are 
the instincts of naturally depraved and 
vicious natures. None of the profes- 
sions stand alone in being thus affected. 
All suffer alike. The most holy and 
sacred offices have been prostituted to 
base uses. And it would be quite as , 
reasonable to hold the entire medical 
profession in contempt for the malprac- 
tice and quackery of some of its un- 
scrupulous members, or the church, 
with its thousands of sincere and noble 
teachers and followers, in derision for 
the hypocrisy and deceit of the few, 
who simply use it as a cloak to conceal 
the intentions of a rotten heart and cor- 
rupt nature, as to saddle upon a profes- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



141 



sion as great as either, the shortcomings 
of some of its individual members. 

By a wise ordination of Providence, 
law and order govern everything in the 
vast and complex system of the uni- 
verse. Law is everything, lawyers no- 
thing. Law would still exist though 
every one of its professors and teachers 
should perish from the face of the earth. 
And, should such a thing occur, and a 
new race spring up, the first instinctive 
desire of its best men would be to bring 
order out of chaos by the enactment and 
promulgation of wise and beneficial 
laws. Law in the abstract is as much a 
component part of our planet as are the 
elements, earth, air, fire and water. In 
a concrete sense, as applied to the gov- 
ernment of nations, races and peoples, 
it plays almost as important a part. 
Indeed, so grand is the science, and so 
noble are the objects sought to be ac- 
complished through it, that it has- in- 
spired some of the noblest and greatest 
men of ancient and modern times to an 
investigation and study of its princi- 
ples; and in the long line of great names 
handed down to us from the dim and 
shadowy portals of the j)ast, quite as 
great men will be found enrolled as 
members of the legal jjrofession as any 
other, andowe their greatness to a sound 
knowledge of the principles of law, and 
a strict and impartial administration of 
them. Draco, among the first and great- 
est of Athenian law-givers, was hailed 
by the people of that province as a 
deliverer, because of liis enacting 
laws and enforcing them, for the pre- 
venting of vice and crime, and lo(jking 
to the protection of the masses from op- 
pression and lawlessness. It is true 
that many of the penalties he attached 



to the violation of the laws were severe 
and even barbarous, but this severity 
proceeded from an honorable nature, 
with an honest desire to improve the 
condition of his fellow man. Triptole- 
mus, his contemporary, proclaimed as 
laws: "Honor your })arents, worship 
the Gods, hurt not animals." Solon, 
perhaps the wisest and greatest of all, a 
man of remarkable purity of life and m - 
ble impulses, wliose moral character 
was so great and conviction as to the 
public good so strong, that he could and 
did refuse supreme and despotic power 
when thrust upon him, and thus replied' 
to the sneers of his friends: 

Nor wisdom's plan, nor deep laid i)oIicy, 

Can Solon buast. Fur wlien its nulile ble.ssing 

Heaven iionred into iiis l.ip, li.- spiuiie<l lliem 

Inini him. 
Where were liis sense iuiil spirit, when inclosed 
lie found ;lie ehoici st piey, nor deiKntd to 

draw li V 

Who to coinmuiil lair .Vllieii.s hiitoiie day 
W'dulil not liini.^fll, uilh all his raci, have 

fallen 
Contented on tlie morrow':' 

^\'hat is true of one nation or race in 
this particular is true of all, viz: that 
the wisest and greatest of law-makers 
and lawyers have always been pure aiul 
good men, perhaps the most notalde ex- 
ceptions being Justinian and Tribonia- 
nus. Their great learning and wisdom 
nabled theni to rear as their everlast- 
ing monuments the i^andects and the 
Justinian Code, which, however, they 
sadly defaced by the immoralities and 
excesses of their private lives. Among 
the revered of modern nations will be 
found, conspicuous for their great ser- 
vices to their fellows, innumerable law- 
yers. To the Frenchman the mention 
of the names of Tronchet, LeBrun, I'or- 



142 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



talis, Roederer and Thibaudeau, excites 
a thrill of pride for greatness and of 
gratitude for their goodness. What 
Englishman or American, either, but 
that takes just pride in the splendid re- 
putation and character of the long line 
of England's loyal lawyer sons? The 
Bacons, father and son, who, with Lord 
Burleigh, were selected by England's 
greatest queen to administer the affairs 
of State, and Somers and Hardwicke, 
Cowper and Dunning, Eden, Blackstone, 
Coke, Stowell and Curran, who with all 
the boldness of a giant and eloquence of 
Demosthenes, struck such vigorous 
blows against kingly tyranny, and op- 
pression; and Erskine and Mansfield, 
and a score of others. 

These are the men who form the cri- 
terion by which the profession should 
be judged. And in our own country, 
have we not names among the dead as 
sacred, and among the living as dear? 
In the bright pages of the history of a 
country, founded for the sole benefit of 
the people, who, more than our lawyers 
are recorded as assisting in its forma- 
tion, preservation, and working for its 
perpetuity? 

The American will ever turn M'ith es- 
pecial pride, to the great Daniel Web- 
ster, Henry Clay, Jo Daviess, Rufus 
Choate, William Wirt, Taney, Marshall, 
and hundreds of others, who reflected 
the greatest honor upon the profession 
in our own country. Among the truest 
and best sons of this state are her law- 
yers, and even in this county, some of 
her most highly esteemed and most re- 
sponsible citizens are members of this 
noble jirofession. 

The first practicing attorney to locate 
within the bounds of what now consti- 



tutes Jersey county, was Martin B. 
Miner, who came to Jerseyville in 1840. 
He was born in Addison county, Vt., 
March 22, 1805, and was a descendent 
of one Henry Bullman, a miner, who 
had his name changed to that of Miner, 
by King Edward III, of England, for 
his loyalty in furnishing 100 men from 
his mines, all armed, when that king 
started on one of his wars. His ances- 
tors came to America in 1630. Martin 
B. was educated in the schools and 
academies of his native state, bj' his 
own exertions, and read law with Her- 
man ^llen, M. C. of Burlington, Vt. 
He was admitted to practice in the 
supreme court of that state in 1834, and 
was married to Laura S. McNeil, in 
January, 1836. In the fall of 1836, they 
removed to Illinois, locating at Wood- 
burn, but in the fall of 1837 moved to 
Alton, and in the spring of 1840, to 
Jerseyville. He practiced law for over 
30 years, and died a resident of this city 
in October, 1874. 

The second attornej' was C. H. Good- 
rich. 

H. H. Howard was the third attorney 
to locate in the county. When he first 
came here he taught a ]»rivate academic 
. school. He afterwards practiced law, 
for a while alone, then took info part- 
nership his nephew, A. L, Knapp, who 
afterwards represented this district in 
congress. Mr. Howard was af an early 
date editor of the De Kirrutic Union, a 
newspaper in Jerseyville. About the 
close of the war he left this place going 
to Kansas, where he is probably now 
living, 

W. K. Titcomb was the next to locate 
in Jersey county, and practice law. In 
1847 or 8, he left here for St. Louis, Mo., 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



143 



and during the cholera epidemic of 1849, 
he was assiduoiis in his attentions to 
the sick, as nurse and attendent, and 
taking the fell disease, became a victim. 

William P. Chestnut came next. He 
did not remain in practice here for any 
li'iigth (if time, dying at the National 
Hotel of .sinall-pox. 

Abner C. Hinton, practiced law for 
some years at Jerseyville. He after- 
wards inherited some property in the 
neighborhood of Carrolton, and removed 
there. He, in after years became par- 
tially insane, and in one of his spells 
of aberrati m of mind shot himself. 

Robert M., and Anthony L. Knai)p, 
have both been prominently identified 
with this honorable profession in this 
county and vicinity. Both of these 
gentlemen — brothers — were so fortunate 
as to represent this district on the floor 
of the national house of representatives, 
in which connection sketches of them 
are given. 

E. A. Pinero practiced law in Jersey- 
ville for some years, first alone, then in 
partnership with T.J. Selby, and later 
with that gentleman and George W. 
Herdman. 

Thomas J. Solby was admitted to the 
bar in ISHI), but did not engage in the 
l)ractice of law for a few years. In 
1.S76, the firm of Pinero and Selby, was 
formed as above stated. Mr. Selby was 
prominently identified with the office of 
county clerk, and is mentioned at length 
in that connection in the chapter en- 
titled National, State and County repre- 
sentation. 

W. Ames, while a jiartncr in the law 
firm of Warren, Pogue and Ames, was a 
member of the legal fraternity of Jersey 
county. He left here about 1871. 



Among other members of the bar of 
past was Robert A. King, who was a 
member of the 27th general assembly, 
in which connection, he is noted at 
length. 

Atone time a young lawyer by the 
name of John W. Jlerrill was in part- 
nership with R. A. King, and practiced 
at this bar for a short time. 

The bar of .Jersey county at present, 
comprises some of the talented of the 
past and the rising legislators and states- 
men of the future. Many of them are 
well kn(jwn professionally, and a few 
are just rising into public favor. The 
following list embraces all of them : 
George E. Warren, George W. Herd- 
man, ^\'illiam H. Pogue. 0. B. Hamil- 
ton, A. M. Slaten, T. S. Chapman, 
Morris R. Locke, A. A. Goodrich, 
Joseph F. Greathouse, Joseph S. Carr, 
Thomas Ferns, William M. Jackson 
and George F. Lane, the latter a resi- 
dent of Elsah. Many of these gentle- 
men having filled official positions are 
noticed at length in that connection, for 
which the reader is referred to the 
chapters in relation to the courts of the 
county, and the national, state and 
count}' representation. 

Adams Augustus Goodrich, a son of 
Henry O. and Jane A. (Knapp) (Good- 
rich, and a prominent lawyer of Jersey 
county, was born at Jerseyville, Jan. 
8, 1849, and was educated in the graded 
schools of his native place and at the 
military academy at West Point, which 
he was obliged to leave on account of 
impaired health, in his fourth year. He 
sjicnt nearly two years in Colorado and 
California, and returned with his health 
completely restored. He then read 
law at Jerseyville and Springfield, with 



14-4 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



his maternal uncles. He was admitted 
to the bar in Jan. 1873, and since that 
time has been engaged in the practice 
of his chosen profession, at Jerseyville. 
He has a good reputation as a lawj'er, 
and manages cases entrusted to him 
with ability and care. He is studious 
and pain.staking, and a young man of 
much promise. Thus, by nature stu- 
dious and ambitious, he is sure to suc- 
ceed in life, if health will ht)ld out un- 
der the strain brought to bear upon it. 
He held the office of city attorney three 
terms, and was elected state's attorney 
in 1878; re-elected in 1880, and again in 

1884, and is the present incumbent. Po- 
litically, he affiliates with the demo- 
cratic part}', and is a rapidly rising 
character in the ])olitical field of the 
future. He is a Blue lodge Mason and 
Knight Templar, an Odd Fellow and a 
Knight of Pythias. He has been 
through the last two orders, holding all 
the offices of the local lodges. 

Thomas F. Ferns, the present city 
attorney of Jerseyville, is a son of John 
and Hannah (Hays) Ferns, and was 
born in this city July 25, 1862. His 
fatlier, John Ferns, was a son of Thomas 
an(l Margaret Ferns, and was born in 
Trenton, New Jersey, on the 4th day of 
March, 1832. He settled in Jersey 
county in 1835. He was married in 
September, 1860, to Hannah Hays, and 
two children were bcu-n to them — Thomas 
F. and Margaret M. In politics he was 
a democrat, in religion a Catholic. Our 
subject was educated in the schools of 
Jerseyville, graduating from the high 
school in 1882. In October, 1883, he 
entered the St. Louis law school, from 
which institution he graduated Jime 10, 

1885. He was admitted to the bar of 



Illinois in March previous to his gradu- 
ation. He immediately opened an 
office in Jerseyville, and commenced 
practice. He is a member of the West- 
ern Catholic Union, of which he is one 
of the supreme trustees. In politics he 
is a staunch democrat. 

Allen M. Slaten, a member of the 
Jerseyville bar, was born in this county 
in 1842. His parents were J. W. and 
Ann F. (Pickett) Slaten. He attended 
the common schools, and awhile at 
Kendall college, also taking a commer- 
cial course. He clerked for his father 
at (iraftcin, and afterwards ran a store 
at Otterville. He was admitted to the 
bar in August, 1883, after which he 
commenced practice. He is now a 
member of the firm of Hamilton & 
Slaten. 

Joseph F. Greathouse, was born near 
Milton, Pike county. 111., March 10, 
1839. He resided upon a farm, with 
his widowed mother until he was 17 
years of age. He then commenced 
teaching school, whicli he followed, suc- 
cessful!}', until the l>reaking out of the 
civil war, when obeying the call of his 
country, he enlisted as private in Co. I, 
99th 111. Inf. regiment. This was in 
1862. In 1863, he was made regimental 
(luartermaster," and remained in that 
position until the close of hostilities. 
Returning home, he studied law with 
John B. Henderson, of Louisiana, Mo., 
from 1866 to 1869, and was admitted to 
practice as an attorney-at-law, by the 
rules of the Supreme court of the state 
of Illinois, in the year 1870. He 
opened an office and practiced his pro- 
fession at Pittsfield, 111., for 10 years, 
but in the spring of 1X80, removed to 
East St. Louis, and in 1882, to Jersey- 



ville, where he now resides, and prac- 
tices his profession. He was married 
Sept. 19, 1861, to Nancy L. Binns, and 
by virtue of this marriage there has 
been born unto them five children — 
Dora, Lenore, Valeria, Gertrude and 
Nina. 

Judge George "W. Herdman, the pres- 
ent circuit judge of this circuit com- 
menced the practice of law in Jersey- 
ville in the spring of 1867, having just 
graduated. He is ranked among the 
prominent attorneys of this section of 
the state and is accorded high rank as a 
judge. He is noticed at length in the 
chapter in relation to the courts of the 
county. 

Joseph S. Carr, attorney at law, is a 
native of St. Charles, Mo., where he 
was born in the year 1832. His parents 
were John Carr, a native of Lexington, 
Ky., and Elizabeth Mary Ann (Sum- 
ner) Carr, who was born in North Caro- 
lina. John Carr was murdered in the 
old City hotel at St. Louis, in 1840. 
Mrs. Carr died in 1873. The subject of 
this sketch was reared in St. Charles, re- 
ceiving a liberal education, graduating 
at the old St. Charles college. In 1869 
he came to Illinois, and located in' 
Kane, in Greene county, where he en- 
gaged in the practice of law until 1883. 
He then removed to Jersey county, 
continuing the practice of his profes- 
sion in the city of Jerseyville, where 
ho now resides. May 10, 1S')9, he was 
united in marriage with Georgie Ann 
Logan, a native of Callaway county, Mo. 
They had eleven children, nine of 
whom are now living, Bettie E., Lois, 
Ernest H., Louis M., John, Josephine 
Fritz, Festus and Goorgic E. He was 
bereaved liy the death of his wife in 



1881, and in 1883 was married to Etta 
Cory, a native of Jersey county. By 
this marriage there is one child, Etta 
May. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 
1881 Mr. Carr was chosen to represent 
his district in tlie state legislature, and 
served one term. He is Deputy Grand 
Master of the state in the I. 0. 0. F., 
and a member of the Knights of Honor, 
also of the Knights of Pythias. 

George F. Lane was born in Havana, 
Mason county, 111. His father was a 
minister of the M. E. church, and died 
while the subject of this sketch was a 
small lad. His mother was left a widow, 
with George and his sister Minnie to 
support and educate. The mother then 
removed to Lebanon, 111., and gave to 
her children all the advantages of 
an excellent education that could be 
afforded by the McKendree Oollege, 
located at that place. For several 
years George did not follow any busi- 
ness very long, but was what is termed 
wild. In the year 1874 he became a 
student in the oflice of H. H. Horner, 
a real estate lawyer of that place, and 
what success has attended George F. 
Lane's efforts he attributes to the teach- 
ing of Mr. Horner. While in the law 
office, and while yet a student, George 
was chosen city attorney, and filled the 
office in an accei)table manner to the 
people. After his admission to the bar 
he commenced business for himself, and 
did well, until sickness compelled him 
to quit work for awhile. He moved to 
Elsah in 1879, and has resided in that 
place since. In regard to offices that 
he has held since he came to Jersey 
county, we can say he was elected town- 
ship clerk in 1880; elected justice of tho 



lu 



148 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



peace in 1881, and re-elected without 
opposition ift 1885. He has not been 
engaged in active law practice since 
1878, but has devoted his time to real 
estate and loan business. His office is 
in Elsah, where he has a good library 
of law, as well as books that are to be 
found on the shelves of private libra- 
ries. He was married to his wife — 
Emma Stephany — on Christmas day, 
1883, and their union has been blessed 
with one child, an infant. George F. 
Lane is a man who tries to enjoy life, 
and is happy when he sees others enjoy- 
ing themselves. He is a young man 



yet, only about 30 years old. He is at 
present the president of the board of • 
trustees of the village of Elsah, to 
which office he was chosen unani- 
mously. His office is the general meet- 
ing-place of the old business men of his 
township, and all matters of interest, 
either of the village or township, are 
talked over there. In politics he is a 
democrat of the Douglas democracy, 
and the ex-union soldier has in George 
a friend who is always ready to help 
him get his pension papers in shape, 
and was never known to charge a pen- 
sioner a cent for his labor. 



OHAPXEIR XI. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



It has been justly said by one of the 
deepest thinkers and most philosophic 
of men, that a physician is the most 
unfortunate of men, as he is expected 
to cure men, and keep them well, when 
they violate the very laws of their ex- 
istence, every hour of their lives. 
Hence, the life of the active practi- 
tioner in the healing art is no sinecure, 
at the best, as anyone who has followed 
the profession can testify. Twenty-five 
to thirty years ago it was rather a 
serious matter to be a physician, and to 
make the long and toilsome rides 
through this then newly and sparsely 
settled country, when there were 
scarcely anj' roads, and no bridges, and 
the adventurous disciple of Galen was 
frequently lost on the wide prairie, and 
often floundered through sloughs, Often 



in the muddy days of spring or fall, he 
found, on emerging from some particu- 
larly miry place, that his girth has 
broken, or some equally important part 
of the harness damaged, and alone on 
the wide expanse of wind swept prairie, 
with night coming on, he must ^top and 
repair it, with fingers numbed with the 
cold, and energies exhausted by a hard 
day's labor. 

The medical profession is an honor- 
able one, if conducted in an honorable 
manner. John Quincy Adams called it 
"the most honorable of the profes- 
sions." And one of our eminent phy- 
sicians speaking of it, uses these words: 

"The doctor certainly feels proud to 
relieve the pain and distress of his pa- 
tients; to soothe the dying pillow, and 
to comfort the afflicted friends. But the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



149 



people are sometimes imposed upon by 
pretenders, who claim to cure all the 
'ills flesh is heir to,' and to raise the 
dead, but we think the days of miracles 
have passed — are there too many doc- 
tors, or has the profession lost all 
honor? The people seem to be growing 
weaker and wiser, but at the expense of 
vigorous health — the system of cram- 
ming in schools does not fit the young 
man for a useful life, nor the young wo- 
man to be a good, staunch helpmate. 
Was the boy bright and clever, that 
was suflicient reason for the forcing and 
cramming him — so far, however, as that 
goes, the boys have a certain conserva- 
tism about them that prevents them 
from committing suicide by excessive 
brain work. The poor girls, with their 
finer organizations, are the unfortunate 
victims. How often does the doctor 
have interesting lady patients, who talk 
beautifully, as they recline upon the 
sofa, but who, when married and moth- 
ers of a single child, probably are une- 
equal to the task of a household, or the 
care of a family." 

The peoj)le owe certain duties to the 
physician, and the physician owes cer- 
tain duties to the people, and the way 
these duties are performed stamps the 
standing both of the practitioner and 
the people. 

In all ages of the world, among c'vi- 
lized and uncivilized people, the medical 
profession has been held in high esteem. 
Whether it be the learned professor, 
who has studied the science of medi- 
cine in all of its branches, or the "great 
medicine man" of the imtutored sav- 
ages, who from actual experience has 
made discoveries of the healing powers 
of herbs and roots, honor awaits him 



upon every hand, while the life and 
death of every human being is 
virtually placed in his keeping. 
The weary patient lying upon a 
bed of pain, and the no less weary 
watcher by his side, wait anxiously for 
the coming of the "good doctor," and 
on his arrival, note his every movement 
and every expression for a ray of hope. 

The medical fraternity of Jersey 
county have with few if any exceptions, 
been an honor to the profession. They 
have ever been ready to respond to the 
call of duty. The winter's cold, the 
summer's heat, or the rains of spring 
and autumn, could not keep them back 
when the cry of distress reached their 
ears. Not a physician in the county, 
especially among those who settled here 
at an early day, but has experienced 
sufferings that would have deterred 
those in any other profession, in'- re- 
sponse to a summons to attend the bed- 
side of a sick and suffering one. They 
have been com.pelled to cross the road- 
less prairie, or thread the hills and 
woods, to face the cold, bleak storms of 
winter, or the blazing sun of mid-sum- 
mer often with no hope of fee or reward, 
but only, if possible, to relieve those who 
plead for their care. All this has been 
been done by the physicians of Jersey 
county without complaint. If the good 
deeds of the profession are not remem- 
bered by those having received aid,atinic 
will come when they will be recollected. 

In the following review of the medical 
profession in the various towns atd cities 
of the county, some of the most promi- 
nent doctors, who have practiced for any 
length of time, will be noticed first, and 
then the representatives of the profes- 
sion in 1885. 



150 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



PHYSICIANS OF THE PAST. 

Among the physicians of the county, 
was Dr. Silas Hamilton, who came to 
Otterville in 1830. He died tliere in 
1834. A sketch of him is given in con- 
nection with the history of that township 
with which he was closely identified. 

The first disciple of the healing art to 
locate at Jerseyville was Dr. A. H. Bur- 
ritt, who came in 1833, hefore the town 
was laid out, being among the first set- 
tlers on the site of Jerseyville. The 
old log cabin which he erected still 
stands as a monument to his memory, 
and is located on the corner of Exchange 
and Pleasant streets. He here first 
settled, and entered 80 acres of land. 
He was born in Troy, New York, where 
he resided until 1832, when he came to 
Illinois, locating in Carrollton, and the 
following year came to Jerseyville, as 
above stated. He was of the old allo- 
pathic school, and practiced here until 
1836, when he removed to a farm in 
Greene county. In .1838, he went to 
Cleveland, Ohio, and later removed to 
New Orleans, where he lived until his 
death, about the year 1875. 

During the year 1833 there was an ac- 
cession to the medical profession of Jer- 
seyville in the person of Dr. Asa Snell, 
who came from his native state, Vermont. 
He remained here until his'death, Jan. 
21, 1874, although retired from active 
practice during the latter years of his 
life. He raised quite a large family of 
children,- all of whom proved to be 
bright, intelligent and industrious. 
One son is still a resident of the county. 
Dr. Snell was considered a smart man, 
having a large and lucrative practice, 
and died leaving considerable property. 

Pr, Edward Augustus D'Arcy, for 



thirty years one of the most prominent 
phj'^sicians of this county, came here in 
1833, and settled on land which he en- 
tered near a smsjill stream which still 
bears his name. He was born in Han- 
over, Morris county, N. J., April 15, 
1796, and was the son of Dr. John D'- 
Arcy, an eminent physician of that 
state, and surgeon of the 1st New Jersey 
regiment, in the Revolutionary war. 
His mother was Phoebe Johnes, who be- 
fore the dawn of the new century, was 
numbered with the silent inmates of the 
tomb, leaving Edward an infant but 
three years old. He received his edu- 
cation at the schools of Morristown,and 
studied medicine under the tuition of 
his father, and was licensed to practice 
medicine April 4, 1817. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 22, 1821, to Mary McEowen, a 
daughter of Dr. Hugh McEowen, of 
Baskingridge, N. J., by whom he had 
two daughters — Ann Caroline, wife of 
Judge Fredrick H. Teese, of New Jer- 
sey, member of the 44th Congress; and 
Catherine M., late wife ofP. D. Cheney 
of Jerseyville. In 1833, he came to 
Jersey county, and located on a farm 
on the stream now known as Dorsey's 
branch. He was considered a very 
skillful man and pronounced authorit}'. 
He did not like practicing very well, 
but was a great admirer of horses, con- 
sequently did not devote much time or 
attention to medicine. He died here 
April 25, 1863. 

Dr. John W. Lott, a native of New 
Jersey, came to Jerseyville, in 1834. 
He was one of the proprietors of the 
original town plat, assisting in the lay- 
ing out and naming of the place in 
honor of his native state. Hepracticed 
for some time, but having. a strong at- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



151 



tachment for his native soil, returned 
to that state. 

Dr. James C. Perry, a native horn 
Scotchman, who had served in the Brit- 
ish service for seven years, came about 
the yea* 1838. He is well remembered 
by the citizens of Jerseyville as a skill- 
ful practitioner, and an honest and up- 
right man in all his dealings. He con- 
tinued to practice here until his death 
in May, 1859. He was a scholarly and 
scientific man, generous to a fault and 
was never known to oppress the poor 
for payment for medical aid. 

Dr. Edwin A. Casey, who came to 
Jerseyville about the year 1840, and 
practiced successfully many years, died 
March 22, 1874. He was a native of 
Ithode Island, and at the time of his 
death was 6G years of age. He was the 
senior member of the medical firm of 
Casey & Wellington, the latter coming 
to Jerseyville about the same time — 
1840. 

Dr. R. H. VanDike came to the city 
of Jerseyville from the state of New 
Jersey, about the year 1840, and was 
one of the prominent physicians of this 
county until the day of his death, Sep- 
tember 6, 1845. 

Dr. James Bringhurst, now deceased, 
was one of the early physicians of Jer- 
sey county. He was born in Philadel- 
phia, Pennsylvania, in 1818. His par- 
ents were James and Sarah Bringhurst. 
When he had arrived at the age of 
about 13 years, his parents removed to 
Wilmington, Delaware. There he re- 
sided until coming out to Illinois. He 
commenced the study of medicine with 
Dr. Robert Porter, of Wilmington. After 
this he attended the Jefferson Medical 
College, at Philadelphia, and before 



graduating there, he spent eight years 
in the acquirement of a knowledge of 
the profession. He practiced in Wil- 
mington until 1842, when he came out 
to Illinois, and located in what is now 
Ruyle township, Jersey county. He 
remained at that location about two 
3'ear.-5, and then removed to section 2, 
Fidelity township where his son, John, 
now resides. About 1850 he moved into 
Jerseyville, and entered into partner- 
ship with Dr. D'Arcy. From that time 
until 1857 he practiced in Jerseyville, 
Chicago and Springfield, and from 1857 
to 1861 in Jerseyville alone. In April 
1861 he enlisted as surgeon of the 128th 
111. Inf. He was afterwards iDromoted 
to be brigade surgeon. He w-as taken 
sick in the service and his constitution 
was undermined so that he never re- 
gained liis health. From the army he 
returned to Jerseyville, where he re- 
mained a short time, then removing to 
Alton. For short periods after this he 
resided in Jerseyville, on his farm in 
Fidelity township, and in Alton. In 
the latter place he contracted Bright's 
disease, and he steadily declined, until, 
on coming to Jersey county for rest, he 
died at the house of his cousin, Henrj' 
Ryan, now of Ruyle township, on the 
23d day of June, 1870. He was married 
to Mary Ryan, a daughter of John Ryan, 
an old settler, in 1850. They were the 
I)arents of four children — James, John, 
Robert and Henr}'. 

Dr. R. D. Farley, one of the early 
doctors of Jerseyville, came to this 
county some time in the "forties." In 
1852 he was county physician, attending 
to the wants of tho.«e unfortunates who 
had to depend upon the charity and 
commiseration of those about them. 



152 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Dr. Farley was the oldest child of Rev. 
Abel and Hannah (Dressier) Farley, 
born Dec. 3, 1808, in Massachusetts. 
He was twice married, first in March, 
1831, to Mary G. Rand, of Boston. 
Soon after his marriage he removed to 
Illinois, locating at Carrollton, and af- 
terward removed to Alton, from which 
place he came to .Jersey ville, where he 
lived until his death, Sept. 27, 1884. 
His first wife died Sept. 25, 1875. He 
was married, the second time, July 26, 
1877, to Mrs. Mary E. Briggs. Dr. 
Farley did not commence practice here 
at a very early day, but was the first 
homivopathic physician in the city. He 
was well known and highly esteemed, 
and a gentleman whose wisdom and 
judgment were much respected by his 
many friends and associates. 

Dr. Augustus R. Knapp was one of 
the most prominent physicians of Jer- 
sey count}' in early da3's. He came -to 
Jerseyville in 1844, and after enjoying 
a large and extensive practice, died at 
his residence in that city, July 13, 1862. 
Dr. Knapp was a member of the consti- 
tutional convention of 1847, and is 
spoken of in that connection. 

Charles Glazier, a German physician, 
located in Jerseyville, in 1846, but only 
remained about a year. 

Dr. Pitner also came about this time, 
from Marion county. In 1848, he joined 
the excited throng for the far west, to 
seek his fortunes in the gold regions of 
California, and has not been heard of 
since. 

Dr. George Adrain, at one time con- 
nected with the medical profession of 
Jerseyville, deserves mention in this 
connection. He came here about 1850. 

Dr. John L. White was prominently 



identified with the profession at Jersey- 
ville for several years. He was born 
in Massachusetts, in 1832, and came to 
this place in 1852. He was married, in 
1858, to Hattie Hawley, who resided a 
short distance from Jerseyvil]^. He 
continued the pursuit of his profession 
at this place until 1870, when he re- 
moved to Bloomington, this state, where 
he still resides. He has passed into 
history as having been one of the lead- 
ing physicians of Jerseyville, and a 
skillful and successful practitioner. He 
was also a prominent member of the 
Masonic fraternity, having attained the 
position of master. 

Among the medical profession during 
the "fifties," was Dr. H. C. Harriman, 
a native of Massachusetts, who came 
from Gardner, that state, to Jerseyville. 
He died here March 12, 1858. 

Among the former physicians of Jer- 
seyville was Dr. William T. Hutchin- 
son, a native of Kentucky, who con- 
tinued in the practice of his profession 
until his death, January 27, 1864. 

Dr. John L. Furber came to Jersey- 
ville about the year I860, where he was 
shortly afterward married. He practiced 
here two or three years, when he re- 
moved to Kansas and engaged in the 
cattle business, and has subsequently 
become wealthy. He is an Illinoisan. 

Dr.W. L. Burnett, a native of Indiana 
came to Jerseyville and commenced the 
study of the science of medicine in the 
office of J. O. Hamilton, in 1866, and 
later attended lectures at the St. Louis 
Medical College, from which he grad- 
uated in 1869. He practiced his pro- 
fession in the village of Fidelity and 
vicinity for several years, when he re- 
moved to Kane, Greene county. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



153 



Among the physicians of Jerseyville 
of the past was Dr. John B. Hamilton. 
He is the second of a family of nine 
children of Rev. B. B. and Mary A. 
Hamilton. The subject of this sketch 
was educated in the common schools of 
Jersey and Greene counties. In 1862 
he became a clerk in the drug store of 
his uncle. Dr. J. O. Hamilton, of Jer- 
seyville, and afterwards clerked in the 
drug store of J. M. Israel, M. D., at 
White Hall. When about the age of 
seventeen he commenced the study of 
medicine, under the instruction of Dr. 
J. O. Hamilton. From White Hall he 
removed to Bunker Hill, where he sold 
goods in the store of C. C. Campbell, 
until February, 1864, when he returned 
to Jerseyville and resumed his studies. 
Soon after this his father purchased an 
interest in a drug store at Manchester, 
111., and in September, 1865, the subject 
of this sketch went to Manchester to 
conduct the store, where he remained 
till February, 1867. While there he de- 
voted his leisure hours to the study of 
Latin, under the tuition of John Grant, 
A. M., and in the winter of 1867-8 at- 
tended lectures at Rush Medical College, 
Chicago. He spent his vacation at .Jer- 
seyville, in study, and in the winter of 
1868-9 attended the same college, and 
in February of the latter year graduated. 
That session in college he was assistant 
to Dr. R. L. Rhea, professor of anatomy. 
In March, 1869, he settled at Jerseyille, 
in partnership with Dr. J. 0. Hamilton, 
and in December following purchased 
the practice of Dr. 0. K. Reynolds, of 
Kane. Besides enjoying a good prac- 
tice, he was proprietor of a drug store 
at that place. In May, 1869, he became 
a member of the State Medical Society, 



and at that meeting was appointed a 
member of the committee on surgery. 
On the 4th of October, 1871, Dr. Hamil- 
ton was married to Mary L. Frost, 
daughter of the late John S. Frost, of 
Jersey county, and grand-daughter of 
Judge Lowe. The doctor has rapidly 
risen to a high standing in the profes- 
sion, of medicine and surgery, and is 
now filling the important position of 
surgeon-general of the United States 
marines. 

Doctor W. 0. Langdon, at one time a 
practicing physician of Jersey county, 
came to Delhi in 1870, and carried on 
the duties of his profession in that 
^vicinity for about eight years, when he 
removed to Carrollton, Greene county. 
In the history of that county a sketch 
of him may be found. 

Henry Z. Gill, M. D., came to Jersey- 
ville April 26, 1873, from St. Louis. 
He is a native of Pennsylvania, born 
Oct. 6, 1831. He graduated at Jefi'erson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, and be- 
gan practice at Columbus, Ohio, where 
he remained till the commencement of 
the rebellion, when he enlisted in the 
three month's service, serving four 
years and a half. He arose from assist- 
ant surgeon to surgeon of volunteers, of 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, which 
position he held until the close of the 
war. He then spent two years in 
Europe, after which he located at St. 
Louis, Mo., where he followed his pro- 
fession, and, in company with Dr. W. S. 
Edgar, published the M^Ucal Journal, 
after which he came to Jerseyville as 
noted in "the foregoing. In August, 
1881, he took charge of the Southern 
Illinois penitentiary, and in November, 
1883, resigned that position to accept 



154 



HISTORY OF JEESEY COUNTY 



the chair of surgery in the Wooster 
Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, 
where he now resides, and which posi- 
tion he still retains. 

Among the physicians of the past was 
Charles A. Knapp, a son of A. R., who 
practiced here for two or three years. 
Shortly after his marriage he removed 
to California, where he subsequeptly 
died. 

PHYSrCIAXS OF THE PRESENT. 

Among the medical fraternity of the 
present now located in the county, the 
following are among the most prominent 
and are representative men of the 
class: Drs. A. K. Van Home, George 
Sumrall, E. L. H. Barry, Caleb Du 
Hadway, A. A. Shobe, C. A. Edgar, C. 
R. and C. W. Enos, T. J. Kingston, A. 
A. Barnett, of Jerseyville; C. G. 
Buffington and Wesley Park, of Fieldon; 
A. D. Erwin, of Fidelity; John S. Wil- 
liams, and James A.Flautt, of Otterville; 
S. M. Watson and E. F. Francis, of 
Mississippi township; A. F. Slover, of 
Elsah township; J. F. Gary, of Delhi 
and J. Tidball of Grafton. 

Dr. A. K. VanHorne, is a son of 
Elijah and Polly Wyckoft' Van Home, 
was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., April 
2, 1831, and came with his parents to 
Jersey county in 1833. He received his 
education in the common schools of this 
county. In 1852, he commenced the 
study of medicine with Dr. Charles A. 
Knapp, of Jerseyville. He attended 
lecturs at the Missouri Medical College 
St. Louis, in 1853 and 1854. In the 
latter year he went to Green* cotnty, 
where he continued his studies and 
practice his profession. In the fall of 
1855, he entered Jefferson Medical Col- 



lege. Philadephia, from which he grad- 
uated in March, 1856. He then came 
to Jerseyville and began the practice 
of his profession in earnest. In 1871 
and 1872 he returned to Philadelphia, 
and took part of a course of lectures, to 
bring himself abreast of the times. On 
the 11th day of Oct., 1859, he was mar- 
ried to .Elizabeth S. Bacon, who died 
Oct. IS, 1881. On Dec. 23, 1884, the 
doctor was again married to Sarah M. 
Stelle. He is the eldest practicing phy- 
sician in the county. 

George Sumrall, M. D., Jerseyville, 
Jersey county. 111., came |to Illinois 
March 1, 1872, and to Jersey county 
October, 1874; is a member of the 
Presbyterian church, and of Masonic 
lodge, chapter .and council; has one 
child Maggie, born March 4, 1873. In 
April, 1876 was mover and drafter, 
before Jersey County Medical Soci- 
ety, of a greating to State Medical As- 
sociation, praying that body to secure 
such legislative action as would compel 
higher medical education and partially 
rid our state of quacks. In response to 
said greeting, the State Medical Asso- 
ciation appointed a committee which 
spent the next winter at the capitol; 
memorialized the legislature, and se- 
cured the enactment of our state medi- 
cal act, and the appointment of our 
State Board of Health, which has saved 
to our state millions of dollars, and to 
her citizens untold suffering. Witness 
the control of the smallpox, the emi- 
grant train inspection, and the hundreds 
of uneducated charletans compelled to 
cease practicing on the lives of our citi- 
zens, and to seek climes where ignor- 
ance is more tolerated. 

A. A. Shobe, M. D., one of the lead- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



155 



ing physicians of this county, came 
here in the spring of 1873, from Frank- 
lin county, ]\Io., of which state and 
county he is a native, and was born 
Aug. 24, 1846. His father, Alfred 
Shobe, and mother Mary (MeGinnis) 
Shobe, both died when he was but two 
years old. He was brought up by W. 
J. Brown, who was a member of the 
Missouri state legislature, and whose 
daughter he subsequently married. His 
youth was .spent on a farm, where he 
was variously employed in the multi- 
farious duties incident to the life of a 
boy in such a position. He attended 
common schools in his native county, 
and when 14 years old, was attending 
the academy at Kirkwood, St. Louis 
county, preparatory to a military edu- 
cation at West Point. Meanwhile, his 
guardian, whose sympathies were with 
the southern people, during the conflict 
of that time, went south and placed 
himself among those of the legislature 
who favored secession. The subject ot 
this sketch went with him subsequently 
and in 1862 joined the Confederate 
army, remained in the service until the 
close of the war, and was paroled at 
Mobile, Ala. He then entered the Chris- 
tian Brothers' college, St. Louis, to 
complete his literary education, and 
remained two sessions. He then com- 
menced the study of medicine, gradu- 
ating from the McDowell's College in 
1868-69, when he commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine in Franklin county, 
Mo., and there continued until coming 
here". His marriage to Sallie A. Brown 
occurred June 3, 1868. They have had 
three children — Mary 0., Cora B., and 
Irene V. Mr. Shobe is a member of 
the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic 



fraternity. He takes a commendable 
interest in public affairs, and was for 
two years president of the board of ed- 
cation. 

Charles R. Enos, M. D., was born in 
Madison county N. Y., in March, 
1816. His father. Joseph Enos, a native 
of Rhode Island, was a farmer, and the 
subject of this sketch was reared to 
farm life. In 1842 he migrated to St. 
Louis, Mo., where he worked in a ma- 
chine sboj) till 1849. He then went to 
Madison county, 111., and engaged in 
farming. Here he commenced taking 
care of the sick, being a good nurse, 
also practiced medicine to a consider- 
able extent. In 1874 he graduated from 
the homo'opathic medical college, of 
Missouri, and has since that time given 
his attention principally to the practice 
of medicine. In April, 1882, he came 
to Jersey ville, since which he has prac- 
ticed his profession in company with 
his son, Dr. C. W. Enos. He was mar- 
ried in 1845, to Eliza A. Thorpe, and by 
this union, has had ten children, eight 
of whom are living — Sarah C, Charles 
W., of Jersey ville; William H., who 
graduated as a physiciag, but follows 
farming; Ida V., wife of Theo. S. 
Ellison; Joseph W., a physician; Law- 
rence, Dewitt C. and Grace. 

C. W. Enos, M. D., located at Jersey- 
ville, Jan. 29, 1874. He was born in 
Madison county. 111., Dec. 13, 1849, and 
is a son of Dr. C. R. and Eliza Ann 
(Thorpe) Enos. He was brought up on 
a farm and rccei\4d a good education, 
attending the state normal school at 
Bloomington, 111., also the state indus- 
trial in.^titution at Champaign. After 
completing his education, he taught 
school two terms, then turned his atten- 



156 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



tion to the study of medicine, with a 
view to making that profession his life 
work. He entered the office of Dr. W. 
C..F. Hempstead, of Edwardsville, with 
whom he studied for a time. In 1872 
he became a student at the homceo- 
pathic medical college of Missouri, 
from whence he graduated in 1874, re- 
ceiving the prize for surgery. He then 
came to Jerseyville and, opening an 
ofRce on the day of his arrival, within two 
hours received his first call, to attend a 
case of lung fever, the patient being a 
daughter of David M. Houghton. His 
practice rapidly increased, and in the 
first eleven months of his residence 
here, his accounts amounted to two 
thousand dollars. Since Dr. Enos lo- 
cated in this city there have been but 
three days during which he has not re- 
ceived a call, with the exception of one 
week when he was absent from the city 
upon a pleasure trip. In 1S81 Dr. Enos 
took a course of lectures on the eye and 
ear, at the New York Opthalmic Hos- 
pital, also an operating course on the 
eye and ear, under the celebrated Dr. 
H. Knapp. He has since made a 
specialty of treating those organs. He 
has performed many difficult surgical 
operations, and always with perfect 
success. Although comparatively a 
young man. Dr. Enos stands at the head 
of his profession, and his reputation for 
skill and good judgment is well known 
and widespread. His success has been 
something remarkable, and his practice 
extensive and remunerative. He is a 
member of the Western Academy of 
Homceopath}', and of the .\inerican In- 
stitute of Homoepathy. Dr. Enos was 
married in 1875, to Melissa Post, daugh- 
ter of C. A. Post, who died in October, 



1877. In 1879, Dr. Enos was married 
to Elizabeth Cory, daughter of Abner 
and Margaret Cory, They are the 
parents of two children, Herbert C. and 
Gracie E. Dr. and Mrs. Enos are mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, and he was 
for six years superintendent of the Sab- 
bath school. He is an active temperance 
worker, and in 1884, was candidate for 
secretary of state on the prohibition 
ticket. He is a member of the county 
and state central committees. Dr. Enos 
came to Jerseyville fifty dollars in debt, 
but has been highly successful finan- 
cially. He is the owner of a farm of 
two hundred acres, and also of town 
property. 

Dr. Augustus R. Knapp (deceased) 
was born in Connecticut in the year 
1801. When young, he removed to Del- 
aware county, N. Y., and was educated 
for a physician in New York city. He 
was married in Schoharie county, in 
1822, to Catherine Wyckoff, and the fol- 
lowing year removed to New York city, 
where he practiced medicine till 1839. 
At that date he came to Illinois, and lo- 
cated at Kane, in Greene county, where 
he practiced his profession five years. 
He then moved to Jerseyville. Here 
he had an extensive practice. He was 
a member of the constitutional conven- 
tion of 1847, to revise the constitution 
of Illinois. In 1849 he went to Califor- 
nia, where he remained for a time, in 
search of gold, in which he was quite 
successful. Dr. and Mrs. Knapp had 
five children. Charles A., who was edu- 
cated for a physician, went to Califor- 
nia, where he died in 1856; Jane A., 
married to H. 0. Goodrich; Anthon}' 
L., who was a lawyer, Robert M., and 
George H.,now a practicing physician 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



157 



of St. Louis. These children all re- 
ceived the benefits of a good education, 
and all of the sons became professional 
men, two studying law and two medi- 
cine. Dr. Knapp died in Jerseyville, 
July 13, 1862. Mrs. Knapp survived 
her husband till February, 1868. 

Dr. Charles A. Knapp (deceased) was 
horn in Blenheim, N. Y., July 21, 1823. 
He studied medicine with his father, 
afterward took a medical course and 
and graduated from McDowell College, 
in St. TiOuis. He commenced practice 
at Kane, 111., in 1847. Two years later 
he came to Jerseyville and took the 
practice of his father, who then went to 
California, and continued here until 
1854. Then, on account of feeble health, 
he migrated to California, where he 
died in 1856. He was married, in 1850, 
to Caroline Whitney, who survived him 
about 20 years. They had two children 
— Elnora and George A. 

Joseph Ormond Hamilton, M. D., 
deceased, was born in Monroe county, 
111., April 2, 1824. He is the youngest 
child of Thomas M. and Alpha Hamil- 
ton. Thomas M. Hamilton was a son 
of Captain Nathaniel Hamilton, who 
commanded a company of Green ^loun- 
tain boys during the Revolutionary war. 
Thomas was horn in Rutland, Vt., of 
Scotch and English parentage, and was 
reared in Ohio, whither his parents 
emigrated about the year 1797. In the 
spring of 1818, he removed with his 
family to Illinois, landing at Harrison- 
ville, on the east bank of the Missis- 
sippi river, on the first day of May. He 
located at what is now New Design, 
Monroe county, four miles southwest of 
Waterloo. On the 9th of May, 1831, he 
moved to the present limits of Jersey 



county, settling on a tract of land in 
T. 7, R. 12, where he followed farming 
during the remainder of his life. Dr. 
Hamilton attended school first in Mon- 
roe county, then at the stone school 
house built at Otterville, through the 
munificence of Dr. Silas Hamilton. In 
1843, he became a student at the Ohio 
Universit3% at Athens, 0., remaining 
there two years. He then commenced 
the study of medicine with Dr. Silas 
Parker. The latter nn)vingfrom Athens, 
he continued his studies with Dr. Wil- 
liam Blackstone. In 1845, he came to 
Jerseyville, and practiced under Dr. 
James C. Perry, who was originally 
from Scotland, and a gentleman of fine 
attainments. Dr. Hamilton practiced 
with him one year, after which he lo- 
cated in Calhoun county. In 1846, he 
returned to Jersey county, and taught 
school, in what was locally known as 
Buttermilk Academy, on Sec. 2, T. 7, 
R. 11. The following year he went to 
Louisiana and obtained a situation as 
teacher, after waiting for them to build 
a school house, which was constructed 
of gum logs, sawn by negro power. He 
taught in Tensas parish, on Tensas 
river, receiving for his services 835 per 
month in gold, board included. In 
1849, he rcturned^to Jersey county and 
attended lectures at the Medical Uni- 
versity of Missouri, graduating on the 
4th of March, 1850, and commenced 
practice at (irafton. May 1, 1851, he 
was married to Margaret Perry, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Perry, of Jerseyville. They 
had six children, three of whom are 
deceased, and one daugliter and two 
sons are yet living. In 1852, he entered 
into i)artncrsliip with his father-in-law, 
with whom he practiced till January, 



158 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



1853. Dr. Perry died in 185S. Dr. 
Hamilton's death occurred Aug. 21, 
1882. He was on^ of the most cele- 
brated physicians in the west. Some 
of his essays have been incorporated in 
the transactions of the American Me'di- 
cal Association, and can be found in the 
volumes of 1870 and 1872. He was 
elected president of the Illinois INIedi- 
cal Societ}', convened at Peoria, in May, 
1871, being the first native president 
from Illinois. He attended as delegate 
the American Medical Association at the 
cities of Cincinnati, New Orleans, Wash- 
ington, Philadelphia and San Francisco. 
In 1867, he was appointed surgeon for 
the United States pension office of this 
district, and acted as examining surgeon 
for six of the most prominent insurance 
companies of the United States. He 
was a man of great ability and untiring 
industry, and performed many difficult 
surgical operations with perfect success. 
He was highly appreciated at home, as 
well as abroad, being popular with all 
classes, who regarded him as a skillful 
physician and a gentleman of the high- 
est moral worth and principle. 

Dr. John S. Williams, physician at 
Otterville, was born in Simpson county, 
Ky., in 1839, where he remained until 
fourteen years of age. He then re- 
moved with his mother, Lucinda (Sal- 
monds) Williams, to Lincoln county, 
Mo., his father being dead. While liv- 
ing here John S. attended the high 
school at Truxton, Mo., then entered 
Iowa State University, at Keokuk, grad- 
uating from the medical department of 
that institution, in 1865. During that 
year he had charge of a ward in the hos- 
pital, attending sick and wounded sol- 
diers. He then came to Jersey county, 



and located at Otter\ille. Here he 
practiced his profession until 1870, then 
went to St. Louis and took a course of 
lectures at St. Louis Medical College, 
graduating in 1871, after which he re- 
turned to Otterville, where he has since 
remained engaged in the practice of his 
profession. Doctor Williams has won 
an enviable reputation as a physician, 
and has an extended and remunerative 
practice. He was married in Sejat., 
1867, to Millie Close, a native of Illinois. 
They had two children — Lucy E., who 
died in 1882, at the age of 13 years, and 
Jesse Franklin, who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Williams died in January, 1873. 
In December of the same year, Doctor 
Williams was married to Maggie Blaik- 
stock, a native of Wisconsin. By this 
union there were two children — one died 
an infant, and Dalton Hall, now living. 
Doctor Williams owns 412 acres of land 
and a residence in Otterville. He is a 
member of the State Medical Society, 
and the American Medical Association, 
also of the I. 0. O. F., and the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. He is one of the 
board of education, and has been coro- 
ner two terms, during which he kept 
the first coroner's record ever kept in 
this county. 

James A. Flautt, M. D., was born in 
Maryland, in 1848, and is a son of James 
M. and Ann C. (Althoff) Flautt, the 
former a native of Pennsjdvania, and 
the latter of Maryland. When he was 
quite young his parents moved to Ohio, 
thence to Wisconsin, in 1855. He re- 
mained in the latter state till the spring 
of 1870, when he went to Alton, 111. 
Four years later he moved to Jersey- 
ville, and lived there also four years, 
after which he came to Otterville. Dr. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



159 



Flautt was educated in the graded 
schools of Reedsburg, Wi^;., and at St. 
Joseph, O. He attended medical col- 
lege at Keokuk, la., where he graduated 
in 1881. He began his medical studies 
with Dr. Williams, of this county, in 
1878. After graduating he located per- 
manently at Otterville, where he is now 
engaged in the practice of his chosen 
profession. Although a comparatively 
new comer here, Dr. Flautt has gained 
the reputation of being a skillful prac- 
titioner, and has a lucrative practice. 
He was married Sept. 21, 1872, to Mary 
A. Deming, a native of this county; they 
have one child — Charles Edward, born 
August 5, 1883. Dr. Flautt owns 240 
acres of land in Christian county, and 
60 acres in Jersey county, all im- 
proved; also a fine residence property 
in Otterville. He is a member of the 
A.F.& A.M.,andal.=;oof thcI.O.O.F. 
As a citizen he is popular and esteemed. 
Austin F. Slover, M. D., a practicing 
physician of Elsah township, resides on 
the northeast quarter of Sec. 11. He 
was born in Middletown, Butler county, 
O., June 4, 1828. In 1836 he went to 
Delaware county, Ind., where he ob- 
tained his education, and remained un- 
til 1850; at that date he came to Jersey 
county. 111., and located at Jersej'ville. 
Here he was married in 1853, to Mary 
E. Freeman, daughter of Dr. J. 1). 
Freeman, of Jerseyville. She was born 
in Rochester, N. Y., in 1832, and died 
Jan. 28, 1857, leaving one child — Mary 
E., who was born Jan. 18, 1857. She is 
now married, and is living in Missis- 
sippi township, Jersey county, 111. Dr. 
Slover was married in 1866, to Mrs. 
Agnes McAdams, and by this union has 
six children — Nancv J., wife of Marion 



Coonrod, of Elsah township; Josephine 
Robert li., Ann Louisa, Alice, Willard 
and x\bel. In addition to his medical 
practice, Dr. Slover is engaged in rais- 
ing small fruits and vegetables. He is a 
democrat in politics. 

A. D. Erwin, M. D., was born near 
Rockbridge, Greene county, on the 21st 
of March, 1858, his parents being A. D., 
Sr., and Malinda (Hill) Erwin. In 
1864, his parents removed to Jersey- 
ville, where they have since continued 
to reside. They gave him his prelimi- 
nary education in the common and high 
schools of Jerseyville, and he then 
commenced the study of medicine with 
Dr. A. K.Van Home, of the same to.vn. 
He studied with him two years, reading 
medicine, and afterward attended two 
full courses of lectures at the Missouri 
Medical College, in St. Loui.-^, where he 
graduated in 1882. After comjileting 
his medical education, he commencel 
the actual practice of medicine at Bluff- 
dale, Greene county, where he con- 
tinued until coming to Fidelity in the 
spring of 1884. He was married in 
Jerseyville on the 9th day of May, 1884, 
to Tillie Davis, of that town. He 
devotes his entire mind and attention 
to his business and is making a success 
in his chosen profession. 

Dr. J. Tidball, one of the prominent 
physicians of Jersey count}', is located 
in the picturesque town of Grafton. He 
is a native of Ohio, born in 1848, and is 
the son of John and Mary L. (Rich- 
mond) Tidball. The doctor remained 
in the state of his nativity until 1864, 
when he emigrated to fiercer county, 
111. In 18()8, he removed to Monmouth, 
^\^lrren county, this state, where he 
attended college until 1871. He then. 



160 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



to fit himself for his life's labor, 
attended the medical department of the 
Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, 
and graduated from that noble institu- 
tion in 1874, with high honors. The 
doctor then commenced the practice of 
medicine, but three j^ears later, with a 
devotion to his honored profession, he 
resolved to still further pursue hie 
studies in the same, under competent 
instructors, to the end that he might 
attain greater eminence therein. He 
therefore proceeded to New York city 
and, entering the Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, devoted himself to the 
study of surgery and medicine. He 
graduated from this noted surgical train- 
ing school in 1878, his attendance there 
being chiefly to avail himself of the 
unparalleled facilities aflbrded there for 
the closer study of practical surgery. 
On quiting tlie classic walls of this 
latest alma mater, he removed to Graf- 
ton, in this county, where he has al- 
ready built him up a large, lucrative 
and constantly increasing practice. As 
a scholar and a physician he takes rank 
with any in this section of the state, 
while as a genial companion and bed- 
side visitor he has few peers. He 
was united in marriage in 1874, with 
Ellen Montgomery, also a native of 
Ohio. The doctor is in politics a reijub- 
lican, is a member of both the I. 0. 0. 
F. and A. F. & A. M. societies. 

Dr. James F. Gary, practicing physi- 
cian of Delhi, located here in the spring 
of 1878. He is a son of Thomas and 
Sarah (Rives) Gary, both of whom 
were born near Frankfort, Ky., and are 
now living in Greenfield, Greene coun- 
ty 111. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Macoupin county, March 4, 1852. 



He grew to manhood in his native 
county, receiving a liberal education. 
After completing his literay studies he 
engaged in teaching school two years, 
and in the meantime commenced the 
study of medicine. He then entered 
the office of Dr. J. Lane, at Barr's store. 
Macoupin county, where he pursued 
his medical studies one j'ear, after 
which he went to St. Louis and entered 
the American Medical College, taking a 
two years' course at that institution, 
graduating in 1878. Ho had, during 
this time, commenced the practice of 
his profession, at Jersey ville, but pre- 
vious to his graduation located at Delhi, 
where he now has an extensive and 
highly remunerative practice, and has 
gained the reputation of being one of 
the most skillful as well as one of the 
most successful ph^'sicians of Jersey 
county. He was married in Delhi, Oct. 
10, 1882, to Mary Ingles, a daughter of 
Frederick Ingles, of Alton. They have 
one daughter, Etta, born July 27, 1883. 
Dr. Gary is a member of the state Ec- 
lectic association, also of the Knights 
of Honor, No. 1129, of Jersey ville. 

Dr. Wesley Park was born in Luray, 
Licking county, Ohio, on the 19th of 
November, 1833, his parents being Sam- 
uel and -Lethe A. (Belt) Park. When 
quite young our subject moved with his 
parents to Granville, Licking count}', 
where he received his education in the 
common schools of that place. When 
16 years of age he attended the academy 
for one j'ear, when he entered into a 
course of study at the Granville College. 

At the age of 19 he commenced the 
study of metlicine with Dr. Spellman. 
He came to Jlarshal, Clark county, 111. 
where his parents had previously moved 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



161 



and established their home. Wesley 
continued his course under the care of 
Dr. J. L. Duncan, about one year, when 
he commenced the course of lectures. 
In 1861 he was appointed acting; assist- 
ant-surgeon with the TUth 111. Infy. His 
regiment was nearly annihilated at the 
battle of Jlurfreesboro, Tenn., and he 
was then assigned to the general hospi- 
tal, at Vicksburg, having charge of the 
same for the remainder of the three 
years of the service, with the exception 
of the time he was held a captive. He 
was captured by the Confederates and 
taken as a prisoner to Jackson, Miss. 
He was taken to Cahawba, where he was 
released and sent back to Vicksburg. 
After the war he remained about one 
year in the south, and on the 31st of 
December, 1865, he came to Jersey 
County, 111., and practiced medicine 
until the winter of 1866, when he at- 
tended the Chicago Medical College, and 
there graduated. He then practiced in 
Fieldon, 111., until 1871, when he went 
to Philadelphia to attend tlie Jefferson 
Medical College, of that city. He grad- 
uated in 1873, and has practiced since 
that time in Fieldon. Dr. Park is a 
member of the Odd Fellows' order, and 
was a charter member of Fieldon lodge, 
No. 592, A. F. and A. .M., of which 
lodge he has been worshipful master 
for 11 years out of the 15 of its exist- 
ence. He was married in Crawford 
county, 111., on the 4th of January, 1855, 
to Miss J. E. Ward. They have three 
cliihlren — Arthur F., George C. and 
Frederick W. 

C. G. Buffington, practicing physician 
and surgeon, was born in Jerseyville, 
Jersey county. 111., on the 22d day of 
May, in the year 1858. lie is the son 



of Josejih H. and Frances (Gordon) Buf- 
fington. His father was a native of 
Philadelphia, Penn., his mother of 
Edwardsville, 111. His father emigrated 
to this state in the year of 1837, settling 
in Jerseyville. He was the oldest 
physician in that city at the time of his 
death. Our subject was in the drug 
business with his brother at Indianola, 
Warren county, Iowa, about three years 
before he entered college. In the year 
1881, he graduated at the Missouri 
Medical College at St. Louis, where he 
attended a two year's course of lectures. 
Heathen returned to Jerseyville, but did 
not locate for about a year after gradu- 
ating. In 1882 he selected Fieldon as 
the riiost suitable place for the practice 
of his profession, and has remained 
there since. He was appointed county 
physician for Jersey county in 1882. 
His jiractice has been increasing every 
year until it now extends over Jersey, 
Greene and Calhoun counties, and is 
one of the largest and most lucrative of 
any in the county, and although he is 
the youngest in the profession he stands 
among the first. 

E. F. Francis, M. D., practicing 
physician at East Newbern, Mississi])j)i 
township, Jersey county, 111., was born 
in Monmouth county, N. Y., June 3d, 
1845. He is a son of Richard I. and 
Susanna (Carr) Francis. He remained 
with his parents until he arrived at the 
age of 18 years, when he left home to 
complete his studies. He obtained his 
literarj' education at the high school at 
Shclbyville, Ind., Battleground Col- 
lege, in Tippecanoe county of the same 
state, and at Ilartsville University. 
He then studied medicine at the Ohio 
Medical College, Cincinnati, and affer- 



162 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



wards spent one year at the Indiana 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
from which institution he graduated, 
with the highest honors, in 187G. He 
enlisted in 1864 in the 37th regiment of 
Indiana infantry, and was transferred 
to the 87th regiment, serving until the 
close of the war. He participated in 
the march through Georgia, taking part 
in the engagements of that memorable 
campaign. Dr. Francis was married 
Feb. 18, 1882, to Carrie Jane Chambers, 
daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Ridg- 
way) Chambers. He is well qualified 
for the practice of his chosen profession 
and during his residence in Newbern, 
has won the reputation of a skillful 
physician, and established an extensive 
and lucrative ])ractice. 

S. M. Watson, M. D., was born on the 
26th of Jan., 1845, at LaGrange, Mo. 
He remained with his parents while 
they lived. His mother was taken with 
an attack of cholera and died in the 
month of August, 1873. His father's 



death was caused by a cancer of the 
face, in May, 1876. Both are buried in 
the cemetery at Delhi, Jersey county. 
He lives on the northwest quarter of 
section 12, in Mississippi township. 
He was united in marriage with Emma 
J. Howell, on the 13th day of Oct., 
1869, by Rev. Wm. Hill, of Jerseyville. 
Thej"^ have a family of six children — 
James M., born July 31, 1870; Charles 
S., born Aug. 1, 1872; John W., born 
Oct. 29, 1874; Mary A., born Oct. 29, 
1874; Mary, one of the twins, died Aug. 
6, 1875; Emma G., born Aug. 29, 1876, 
and Jennie M., born April 18, 1880. 
Mrs. Watson was born at Godfrey, 111., 
on the 18th day of February, in the 
year 1845. 

Dr. A. A. Barnett came to Jersey 
in 1862, where he has remained in 
practice ever since. He is a native of 
New York, and is a graduate of the 
medical department of the university 
at Louisville, Ky., of the class of 1853, 
and has been in practice ever since. 



CHAPHTEIR XII. 



COUNTY SOCIETIES. 



Although much can be accomplished 
by energetic individual effort, still more 
can be brought about by concerted ac- 
tion performed under thorough organi- 
zation. This truth has been abundantly 
demonstrated in Jersey county, and 
several societies, for mutual improve- 
ment, mutual benefit and mutual pleas- 
ure, have been organized, prominent 



among which are the Agricultural So- 
ciety, Old Settlers' Association, and the 
Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. 
A short history of each of these is given 
in this connection. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

For many years the farmers of Jersey 
county were in the habit of attending 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



163 



the county agricultural fairs of the 
neighboring counties, especially that of 
Greene county, but in the fall of 1867, 
while visiting at the latter place, several 
well-to-tlo agriculturists of Jersey 
county, among whom were William 
Kirby, E. (). Hartwick and Ezekiel 
Davidson, after talking the matter over, 
thought that their home county could 
support a fair, and that the time had 
come when some movement looking to 
that end be inaugurated. When they 
came home, they did not let the matter 
drop, but arranged a meeting when 
there were present, besides the al)ove 
named gentlemen, David E. Beaty, Jere- 
miah Beaty, Latbroji L. Kirby and 
M'illiam Shephard. This meeting was 
held at the othce of Benjamin Wedding, 
at Jersey ville. After a preliminary dis- 
cussion it was agreed among themselves 
that they would canvass among their 
friends to see how much money could 
be raised for the {)urpose of purchasing 
grounds, etc. At a meeting held on the 
loth of April, l)S(jS, the committee re- 
l)orted that they held subscriptions to 
the amount of S9,8o5, and a permanent 
organization was determined on. Hugh 
N. Cross, James H. Belt, J. H. H. Sim- 
mons, J. E. Starr and William Kirby 
were appointed a committee to draft a 
constitutiiin. At this meeting an address 
was delivered by D. M. Woodson, of 
Carrollton, which did considerable good. 
At a mectitig shortl)' after this a con- 
stitution was reported and adopted, and 
an election held for othcers, which re- 
sulted in the choice of tlie following 
gentlemen: David E. lieaty, president; 
Samuel W. Davis, secretary; William 
Kirby, treasurer, and William Shep- 
hard, Hugh X. Cross, J. H. II. Sini- 

3.x 



mons, Lathrop L. Kirby, Jeremiah 
Beaty, James H. Belt, Jasper M. Terry, 
James E. Starr, Archibald Craig and 
Caleb A. Post, directors. John X. 
Squier acted as temporary secretary of 
this meeting. This organization effected, 
it was determined to hold a fair that 
fall, and the necessary steps were taken 
to purchase the ground and tit it up for 
the purjiose. These grounds in the 
north portion of the city of Jersey ville, 
were bought and improved at a cost of 
nearly Slo.OW). Before the fair came 
off, Mr. Davis resigned the secretary- 
ship and Morris R. Locke was elected 
.to that oflice, and has held it ever since, 
thus conducting the society through 
every fair ever held, by this highly suc- 
cessful organization. 

The first fair of the Jersey County Ag- 
ricultural and Mechanical Association, 
was held at the grounds near Jerse}'- 
ville, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs- 
day and Friday, Oct. 13, 14, IT) and 1(5, 
18t)8, and proved a decided success. 
Thus was inaugurated a series of annual 
fairs, second to none in the country ami 
the most successful county exposition 
on record. 

The second annual fair was held Oct. 
12, 13, 14 and lo, bSU'J, under the official 
management of the following gentle- 
men: David E. Beaty, president; Mor- 
ris R. Locke, secretary; E. Davidson, 
treasurer; William Shephard, Hugh X. 
Cross, L. L. Kirby, James H. Belt, Ad- 
di.so.n Greene, Jasper M. Terry, Archi- 
bald Craig, C. A. Post, James VanHorne 
and Charles Eldred, directors. Smith 
M. Titus was the grand marshal of the 
occasion. 

The third annual fair occurred on 
Oct. 11, 12, 13 and 14, 1870, and was a 



164 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



complete success. The Jersey County 
Democrat of that date, thus speaks of the 
exposition: 

"Our county fair which closes to-day 
(Oct. 14th) has been one grand success. 
The rain of Monday, and the lowering, 
drizzling, misty sky, of Tuesday, led 
many to fear for the result. But on 
Wednesday it cleared off, and tlie last 
three days the weather was all that 
could be desired. And so was the fair 
all that could be desired. 

"The general arrangement and ap- 
pointments of the ground are better 
than we have ever before seen on any 
county grounds in Illinois. And cer- 
tainly the management of the details 
could not be excelled. Everything was 
done that could be, and done just right. 
The officers of the society are all 
strangers to us, and we therefore feel per- 
fectly free in saying to the citizens of 
Jersey county, that we do not see how 
it could be possible for any set of men 
to more successfully manage so intricate 
and difficult a piece of business, as is the 
arrangement of such an exhibition. We 
cannot, at tliis time, give the figures, 
but we understand that the total num- 
ber of entries is about one-third larger 
than last year, and that the cash re- 
ceipts will probably exceed those of 
last year, about $1,000. 

The officers for this year were as fol- 
lows: Hugh N. Cross, president; Geo. 
E. Warren, vice-president; Morris R. 
Locke, secretary; E. Davidson, treas- 
urer; H. 0. Goodrich, C. C. Cummings, 
John Buckels, Jr., William H. Fulker- 
son, H. N. Belt, Jr., L. L. Kirby, Joel 
Cory, Sr., Jeremiah Beaty, Henry Ryan, 
Isaac R. Ely, W. D. Curtiss, and C. M. 
Hamilton, directors. 



The fourth fair was held Oct. 10, 11, 
12 and 13, 1871, and was a pronounced 
success, a greater one than ever before 
held. The gross proceeds of this exlii- 
bition, as reported by the treasurer, was 
$5,903. The officers for this year were: 
Hugh N. Cross, president; William H. 
Fulkerson, vice-president; Morris R. 
Locke, secretary; Joseph G. Marston, 
treasurer; with Moses Cockrell, Robert 
Newton, C. M. Hamilton, Joel Cory, 
Sr., John G. Dougharty, Henry D. 
Ryan, John A. Cory, C. C. Cummings, 
J. H. Belt, N. C. Beaty, and William 
Kirby on the board of direction. 

And so on each year the fairs have 
been held, and the society has prospered 
until the name of the Jersey county fair 
has obtained a state-wide, if not a world- 
wide reputation, for being the finest, 
the best conducted, and the most suc- 
cessful of agricultural expositions. The 
various officers who have helped to 
make this the prime success that it is, 
have been picked from the very best 
business men of the county, and these 
have not thought it beneath their dignity 
to attend to it closely, and hence its 
almost unprecedented success. The 
following is a complete roster of the 
officers, directors and committees for the 
year 1885, and for the annual fair of that 
year : P. D. Cheney, president; Robert 
Newton, vice-president; John A. Shep- 
hard, treasurer; Morris R. Locke, secre- 
tary; James S. Daniels, J. V. Striker, 
H.C. Terry, J-. L. Post, M. B. Trabue, 
Spencer WyckofT, G. C. Cockrell, L. L. 
Kirby, Andrew Bierman, J. N. Lurton, 
Leslie Cross and J. R. Colean, directors; 
Col. W. H. Fulkerson, grand marshal; 
J. K. Cadwalader, assistant marshal; J. 
R. Colean, clerk of races; N. C. Beaty, 



1 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



165 



Sup't of the grounds; J. N. Lurton, 
Sup't of ainuseniont; Leslie C!ros.s, Sup't 
of arena. On the reception committee 
are the following : Mr. and Mrs. David 
E. Bcaty; Mr. and Mrs. H. 0. Good- 
rich; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ryan; Mr. 
and Mrs. W. H. Fulkerson; Mrs. An- 
tonnette V. Cross; Mr. and Mrs. Oliver 
P. Powel; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Trabue; 
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Conklin. 

OLD settlers' society. 

On Saturday, Oct. 7, 1871, a meeting 
was held at the court house, in Jersey- 
ville, for the purpose of organizing the 
Old Settlers' Society, of Jersey county. 
Among those who were present and 
took part in the organization of the 
association were Cyrus Tolman, J. M. 
Hurd, Geo. B. Warren, Jos. G. Scott, 
J. M. Terry, Caleb Noble, Murray 
Cheney, J. N. English, Geo. W. Law- 
der, T. F. Brock, Geo. H. Jackson, 
J. E. Cooper, Joel Cory, Thomas 
Wedding, John Brown, Williana Keller, 
William McDow, John R. Black, Alfred 

Hinton, James T. Post, Vandyne, 

George Hoffman, John P. Stout, An- 
drew Gillham, Irvin Little, J. J. Sim- 
mons, Robert Latham, John Utt, D. G. 
Wyckotf, William Hackley, Moses 
Cockrell, Penuel Corbett, Glover Short, 
J. T. Grimes, Geo. W. Burke. 

A committee of three was appointed 
to draft a constitution and plan organ- 
ization, consisting of Geo. E. Warren, 
J. G. Scott and Geo. H. Jackson. After 
some deliberation, the committee re- 
ported as follows: 

CONSTITUTION. 

1. This so('i(!ty shall be called the 
Old Settlers' Society of Jersey county, 
Illinois. 



2. The object of the society is to 
perpetuate the memory of tiie pioneers 
and old settlers of the county, to collect 
and preserve a history of the settlement 
and progress, and of interesting events 
connected with the same, and to revive 
and keep alive by annual meetings old 
friendshijjs and tiie memory of by-gone 
days; to ol)tain and record, so far as 
practicable, the names and ages of the 
early settlers of this state and county, 
the place of their nativity, and the date 
of their location here, and to keep a 
record of the death of members of the 
society and the date of such death, to 
be read at each annual meeting. 

3. All persons male or female, resid- 
ing in the state of Illinois, in the year 
1840, who were then 21 years of age, 
and who have resided in the counties of 
Greene and Jersey for 25 years, may 
become members of the society I>y en- 
rolling their names upon the register 
thereof. 

4. The officers of the society shall 
consist of a president, lo vice-presi- 
dents, one to be elected as far as practi- 
cable from each township, and a sec- 
retary. 

5. It shall be the duty of the presi- 
dent to preside at all meetings of the 
society, to preserve order, and in gen- 
eral to fulfill the duties incumbent upon 
the presiding officer of all deliberative 
assemblies. 

6. It shall be the duty of the respect- 
ive vice-presidents to preside at the 
meetings of the society, in the absence 
of the president, according to seniority 
and rotation, to procure a list of the 
names, ages, places of nativity and date 
of location, of the early settlers in their 
several townships, and report them 



166 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



from time to time to the secretary, and, 
also, to collect and furnish the secretary 
accounts of events and incidents that 
were connected with the early his- 
tory of the county, as they may be 
able to do so, as shall he of special 
or general interest, and also to report to 
the secretary the death of any member 
occurring in their respective townships. 

7. It shall be the duty of the secre- 
tary to keep an accurate record of the 
names, ages, places of nativity and date 
of location in the state and county, 
together with the date of death of any 
of the members of the society, to record 
the proceedings of all meetings of the 
society, and also all historical events 
and incidents connected with the settle- 
ment of the county that may be fur- 
nished him by the vice-presidents, or 
derived from the personal narration of 
members at the meetings of the society, 
which shall be ordered by vote of the 
the society. The secretary shall keep 
a register of the names of all the mem- 
bers in alphabetical order, which sliall 
constitute the roll to be called by him 
at each regular meeting; also a journal 
the proceedings of every meeting, and a 
third book to be denominated the 
historical record, in which shall be 
recorded events and incidents connected 
with the settlement of the county, fur- 
nished him as before provided, or or- 
dered by the secretary, to be recorded 
therein. 

8. There shall be an annual meeting 
of the society held at the court house, 
in Jerseyville, on the first Saturday of 
October of each year, at which time an 
election shall be held for officers of the 
society, special meetings shall be held 
at any time at the call of the president. 



Officers were elected to serve until the 
next regular meeting of the society, as 
follows: President, Cyrus Tolman; Vice- 
presidents, Benjamin F. Slaten, T. 6, 
R. 11; Brook Stafiford, T. 6, R. 12; Geo. 
Stafford, T. 6, R. 13; William Hackney, 
T. 7, R. 10; Thomas McDow, T. 7, R. 11; 
John M. Hull T. 7. R. 12; Thomas 
Wedding, T. 7, R. 13; Jeremiah Bell,T. 
8, R. 10; J. E. Cooper, T. 8; R. 11; 
John Brown, T. 8, R. 12; Z. Reddish, T. 
8, R. 13; D. P. Pritchett, T. 9, R. 10; 
William Waddle, T. 9, R. 11. George 
H. Jackson was chosen secretary. 

JERSEY CO. farmers' MUTUAL INS. CO. 

This association was chartered on the 
22d of February, 1861, and organized 
June 6th, 1862, with the following in- 
corporators: Joel E. Cory, Lewis Ran- 
dolph, George E. Warren, J. Murray 
Bacon, O. P. Powel, J. E. Cooper, Rob- 
ert C. Whyte, Israel Squier and Wil- 
liam Darby. On organization, officers 
were chosen for the government of the 
same, and for the transaction of busi- 
ness. These were as follows: J. E. 
Cory, president ; J. E. Cooper, vice 
president; George E. Warren, secre- 
tary; Lewis Randolph, treasurer. Joel 
E. Cory remained president until his 
death, which occurred Feb. 13, 1872, 
when he was succeeded by Hugh N. 
Cross, who also remained in that office 
until removed by the hand of death, 
Nov. 21, 1883, when Jonathan E. Cooper, 
the present president, was elected to 
that office. George E.Warren remained 
in the office of secretary from the date 
of organization until May 10, 1880, 
when he was succeeded by R. P. Shack- 
elford, who held it until May 1, 1882, 
when Jett. A. Kirby, the present incum- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



167 



bent, was elected. The company, which 
is a purely iiuitual one, has issued a 
total number of 1,241 policies, and has 
now insured property to the value of 
$2."){),(X)0. There has been paid losses 
to the amount of $20,985, but no assess- 
ment has been made for the past three 
years, showing a healthy state of affairs, 
largely owing to the business abilities 
and integrity of the officers of the com- 
pany. Taking the average cost of in- 



surance for 20 years, from the date of 
organization, it is foinid by this com- 
pany to be about $2,70 per year on 
$1,000. The present officers are: J. E. 
Cooper, president; Edward Trabue,vice 
president; Jett. A. Kirby. secretary; 
John I. Whyte, treasurer; Lewis Ran- 
dolph, Arch. Craig, J. E. Cooper, Orin 
Palmer, A. Beiermann, John I. Whyte, 
D. E. Beaty, Edward Trabue and L. L. 
Kirby, directors. 



aHAPT:"KR. XIII. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 



"You raised these hiiUowetl 
And jiarailise was oi)eiied i 

In touching upon the religious his- 
tory, whether the field of the chronicler 
be extended to the broad expanse of the 
universe, or confined to the narrow lim- 
its of a state or county, there stands out 
on every page, predominant, the fact 
that the religion of any nation, of any 
people, of any age, is the foundation of 
its institutions, the source ofits customs, 
and the one thing nearest the popular 
heart. 

Let us go back no further than the 
dawn of the christian era — though the 
same conditions appear as clearly Ije- 
fore as after that date; we find that for 
many generations after the birth of 
Christ, the records of religion comj)rise 
the history of the times; later on, we 
find the religious wars of the crusades 
U])setting the equilibrium of the whole 
civilized world. Later still, we find the 



walls, the desert smiled, 
n the wild." 

people of the old world, fleeing from re- 
ligious persecution, flocking to Amer- 
ica's gladsome shores, the one object 
urging them on to the casting of their 
lots in unexplored climes, being the de- 
sire and firm determination to worship 
God according to their own belief. 

Thus we see, as early as 1562, the 
Hugenots, finding the practice of their 
religious belief in France impossible, 
settling Carolina's shores for no other 
purpose than to carry out this one pre- 
eminent trait of human character — free- 
dom, at least for one's own religion; 
then, for like reasons, the Pilgrim 
Fathers taking up their abode on New 
England's rock-bound coast; then the 
Cal verts and their followers, fleeing from 
the ban in England, are found in 1634, 
peopling Maryland, and taking up again, 
where it was broken ott" in their native 



168 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



land, the thread of their religion; and 
lastly, in our retrospect, we can see the 
Quakers, that peaceful sect, unable to 
worship in their quiet fashion at home, 
following the guidance of William Penn, 
and settling on that pleasant Pennsyl- 
vania grant which his foresight and 
wisdom had provided for them in the 
promised land — the new world. And is it 
any wonder that at this later day, and in 
this land of freedom, the descendants of 
those people still hold an elevated opin- 
ion of that for which their ancestors 
fought and bled, suifering the atflictions 
of martyrdom and banishment? Right 
here, among our own people, with all the 
rough edges of conflicting creeds worn 
away by the contact of years, it is not 
difficult to note the fact that a man's re- 
ligion, or the want of it, is the underly- 
ing trait of his character, if his senti- 
ments be fully aroused on that point. 

So, mindful of this fact, in giving the 
ecclesiastical history of Jersey county, 
it will be the endeavor to treat of each 
sect independently, instituting no com- 
parisons, but showing historical events 
as they occurred, and leaving it to the 
reader to draw his own conclusions. 

FIKST rRESBVTERI.\N CHURCH, JEKSEY- 
VII.LE. 

The following particulars, relative to 
the above named church, are taken from 
a sermon delivered by the present pas- 
tor, Rev. Ira C. Tyson, Feb. 24, 1884, 
commemorative of the fiftieth anniver- 
sary of the church. It is most carefully 
and ably prepared, and no apology is 
deemed necessary in copying bodily 
portions which will be interesting and 
valuable as a historical record of that 
society. 



At an early day religious meetings 
were held in private houses for a time, 
with preaching wlien it could be ob- 
tained. At length arrangements were 
made for organizing a church, and a 
meeting was appointed for that purpose 
at the house of N. L. Adams, near 
Hickory Grove, on the 15th of Feb., 
1.S34. Two members of the Illinois 
Presbytery were present — Rev. Thomas 
Lippincott and Rev. Elisha Jenney, the 
the latter being supply pastor at Alton. 
A sermon was preached, after which the 
church was organized. There were 
eighteen original members. Alexander 
H. Burritt, James Lumsden and M. N. 
Bosworlh were the original elders. 
There is no record in existence of the 
names of the original members, but the 
names of fourteen are given by Dr. 
Norton, in his history of Presbyterian- 
ism in Illinois, as follows : James 
Lumsden, Reuben Page, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Page, Joseph Gerrish, Elizabeth Ger- 
rish, Mrs. Miriam Turner, Dr. Alex- 
ander Burritt, Mrs. Nancy Burritt, M. 
N. Bosworth and wife, John Anderson 
and wife, Matilda McGill and Mrs. So- 
phronia Adams. It is believed that the 
original members are all now deceased. 
At first the church was without a pastor 
and without a house of worship. Meet- 
ings continued to be held in private 
dwelling and also in a school house west 
of the present residence of Robert 
Newton. There being a Congregational 
element in the society, that portion re- 
tained the use of the school house while 
the Presbyterians worshiped in Mr. 
Keith's shop for about six months. For 
a year and a half after the organization, 
the church appears to have been 
without a stated minister, although a 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



169 



Mr. I'ierce, or Pierson, a teacher from 
CarroUton, preached for a time on 
alternate Sabhaths. At length, in Oct., 
liS.'v"), Rev. Amos P. Brown commenced 
his labors as stated supply, where he 
continued until 1838, preaching and 
laboring as his feeble health would per- 
mit. In 1836, steps were taken to build 
a meeting house. A subscription paper 
was circulated, dated Oct. 6, 1836. 
Forty-seven names were attached with 
sums ranging fron $200 down to $10, the 
total amount subscribed being$l, 782. 75. 
It was a year before the subscriptions 
reached a sum sufficient to warrant the 
committee to proceed with its work. 
In Oct., 1837, another paper was drawn 
up and signed by 33 names, authorizing 
the building committee to "proceed and 
build the house in such size as they may 
deem expedient, provided they shall not 
reduce the size below 36x40 feet." Dur- 
ing the years of 1838-39 the frame of 
the building was put up, but still there 
was not money enough raised to finish 
it, the amount required being about 
$700. In 1840 another subscription was 
started and S47.S additional w^re raised 
to enable the trustees to finish the 
meeting house. The building was at 
length completed anil dedicated Oct. 
14, 1841. It was 48x48 feet in size, and 
according to the preceding subscriptions 
cost about $2,6(X). 

By a vote of the church in March, 
1839, the name was clianged from Soutli 
Greene to Jerseyvillc, as previous to 
this time thi? party comprised a part of 
Greene. In August, 1838, Mr. Brown 
resigned his charge, but continued to 
reside here for several years afterward. 
He died in Rushville, 111., May 16, 
1859. Rev. Joseph Fowler began his 



ministry; here in September, 1838, and 
was ordained by the Alton Presbytery, 
April 4, 1839. He left Jerseyvillc in 
September, 1840, and, after an active 
ministry in different churches in Ohio 
and Illinois, died Sept. 6, 1857. Rev. 
Luke Lyons, who had previously la- 
bored here in a revival with Mr. Fow- 
ler, was invited to the pastorate on the 
retirement of the latter. He entered 
upon his labors in November, 1840, and 
was installed as pastor Dec. 26, 1843. 
Mr. Lyons continued his labors here 
until his death, which occurred Jan. 11, 
1845. During his pastorate the church 
enjoyed great prosperity, as he was an 
earnest preacher, a devoted pastor and 
possessed unusual executive ability. 
After his death the church was without 
a pastor for over a year, when Rev. Geo. 
C. Wood took charge of the pulpit 
March 1, 1846. On the 20th of April, 1850 
he resigned the charge in Jerseyville. 
He afterward labored in Michigan and 
this state, and finally became mission- 
ary of the Illinois Presbytery for sev- 
eral years, residing at Jacksonville. 
His death occurred Jan. 5, 1879. In 
October, 1850, Rev. Samuel Grosvenor 
coninienced his labors as acting pastor. 
During his pastorate the church build- 
ing was enlarged, and a bell tower 
erected and furnished witli a bell. He 
continued until July, 1855. After leav- 
ing Jerseyville, he was settled at Wood- 
stock, Conn. Ho afterward visited 
Europe, and died in London, Aug. 8, 
1870. In December, 1855, Rev. Joseph 
S. Edwards assumed the duties of the 
pastorate. He came to Jerseyville at a 
time of great political excitement, the 
troubles in Kansas occupying at that 
time a large part of public attention. 



1 



170 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Having, in the pulpit, expresi^ed his 
views decidedly, twenty of the leading 
members withdrew and formed a Second 
Presbyterian cliurch, connecting them- 
selves afterward with the southern gen- 
eral assembly. Mr. Edwards continued 
as pastor until December, 1858. During 
his ministry here the present parson- 
age was built at a cost of $2,400. He 
died at Cleveland, 0., Oct. 17, 1876. 
Rev. Chas. H. Foote was invited to 
supply the pulpit for one year, begin- 
ning Dec. 1, 18.58. He was installed 
pastor April 15, 1,860, his pastorate of 
the church extending over a period of 
eight years and three months, and was, 
on the whole, prosperous. He resigned 
Feb. 17, 1867, and his death occurred 
June 28, 1880. April 7, 1867, Rev. 
Wm. W. Williams was invited to 
preach. He continued to supjjly the 
pulpit until the following September, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Geo. I. King, D. D. The two 
branches of the Presbyterian church 
having united during Dr. King's pastor- 
ate, the church raised over $2,000 
towards the memorial fund. During 
the year of 1872 the health of Dr. King 
failed and he visited New Orleans with 
the hope of receiving benefit. He sank 
rapidly, however, and died there March 
12, 1878. Rev. James W. Stark entered 
upon his duties as pastor in November, 
1878, as a successor of Dr. King, serv- 
ing the church in that capacity for 
about 10 years. On the 18th of Jan., 
1880, tlie rotar}' system of eldership 
was adopted, as provided for by the 
general assembly^ in accordance with 
which W. S. Ross was elected to the 
eldership in January, 1881; B. C. Van- 
dervoort in January, 1882, and Dr. A. 



A. Barnett in January, 1883. The initi- 
atory steps for building a new church 
were taken during the year, 1880, the 
ladies of the congregation taking a 
leading part in the matter. To secure 
the co-operation of all, and to make the 
terms of payment as easy as possible, 
it was proposed to raise the sum of 
$12, (HX), by dividing the whole amount 
into 480 shares of $25 each, to be paid 
in three annual payments, namely, 
Sept. 1, 18S1, Sept. 1, 1882, and Sept. 1, 
1883, the whole to be collectable when 
the entire amount was subscribed. A 
soliciting committee was appointed to 
collect funds, which part of the work 
was delegated to the ladies. This com- 
mittee consisted of the following mem- 
bers: Mrs. Emily B. King, Mrs. A. A, 
Barnett, Mrs. W. S. Ross, Mrs. Cor- 
nelia J. Shephard, Mrs. S. A. Holmes, 
Mrs. W. H. Pogue, Mrs. Mary E. Jack- 
son, Mrs. B. C. Vandervoort, Mrs. Jane 

B. Pittman, Mrs. J. A. Cory, Mrs. R. I. 
Lowe, Mrs. Hugh N. Cross, Mrs. J. C. 
Darby and Miss C. A. VanLiew. The 
building committee was composed of 
the following named gentlemen and 
ladies: A. W. Cross, Wallace Leigh, 
T. F. Remer, Dr. A. A. Barnett, J. L. 

C. Richards, John I. Whyte, Mrs. B. C. 
Vandervoort and Mrs. Emily B. King. 

The church is constructed of Graf- 
ton stone, with slate roof and stained 
glass windows and square tower 90 feet 
high, located on the site of the old 
church, at the corner of State and Car- 
penter streets. The corner stone was 
laid with appropriate ceremonies on 
the 12th of August, 1882, and on the . 
23d of August, 1883, the building was 
completed and dedicated. The edifice 
is what is known as modern Gothic in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



171 



arohiteeture, considerably ornate, yet 
not departing from a rigid adherence to 
the Gothic rules, and is one of the fuiest 
churches in this part of the state. In 
January 1883, Rev. Stark tendered his 
resignation as acting pastor of the 
church on account of continued ill 
health, which was accepted. However, 
with renewed health, he is now preach- 
ing in the Presbyterian church of Santa 
P'e, N. M. The present pastor, Rev. 
Ira C. Tyson, entered upon his duties 
as pastor of the church on the first 
Sabbath in June, 1883, and was in- 
stalled as pastor on the 2.5th day of 
September following. The church to- 
day is in a highly flourishing condition 
with a membership numbering about 
250. 

Rev. Ira C. Tyson, pastor of the First 
Presbyterian Church, has been a resi- 
dent of Jerseyville only since June, 
1883, but in that time he has won a high 
place in the esteem and affections of his 
congregation. Jerseyville is his first 
charge in the West, he having been 
called here from New Hampshire. He 
is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
Montgomery county, on the 3d day of 
March, 1830. His parents were also 
natives of that county, and members of 
the society of Friends. His father was 
a farmer by occupation, but in his later 
years removed to Philadel[)hia, where 
he led a retired life until the time of his 
death, which occurred after he had at- 
tained his 83d year. His mother, Mary 
(Halliiwell) Tyson, also died in Phila- 
delphia. Our subject was the fifth in a 
family of eight children, and was the 
(ddest son. Four of the (■hildren are 
yet living, si.K having readied the age 
of maturity. Ira C. was reared to the 



occupation of farming, receiving in the 
meantime, such education as was af- 
forded by the common schools of the 
neighborhood. At the age of 17 years, 
he commenced the acquisition of the 
printer's trade, in the ofhee of the 'lele- 
grapk, at Germantown, Penn. In this 
office he was employed for 12 years, 
starting in as an apprentice, and ending 
as foreman of the establishment. While 
in Germantown, he was imited in mat- 
rimony with Fannie L. Hunt, of that 
city, in 1853. She died, four years 
after their marriage. ,In 1856 he united 
with the Market Square Presbyterian 
church, of Germantown, and soon after 
this time he was impressed with the 
conviction that he must enter the minis- 
try. He commenced the study of the 
languages with the principal of the Ger- 
mantown Academy, and afterward under 
a private tutor in New York city, his 
practical knowledge as a printer supply- 
ing, to a considerable extent, the place 
of a college course. After two and one- 
half years spent in preliminary study, 
he entered the Union Thet)logical Sem- 
inary, of New York city, in 1859, and 
graduated in May, 1862. Feeling the 
need of a more thorough classical train- 
ing than could be obtained in a printing 
office, he has continued with vigor the 
study of the languages up to the present 
time. In the month of June following 
his graduation, he received and accepted 
a call to the pastorate of the Presbyte- 
rian church at Hughsonville, Dutchess 
county, N. Y., and was ordained and in- 
stalled by the Presbytery of North 
River, 0. S., on the 7th of Oct., 1862. 
In 18G9, he was called to the Presbyte- 
rian church, at Bedford, N. H., and was 
settled over that congregation by the 



172 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Presbytery of Londonderry, in May, 
1869. He held the pastorate there till 
August, 1879. In September following, 
he was invited to take charge of the 
Presbyterian church, at Londonderry, 
N. H., and was soon after installed by 
the Presbytery of Boston, serving as 
pastor of that church until May, 1883, 
when he came to Jerseyville. In 1882, 
he attended, as a commissioner, the 
meeting of the general assembly, held 
that year at Springfield, this state, and 
while there met with Rev. James W. 
Stark, who was at that time the pastor 
of the First church, Jerseyville. They 
had been acquainted before, while fellow 
students at the theological seminary, 
and Mr. Stark invited Mr. Tyson to 
accompany him to Jerseyville, which 
he did. While here, he preached two 
sermons, soon returning to his charge, 
in New Hampshire. During the winter 
following, Mr. Stark's health declined 
so that lie was obliged to resign his pas- 
torate here, and an urgent invitation 
was at once sent Mr. Tyson, to fill the 
expected vacancy. He took charge of 
the church here in June, 1883, and was 
installed as pastor by the Alton Presby- 
tery the following September. By the 
congregation he is given much of the 
credit for the rajjid progress made in the 
welfare of this church since that time. 
During his early life, while in the print- 
ing office, he frequently contributed 
articles to the newspapers, and read 
such works as those of Shakspeare, 
Milton, Sir Walter Scott, Gibbon, and 
other standard authors of English litera- 
ture, and the knowledge and experience 
thus gained have been of the greatest 
value to him in the preparation of his 
sermons, most of which are delivered 



from his own manuscript. His thorough 
knowledge of Greek and Hebrew has 
enabled him to pursue his Biblical re- 
searches for himself, in a satisfactory 
manner. Since entering the ministry 
he has written only occasionally for the 
press, contributing, at intervals, articles 
for the New York Observer and other 
papers. Among his sermons which 
have been published, may be mentioned 
one on the teachings of the scriptures 
on total abstinence, and a historical ser- 
mon, delivered at Bedford, N. H. Mr. 
Tyson married his present wife, in New 
York city, immediately after graduation 
at the seminary, in May, 1862. Her name 
was Henrietta Sperling, a native of New 
York city. This union has been blessed 
with five children, four of whom are 
now living. Their names are: Louis J., 
Fannie A., Mary L., and Chas. W. 
Eddie, their first child, died nt the age 
of 11 years. Mrs. Tyson has always 
occupied a high position in religious 
circles, and socially, wherever stationed. 
While in New England, he was stated 
clerk of the Boston Presbytery, and was 
chosen its historiographer. He had col- 
lected considerable material for a history 
of Presbyterianism in New England, but 
feeling that his great life-work was to 
preach the gospel, he was induced to 
relinquish this important work on re- 
ceiving a call to the west. In Oct., 
1878, he read a paper before the New 
York Synod, on "The Scotch-Irish in 
New England," receiving a vote of 
thanks for the same. In October he was 
elected moderator of New York Synod, 
being the last moderator of that body 
prior to the reconstruction of the synod. 
Four times during his ministry he has 
been chosen commissioner to the gen- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



173 



era] assembly— in 1867, at Cincinnati; in 
1871, at Chicago; in 1878, at Pittsburg; 
and in 1882, at Springfield, 111. Mr. 
Tyson has given considerable attention 
to the science of music, having given 
jirivate instruction in music, and taught 
singing-achool classes in various places. 
While prosecuting his studies in the 
seminary, his musical ability afforded 
him a partial support, by means of an 
engagement, on a stated salary, as a 
singer in the choir of one of the large 
churches of New York city, 

OTTERVILLE PRESBYTEKI.\N CHURCH. 

This society was organized on the 19th 
day of JIarch, 185o, witli ten original 
niemliers. The first elders of the con- 
gregation were Isham Finck and Sidney 
Noble. The services in the early days 
of the organization, were held in the old 
M. E. church south of Otterville. The 
first to officiate as minister was Rev. D. 
R. Bell. The officers of the church for 
188.^ are: W. I. Mears, Milo Landam 
and M'm. Noble, elders. The pastor is 
R. M. Smith. The congregation has a 
frame structure, which is 30x40 feet in 
ground area. Services are conducted 
by the pastor two Sundays in each 
month. Sabbatli school is held regu- 
larly each week. The meml)ership at 
jiresent is about 30. 

EPISCOPAL CHIUCH OF .lERSKVVII.I.K. 

As early as April, 18G8, the Rev. ('. 
S. Alibott, tlu'U rector of the St. Paul's 
churcli, Alton, 111., visited this village 
and held occasional services. During 
his cliarge there were five persons con- 
firmed and seventeen baptized. Rev. 
I). W. Dresser, also visited occasionally. 
Among the early workers and members 



of the society were Allen Marshall, Cor- 
nelia Cockrell, Francis A. Knapp, Alice 
L. Titus, Elizabeth F. Van Home, 
Mary A. Davenport, Elizabeth Coding- 
ton, Ann Louden, Ceciiia K. Gibson — 
all of whom were communicants prior 
to January 1, 18(jy. In the spring of 
this year the Rev. George (Jibson was 
appointed missionary for this place and 
Carrollton, which charge he held for 
about two years. The Rev. H. (i. 
Perry followed and served about two 
years. From that time until February, 
1879, the services were almost entirely 
discontinued. Rev. P. A. Johnson, of 
Bunker Hill, did some work here early 
in the year, 1S79, and on the 22d of 
February, the Rev. ti. W. G. Van Win- 
kle came from New York city and as- 
sumed chaige of the mission work in 
this place and Carrollton, to which he 
had been appointed in January, 1879, 
by Right Rev. G. F. Seymour, D. D., 
L. L. D. On the 22d of April, 1879, 
the congregation met and a petition was 
prepared, asking to be organized as a 
mission. Tliis was sent to the bishop 
in May, and the bishop approving the 
action, ajipointed the following named 
persons as officers, which names were 
respectfully proposed by the congrega- 
tion: E. L. II. Barry, M. D,, S. W.; 
J. (i. Blish, J. W,; li. N. Wyckoff-, T.; 
John Fox, S. He sent a certificate 
signed on the (>fh day of May, 1879, 
signifying his consent and approval, 
and making the appointment of tlie 
officers according to the canons. Im- 
mediately after tiiis date sti'ps were 
taken toward the erection of a church 
building, which resulted in the cash 
l>urchase of land enough to build the 
church edilicc ujion, and yet leaving 



174 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



room for a rectory, which the congre- 
gation hope soon to have erected. The 
building committee was composed of 
Dr. E. L. H. Barry, Charles Catt, John 
Fox, M. E. Bagley and the rector. Rev. 
G. W. G. Van Winkle, the corner stone 
of the new edifice being laid on the 22d 
day of July, 1880, with appropriate 
ceremonies. The edifice, which is 
neatly constructed of brick, was com- 
pleted at a cost of S2,9(J(), besides an 
addition of S6U0 being expended for a 
lot. 

Much credit is due Dr. E.L.H. Barry 
for the active interest he manifested du- 
ring the time the building was under 
the course of construction, as it was un- 
doubtedly due to his efforts more than 
any other that the building was ever 
attempted at that time. On the 2d day 
of June, 1881, being the octave of the 
Ascension, the new church building was 
ready for occupancy, and was opened 
with appropriate service, conducted by 
the Rev. G. P. Betts, of the Trinity 
church, St. Louis. The Rev. T. W. 
Haskins, of Alton, and Rev. William 
Elmer, of Jacksonville, were also pres- 
ent. The church, at times since its or- 
ganization, has experienced difficulties 
to retain life and existence, but at pres- 
ent is in quite a flourishing condition, 
with a membership of about 30. Rev. 
William T. Whitmarsh is the present 
rector. The present officers of the 
church are : John Fox, senit)r warden; 
J. S. Holmes, junior warden; A. A. 
Shobe, clerk; E. P. Bagley, treasurer. 

DEI.AW.\RF, CON(iREG.\TION.\L CHURCH, 
KE.MPER. 

On March 13, 1870, a meeting was 
held of those interested in organizing a 



Congregational church in this vicinity. 
This church gathering was held in 
the Delaware school house. At that 
meeting a committee was appointed, 
consisting of Orin Palmer, Elias Palmer 
and Luther Dodge, to draw up a consti- 
tution, articles of faith and a covenant, 
with instructions to report at a similar 
meeting to be held on Sunday, March 
7, 1870. At the meeting held on that 
date, the committee reported favorably 
on organization, and brought in the 
covenant, articles of faith, etc., which 
were received, and acted upon favor- 
ably. On April 12, 1870, a council of 
neighboring churches was held, to take 
under consideration the advisability of 
organizing the Delaware church. This 
council passed favorably upon the idea. 
It was decided to postpone the election 
of officers for the time. The first mem- 
bers who entered into this organization 
were: Elias Palmer, Mrs. Phelje Palmer, 
Lora T. Palmer, Mrs. Martha J. 
Palmer, Mrs. Anna Twitchell and Mrs. 
Harriet S. Stowe. On January 4, 1875, 
officers were elected for the church, as 
follows : Messrs. Orin Palmer, clerk; 
Elias Palmer and Dennis Palmer, dea- 
cons; W. W. Larue, Orin Palmer and 
D. G. Twitchell, trustees. At the or- 
ganization of the church. Rev. H. D. 
Piatt preaclied for the congregation, but 
there was no regular pastor until 1875. 
Services were presided over in that 
time, however, by Revs. H. D. Piatt, 
R. M. Hall, William Harlan and E. 
Loomis. Rev. J. Scott Davis, a Pres- 
byterian preacher, was the first regular 
pastor, commencing in 1875. He was 
succeeded by Rev. H. D. Park, also 
a Presbyterian, who preached here till 
May 1, 1877, when he was followed by 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



175 



Rev. H. D. Piatt. After his retirement, 
the pastorate was again vacant. Rev. 
I. W. Baker then came, remaining three 
months. He was succeeded by Rev. J. 
W. Pliillips, who was pastor for two 
years. In ]\Iarch, 1884, the present 
pastor, Rev. P. B. Vest took charge of 
this flock. The first church edifice of 
this congregation was built where the 
present one stands, in 1878, the build- 
ing committee being J. C. Dannell, Den- 
nis Palmer and Orin Palmer. It cost 
al)out $3,50U. Part of this sum was left 
by \\'illiam Palmer, who set aside in 
his will $-500 for that purpose. 

That building was destroyed by fire 
on the night of Dec. 25, 1879. The 
building proper was totally consumed, 
but the foundation was saved, as 
were also the doors, windows, seats, 
]>ulpit, etc. In the spring of 1880 the 
work of rebuilding was commenced, 
which was completed in the spring of 
1881. The cost of the new building 
was S2,500, aside from what was saved 
from the fire. The building committee 
for the latter structure was composed of 
John C. Dannell, Dennis Palmer, Milo 
Stowe, and V. L. Dodge. The seating 
capacity, including gallery, is about 
300. The membership at present is B9, 
and the chiu'ch is in fair condition. 
There have been no changes in the of- 
fices of clerk or deacons. Olive S. 
Palmer is treasurer. G. D. Twitchell, 
Orin Palmer, and Mrs. Harriet S. 
Stowe are trustees. This church has a 
]iarsonage for its pastor, j)Urchased in 
April, 1884, at a cost of SGI)0. 

BETHKL B.\I'TIST rMIHCIl, lU'YLE TOWN- 
SHIP. 

The early records of this church have 
been lost or destroyed, and but few 



dates are obtainable from which to 
write its history. It was organized on 
May 22, 1834, in a schoolhouse which 
then stood close to where the church 
building now stands. Revs. Moses Lee- 
man and Elijah Dodson guiding the or- 
ganization. The members of whom it 
was at first composed had formerly 
belonged to the Kane church, but for 
convenience, branched off, in jorder to 
hold services near their places of resi- 
dence. When the present school house 
of district No. 2 was erected, they com- 
menced to hold meetings there, and so 
continued until the j) resent house of 
worsliij) was iiuilt. This handsome 
structure is the free gift of Roliert La- 
tham, a benevolent gentleman, now de- 
ceased. Work was commenced on it in 
1880, and finished in 1881. The cost 
was about 2, (XX). The present officers 
of the church are: John Fink, R. W. 
Stroud and Finos Johnson, trustees; 
John Fink and Lewis (iilworth, dea- 
cons. The membership is about 78, 
and the church is in good condition, 
some 20 additions having been made 
the past winter. Rev. S. F. Rice, of 
Medora, is the present pa~tor. 

I,EB.\NON liAI'TIST CIlrKrll. 

This society erected a church building 
in 1850. Among its first niend>ers were 
Samuel Erwin and wife, N. P. John- 
nessee and wife, Jonas Bradsbaw and 
wife, John Vaughn and wife, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Routh, Joseph Brown and 
wife. Sanund Erwin was the first 
deacon, and X. P. Johnnessee was clerk. 
The first ministtT was Rev. Jacol) 
Rhodes, and jireacbed the first sermon 
in the church. The church edifice was 
remodeled in 1872. The present officers 



176 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of the church are: Samuel Erwin, D. 
E. Seago and Thomas Miller, deacons; 
J. G. Erwin, clerk. Isaac D. Crawford 
is the present pastor. The church has 
a membership of 54 in good standing. 

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, MIS- 
SISSIPPI TOWNSHIP. 

Rev. John Clark organized a Baptist 
cliurch in 1826, at the house of John 
McDow, which is known by the above 
designation. Among the first members 
were: John Lofton and wife, John Mc- 
Dow and wife, Josiah P. Askew and wife, 
Joab White and wife, Mrs. Mary McDow, 
Mrs. Matilda McDow, and Samuel Lof- 
ton. They held meetings for a number 
of years, and finally built a cliurch on 
the northeast (juarter of Sec. 17. It was 
a frame structure, about 30x40 teet in 
size. It was blown clown and com- 
pletely destroyed by a cyclone, and 
never rebuilt. The congregation was 
very large for tliat day. 

OTTER CHEEK BAPTIST CHURCH. 

In June, 1855, the religious society 
known as the Otter Creek Baptist church 
was organized by Revs. B. B. Hamilton, 
Alvin Bailey, D. P. French, R. C. Ball, 
Aaron Dodson and Elder John Brown. 
Twenty persons were associated with 
the society at its organization Services 
were then held in the upper rooms of 
the old stone school house, which stood 
on the site of the present Otterville 
school. The first regular pastor was 
Rev. R. C. Keele, who officiated here 
six months. Then came B. B. Hamil- 
ton, who remained one year; George P. 
Guild and Aaron Dodson, who preached 
alternately, one year; A. Dodson, two 
years; H. T. Chilton, two years; A. 



Dodson, three years; then J. W. Terry, 
six montlis; David Matlock, 11 months; 
Aaron Dodson, one year and six months; 
Rev. Lamb, six months; B. B. Hamil- 
ton, one year; Geo. W. Robinson, six 
months. He was succeeded by A. Dod- 
son, who still retains the pastorate. 
The church edifice of this congregation 
is constructed of brick, and is 34x56 
feet in ground dimensions. It was com- 
menced in 1871, and finished in 1873, 
the total cost being about $10,000. Ser- 
vices are being held on alternate Sun- 
days, and Sabbath school sessions are 
held each week. The present member- 
ship of the society is 41. The church 
building is located near the center of 
the village of Otterville. 

.\NTI0CH BAPTIST CHURCH, OTTER CREEK 
TOWNSHIP. 

This society has its church building 
in tlie village of Otterville. It was 
erected in 1872 at a cost of $1,200. It is 
24x36 feet in dimension, of frame con- 
struction. The edifice was dedicated 
by Rev. Butler, of Alton. The first 
pastor was Rev. Aaron Dodson. Rev. 
Isaac Crawford now administers to the 
spiritual welfare of the flock. When 
the church building was erected the 
membership was 65, but it has since 
fallen off to some extent, so that it is 
now 40. However, the congregation is 
in a prosperous condition at present. 
The church building is located on the 
northeast corner of the southeast quar- 
ter of section 36. 

COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH OF JERSEVVILI.E 

This church was organized about the 
year 1858, by Elder James H. Johnson. 
The first officers were: P. S. Brayden, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



177 



W. M. Pliillips and Samuel Evans, 
trustcos; I*. 8. Brayden, clerk, and W. 
M. Phillips, treasurer. Among the first 
niemlicrs were: Cynthia Brown, Hen- 
rietta Johnson, John Barton, America 
Barton, P. S. Brayd.n, W. M. Phillips 
and Samuel Evans. They held meet- 
ings for two or three years at private 
residences. About the year 1860 the 
present church building was erected. 
It is a brick structure 80x50 feet in 
ground area, and cost $1,500. The pas- 
tors of this church have been: Revs. J. 
H. Johnson, Jackson Robinson, G. M. 
Davis, S. J. Griswell, L. A. Coleman 
and J. W. Jones, the present pastor or 
elder. The membership at present is 
about B5. The officers of the church at 
the present time are: William Swan, 
clerk; Andrew Thomas, John Waddle, 
William Dillon and Joseph Hunter, 
deacons; P. S. Brayden, William Swan, 
John Brown, Andrew Thomas, John 
Wadillo and William Dillon, trustees; 
Andrew Thomas, treasurer. There is a 
Sunday school in connection with the 
church, which has an attendance of 
about 20. ^\'illiam Swan is the super-' 
intendent. 

KKNrrKH BAPTIST IIU'RCH. 

This church was an ottshoot of the 
Medora Baptist church. It was organ- 
ized April 1, 187(j, with the following 
original members: Jas. W. Rhodes, 
Sarah Rhodes, John B. Rhodes, John 
Davis, Margaret Davis, Lewis Elliott, 
Serena Elliott, Benjamin Taylor, Mary 
Taylor, Arthur McDonald, Hezekiah 
Rhodes, John McCann, Ohas. Beaver, 
Mary Snow, Delia Snow, James T. 
Elliott, Maria A. Elliott, Thomas B. 
Ruyle, Mary Ruyle, Alice Ruyle, Eliza- 



beth Kctcham, Susan McCann. The 
trustees were: John B. Rhodes, John 
Beaver and Lewis Elliott. The first 
minister was ^\'illiam M. Rhodes, who 
occupied the pulpit until ISSO. He was 
followed by Rev. B. Culp, who preached 
during ISSl, being succeeded by Rev. 
John W. Bush, who is pastor at the 
present time. The cliurcb has its own 
Imilding, and is in a prosperous condi- 
tion. B. C. Elliott is church clerk. 
The membership at present is about (30, 
a large portion being fiirmers living in 
the neighborhood. 

FIDELITY BAPTIST CHIRCII, OF FIDKI.ITY 
TOWNS HIT. 

This congregation was organized on 
the 4th day of Sc])t., 1853, by Elders 
Joel Terry, William Hill, J.'p.urklcy 
and Ezekicl Dodson, the last named a 
licentiate. The following mendiers 
were constituted into a church, to be 
known as the Fidelity P>a]itist church 
of Christ: John H. Reddish, Samuel 
Rich, David P. Pritchett, Samuel W. 
Sexton, Catharine L. Sexton, Emily 
Hauskins, ^lary Rich, Mary Beddisb 
and Lydia W. Pritchett. They first 
met in the old school house, at Fidel- 
ity, and continued to hold their meet- 
ings there for some time. After giving 
up the school house as a place of W(jr- 
ship, they met in session with the 
Methodists. In 18()'.), they commenced 
holding meetings in Ruyle's National 
hall. Fidelity, where services were 
held until the present church edifice 
was erected- At a meeting held May 8, 
1873, Brethren Tompkins, R. T. Rich 
and William Hooper were ap])ointcd to 
look up the feasibility of building a 
house of worship. t)ii July '25, 1873, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Messrs. Tompkins, Shannon, S. Rich, 
J. C. Marshall and T. C. Watson were 
appointed a building committee, with 
power to select a site, secure a plan, 
etc. R. T. Rich and W. Hooper were 
afterwards added to the committee, and 
S. Rich, R. T. Rich and W. Hooper 
were elected trustees. Work was soon 
begun and the ])uilding rapidly pro- 
ceeded to completion. It was dedicated 
November 9, lUlo, by Rev. Bulkley. 
Joel Terry was the first pastor of the 
church, and Samuel Rich was the first 
clerk. The pastors after the first were 
B. B. Hamilton, G. Seymore, J. Terry, 
G. P. Guild, H. T. Chilton, A. J. De- 
leno, H. D. Weaver, S. Adams, S. M. 
Whiting, S. Hussey, D. Seckman, T. S. 
Lowe, J. E. Roberts, J. F. Wells, J. F. 
Baker, William F. Allen, W. H. Beeby, 
J. H. Beeven and A. E. Carson. Sam- 
uel Rich was the first clerk of the 
church. He held that position until 
succeeded by the present incumbent. 
The officers of the congregation at pres- 
ent are D. P. Pritchett, Samuel Rich 
and Benjamin Foster, deacons;' Wil- 
liam Hooper, clerk; Samuel Rich, W. 
Hooper and T. A. Price, trustees. 
There are at present about 90 members. 
The church is in a reasonably' flourish- 
ing condition. 

XEWBERN Cl'MBERI,.\XD PRESBVTERI.\X 
CHURCH. 

This society was organized on the 
14th day of March, 1857, The follow- 
ing wese the original members : Nelson 
M. Lurton, Daniel Cornelius, Joshua 
Maninng, Robert Dymond, Selina E. 
McDow, Daniel King, Bartholomew 
Milford, William Sego, Mary Dymond, 
Ellen Haines, Hannah Snyder, Joshua 



Lurton, Mary C. McDow, Melissa Waid, 
Martha McDow, Maria Bell, Elca Cor- 
nelius, William C. Bell, Nancy E. Mc- 
Dow, Eliza J. McDow, John R. C n-ne- 
lius, J. W. Russett, Jonathan Manning, 
Mary J. Wadman, Nancy E. Bell, Mar- 
tha Bell, Leonard P. Bell, Ellen Bur- 
ley, John M. Piggott, Jonathan Ward, 
William C. Milford, Leonard Briggs, 
Martha Burley, Anna Slowman, John 
Manning, James Bell, Joel Burley, 
Emma Lurton, Mary J. Lurton, Sarah 
Manning. Nelson M. Lurton and Rol)- 
ert Dymond were chosen elders; Wil- 
liam C. Bell and Daniel Cornelius, 
deacons; and Nelson M. Lurton. clerk 
Rev. Daniel R. Bell was the first pas- 
tor, who also organized the church. 
The present officers are as follows: 
Nelson M. Lurton, Robert Dymond and 
John Buckles, elders; Nelson ]\I. Lur- 
ton, clerk. Robert M. Smith is the 
present pastor, who preaches regularly 
every four weeks, although services are 
held more frequently by William Lo- 
gan, of Alton, and John H. Belt, of 
English township. The church build- 
•ing, which stands <in the southeast 
quarter of section 32, was completed in 
the summer of 1859. It is a frame 
structure, 32x50 feet in size, with- 16- 
foot ceiling, and cost about $2,500. The 
church lot, which contains about half 
an acre, was deeded to the society by 
Jacob Lurton. At one time the society 
had a membership of about 125, and 
was very prosperous, but at present the 
membership numbers only about 30, 
many having moved away, withdrawn, 
etc. 

FIELDON CUMBERL.IND PRESBYTERIAN. 

This church was organized in this 
township by Rev. Joshua Lowrance, in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



181 



the year 1841, in the pioneer school 
house of that village, with James Ma- 
gee, Henry Warren and George Crosby 
as elders. Services were held in the 
old school house at Fieldon until 1877. 
In that year the society erected a sub- 
stantial church edifice in Fieldon. It 
is a frame structure 26 feet wide by 44 
feet in depth, and was built at a cost of 
$2, -500. It i.s well supplied with com- 
fortable seats, has a good organ and a 
bell. Rev. John H. Belt has been the 
regular pastor ever since the building 
of the present church. Rev. Daniel 
Bell was pastor of the church in 1861 
and 1862, and Rev. T. R. Shull was 
pastor for a long time. The present 
elders are: George W. Shaffer, James 
H. Belt, George A. Harmon and Wm. 
H. H. West. There is a membersliip 
of about 40, and the society is in a 
flourishing condition. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH, JER- 
SEYVILLE. 

The now powerful society of christian 
people of the above denomination had 
but a feeble beginning. Very early in 
the history of tthe town, sermons were 
doubtless preached by itinerant preach- 
ers of this sect, but nothing like any 
sustained effort occurred until about 
1837, when services were held here by 
Revs. J. B. Wollard and William Gan- 
naway, preachers in charge of the 
circuit. In the followingyear the Alton 
district of the Illinois conference was 
I formed and Revs. George W. Robbins 
and William ISIeldrum were ajtpointcd 
to the circuit, llinlcr the ministrations 
of the former a society was formed in 
July, 1889, from which this church has 
grown. This class was formed in an 



upper chamber of the house of Josiah 
Mulkins, on the southeast corner of 
State and Pearl streelB, and consisted of 
the following seven members: Samuel 
Pitman, Richard Johnson, Josiah Mul- 
kins, Mary Ann A. Mulkins, Hannah 
Hankins, E. VanPelt and Sarah Van 
Pelt. Samuel Pitman was chosen class- 
leader. Revs. Norman Allya, and N. 
P. Heath were appointed to what was 
then known as the Grafton circuit, 
which included Jerseyville, and were 
the first regular i)reachers to this little 
church. In 1840, this territory was 
included in the Jacksonville district, of 
which the honored Peter Cartwright 
was presiding elder. For more than 
ten years, this circuit was supplied 
with the regular circuit riders of those 
days. There were. Rev. W. S. McMur- 
ray, 1840; James H. Dickens and Joseph 
Kelly, 1841; Lewis Anderson and H. S. 
Shaw, 1842; C. D. James and J. P. 
Sebastian, 1843; C. D. James and Charles 
Holliday, 1844. In 1845, this was made 
Jerseyville circuit and was served that 
year by Revs. James Leaton and L. C. 
Pitner. The others were, John Mathers 
and Joseph Lane, in 1846; Elijah Cor- 
rinjrton and T. N. McCorkle, 1847; T. 
W. Jones and J. Goodrick, 1848; B. C. 
Wood and J. H. Dodson, 1849; C. W. 
Lewis and John Sappington, 1800; S. H. 
Culver and Z. R. Piercy, 1851. In 1852, 
the little church in Jerseyville was 
made a station and was again included 
in the Alton district. 

The first church edifice of this infant 
church was erected during the years 
from 1848 to 1847. It was a plain Init 
neat frame building 34x40 feet in ground 
area, and cost about S900. The lot on 
which it stood, on the corner of Liberty 



182 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



and Exchange streets, was 100x110 feet 
in size, and was presented to the society 
by Major Gershom Patterson. The 
subscription paper, toward building the 
church, was written on New Year's day, 
1843, at the residence of E. Van Pelt. 
The society being but few in number 
and those of but limited means, it was 
only after a struggle of several years 
that the edifice was completed. It was 
dedicated in 1847, by Rev. Peter Akers, 

D. D. Many were now added to this 
church, and many revivals added num- 
bers to the church and it prosjierod with 
the years of its growth. In 1868, the 
society under the ministration of Rev. 
John \V. Caldwell, determined to build 
a larger and more stately edifice, and on 
the 17th of August, 1868, the corner 
stone of the new building, which was 
planned by William Embley, the well 
known architect of Jerseyville, was 
laid by Rev. B. F. Crary, D. D., assisted 
by Revs. Isaac N. Hill, Samuel Walker, 

E. A. Hoyt and J. W. Caldwell. The 
first mentioned of these assistants was 
the Baptist minister. This edifice was 
so far completed during the pastorate 
of Rev. W. H. Reed, that it was impres- 
sively dedicated to the service of the 
Divine King, on the the 1st of Jan., 
1871. The services were conducted by 
Rev. Thomas Bowman, D. D., since 
bishop of the church, assisted by the 
following gentlemen: Rev. J. S. Mor- 
rison, presiding elder; Rev. WinfieldS. 
Sly, of Kane; Rev. J. W. Van Cleve, of 
Otterville; Rev. J. F. Baker, pastor of 
the Second Presbyterian church; Rev. 
A. F. Hutchinson, pastor of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church; Rev. Isaac 
N. Hill, pastor of the Baptist church; 
Rev. George I. King, D. D., pastor of 



the First Presbyterian church, and Rev. 
W. H. Reed, the pastor of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal church. Dr. Bowman 
preached a powerful sermon in the 
morning, and as there was a debt of 
$4,000, to be provided for, he asked for 
subscriptions to that amount, and re- 
ceived pledges for $4,047.50, of which 
amount $3,767.50 was afterwards paid. 
The trustees who presented the edifice 
to Dr. Bowman for dedication were, 
John F. Smith, Joseph G. Marston, C. 
M. Hamilton, Francis Orborn, John 
C'hristopher, Charles N. Adams and 
Charles Brooks. The church furniture 
was beautiful and appropriate. Dr. 
Caleb DuHadway presented the Bible 
.and hymn book for the pulpit; David T. 
Bonnell, the chandeliers; Mrs. Sarah 
Holdridge and other ladies, an elegant 
communion set; the young ladies of the 
church, the cushioned chairs for the 
pulpit; and the carpets and pulpit by 
the ladies of the society. 

The edifice is 42x72 in ground area, 
one story high, built of brick, with a 
slate roof, and is a fine specimen of the 
Gothic order of architecture. The ceil- 
ing, inside is 20 feet high at the sides, 
and 28 feet at the apex. The brick work 
was done by Joseph Langliss and Lewis 
R. Myers; the carpenter work princi- 
pally by N. F. Smith, Jr., the plaster- 
ing by William J. Pittinger, and the 
painting and glazing by Wm. Hall and 
George Parent. The original cost of 
the building, was about $12, (KX), but sev- 
eral additions, improvements, etc., make 
the property of considerable more value 
than that at the present time. The 
building committee consisted of William 
Embley, John E. VanPelt and Francis 
Osborn, but the first two were succeeded 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



183 



by Ezekiel Davison and Clarence M. 
Hamilton. 

During the 32 years that have inter- 
vened between the time when this was 
made a station the following gentlemen 
have had spiritual charge of this con- 
gregation: Revs. S. H. Culver, 1852-3; 
A. L. Risley, 1853-4; J. \V. Caldwell, 
1854-^5; C. J. Houts, 1855-7; J.W. Cald- 
well, 1857-8; H. B. Taylor, 1858-9; Dr, 
J. B. Corrington, 1859-61; Joseph Earp, 
1861-2; Dr. John VanCleve, 1862-4; 
William Cliffe, 1864-6; J. W. Caldwell, 
1866-9; W. H. Reed, 1869-71; John W. 
Phillips, 1871-3; F. L. Thompson, 
1873-6; Daniel W. Phillips, 187r>-9; J. 
W. VanCleve, 1879-80; Eugene May, 
1880-2; C. E. Cline, 1882-3, and T. M. 
Van Treese. the present efficient pastor 
who was appointed to this charge at the 
conference at Belleville, Sept. 19, 1883, 
and who has served ever since. On the 
17th of Nov. 1883, Mr. Van Freese, com- 
menced revival services, which many of 
his predecessors had done with excellent 
results, and this was the means of the 
conversion of over 2()0, and an addition 
of 110 to full membership of the church. 

The present board of trustees consists 
of Francis Osborn, Francis M. Cowen, 
Charles N. Adams, William Hall,Thos. 
McReynolds, A. M. Slaten, and Clarence 
M. Hamilton. The board of stewards 
embraces J.N. English, Jr.. Morris R. 
Locke, Henry Maxwell, Philip Paul, 
Thomas C. Kcllar, and Thomas J. 
McReynolds. There is a fine Sabbath 
school in connection with tlie church, 
J. W. Phillips is now presiding elder. 

M. K. CHURCH, FIDELITY TOWNSHIP. 

The class was formed in the fall of 
1856, by Rev. G. W. Waggoner. There 



were original members as follows: 
Daniel Osborne and wife, P'rank 
Beaty and wife, Henry Arnspiger 
and wife, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Armstrong and two others. They 
met in the old school house just 
east of the main north and south streijt. 
In the fall of 1858 the present church 
building was commenced, and finished 
and dedicated in the summer of 1859. 
Dr. John VanCleve officiated at the 
dedication. Fidelity was on the Jersey- 
ville circuit when the first organization 
was effected. The next year the Kane 
circuit was formed, to which it was 
attached. The following is a list of the 
preachers down to the present time: 
1856-57, G. W. Waggoner; 1857-58, W. 
G. Moore; 1858-.59, J. D. Gillhnni; 
1859-60, L. Casey and J. W. Caldwell; 
1860-61, D. H. Stubblefield; 1861-62, D. 
H. Stubblefield; 1862-64, I. W. Thombs; 
1864-65, James Johnson; lS6.")-67, 
Samuel Walker; 1867-68, E. A. Hoyt; 
1868-69, James P. Dew. In the falfof 
1869, the work was divided and Fidelity 
was attached to Piasa, under the name 
of Fidelity and Piasa circuit. Since 
then the preachers here have been as 
follows: 1869-70, A. Bliss; 1870-72, R. 
S. Moore; 1872-73, D. B. Van Winkle; 
1873-75, L. C. English; 1875-76, Wm. 
Wallace; 1876-78, N. E. Harmon; 1878- 
79, J. W. Caldwell; 188(J-84, Lemuel 
Cramp; 1884-85, R. Z. Fahs. He is the 
present pastor. The church building is 
valued at $2,500. There are at present 
about 60 members, and the congregation 
is in a flourishing condition. 

SHILOH M. E. CHURCH, OTTER CREEK TP. 

This church was built in 1859, a man 
named Grubb being the contractor. It 



184 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



is 24x30 feet in dimensions, and was 
erected at an expense of $1,200. There 
is a membership of 30, and the interest 
manifested is fair. Rev. J. T. Hoffman 
is the pastor. 

MEADOW BRANCH METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH, ROSEDALE TOWNSHIP. 

This was at first a Protestant Metho- 
dist church, and services were held at 
the residences of the various members. 
The first preacher was William Tipton. 
Among the first members of this church 
was J. L. Beirne, and it generally de- 
volved upon him to secure a preacher 
for these meetings. The church was 
afterward changed to make it Methodist 
Episcopal, and the first preacher after 
the change was Rev. Leander Leggate. 
There were about 12 members, who 
finally met to devise means for the erec- 
tion of a house of worship. These 
efforts culminated in the erection of a 
church building, 26x30 feet in size, 
built of logs, the work being done by 
the people of the neighborhood, and 
everything requiring the expenditure of 
money being accompanied by raising 
donations. The work was superin- 
tended by Mr. Stubblefield. The build- 
ing was erected in 1867. About 20 
members are connected with the church. 

FIELDON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This body was organized in Decem- 
ber, 1884, by Rev. Huffman, of Grafton. 
Among the first members were Mrs. 
Darby, Henry Rice and wife, Mrs. 
Frank Brown, Mrs. James Brown, 
Delia Harmon, Lucy Briggs, Mrs. Lucy 
Depper, Mrs. Luella Cutler and Mrs. 
Allie Reddish. The officers of the con- 
gregation are Henry Rice, class leader; 



Mrs. Luella Cutler, collector. The 
preachers at present are Revs. Huffman 
and Cole. The former is from Grafton 
and the latter from Elsah. The pres- 
ent membership is about 15. The con- 
gregation has as yet no house of wor- 
ship of its own, but services are held 
every two weeks in the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OF RICH- 
WOODS TOWNSHIP. 

A class was organized at the house of 
James Turner about the year 1839. 
Rev. McMurry was present at the meet- 
ing and effected the organization. This 
was the pioneer Methodist Episcopal 
organization in Richwoods township. 
The second class of this church in 
Richwoods township was organized at 
Fieldon, in 1842, by Revs. Allen, C. D. 
James, Pinkard Heath and William 
Jerome. . All of these early ministers 
of the gospel were identified with the 
progress of the church in Richwoods 
township and Jersey county. William 
Jerome, one of those mentioned, was 
quite a prominent man in his day. In 
the early days of the county he kept a 
store west of Kane, but in 1841 removed 
to Sec. 2,T. 6, R. 11, in what is now 
Elsah township. He had acquired con- 
siderable property before he left the 
county and removed to Madison county. 
He was married, the second time, to 
Mrs. Ezekiel Gillham. 

HOPEWELL METHODIST CHURCH, FIDELITY 
TOWNSHIP. 

The church building of this society 
was the first one erected in Fidelity 
township. Some of the first members 
were: James Cummings, Sabie Cum- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



185 



mings, Maria ■ Cummings, Jeremiah 
Bell, Mary Bell, Aun Chapman, Sam- 
uel C. Simmons, Richard J. Simmons, 
Sarah E. Simmons, Jeremiah Tyndall 
and wife. The first class leader was 
James Cummings. The old church 
was occupied solely by the Methodists 
until 1873, when they united with the 
Baptists, and erected a union church, 
of which a Mr. Giflord was tlie archi- 
tect. Of the Baptist members, the 
older ones are Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett, 
Jefl'erson Carzine and wife, llevs. Wat- 
terman and Aaron Trabue. 

METHODIST EPISC0P.\L CHURCH, ELS.VH. 

The Methodists have the only relig- 
ious organization at Elsah. The society 
consists of 55 members, with the fol- 
lowing oflicers: Richard Hansel and 
Mary Hansel, stewards; W. T. Onetto, 
William Rhodes, Sr., T. F. Hansel, J. 
Kisler and C. Beslerfeldt, trustees; T. 
F. Hausel, superintendent of Sabbath 
school. The parsonage was erected in 
1859, during the labors of Rev. C. J. T. 
Tulle, at a cost of $1,304.96. It is con- 
structed of brick, two stories high, and 
is 24x28 feet in size, occupying two lots 
fronting on Valley street. The church 
edifice was built during the pastorate of 
Rev. N. E. Harmon. It is 26x42 feet 
in size and was completed at a cost of 
about $2,UU0. The lots upon which it 
stands were donated to the society by 
the Elsah Building and Manufacturing 
Cpnipany. The building, which was 
dedicated by Rev. George W. Hughey, 
Dec. 13, 1874, is entirely free from any 
indebtedness, as is, also, all the prop- 
erty of the church. Since the erection 
of the church the following have served 
as pastors: N. E. Harmon, H. Delicate, 



A. C. Greenlaw, G. W. Farmer, S. J. 
Harrington, L. Cramp, J. VanCleve, 
R. Z. Fahs, and L. E. Cole. Of these 
ministers H. Delicate died at Wanda, 
in 1882; A. L. Greenlaw withdrew; 
Rev. Farmer died at the hospital forthe 
insane, at Anna, 111., Aug. 24, 1884; 
Rev. Harrington died ai Elsah, in 1880; 
and the jemainder are still preaching the 
gospel. 

BETHEL M. E. CHURCH, MISSISSIPPI TP. 

This class was organized at the house 
of John D. Gillham, in 1823, by Rev. 
Jacob Lurton, Sr., the pioneer preacher. 
Among the original members were: 
John D. Gillham and wife, Ezekiel 
Gillham and wife, Mrs. Jane Gillham, 
her two daughters, Sarah and Margaret, 
Thomas G. Lofton and William G. 
Waddle. Rev. Jacob Lurton, Sr., was 
pastor of the church at that time, and 
continued to serve in that capacity 
until his death. Services were held in 
private houses, and such other places as 
were convenient, until about the year 
1835, when a frame structure, 20x3G feet 
in size, was erected on the southwest 
quarter of section 27. It outlived its 
usefulness as a house of worship, and 
was afterward used as a barn by George 
Briggs. The present church edifice 
was built near the site of the old one,'.in 
the year 1873. It is a frame structure, 
30x40 feet in ground area. ,The., dedi- 
cation sermon was preached by Rev. 
Josei)h Earp. The first pastor in this 
church was Rev. Washington Waggoner. 
The class then contained, 'among oth- 
ers, the following nH'mbcrs:l_ John 
Buckles, Marcus Gillham, Geo.^Briggs, 
Samuel Darlington, Messrs. Blylcr^and 
JIcAdams, and Fletcher Gillham. The 



186 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



pastor at the present time is Rev. L. E. 
Cole. The trustees are: Wm. Onetto, 
John Buckles, and J. K. Cadwalader. 
Previous to the war this was one of the 
largest and most prosperous church or- 
ganizations in the county, but at pres- 
ent the congregation is quite small. 
Services are held in the church on every 
second Sunday. 

GERMAN EVANGELIC.\L LUTHERAN CHURCH, 
JERSEYVILLE. 

This church was organized in 1870, 
and in that year the society purchased 
for $300 the house of worship of the 
German Methodist congregation. This 
edifice was erected in 185G. It is 24x36 
feet in ground area, and has a 14-foot 
ceiling. It is of frame construction. 
Among the first members were: Adolph 
Bayer, Charles Rutter, Henry Bayer, 
Henry F. Bayer, William Egelhoff, 
Conrad Borger, V. Vellinger, Henry A. 
Brandt, Charles Jacobs, Jacob Gum- 
merdinger, Paul Glohr, John Boon, 
Jacob Fryer, Louisa Grosseau and Wm. 
Dopper. The pastors up to the present 

time have been: Anton Michael, • 

Weissinger, Fred Eshenfeld, Fred 
Schmale, and Edward Wurst. The 
present othcers are: Conrad Borger, 
president; Charles Rutter, treasurer; 
Charles Neumeyer, clerk; Christian 
Harms, vice-president. The officers at 
the organization of the church were: 
Charles Jacobs, president; A\'illiani 
Dopper, vice-president; Henry Brandt, 
clerk; John Boon, treasurer. The mem- 
bership at present numbers about 20. 
Rev. Carl Lengtat is the present pastor. 

GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH, FIELDON. 

This church assumed organization in 
Dec., 1867. The first officers were: 



August Berger, president; George Arke- 
bauer, secretary; Henry Brockmeyer, 
treasurer. The first minister was Rev. 
Charles Muentor. The society has, as 
yet, no house of worship of its own con- 
struction, though a movement has been 
under way which will probably result in 
the erection of a church building in the 
near future. They purchased the Wyne 
property, and have held services there 
up to the present time. There are now 
53 members. The present officers are: 
H. Groppel, president; George Arke- 
bauer, secretary; Henry Brockmeyer, 
treasurer. Rev. Herman Taeger is at 
present administering to the spiritual 
welfare of the congregation. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF JERSEYVILLE. 

The first service ever held by the 
Catholics in Jerseyville, and probably 
in Jersey county, was at the house of 
Mr. A\^illiam Shephard, in the fall of 
1841, Rev. Father Hamilton, of the 
Upper Alton parish, officiating. After 
that time Father Carroll, of Alton, occa- 
sionally visited here and held services 
in various private houses, and in the 
courthouse. In 1848 or 9, Wm.Shep- 
hartl, F. Bertman, William Kelley, and 
a few others, purchased from J. A. and 
and J. C. Barr, a lot of ground, upon 
which to erect a church, but it was not 
until 1857 that the building of a small 
frame church was commenced, and in 
the latter part of July, 1858, although 
it was not completed, it was dedicated 
by Right Rev. H. D. Juncker, bishop of 
Alton. Father Margum was the first 
priest stationed permanently here. He 
began his labors in August, 1858, and 
remained until April, 1860, during which 
time he had the church plastered and 



seated. He was succeeded by Father 
Morrill, who remained until the 1st of 
Feb. 1861. His successor was Father 
Laurent, who, during his ministry, had 
the comfortable and convenient parson- 
age built, and secured ground for the 
Catholic cemetery. Father Laurent 
remained until Feb. 1865, when Father 
Hovin was appointed in his stead, and 
was succeeded by Father Sullivan, in 
Dec. 1860, who remained pastor until 
1868. During Father Sullivan's ministry 
the foundation of the new church was 
commenced, as the old frame church, 
which had been used for the past ten 
years, was found too small, and was 
removed to another part of the city, 
where it was used by the society for 
church purposes and a day school. The 
corner stone of the stately and commo- 
dious edifice was laid in the month of 
May, 1868, with appropriate ceremonies, 
by Bishop Juncker, of Alton dio- 
cese. The building was pushed very 
rapidly forward, and was dedicated on 
the 4th day of July, 1871. The structure 
was planned by William Embley, of 
Jersey ville, who is one of the most suc- 
cessful architects in this region, and 
will stand as a monument to his skill 
and ability for many years. The main 
body of the church is 55x110 feet in 
dimensions, and is built in the early 
English style. The body of the edifice 
is built of brick, 800,000 being required 
in its construction. The stone trimmings 
are from the celebrated Grafton quar- 
ries. The extreme height of the tower 
from the pavement is 140 feet, and it 
occupies the center of the main front, 
and in the lower are stairs leading to 
the gallery and choir. In the rear of 
the main audience room stands the high 



altar, in a semi-circular chancel, on 
either side of which, and facing each of 
the side aisles, are the small altars. 
Between the high altar and the small 
ones, and in the chancel, are the doors 
leading to the sacristy where the con- 
fessionals are placed. The church has 
sittings on the main Hoor for 800 per- 
sons, and 250 in the gallery. The roof 
is constructed of wood, and is self-sup- 
porting, vaulted in the center and level 
ceilings on each side, and is divided into 
bays by ornamental arches springing 
from elaborate brackets. The vault is 
groined with moulded ribs from each 
bracket and the intersections covered 
with ornamental bosses. The height of 
the ceiling in the center of the nave is 
43 feet, and over the aisles, 25 feet high. 
The interior of the doors and windows 
have moulded labels over them, termin- 
ated by ornamental drops. 

Masons from Alton did the brick 
work, Nichol T. Smith, Jr., the carpen- 
ter work, and Coddington & Erwin the 
plastering, all of which is done in the 
best, workmanlike manner, and when 
entirely completed cost about $25,000. 
The edifice is situated on South State 
street, on as commanding and elevated 
a position as St. Paul's church, on 
Broadway, in New York, and can be 
seen for miles around. Rev. Father 
Harty succeeded Father Sullivan in 
December, 1868. Since he has had 
charge of the society, the German Ca- 
tholics withdrew and formed a separate 
church, but the congregation has not 
decreased any from the original number, 
owing to the new members received 
into the church. The church is entirely 
out of debt. 

Previous to 1839, Thomas Carroll, 



188 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Mrs. Mary A. Cummings, and tlie Car- 
rolls who resided at Otter Creek, were 
the only Catholics in this county. The 
number was increased that year by Wm. 
Shephard, Jaines Flannigan and Wil- 
liam Kelley, the latter being the first 
person ever married in the county by a 
priest, which occurred in 1839, Father 
Hamilton ofRciating. Up to 1840 there 
was neither a church nor a priest 
between Alton and Terre Haute, Ind., 
and a Catholic was not heard of at Car- 
linville, Hillsboro, Bunker Hill, Van- 
dalia, Paris, Charleston, and otlier 
points where they now have large 
churches and flourishing societies. Be- 
fore many years another diocese will 
have to be formed. 

The Rev. James Harty was born 
in Waterford county, Ireland, in Decem- 
ber, 1836. He received his classical 
education at Mount Mellery, and went 
through his theological course at All 
Hallows' College, in the city of Dublin. 
He emigrated to this country in Octo- 
ber, 1862, and was ordained in the city 
of Alton, 111., Dec. 4, 1863. His first 
pastoral labors were in the Alton cathe- 
dral, where he remained until Aug. 15, 
1868, when he came to Jerseyville, 
where he still remains. His labors as 
pastor of St. Francis' church, have been 
arduous, and valuable to his charge. 
The erection of their fine church edifice 
is the result of the pastor's energy and 
the munificent donations of its mem- 
bership. Father Harty is a gentleman of 
literary culture, and is among the well- 
read theologians of the church to which 
he is attached. 

ST. MICHAEL C.XTHOLIC CHURCH, ELS.\H TP. 

The edifice of this denomination is 



situated on a high nob, on the southeast 
quarter of section 14. It is a frame 
structure 30x60 feet in dimensions, and 
was erected in 1877, at a cost of $2,000, 
being furnished at an additional cost of 
about $300. In addition to one acre of 
ground used as a church lot, there is a 
cemetery of two acres located near the 
church. The dedicatory services of the 
church occurred in March, 1878, and 
were conducted by Father Peters, of 
Alton. Rev. Father A. Marks is the 
present pastor of the church. 

CATHOLIC CHCRCH AT GRAFTON. 

The first services of the Catholic 
church were held at the house of Sarah 
Dempsey, by Father Manyan, in 1857. 
The next priest was Father Carroll, 
who held services in the school house. 
Following Father Carroll was Bishop 
Juncker, who held meetings in the 
Methodist church building. Then came 
Father Sullivan and Father Laurant, 
successively, who secured a room over 
the store of John Slaten, in which to 
hold services. The next priest was 
Rev. Father Harty, of Jerseyville, who 
held meetings in the school house and 
private residences of the place. The 
first priest to be stationed here was 
Father Burke, who conducted services 
in the Quarry hall until the present 
church building was erected in 1871, 
and continued here about 14 months. 
He was succeeded by Father McGoniii, 
who remained but four months, giving 
way to Father Chinsick, who was suc- 
ceeded eight months later by Fathers 
Rhine, Dateman and Rosenmiller, the 
latter remaining some five or six years, 
and was the last regular priest of the 
church. Services are now held once a 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



189 



month by Father Marks, of Jerseyville. 
The church building is constructed of 
stone, 45x65 feet in ground area, and is 
well furnished throughout. 

GERMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, JERSEYVILLE. 

On the 11th day of June, 1883, the 
Very Rev. Father Jans.*en, vicar-general 
of the diocese of Alton, 111., called a 
meeting of the German Catholics, of 
Jerseyville and vicinity, in that city, 
for the purpose of organizing a congre- 
gation of that denomination and nation- 
ality. Many attended and asubscrijttion 
list was initiated for the express purpose 
of raising fundsto erect a church edifice. 
In the meantime the Second Presbyter- 
ian church building, on the corner of 
Spruce and Washington streets, was 
offered for sale, and at a second meeting, 
held a few weeks later, it was decided 
that it was more advisible to buy the 
building instead oferecting a new one. 
In the autumn of 1883, this was carried 
into execution, and the purchase made 
of the trustees of the Presbyterian 
church for $2,150. On obtaining posses- 
sion, the building underwent a large 
amount of alteration, and was decorated 
within in excellent taste, under the per- 
sonal direction and supervision of the 
Very Rev. Father Janssen, and upon 
Thanksgiving day of that same year, 
the church was dedicated by the Right 
Rev. P. J. Baltes, bishop of Alton, and 
the first mass celebrated. The same 
day the congregation was organized with 
Rev. F. A. Marks, as pastor, Henry 



Scheffer and Charles Schmeider, trus- 
tees. In this building they continued 
to worship until the destruction of the 
structure by fire, on the night of Sept. 
19, 1884. The loss by this was not less 
than $5,000, including decorations, fur- 
niture, etc. Scarcely were the ashes 
cold, before a new subscription list 
opened, which was liberally responded 
to by the whole community. In the 
spring of 1885, the debris of the burnt 
building was cleared away and work 
commenced on the erection of the new 
building. This is of brick, 65x39 feet in 
ground area, built in the Gothic style, 
and is an ornament to the city. The cost 
of the edifice is not far from $6,500. 
The congregation consists of about 150 
people, all under the ministration of 
Rev. Father Marks. 

ST. Mary's c.\tholic chirch, e.nglish 

TOWNSHIP. 

The first services of this congregation 
were held at the residence of Mr. Heit- 
zig. The first priest remembered to 
have presided over the spiritual welfare 
of the flock was Father Temmel. The 
earliest baptism was that of a child 
named William Saner. The i)resent 
trustees are Stephen Funke and Joseph 
Kallal. There are about 30 families 
connected with the church. The church 
edifice is a neat, substantial building, 
which is located near the west line of 
the nortlieast quarter of Sec. 30. Father 
Frank J. Reinhart is the present pastor. 
He resides near the church. 



190 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



OHAP^TEIR. XIV. 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



While unworthy man may at any and 
all times thrust themselves into office, 
in this free land, still it cannot but be 
acknowledged that the great body of the 
office-holders of the country, especially 
the elective ones, are truly representa- 
tive men — men of positive force and 
character. They are of the number of 
those that do much to build up and 
strengthen a town, a county or a state. 
In this chapter it has been the endeavor, 
so far as possible, to give slight sketches 
of all who have served the county of 
Jersey in the nation, state or county. 
That some of these are imperfect is 
known, but it should not be laid to the 
historian. Some that are mentioned 
have passed away from this mundane 
sphere, leaving no record from which a 
sketch could be written, while others 
have removed from this to other local- 
ities, and their present whereabouts is 
generally unknown. 

UNITED STATES SENATE. 

The county of Jersey has been among 
the few counties of the state that have 
had the honor of furnishing a senator 
to represent the great state of Illin- 
ois in the senate chamber of the United 
States. Samuel McRoberts, the United 
States senator from Illinois, dying on 
the 22d of March, 1843, Governor Ford 
appointed James Semple to fill the 
vacancy. This gentleman assumed the 



duties of the office, and discharged 
them to the uttermost satisfaction of 
everybody, serving from 1843 to 1847. 
A man, in every sense of the word, he 
made his mark upon the period of his 
existence and only gave way before the 
rising genius of one ofthe greatest states- 
men of the age, Stephen A. Douglas, 
who succeeded him. 

GEN. JAMES SEMPLE. 

General James Semple, deceased, a 
native of Greene county, Ky., was born 
January 5, 1798. He was the oldest son 
of Dr. John W. and Lucy (Robertson) 
Semple. Dr. Semple was a lineal 
descendant of the ancient Scottish 
family of that name, which was con- 
nected with leading events in the history 
of til at kingdom for many generations. 
The subject of this sketch received his 
early education in the schools of Green- 
boro, Ky. After leaving school and 
when about 22 years old, he went to 
Chariton, Mo. Residing there only 
about one year, he returned to Louis- 
ville, Ky., commenced the study of law, 
and, in due time, was admitted to the 
bar. In 1828 Gen. Semple settled at 
Edwardsville, 111., where he began the 
practice of his profession, and soon 
became a leading member of the Madi- 
son county bar. Gen. Semple took a 
prominent part in the Black Hawk war, 
first as colonel of an Illinois regiment, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



191 



and afterwards as a general officer. On 
his return he was elected to the legisla- 
ture, from Madison county, on the dem- 
ocratic ticket. Being twice re-elected, 
he was, for four years, speaker of the 
house of representatives. On the 5th 
of June, 1.S38, he was married to Mrs. 
Mary S. Mizner, daughter of Dr. Cairns, 
of Monroe county, 111. Mrs. Semple's 
father was a member of the first consti- 
tutional convention of Illinois, and 
held other prominent positions. The 
issue of this marriage was three 
daughters and one son. Two daughters, 
Mrs. L. V. S.Ames and Mrs. Ashley D. 
Scott, of St. Louis, Mo., and one son, 
Eugene Semple, of Vancouver, Wash- 
ington territory, still (1885) survive. 
In 1887 Gen. Semple, who had pre- 
viously been attorney-general of the 
state, was appointed by President Van 
Buren charge d'affairs of the U. S. at 
Bogota, which position he filled with 
credit until 1842, when he resigned and 
returned to his adopted state. In the 
fall of 1842 he was elected one of the 
justices of the supreme court of Illinois, 
and soon afterwards was appointed to 
the U. S. Senate by Gov. Ford, to fill a 
vacancy in that body caused by the 
death of Senator McRoberts. Being 
afterward elected by the legislature to 
till the unexpiretl term, Gen. Semple 
took a prominent part in luitional affairs, 
being the first to intrt)duce a resolution 
in favor of the abrogation of our treaty 
with Great Britain, in regard to the 
joint occupancy of Oregon. This ques- 
tion was then one of ])aramount import- 
ance, and Gen. Semple always main- 
tained that our claim to 54^ 4U' north 
latitude, was clear, and that we ought 
to insist upon it, even at the cost of 



war. At the close of his senatorial 
term. Gen. Semple retired from politics 
entirely, and devoted himself to his 
private affairs. Some years afterward 
he became, by a combination of circum- 
stances, the most available candidate 
for governor of the state, and the demo- 
cratic nomination was tendered him, 
but, to the regret of his friends, he 
refused to emerge from his retirement. 
The leading characteristic of Gen. 
Semple, and the secret of his continuous 
popularity, was his conscientious devo- 
tion to tlie duties of every position in 
life in which he found himself. He 
demeaned himself in office with Jeffer- 
sonian simplicity, and had faith in the 
continued existence of the Republic. 
He died at his country residence, 
Trevue, near Elsah, Illinois, on the 
20th day of Dec, 186B, and was buried 
in Bellfontaine cemetery, nt;ar St. Louis, 
Mo. Lucy V. Semple, second daughter 
of Gen. Semple, who inherited much of 
the talent and energy of her distin- 
guished father, remains in Jersey 
county, as the representative of the 
Semple family. She was married in 
1860 to Edgar Ames, Esq., one of the 
most prominent and wealthy merchants 
of St. Louis. By the death of her 
husband, in 1867, she was left with the 
care of four children and a vast estate. 
By jirovidence and foresight she has 
acquitted herself with credit in both 
these responsible positions. In pur- 
suance of tlic plans of her huslwmd and 
in the fulfillment of the wishes of her 
father, she has built an imposing resi- 
dence on the bluffs overlooking the 
village of Elsah and the Mississippi 
river, on the old estate of Trevue. 
Here she resides during most of each 



192 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



year, and while dispenr'ing the hospi- 
talities of "Notch Clitf," contrihutes 
largely to the material prosperity of the 
village and surrounding country. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

When the county of Jersey was cut 
oft' from that of Greene and organized 
as a separate county, the State of Illi- 
nois constituted but three congressional 
districts, and Jersey county, a part of the 
third district, was represented in the 
26th congress, from 1839 to 1841, by 
John T. Stuart, a resident of Spring- 
field. He was re-elected to the 27th 
congress, and served until March 4, 
1843. This gentleman was born in 
Fayette county, Ky., Nov. 10, 1807. 
He was educated at Danville college, 
Kentucky, graduating in 1826, and stud- 
ied law under Judge Breck. In 1828 he 
came to Springfield and entered upon 
the practice of law. It was in his office 
that Abraham Lincoln studied for the 
bar. In 1838 he ran against Stephen A. 
Douglas for congress, and beat him, and 
in 1841 was re-elected, as above stated. 
During his congressional career, he, du- 
ring the session of 1841-3, secured an 
appropriation for the harbor at Chicago. 

By the apportionment act of March 1, 
1843, the state of Illinois was divided 
into seven districts, and, in re-district- 
ing, the county of Jersey was placed in 
the fifth congressional district. The 
first election held under this act was in 
August, 1843, and Stephen A. Douglas, 
of Quincy, was elected. The district 
was composed of the counties of Greene, 
Jersey, Calhoun, Pike, Adams, Mar- 
quette, Brown, Schuyler, Fulton, Peoria 
and Macoupin. Douglas represented 
this district in the 28th congress, from 



1843 to 1845; was re-elected to the 29th 
congress, but resigned before the expir- 
ation of his second term. 

Stephen A. Douglas, one of the great- 
est statesmen of his time, and, in fact, 
of all time, was born in the town of 
Brandon, Vermont, on the 23d of April, 
1813. His father was a physician, and 
died early in life, leaving his widow 
and son in almost indigent circum- 
stances. Stephen had but few oppor- 
tunities for schooling, much of the liv- 
ing of his mother and himself depend- 
ing upon the labor of his hands. He 
devoted this time of his life to learning 
the cabinet maker's trade, and spent 
some years at the business. His mother 
finally married again, and young Ste- 
phen, in 1831, accompanied her and his 
step - father to Canandaigua, N. Y. 
There he attended an academy and 
remained until the year 1833, when he 
came to Illinois, and taught school at 
Winchester, near the county seat of 
Scott county. This was a subscription 
school. Mr. Douglas employed his 
time evenings and holidays in the study 
of law, and, in 1834, he removed to 
Jacksonville, where he was admitted to 
the bar, and during the same year was 
elected attorney general of the state, 
though only 22 years of age. He soon 
resigned that office to accept a seat in 
the legislature. On the expiration of 
his term in that body, he settled down 
to the practice of law in Jacksonville, 
where he remained until 1837, when he 
removed to Springfield, having been 
appointed register of the land office by 
President Van Buren. In 1839, he 
resigned this office, and the year follow- 
ing was made secretary of the state. In 
1841, he was appointed by the legisla- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



193 



lure judge of the supreme court, and he 
reorganized the circuit court, serving as 
circuit judge. The circumstances under 
which he entered upon the duties of 
tliis othce were sufficient to thoroughly 
try the force and scope of his abilities. 
The circuit was large — the previous 
incumbent of the office had left the 
docket loaded with unfinished cases; 
but he was more than equal to the task. 
He cleaned out the docket with that 
disjiatch and ability which distinguished 
his subsequent course; and so profound 
was the impression which he made upon 
the people, that, in the first congres- 
sional election, which occurred after he 
was established in his character as 
a judge, he received the nomination for 
member of congress, and was elected 
thereto. Through the distinguished 
abilities which he displayed as a states- 
man, he received the appellation of 
"Little Giant," and became the recog- 
nized leader of a great political party. 
In 1860, he received the nomination for 
the presidency, but owing to a division 
in the party, he was beaten by Abraham 
Lincoln, his competitor for the United 
States senate two years previous. On 
the inauguration of President Lincoln, 
and the subsequent withdrawal of the 
southern states from the Union, and 
the war following, Mr. Douglas took 
strong Union grounds, and declared 
henceforth th(>re could be but two par- 
ties in the country, patriots and traitors. 
In a few da3'8 thereafter, he was taken 
sick and died on the ;^d of June, ISHl, 
sincerely mourned by the whole nation. 
On the resignation of Mr. Douglas, 
William A. Richardson, of Rusbville, 
succeeded him in the 20th congress, and 
was re-elected from this district to the 



30th, 31st and 32d congress. Mr. Rich- 
ardson was a native of Fayette county, 
Kentucky, born Jan. 16, 1811. His 
parents were James L. and Mary (Ed- 
mondson) Richardson. His father dy- 
ing when William was but five years of 
age, his mother, in obedience with the 
dying request of the father, gave her 
son the advantages of a most excellent 
education. He entered Center College, 
at Danville, Ky., but afterwards was 
transferred to Transylvania University, 
at Lexington, that state. He entered 
the law office of Allan & Simpson, and 
was admitted to the bar in March, 1831. 
He then came to Illinois, locating at 
Shelbyville. In 1832, he was a volun- 
teer in the Black Hawk war, and on 
returning from the front, removed to 
Rusbville, Schuyler county, where he 
resided until May, 1841), when he 
removed to Quincy. In 1836, he was 
elected to the general assembly from 
Schuyler county, and from that time 
acted a prominent jiart in the state and 
nation. He was elected to the state 
senate in 1838; wasone of the electors 
on the Polk and Dallas presidential 
ticket of 1844; was a cajjtain in the 1st 
111. Reg., under Colonel J. J. Hardin, 
during the Mexican war; was a member 
of congress, as above stated; in 1856, 
ran for the office of governor, but was 
defeated by a small majority; was 
appointed governor of Nebraska, in 
1858, and served in that capacity, leav- 
ing a splendid record; was elected 
United States senator, in 1863, and 
served two years. He died at Quincy, 
Dec. 27, 1875, from paralysis. 

By the act of August 22, 1852, the 
state was again redistricted, this time 
into nine districts, the counties of Mor- 



194 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



gan, Scott, Sangamon, Macoupin, Greene, 
Montgomery, Christian, Shelby, Cass, 
Menard and Jersey were united in the 
6th district. Richard Yates, was 
elected at the first election under this 
act in Nov. 1852, to the 88d congress. 
Richard Yates, the well known "war 
governor" was a native of Kentucky, 
born in Warsaw, in that state, in the 
year 1818. He came to Illinois in 1831, 
and read law in the ofHce of Col. J. J. 
Hardin. He served two terms in con- 
gress, was governor of the state during 
the civil war, and United States senator, 
being elected to the latter otKce in 18(55. 
He died in St. Louis. 

In the 34th congress from 1855 to 
1857, the district was represented by 
Thomas L. Harris, of Petersburg, 
Menard county, who was re-elected to 
the 85th congress, and dieil while in 
ottice, Nov. 24, 1859, and was succeeded 
by Charles D. Hodges, of Carrollton, 
Greene county. A sketch of this gen- 
tleman appears in the history of that 
county, in this volume. 

In the 36th congress the district was 
represented by John A. McClernand, of 
Springfield, who was re-elected to the 
o7th congress, but resigned his seat 
Dec. 12, 1861, to take a commission in 
the army, where he made a record that 
is the pride of the state. 

On the resignation of John A. McCler- 
nand, he was succeeded by A. L. Knapp, 
of Jerseyville, who occupied a place in 
the 87th congress up to March 4, 1863. 

Anthony L. Knapp was born in Mid- 
dletown, Delaware county, N. Y., June 
14, 1828. When 11 years of age he re- 
moved with his father to Illinois, and 
studying law was admitted to practice 
at the bar in 1849, locating in Jersey- 



ville. In 1858, Mr. Knapp became a 
candidate for state senator, accompany- 
ing Stephen A. Douglas in that ever 
memorable campaign with Abraham 
Lincoln. In the fall of 1861 he was 
elected to the 37th congress to fill the 
vacancy caused by the resignation of 
John A. McClernand. He served 
through the 37th and 38th congresses 
with distinguished ability. Some of 
his speeches while a member of the 
house were so favorably received that 
they were used as camjjaign documents 
in 1864. A single sentence from his 
speech on the policy and objects of the 
war, delivered on June 5, 1862, is here- 
with given: ''For long years the consti- 
tution has served as a bright light to 
guide and direct the eflbrts of men, 
everywhere striving for the blessings of 
a free, popular government, while to 
each of us it has proved a shield and 
protection. Formed in our weakness, 
its blessings have encompassed us in 
our strength. We have seen it expand 
by its own force over nearly twice as 
many states as at first received its care, 
and with not more solicitude does the 
parental heart entwine itself in loving 
folds around each new pledge of their 
affections, than has this instrument 
sought the welfare of its youngest born." 
On retiring from congress, Mr. Knapp 
commenced the practice of law at Chi- 
cago in 1865, where he remained two 
years and then removed to Springfield, 
this state, where he formed a law part- 
nership with James C. Robinson, which 
lasted until' dissolved by the death of 
Mr. Knapp, Monday, May 23, 1881. 
Mr, Knapp was married in Chicago to 
Henrietta Smith, by whom he had one 
child— Toney W. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



195 



By the census of ISfiO, it was found 
that the population of Illinois had so 
increased as to be entitled to 14 congress- 
men, and under the apportionment act 
of April 24, lS(il, the state was divided 
into thirteen districts. The first elec- 
tion held under this act was in Novem- 
ber, 1862. By an error in the appor- 
tionment the number of representatives 
was fixed at 13, though the state was 
entitled to 14, so the error was corrected 
by electing one member from the state 
at large. Jersey by that apportionment 
became a part of the 10th district, and 
had associated with it the counties of 
Bond, Morgan, Scott, Calhoun, Greene, 
Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian and 
Shelby. This district was represented 
in the national house of representa- 
tives of the 38th congress by Anthony 
L. Knapp, of Jerseyville, who was duly 
elected to fill that position at the elec- 
tion mentioned above. 

In the 39th congress, which convened 
for the first time March 4, 18(i5, the 10th 
district was represented by Anthony 
Thornton, of Shelbyvillc, one of the 
most prominent members of the legal 
fraternity in the state. 

The 40th congress, during the two 
years succeeding March 4, 1867, con- 
tained, as the representative of the peo- 
j)le of this district, Albert G. Burr, a 
citizen of Carrollton, Greene county. 
He was re-elected to the 41st congress, 
and served until March 4, 1871. A 
sketch of this gentleman is given in the 
history of (Jreene county. 

In the 41st congress, which convened 
at Washington, March 4, 1871, this, the 
10th district, was represented by E. Y. 
Rice, of Hillsborough, Montgomery 
county. 



E. Y. Rice was a native of Logan 
county, Ky., son of Francis and Mary 
(Gooch) Rice, born Feb. 8, 1820. His 
father, a North C'arolinian, was a pio- 
neer Methodist preacher in Macoupin 
county, where he settled in 1835, and 
where he died in 1837. Edward remained 
upon a farm until 20 years of age, but 
receiving tlie foundation of a good edu- 
cation. In 1840 he entered Shurtleff 
College, where he remained until 1842, 
but did not graduate. The next year he 
entered the oflice of John M. Palmer, 
then in Carlinville, with whom he 
studied law, and in 1844 was admitted to 
the bar. In 1845, he settled in Hills- 
borough, where he entered upon the 
practice of his profession, where he has 
renuiined ever since. He occupied sev- 
eral offices previous to his election to 
congress, holding, among others, the 
office of circuit judge of the 18th judi- 
cial district, for 14 years. Since his re- 
tirement from the congressional halls, 
he has pursued the practice of his pro- 
fession. He was married to Mrs. Susan 
R. Coudy, nee Allen, by whom he had 
three children. 

Under the apportionment act of July 
2, 1872, made on the basis of the census 
of 1870, the state of Illinois was divided 
into 19 districts, and the counties of 
Adams, Brown, Pike, Calhoun, Greene 
and Jersey were combined into the 11th 
district. The first election was held in 
November, 1872, when Robert M. Knapp, 
of Jerseyville, was elected representa- 
tive from the district, and took his 
place March 4, 1873, in the 43d congress. 
He served one term, at this time. 

Hon. Robert M. Knapp was liorn in 
the city of New York, April 21, 1831. 
His father, Dr. Augustus R. Knapp, 



196 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



was an eminent physician of Jersey 
county, 111. While Robert was a child, 
his father removed to Savannah, Ga., 
and from thence to New Jersey, and 
finally, in 1^39, to Illinois, and the fol- 
lowing year to this county. In Illinois 
he was prominent in his profession and 
in local politics. In 1847 he was a 
member of the constitutional conven- 
tion. Robert, after securing such in- 
struction as was given in the common 
schools of Illinois at that time, became 
a student in the Kentucky State Mili- 
tary Institute, near Frankfort, in 1849 ; 
but becoming afi'ected by the then pre- 
vailing gold fever, went overland to 
California, and remained two years suc- 
cessfully operating in the gold mines. 
He subsequently studied law, and in 
1855 commenced practice in Jerseyville. 
On Dec. 26, 1855, he married Fannie A. 
Green, who was born in Haverstraw, 
Rockland county, N. Y., March 15, 1837. 
She is a daughter of Capt. Stephen S. 
and Letitia (Quick) Green, deceased, 
who were natives of Westchester coun- 
ty, N. Y. Captain Green ran a line of 
boats from New York to Sing Sing sev- 
eral years. In 1839 he came to Macou- 
pin county and bought a large tract of 
land, upon which he placed numerous 
tenants. An incident which may be 
mentioned in his farm life is that he 
purchased the first McCormick reaper 
ever sold. As a result of the marriage 
there are three children — Katie L., born 
Sept, 26, 1856; Susie Green, born Aug. 
16, 18.58; Hattie Baglcy, born Nov. 17, 
1864. Mr. Knapp was a democrat in poli- 
tics. In 1867 he was elected to the Illi- 
nois general assembly, but declined to 
be a candidate for a second term. In 
1871 he was elected mayor of Jersey- 



ville, and re-elected in 1872. In 1876, 
he was again elected to fill that office. 
He was elected to the 43d congress in 
1872, and was re-nominated for the 
same position by the Roodhouse con- 
vention in 1874, but, for the sake of 
harmony, declined. In 1876 he was 
again re- nominated and elected. He 
departed this life June 24, 1879, a few 
minutes before six o'clock, A. M. 
Mr. Knapp was a Knight Templar, 
and was buried with Masonic honors 
The bar of the county passed resolu- 
tions of respect and condolence with 
the widow and relatives of the deceased. 

In the 44th congress, which was first 
convened in March 1875, this district was 
duly represented by Scott Wike, of 
Pittsfield, Pike county, who served one 
term of two years. 

Mr. Wike was succeeded in the 4.5th 
national assembly by Robert M. Knapp 
wliom he had followed. This gentle- 
man served one term of two years at 
this time. 

James W. Singleton, a resident of 
Quincy, was the accredited representa- 
tive of this district inthe46tli congress, 
which was organized in March, 1879, and 
served two years, and was elected to 
the 47th congress, where he distin- 
guished himself greatly to the credit of 
himself and his friends. 

By the apportionment act based upon 
the census of 1880, the state of Illinois 
was divided into twenty districts, and 
the counties of Cass, Brown, Adams, 
Pike, Scott, Greene, Jersey and Calhoun 
were grouped together into the 12th dis- 
trict. In the fall of 1882, James Milton 
Riggs, a highly respected and talented 
citizen of Winchester, Scott county, was 
elected to fill the position of member of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



197 



congress from this district, and occupied 
a prominent place in the house of the 
4Sth congress. He was re-elected in 
1SS4, and is the present representative 
in the 4yth congress. 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

When the county of Jersey was organ- 
ized in 1839, it was a part of a legislative 
district, then witliout a number, com- 
j)osed of this county and (ireene, and 
was represented in the senate of the 
rith general assembly by John Allen, 
and in the house by Revell W. English. 
This general assembly convened in 
Springfield on the 'iSd of Nov., 1840, 
and adjourned Dec. 5, 1840. A second 
session met Dec. 7, 1840, and continued 
until March 1, 1841. 

The loth general assembly convened 
at 8i)ringfield, Dec. 5, 1842, and ad- 
journed March 4, 1848. In the senate 
this district was represented by Alfred 
W. Caverly, and Samuel T. Kendall was 
the delegate to the house of representa- 
tives. 

Tlie 14th general assem]>ly convened 
at the city of Springiield, Dec. 2, 1844, 
and adjourned March 3, 1845. The 
district comj)Osed of Macoupin and 
Jersey counties was represented in the 
senate by John Harris, while James 
Harriott was the representative of Jer- 
sey county in the lower house. 

The loth general assembly met at 
Springfield, Dec. 7, 1846, and adjourned 
March 1, 1847. John Harris continued 
to serve this district in the senate. In 
the house Thomas Cummings, an early 
settler in this county, served the people 
of this district to their satisfaction. 

Before another general assembly had 
met the constitution of 1848 was adopted, 



and under it a new apportionment of the 
state was made, and Jersey county, t(j- 
gether with those of Macoupin, Greene 
and Calhoun, were made the 18th sena- 
torial district and the counties of Jersey 
and Greene, the 22d representative dis- 
trict. 

The 16th general assendjly convened 
at Springfield, Jan. 1, 1849, and ail- 
journed Feb. 12, 1849; a second session 
met Oct. 22, 1849, and continued until 
Nov. 7, 1849. This district was repre- 
sented in the senate by Franklin Witt, 
a resident of Greene county, and in the 
house, first by Isaac Darncille and Jolm 
D. Fry, but the former of these dying 
and the latter resigning, they were sutv 
ceeded by Joel Cory and Thomas Carlin. 
The latter gentleman was a resident of 
Greene county, and is noticed in that 
connection. 

Isaac Darncille came to this county 
during 1828 or 29, entering land in what 
is now English township. He is said to 
have been one of the most social men 
ever in the county. He is reported to 
have been much more interested in rid- 
ing around the country chatting with his 
neighbors, than attending to the duties 
of husbandry. He was a relative of 
Isaac Darneille, of Kaskaskia, the sec- 
ond lawyer in the state of Illinois, and 
like him had a penchant for legal 
matters, although no lawyer. He was 
often on hand to manage for his friends 
causes before a justice of the peace, and 
would, if necessary, follow the cases to 
a higher court, and stand as chief adviser 
to the attorney. In fact he never missed 
an opportunity of attending court, and 
was frequently fi>und outside the court 
house, expounding the law to groups of 
listeners. He removed to Jerseyville, 



T5- 



198 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



but after living there for a few months 
was stricken down with the cholera in 
1849. 

Hon. Joel Cory, one of the pioneers 
of Jersey county, was born in New 
Jersey, August 26, 1805. He followed 
farming in his native state, and was 
there married to Sarah Cross, a sister of 
Hugh N. Cross. In 1834 he left New 
Jersey with his family, consisting of a 
wife and four children, and moved in 
wagons to Illinois. He at once entered 
land, two and a half miles south of the 
site of the present city of Jerseyville, 
where he improved a farm of 400 acres, 
upon which he resided until his death 
which occurred Feb. 26, 1872. Mrs. 
Cory died in 1884. Sixof their children 
survived them in life. They are — Mary, 
now the wife of D. R. Stelle; Levi D., 
John, Joel, Sarah, wife of Robert New- 
ton, and Walter, all of whom reside in 
Jersey county. Mr. Cory represented 
his district in the state legislature one 
term, and often served the people in 
minor offices. He was a democrat 
politically. He gave close attention to 
his farm and was successful financially. 
He was for many years, a prominent 
and consistent member of the Baptist 
church. 

The 17th general assembly met at 
Springfield, Jan. 6, 1851, and adjourned 
Feb. 17, 1851; a second session con- 
vened June 7, 1852, and adjourned June 
23, 1852, The 13th senatorial district 
was represented by John M. Palmer, 
then a resident of Macoupin county, 
afterwards governor of the state. Jersey 
and Greene counties, then constituting 
the 22d district, were served in the house 
of representatives by Charles D. Hodges, 
of Greene, and J. C. Winters, of Jersey. 



John M. Palmer was afterward a general 
in the Union army, during the civil 
war, and governor of the state of Illinois, 
and is now engaged in the practice of 
law at Springfield. 

The 18th general assembly convened 
for its first session, Jan. 3, 1853, and 
continued until Feb. 14, of the same 
year; a second session met Feb. 9, 1854, 
and adjourned March 4, 1854. John M. 
Palmer still represented the loth dis- 
trict in the senate, and Charles D. 
Hodges and Giles H. Turner, in the 
house. The latter gentleman was a res- 
ident of Jersey county. 

The 19th general assembly convened 
at the state capital, Jan. 1, 1855, and 
remained in session until Feb. 15th fol- 
lowing. The act of apportionment of 
Feb. 27, 1854, having placed the coun- 
ties of Greene, Macoupin and Jersey in 
the 14th senatorial district, it was still 
represented in the senate by that dis- 
tinguished jurist, John M. Palmer. By 
the same act, Jersey and Calhovm coun- 
ties were erected into the 22d represen- 
tative district, and was served by Lafay- 
ette McCrillis, of Jersey. 

On the 5th of January, 1857, the 20th 
general assembly of the state of Illi- 
nois, met at Springfield, and continued 
in session until Feb. 19, 1857. Linus 
E. Worcester, of Greene, was the sena- 
tor, and Wright Casey, of Jersey, the 
representative. 

The 21st general assembly convened 
at Springfield, Jan. 3, 1859, and ad- 
journed Feb. 24, 1859. Anthony L. 
Knapp, of Jersey, was in the senate 
from this, the 14th district, and F. P. 
Rush, of Calhoun, was the representa- 
tive in the lower house from the 22d 
district. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



19'.) 



The first session of the 22d general 
assembly met at Springfield, Jan. 7, 
ISGl, and adjourned the 22d of Febru- 
ary; a second session was held from 
April 23, 1861, until the 3d of the 
month of May. In the senate Anthony 
L. Knapp still represented this district. 
In the house Joiin N. English was the 
delegate from this district and filled the 
place with credit and honor to himself 
and to his constituents. <. 

Hon. John Nelson English stands 
conspicuous in the history of Jersey 
county, not only as an early pioneer, 
but also as a citizen who for half a cent- 
ury has taken an active part in the pub- 
lic welfare of his fellowmen. Mr. Eng- 
lish is a native of Henry Co., Ky., born 
on the 31st day of March, 1810. He is 
the eldest son of Thomas and Alia 
(Cooper) English, of French and German 
ancestry, the former a native of Mary- 
land, and the latter of Pennsylvania, 
and the daughter of Jonathan Cooper, 
who served in the war of 1812. They 
were married in Kentucky, whence they 
removed in 1820 to Washington county, 
111., where they resided till 1825, when 
they settled in Jersey county and here 
continued to carry on farming till the 
death of Mr. English, which occurred 
Oct. 14, 1836; Mrs. English having died 
July 13, 1833. John N. received his 
education in the common schools of 
VV'^ashington and Jersey counties, divid- 
ing his time between study and farm- 
work. At the opening of the Black 
Hawk war, in 1831, he enlisted in a com- 
pany of mounted volunteers, commanded 
by Captain Carlin, afterward governor of 
Illinois, and started on a march to Rock 
Island, where a treaty with the Indians 
was soon made. Returning home in 



1832, he enlisted in Capt. Patterson's 
company, and j)articipated in the battles 
of \Msconsin and Bad.\.xe, receiving an 
honorable discharge from the service 
when peace was declared. The soldiers 
who were thus engaged received about 
$1 per day, and congress afterward 
ceded to each, 80 acres of land. After 
his return home, Mr. English was em- 
ployed by D. A. Spauldingin surveying 
the lands around Lake Michigan, and in 
18.34, entering land in Jersey county, 
engaged in farming. Upon the organi- 
zation of the county he was elected 
sheriff, and was re-elected at the e.xpira- 
tion of his first term. At the close of his 
service in this capacity, in company 
with Messrs. Magee and Terry, he 
erected a steam saw and grist mill, five 
miles out of Jerseyville, the locati(jn 
now being in English township, which 
he conducted about two years, and then 
engaged in steamboating with the rank of 
mate; after following this vocation two 
seasons he purchased a farm in what is 
known as "Rich Woods," now English 
township, where he settled in tlie fall of 
1847 and continued to reside until the fall 
of 1867, when he removed to Jerseyville, 
his present home. His attention has 
been almost unremittingly given to agri- 
culture and stock-raising, and by an 
industrious and \ii)right course, he has 
accumulated alil)eral competence. Poli- 
tically, Mr. English is a staunch demo- 
crat, and he has been a delegate to nearly 
all the conventions of that party since 
he began to mingle in political affairs. 
He has taken a high stand, and has 
e.xerted a wide infiuence and his fellow- 
citizens have shown their appreciation 
of his worth by honoring him with many 
positions of trust. In the fall of 1860 he 



200 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



was elected to the state legislature from 
Jersey and Calhoun counties, and there 
rendered efficient service, being of that 
class of legislators who were in favor of 
coercing the Southern states. At the 
expiration of his first term he was 
re-elected with a larger majority, and 
filled the position with honor to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. 
English then lived a private life till the 
fall of 1875, when he»was again nomin- 
ated as a candidate for the legislature, 
and was elected by a good majority and 
served three consecutive terms. Mr. 
English has been twice married. On the 
17th day of Dec, 1840, to Elizabeth Belt, 
daughter of H. N. Belt, of Jersey county. 
She died, after a lingering illness, on 
the oth of January, 1872. Of four child- 
ren, three survive her in life — Lloyd, 
present supervisor of English township; 
John N., Jr., present township clerk, 
both farmers in English township, and 
R. B., a lawyer at Hardin, Calhoun 
county. In Oct., 1873, Mr. English mar- 
ried Catherine C. Selby, nee DeLong, 
she being the widow of John Selby, of 
Jersey county. Mr. English, or Col. 
English, as he is familiarly known, 
resides in the west part of Jerseyville 
city, where he has a pleasant home, sup- 
plied with all the accessories of the best 
social life. He owns 80 acres of land, 
for which he gave $16,000, 40 acres of 
the land lying within the city limits of 
Jerseyville. At the present writing he 
is 75 years of age, but enjoys good health 
and life. Every day he is seen up-town, 
and is always surrounded with friends 
who enjoy his conversation. He is 
always ready to appreciate a good story 
or joke, and rejoices in the prosperity 
of his fellow-men. Mr. English is a 



man remarkably well preserved for one 
of his age. He stands just six feet, and 
is straight, well built, and from all 
appearances bids fair to enjoy yet many 
years of life. He weighs 195 pounds, 
is not a fleshy person but, is built from 
the "ground up," and presents a very 
commanding appearance. 

The twenty-third general assembly of 
Illinois convened at Springfield, Jan. 5, 
1863, and adjourned Feb. 14, 1863, until 
June 2, 1863. On the latter date it 
again met, in pursuance to the adjourn- 
ment, and was, on the 10th of June, 
prorogued by the governor until Dec. 
31, 1864, on which day it convened and 
adjourned. By the act of apportion- 
ment of Jan. 31, 1861, the county of 
Jersey was, together with Calhoun, 
Greene, Scott and Pike, made into the 
6th senatorial district, and the counties 
of Jersey and Calhoun still kept together 
under their old number, as the 22d rep- 
resentative district. Linus E. Wor- 
cester, of Greene, represented this dis- 
trict in the senate, and John N. English 
in the house. 

On Jan. 2, 1865, the 24th general 
assembly met in regular session, at 
Springfield, and adjourned the 16th of 
February following. The 6th district 
was still represented by Linus E. Wor- 
cester, and in the house of representa- 
tives by John McDonald, a resident of 
Hardin, Calhoun county. 

The 25th general assembly held three 
sessions, the first commencing Jan. 7, 
1867, which adjourned Feb. 28; the 
second convened June 11, and adjourned 
June 13; and the third commenced June 
14, and adjourned June 28, 1867. In 
the senate William Shephard, of Jersey- 
ville, represented the district, and in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



201 



the house Robert M. Knapp, after- 
wards the member of congress from this 
ili^itriot, was the representative. Mr. 
Shephard was largely identified with 
the growth and development of the city 
of Jerseyville, and is mentioned, at 
length, in that connection. 

The 26th general assembly, which 
convened at Springfield, the 4th of Jan., 
1869, contained as the representatives 
of this district William Shephard, of 
Jerseyville, in the senate, and Thomas 
B. Fuller, of Hardin, Calhoun county, 
in the house. This assembly adjourned 
April 20, 1869. 

The first regular session of the 27th 
general assembly began on the 4th of 
Jan., 1871, and on the 17th of April 
following it was adjourned until Nov. 
15, 1871. A special session commenced 
May 4, 1871, and lasted until June 22, 
and a second special session met Oct. 
13, and adjourned Oct. 24. It again met 
in regular adjourned session Nov. 15, 
1871, and on the 9th of April, 1872, ad- 
journed sine die. This was the first 
assembly under the constitution of 1870. 
This instrument made the senate to 
consist of 50 senators, and the house of 
175 representatives. Jersey county, 
associated with those of Calhoun, 
Greene, Scott and Pike, made up the 
6th senatorial district, and was at first 
represented by William Shepliard and 
J. M. Bush, but the former gentleman 
having resigned, was succeeded by 
William H. Allen. In the house, the 
minority representation system having 
been adopted in the constitution, by 
which three members from each district 
were entitled to seats, the county of 
Jersey, under the title of the 38th 
district, was represented by George W. 



Herdman and Robert A. King, both 
citizens of the city of Jerseyville. G. 
W. Herdman is the present circuit 
judge of this judicial circuit, and is 
spoken of, at length, in connection with 
the history of that court. 

Robert A. King was born in St. Louis 
county, Mo., July 5, 1830. He was the 
eldest of a family of six children of 
George Y. and Mary (Dougherty) King. 
The parents resided upon a farm until 
1835, when they removed to Washing- 
ton, Franklin Co., Mo,, wliere tliey lived 
until overtaken by death. Robert A. 
worked on the farm until his 17th 
year, attending school during the win- 
ter. In 1846 he went to Cape Girardeau 
county, Mo., and studied privately with 
Rev. A. Munson for two years. He aft- 
erwards studied law with his uncle, 
Judge Andrew King. He served two 
years as deputy in the county and cir- 
cuit clerk's office, at St. Charles, and 
two years as deputy sheriff. He ob- 
tained his license to practice law in 
1853, and the year following returned 
to Washington and opened an office. 
Here he entered the political field and 
filled several positions. He was mar- 
ried May 24, 1859, to Jennie L. Bibb, 
and by this union they had one child — 
James B. King. His wife died Jan. 11. 
1861, and one month later the child 
died. On the 22d of May, 1864, he was 
again married to Miriam Munson, by 
whom he had three children — Louis M., 
Robert A. and Arthur S. Robert A . , Jr. , 
died Feb. 26, 1875. In 1865 Mr. King 
came to Jerseyville, and entered into a 
law partnership with E. A. Pinero, to 
which firm George W. Herdman was 
admitted later. In the sunmier of 1867 
Mr. King retired from the firm on ac- 



202 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



count of ill -health. In 1869 he was 
elected a member of the constitutional 
convention. In 1870, he became a 
member of the general assembly, and 
in 1872 was appointed probate judge, 
and the year following was elected to 
the same office. After the expiration 
of his term of office in 1883, he went to 
Los Angelos, Cal., where he is now liv- 
ing. 

The 2Sth general assembly convened 
at .Springfield Jan. 8, 1873; adjourned 
May 6, 1873, until Jan. 4, 1874; and met 
in adjourned session on the latter date 
and continued until March 31, 1874, when 
it adjourned, sine die. The senatorial 
districts had been changed according to 
the act of March 1, 1872, previous to 
the meeting of this assembly, and Ma- 
coupin and Jersej' counties were associ- 
ated together as the 40th senatorial dis- 
trict, and was represented by Beatty T. 
Burke, of Carlinville, Macoupin county. 
In the house the district was ably rep- 
resented by William McAdams, of Jer- 
sey, and Jonathan Plowman and Archi- 
bald Virden, of Macoupin county. 

Hon.\Mlliam McAdams, Jr., was born 
in Butler county, Ohio, Dec. the 28th, 
1839, and is the eldest of a family of 
seven children of William and Eliza 
McAdams. The subject of this sketch 
received his early education principally 
under the tuition of Professor Nathan- 
iel P. Firman, an eminent educator of 
Ohio, by which he attained a thorough 
knowledge of the English branches. 
He was passionately fond of the study, 
and practiced investigation of the science 
of geology, and in the state geological 
reports of Illinois frequent mention is 
made of his name, in connection with 
the many important discoveries that he 



has made in that profound science. Pre- 
vious to becoming a resident of Illinois, 
he was engaged in teaching for three or 
four winters in Ohio, but his principal 
occupation has been that of farming. 
In the spring of 1865 he was married to 
Anna Curtis, of Jersey county. They 
have had six children. In early life he 
became a member of the democratic 
party, to which he has since strictly 
adhered. He was elected a member of 
the Historical Society of Illinois, sev- 
eral years ago, and his attainments in 
the scientific field have won him many 
golden opinions. He is now president 
of the State Natural History Society 
of Illinois. In 1878 he became a mem- 
ber of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science, and has since 
read many scientific papers before this 
body. At the Ann Arbor meeting of 
this association he was elected to be a 
Fellow and placed on the committee 
for the nomination of officers. He 
employs much of his time in scientific 
work for the government. In the fall 
of 1872 he was elected a member of the 
legislature of Illinois and was a promi- 
nent member of that body two sessions. 

In Springfield, on the 6th of January, 
1875, the 29th general assembly of the 
state assembled, and remained in ses- 
sion until tlie loth of April following, 
when it adjourned, sine die. Beatty T. 
Burke, of Carlinville, was the senator 
from this district. In the house, the 
interest of this and the adjoining county 
of Macoupin, constituting the 40th dis- 
trict, was in the hands of Samuel G. 
Gilbert, of Carlinville, Oliver P. Powel, 
of Jerseyville, and Henry F. Martin, 
of Brighton. 

0. P. Powel was born in Tennessee, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



203 



March 17, 1819, and came to this county 
during the year 1848. He was twice 
county judge, his first term being from 
1857 to 1861, his second from 1865 to 
1861). He was married in his native 
state; Oct. 27, 1846, to Sarah E. Russell, 
a daughter of Joseph Russell. He is a 
democrat in politics and a Presbytarian 
in religion. He is still a resident and 
large land owner in the county. 

The oUth general assembly met in 
regular session at Springfield, Jan. 3, 
1877, and adjourned the 24th of May, 
the same year. George W. Herdman, 
of Jerseyville, was in the senate, and 
the district was represented in the 
house by Richard Rowett, of Carlin- 
ville, Hampton W. Wall, of Staunton, 
and John N. English, of Jerseyville. 

The 31st general assembly convened 
at the state capital, Jan. 8, 1879, and 
continued in session until May 31. Geo. 
W. Herdman was again in the senate, 
and in the house were the three follow- 
ing gentlemen as representatives of the 
40th district: Hampton W. Wall, of 
Staunton, and John N. English and 
George E. Warren, of Jerseyville. 

Hon. George E. Warren was born at 
Worthington, Franklin county, Ohio, on 
the 16th day of August, 1817. His 
father, Thomas Warren, by profession 
a physician, a native of New Hamp- 
shire, was lineally descended from the 
Puritans. In about 1810 he removed to 
Bristol, Rhode Island, and there united 
in marriage with Martha, daughter of 
Charles DeWolf, a prosperous merchant 
and ship-owner of that jjort; in fact, he 
was j)art owner of the noted jirivateer 
"Yankee," that figured in the war of 
1812. In 1814 Dr. Warren moved to 
Ohio, and there resided until the spring 



of 1818, when they returned to Bristol 
and there remained till 1835. His wife 
having died in 1829, in 1835, the family, 
then consisting of a daughter and two 
sons, of whom Judge Warren is the 
only survivor, again moved west and 
settled at Alton, 111. Dr. Warren en- 
tered considerable land within the 
limits of Jersey county and resided here 
at the time of his death, which occurred 
in 1853, at the residence of his son, 
Judge Warren. He was a gentleman of 
rather extensive literary culture. Geo. 
E. Warren received an education, partly 
collegiate, having entered Brown Uni- 
versity, at Providence, R. I., at 14 years 
of age, and remaining till the middle of 
his senior year. After his removal to 
Illinois he commenced reading law in 
the office of Woodson & Hodges, of 
Carrollton, 111., and also assisted M. O. 
Bledsoe, clerk of both the circuit and 
county commissioners' courts. His 
health having become seriously impaired 
by close application, in the spring of 
1837 he made a visit to his former home 
and friends in Rhode Island, for the 
purpose of recuperating, and there, the 
following August, he was married to 
Harriet S., daughter of S. S. Allen, 
Esq., collector of the port of Bristol. 
He soon thereafter returned to the West, 
and in the spring of 1838 settled at 
Alton, 111., where he completed his 
law studies and was admitted to prac- 
tice in the Illinois courts, in 1839. 
Owing to the financial depression then 
prevalentin Alt(in,and other causes, that 
place offered but little inducement to 
the aspiring yi)ung lawj'er, and his 
father having purchased for him a large 
farm near Jerseyville, with money be- 
queathed by his grandfather, Charles 



204 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



DeWolf, he removed thither in the 
spring of 1840, and engaged in farming. 
If lie did not acquire wealth at his new 
pursuit, he gained a vigorous constitu- 
tion and a practical knowledge of hard 
work. In politics Judge Warren was a 
whig till the declension of that party. 
He then cast his fortunes with the repub- 
licans, and is still ardently attached to 
their principles. In 1841 he was elected 
justice of the peace, without solicitation 
on his part, and he thereafter continued 
in that capacity till 1849, when, under 
the state constitution of 1848, he was 
elected the first county judge of Jersey 
county. He performed the duties of 
that office to the satisfaction of the peo- 
ple for eight years. In Jan., 1862, he 
resumed the practice of law in connec- 
tion witli his sun-in-law, William H. 
Pogue, which business relation existed 
until the election of Mr. Pogue to tlie 
office of county judge in the fall of 1883. 
In 1875 Judge Warren was elected 
mayor of the city of Jerseyville, as the 
anti-license candidate, and thus became 
the first republican mayor of the city. 
In the fall of 1878 he was elected to 
represent his district in the legislature. 
The district was then composed of 
Jersey and Macoupin counties, both 
democratic. Judge Warren served one 
term in the legislature He has fre- 
quently been a delegate to state con- 
ventions. Thus it can be seen that the 
life of Judge Warren has been one of 
moderate success. He never aimed at 
the acquirement of immense wealth or 
political notoriety, but sought and found 
satisfaction in a quiet home life, finding 
his chief happiness in his home circle, 
the society of genial friends, and the 
pursuit of knowledge. He has always 



been a firm believer in the christian re- 
ligion, owing in the first place to the 
early training of a pious mother, and in 
maturer years, to an intelligent appre- 
hension of the truth of that religion 
taught in the bible. At the age of 16 
he united with the Protestant Episcopal 
church, of which his mother was a 
member. He retained his predeliction 
for that society for some years, but there 
being no congregation of that denomi- 
nation in Jerseyville, in company with 
his wife he united, in March, 1852, with 
the First Presbyterian church, of which 
he has been an elder since Jan. 4, 1866. 
Judge Warren is blessed with a devoted 
and intelligent wife, and their union 
has been blessed with nine children. 
The eldest, a son, died at the age of 
four years. Mattie D. became the wife 
of Dr. George S. Miles. Mary A. be- 
came the wife of Judge W. H. Pogue. 
Charles D. is a farmer. Harriet S. be- 
came the wife of Henry C. Lovel, who 
is a clerk in the United States treasury 
department at Washington. Mark A. 
is a merchant. George is a clerk in the 
store of his brother. Anna became the 
wife of Robert S. Powel, a farmer, and 
Frank is at home. Judge Warren is the 
oldest Odd Fellow in Jerseyville, as he 
became a member of Jerseyville Lodge 
No. 53, I. O. 0. F., in 1849. 

The 32d general assembly convened 
at Springfield, in Jan., 1881, and the 
district was represented in the senate 
by C. A. Walker, of Carlinville, Ma- 
coupin county, and in the house by John 
N. English, of Jersey, and Arehelaus 
N. Yancey and Balfour Cowen, of 
Macoupin county. 

In 1882, a new apportionment of the 
state was made, and the counties of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



205 



Scott, Greene and Jersey were placed 
together in tlie 37th senatorial district. 
The 33d general assembl)', which met 
in Si>ringfield, in Jan., 1S<S.'?, contained 
as the representative of this new district 
Frank M. Bridges, of Carrollton, in the 
senate, and W. E. Carlin, of Jersey, 
and (ieorge W. Murray and John H. 
Coats, of Scott cotnity, in the house. 
This assembly adjourned June 18, 1883. 
Major Walter E. Carlin, one of the 
prominent representative men of Jer- 
sey county, was born at Carrollton, 
Greene county. 111., April 11, 1844. His 
father was William Carlin, a farmer and 
l)rominent man of Greene county, be- 
ing county clerk at one period, and 
holding the office of circuit clerk at the 
time of his death in 1850. He was a 
brother of Hon. Thomas Carlin, once 
governor of Hlinois. \\'illiam Carlin 
married Mary Goode, a native of Vir- 
ginia, who is .still living. Walter E. 
was educated in the common schools of 
Carrollton, at the school of the Chris- 
tian Brothers, in St. Louis, and the Uni- 
versity of Wisconsin. Aug. the 17th, 
18(;i, he enlisted in Company A, of the 
38th Illinois Infantry. He was promo 
ted to second lieutenant, then to first 
lieutenant, and finally to captain, hut 
on account of liis age, being under li), 
he declined to accept the last commis- 
sion. He served for awhile on the 
stafl'of General Jefferson C. Davis, and 
later on the staff of his brother, General 
William P. Carlin, a graduate of West 
I'oint. He was highly commended by 
General Davis for his gallantry in the 
battles preceding that of Chickamauga, 
and in that bloody contest he had two 
horses shot under him. He served 
three years, and at the close of the war 



was appointed second lieutenant in the 
regular army, but declined. In the 
spring of 1878 he assisted in organizing 
the loth battalion Illinois National 
Guards, 'and was elected major, which 
position he held five years, being com- 
missioned by Gov. Cullom. On his re- 
turn from the army he served two years 
as deputy circuit clerk of Greene coun- 
ty, under his brother, Thomas J. Car- 
lin. In August, 18()6, he engaged in 
banking with his brother-in-law, John 
Long, at Carrollton, tlie firm being 
Long & Co., and continued till 187t). 
He then went to Mount Vernon and 
there established a bank, becoming a 
member of Carlin, Cross & Co. In 1872 
he came to Jerseyville and engaged in 
the same business. In 1876 he organ- 
ized the First National Bank of Jersey- 
ville, of which he acted as cashier till 
1880, when he resigned that position, 
but continued vice-president of the 
bank till the fall of 1881. In 1880 he 
engaged in grain by^'ing, having charge 
of the Jerseyville elevator, of which 
he was a three-fourths owner. He dis- 
posed of that interest in 1881, to E. O. 
Stannard, of St. Louis. In September, 
of the same 3'ear, he became associated 
with .M. E. Bagley in the banking busi- 
ness, the firm lieing Carlin i^i: Bagley. 
This partnership continued till March, 
1885, when he sold liis interest to Mr. 
Bagley. Major Carlin is, politically, a 
democrat. He represented his district 
in the stale legislature one term, and in 
1884 was re-nominated, without opposi- 
tion, but later, at the state convention, 
he received the nomination for state 
auditor, and thus deidined the nomina- 
tion for representative. He is at pres- 
ent chairman of the board of super- 



206 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



visors of Jersey county, a position 
which he has occupied for seven con- 
secutive years, and has usually been 
elected without op|iosition. He is now 
^serving his third term as representative 
from the Grand Encampment of Illi- 
nois to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of 
Odd Fellows. In April, ISBS, he was 
married to Mary Cross, daughter of 
Hugh N. Cross. She died in March, 
1880, leaving two daughters, Mary Eu- 
genia and Alni;x W. In June 1883, he 
was married to Lina Darneille, daugh- 
ter of James M. Darneille, of Chatham, 
Sangamon county. 111. Major Carlin 
is connected with the Presbyterian 
church of Jerseyville. 

The ;:i4th general assembly met at 
Springfield, the state capital, Jan. 7, 
1885, and adjourned after a long and 
.stormy session. F. M. Bridges, the 
senator from this district, dying in the 
latter part of March, Robert H. Davis, a 
grain dealer of Carrollton, was elected 
April 11, 1885, to fill the vacancy, and 
took his seat. In the house the 37th 
district was represented by Henry C. 
Massey and Theo. S. Chapman, both of 
Jersey, and Byron McEvers, of Scott. 

Theodore S. Chapman, present repre- 
sentative from this district in the state 
legislature, is a citizen of this county, 
and a prominently rising character in 
the political field of the future. He is 
a native of Berkshire county, Mass., 
born March 31, 1849. His parents, 
Theodore and Julia E. (Wadsworth) 
Chapman, were formerly from the same 
county and state. When the subject of 
this sketch was seven years old his 
father died, and two years later his 
mother was married to a missionary 
and went to India. Theodore had two 



sisters, Anna and Julia; the former 
accompanied her mother to India, and 
there died; the latter was married to 
Prof. J. A. Edgar, who was the founder 
of the Swedish department of Morgan 
Park Theological Seminary, of Chicago. 
When Theodore was nine years old he 
went to Rockford, 111., and lived with a 
farmer named M. H. Johnson for three 
years. Then, his mother having re- 
turned to this country and located in 
Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y., he 
went there and attended the city schools 
for two years. This course of instruc- 
tion was subsequently supplemented by 
three years attendance at Madison 
University. The same thoroughness 
which characterized his actions of later 
years, there prevailed, and by studious 
application he obtained a very fair edu- 
cation. He then went to La Porte 
county, Ind., and engaged in teaching 
two years; thence to Rockford, 111., and 
remained four months; thence to St. 
Louis. Not being satisfied or contented 
in Missouri, he returned to Illinois, and 
soon afterward located at Jerseyville. 
Here he engaged in teaching one winter, 
and afterwards had charge of the Otter- 
ville school two years. Meanwhile, as 
he had opportunity, he studied law, 
and in 1874 was admitted to the bar, 
since which time he has been engaged 
in the practice of his profession. Polit- 
ically he adheres to the republican 
party. In 1876 he was a candidate for 
state's attorney, and although defeated, 
received a vote much beyond the 
strength of his party, a deserved compli- 
ment to a worthy man. In 1884 he was 
electe<l to the state legislature, where 
he faithfully worked for the best 
interests of his constituents, and was 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



207 



instrumental in efiecting various legisla- 
tion of much interest and importance to 
the people. His ability was early 
recognized in that body, and he was a 
member, not only of the temporary 
steering committee, but of the perma- 
ment. Among the acts traceable to his 
influence and eifort, was an amendment 
to the bill concerning "guardian and 
ward," a law of much importance and 
of great benefit, as follows: "On any 
accounting and final settlement of guar- 
dian, he shall exhibit and file his ac- 
count as such guardian setting forth 
specifically, in separate items, on what 
account expenditures were made by 
him, and all sums received and paid 
out since his last accounting, and all 
money on hand, and an itemized ac- 
count of all notes, bonds, accounts, and 
evidences of indebtedness, composing 
the personal estate of his ward, and 
said guardian shall produce and exhibit 
to the court the notes, bonds, accounts, 
and evidences of indebtedness so item- 
ized, and held by him, and it is hereby 
made the duty of the court to inspect 
the assets so exhibited. Which accounts 
shall be accompanied by proper vouch- 
ers mid signed by him, and verified by 
his alUdavit." The very loose and un- 
satisfactory manner heretofore pursued 
by persons thus in charge of important 
interests will, by tliis law, meet a whole- 
some check, and be the means of saving 
hundreds of dollars to those to whom 
it properly belongs. Mr. Chapman is 
what might be called a self-made man. 
His position has been secured solely by 
his own endeavor. He commenced the 
practice of law here under what would 
ordinarily be considered unfavorable 
circumstances, renting an office without 



the partnership or influence of any, he 
has steadily and with commendable en- 
ergy, built up a practice and made a 
reputation. He has a good business in 
both probate and chancery courts, and 
is a lawyer of acknowledged honesty 
and ability. He was married Dec. 31, 
1875, to Sarah A. Landon, daugiiter of 
William D. and Alvira Landon. They 
have four children — Harry, Theodore, 
Paul and Truman. 

Henry C. Massey is a native of St. 
Charles county, Mo., born Nov. lit, 
1828, and is the son of Woodberry and 
Wana (Coonts) Massey. His father re- 
sided in St. Charles county for a short 
time after his marriage, and about 1S30 
crossed the river into this county, at 
Grafton, where lie entered some land. 
Not long after, he removed to the forks 
of Otter creek, where he carried on a 
store. He afterwards went to the Du- 
buque lead mines, where he was subse- 
quently murdered. His murder was 
amply avenged by his brother and sis- 
ter, Henry L., and Louise. After this 
tragic event, Mrs. Massey, with her 
young family, returned to St. Charles, 
Mo., but in 1837, came again to this 
county. Henry C. was reared princi- 
pally in Jersey county, and in early life 
was thrown on his own resources. Nov. 
25, 1S54, he was united in marriage with 
Catherine Fitzgerald. 

CO.NSTIT UTIOX .\ L CON V IC.NTIO.NS. 

Since the organization of Jersey coun- 
ty there iiave been three conventions to 
draft state constitutions, and in each of 
them Jersey county was represented. 

The first of these was convened at 
Springfield, upon the 7th day of June, 
1847, and contained 1G2 delegates from 



208 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



various parts of the state. They labored 
on the matter for which they were called 
together until the 31st of Aug., 1847, 
when they adjourned. William Bosby- 
shell and A. R. Knapp were the dele- 
gates from the counties of Jersey and 
Calhoun. This constitution was sub- 
mitted to the people, and at the elec- 
tion held March 6, 1848, they ratified it; 
and it went into force April 1 of that 
year, hence is called the constitution of 
1848. 

Dr. A. R. Knapp was a native of Con- 
necticut, and at an early age moved to 
Delaware county, N. Y. He was a man 
of fine scholarly attainments. He was 
married to CUitherine Wyckotf, and they 
had a family of five children. He re- 
moved to Illinois in 1839, first locating 
at Kane, where he engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession of medicine. In 
1844 he removed to Jerseyville. Few 
physicians of this portion of the state 
had a more extensive practice. In-1849, 
having contracted the gold fever; he 
went to California, and came back with 
a fair share of money. He was always 
prominently identified with the demo- 
cratic party, and was an intimate friend 
and admirer of Stephen A. Douglas. His 
death occurred July 13, 18(j2. Two of 
his sons, prominent attorneys of this 
county, represented this district in con- 
gress. 

The second constitutional convention 
came together at the city of Springfield, 
on the 7th of January, 1802, at which 
there were 75 delegates present, and 
among them William H. Allen, the rep- 
resentative of Jersey county. This con- 
vention remained in session until March 
24, 1862. This constitution was sub- 
mitted to the people at an election held 



June 17, 1862, but not meeting the views 
of the qualified electors, was rejected 
by them. 

William Henry Allen, a native of 
New Bedford, Bristol county, Mass., 
was born on the 12th of October, 1814, 
and is the son of William H. and Ruth 
(Parker) Allen. His father was of 
Quaker descent, and held to the faith of 
that sect until his marriage. His mother 
was a direct descendant of Miles Stand- 
ish, and both were of Saxon origin and 
Puritan stock. During his early life 
William enjoyed superior educational 
advantages, attending the schools of his 
native place until 17 years of age, when 
he entered Harvard University. His 
habits were of a social character. Being 
of a practical turn of mind, he had lit- 
tle sympathy with abstruse questions, 
but had a great fondness for literary 
work, and a desire and natural taste for 
the study of medicine and surgery. 
After graduating from college, however, 
in 1885, following the advice of a rela- 
tive, he decided to devote himself to 
business rather than to professional life, 
as a more speedy way to success, a 
choice, the wisdom of which is seen in 
the reward that has crowned his work. 
He removed to Illinois in 1840, and in 
the following year, settled at Grafton, 
Jersey county, his present home. He 
at first engaged in the real estate busi- 
ness, and such other employment as 
might prove lucrative, and after a few 
years, having accumulated sufficient 
capital, engaged in merchandising, and 
at the same time dealt in grain and pro- 
duce. In 1854 he erected a flouring 
mill at Grafton, which he conducted 
until 1868, when he was succeeded in 
the business by his son. In 1869 he 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



209 



began the banking business, and has 
continued in it up to the present time, 
l<S8o. In all his business career he 
manifested an integrity and a spirit of 
generous and fair dealing that have won 
for him the highest respect of all who 
have been brought under his influence. 
In his religious views he is identified 
with no church, although he has the 
greatest respect for all. His early 
training 'ii'as shaped by the teachings of 
Dr. Channing, Dr. Dewey, and other 
eminent Unitarians, and he was natur- 
ally led to sympathize with that faith, 
but he is now wholly independent in 
his opinions, and gives to all that en- 
joyment of personal views which he 
asks for himself. In politics he was 
formerly a whig, but upon the dissolu- 
tion of that party became a democrat, 
casting his first vote for James Buch- 
anan. Although he has never aspired 
to political honors he has had several 
im])ortant public trusts imposed upon 
him. In 1860 he was elected to the 
constitutional convention; served as 
county associate judge from I860 to 1869 
inclusive and in 1871 was chosen state 
senator from the 6th district, comprising 
Pike, Calhoun, Greene and Jersey coun- 
ties. In 1.S78 he was elected a member 
of the county board. In all these vari- 
ous offices he acquitted himself with 
credit, but at the termination of each 
was happy to return to the peace and 
quiet of his home. Mr. Allen was 
married, in 1840, to Martha Maria Mason 
a native of Illinois, and only child of 
James Mason, well known in the early 
history of the state. They have six 
children — Rosalie, wife of Dr. E. L. 
Harriott, of Jacksonville; Irene A., 
wife of Edward A. Pinero, an attorney 



of Tecumseh, Neb.; James M., Harry 
C , William H., Jr., and Ruth M., wife 
of E. C. Stelle, near Jerseyville, 111. 
James is engaged in the Houring busi- 
ness. Mr. Allen is one of the leading 
men of the state; as a man of the strict- 
est integrity and impartial judgment; 
he is looked to as the arbiter of all con- 
troversies in his community. He has 
given special attention to self-culture, 
and is a man of high social attainments, 
and does not fail to impress all whom 
he meets with the genuineness of his 
true manhood. Liberal and charitable, 
his hand is ever open to the needy, 
while his sympathies are broad enough 
to gather in their embrace all n)en. He 
now looks back upon a life well spent, 
crowded with hapj)y recollections and 
cheered with warm friendships, and 
sees in all only the preparation for that 
existence beyond, whose hopes cheer 
and strengthen his declining years. 

December 13, 1869, the third consti- 
tutional convention convened in the 
city of Springfield, at which there were 
85 delegates. It remained in session 
until May 13, 1870. They labored long 
and feiithfully, and the production of 
their conjoint efTorts was submitted to 
the people July 2, 1870, and was by 
.them ratified, going into effect Aug. 8, 
1870. The 22d legislative district of 
the state, embracing the counties of Jer- 
sey and Calhoun, was represented by 
Robert A. King. This gentleman has 
been already mentioned as a member of 
the general assembly. 

PK0B.\TE JUSTICES. 

Under the constitution of the state of 
Illinois, adopted in 1818, and in force 
when the county of Jersey was organ- 



210 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



ized, in 1839, all matters of probate 
were entrusted to an officer of the above 
title. Joseph G. Scott was the first to 
ocrupy the office, having entered u])on 
the duties thereof at the time of the 
organization of the county, in the fall 
of 1839, and remained in the same until 
1847, being re-elected continuously, 
thus being the only one in the county to 
fill the i)Osition. 

Joseph G. Scott, a native of Somerset 
county, N. J., born Aug. 12, 1809, was 
the son of Col. Joseph W. Scott, an 
eminent and brilliant lawyer of that 
state. Joseph G. received his educa- 
tion, first in the grammar school of 
Queen's College, and la.stly at Rutger's 
College, entering the sophomore class, 
and graduating three years later, being 
the valedictorian of his class. After 
leaving college he studied law with his 
father three years, and one year with 
Elias Van Arsdale, of Newark, N. J., 
after which he was admitted to the 
bar. He practiced at New Bruns- 
wick three years. In the spring of 
183n, he started west, landing in Jersey- 
ville on the 5th of July, of that year. 
He soon afterward entered a farm about 
three miles south of the town. He was 
married in 1839 to Eliza Duryee. 

couNTV judgp:s. 

On the adoption of the constitution 
of 1848, all matters of probate, as well 
as the government of the county, were 
vested in the county court, presided 
over by the county judge. The first to 
fill the position was Hon. George E. 
Warren, who was elected in 1849, and 
opened the court, for the first time, on 
the 3d day of December, of that year. 
The court consisted of three justices — 



the county judge, G. E. Warren, and 
Jacob Lurton and James McKinney, 
associate justices. Judge Warren was 
re-elected to this honorable office in 
1853, holding the same for eight years, 
consecutively. During this time, be- 
sides the above named associate jus- 
tices, the following filled the same 
offices: Jasper M. Terry, Charles H. 
Bowman and J. Murray Bacon. 

Jacob Lurton is among tlie first settlers 
of this section of country, having come 
here in 1817, with his father, from Ken- 
tucky. He is now living on Sec. 32, T. 
7, R. 11, or the township called Miss- 
issippi. He is a native of Kentucky, 
and was born near Louisville, Sept. 16, 
1805. In the spring of 1817 the family, 
consisting of seven children, four boys 
and three girls, bid farewell to their old 
home, and started from Louisville on a 
keel boat, landing subsequently at the 
city of St. Louis. Jacob Lurton, Sr., 
the father of the subject of this sketch, 
was a physician, and a minister of the 
M. E. church, and realizing the import- 
ance of an education, determined that 
.Jacob should have a good opportunity, 
and to this end kept him engaged in 
study until he graduated from the high 
school at Louisville. The profession of 
medicine was chosen as his future avo- 
cation, and to become familiar with the 
many details, he was kept in an "apoth- 
ecary shop" for four winters, attending 
school during summers. The effort to 
make a doctor out of the young man 
only partially succeeded, and he never 
became a "full-fledged" physician. 
Almost constant application to the books 
of his father and his father's partner, 
and making collections for them, gave 
him an insight to that particular branch 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



211 



of the business, and he became dis- 
gusted with the whole matter, and made 
a farmer of himself. Upon their arrival 
here they settled on I'iasa creek, on a 
farm through which subsequently ran 
the division line separating the counties 
of Jersey and Madison. In addition to 
tlie family they brought five negroes, a 
mother and four children, who were 
indentured and set free at the age of 25 
and 27. Thus, in 1817, commenced the 
life here of Jacob Lurton. He has wit- 
nessed the development of this county, 
and has had no small share in its trans- 
formation from a scene of natural wild- 
ness to its present condition. He was 
for eight years a judge of the county 
court of this county, and for 12 years a 
justice of the peace in Mississif)pi town- 
ship, and was the first postmaster in 
this township, which office he held 14 
years. He was a ca])tain of the militia 
at the time of the Black Hawk war, the 
place of rendi^zvous being Carrollton. 
They were held as a reserve for 85 days, 
when the adjutant-general called on 
them and told them to disband, and to 
be ready, at a moment's warning, with 
five days' provisions for self and horse. 
He went home and has never been called 
upon, and has never been discharged 
nor received any compensation. His 
sword and outfit cost 825, and the sword 
is in good preservation to this day, and 
isin possession of his son, N. M. Lurton. 
He still has his commission, and for 
many years was known as Cai)t. I^irton. 
He is a man of integrity and ability, and 
performed the duties pertaining to these 
and other offices conscientiously and 
well. He was deservedly popular, and 
was the leading man in the community 
where he lived. His advice was sought 



and asked on all matters of every descrip- 
tion. At every marriage he officiated, 
and by him were tied the nuptial knots, 
uniting the hearts and destinies of many 
a hai)i>y couple. For all these and 
kindred services he never made a charge, 
and after so many years, there being no 
absolute necessity longer, and wishing 
to be free, he resigned all offices and 
announced his intention, having done 
his part, of remaining out of office, and 
notwithstanding the wishes of the people 
he has since steadfastly pursued that 
course. He was married March 20, 
1829, to Margaret McDow, a daughter of 
John and Margaret (Gillham) McDow. 
There were born by this union eight 
children— N. M., born Jan. 9, bs;!(); 
John C, born April 6, 18.'U; Julia A., 
born Nov. 17, 1832; Mary J., born Feb. 
26, 1834, and who died February 27, 
1876; Sarah M., born March 4, 1836; 
Jacob P., born July 17, 1838, and died 
Nov. 8, 1868; Elizabeth 0., born Nov. 
28, 1842; Olivia M., born Jan. 6, 1850. 
Ja<x)b P. was a lieutenant in Co. H, 97th 
111. Inf., and died of disease contracted 
in the army. Mr. Lurton is a remark- 
able mau. lie is now 80 years of age 
and has never Ijeen intoxicated, never 
played a game of cards, never took a 
part in a dance, never sued but one man, 
never was sued, never bet higher than a 
gill of butter-milk, and has always led 
an upright, honest life. Mrs. Lurton is 
now (1885) 76 years old, and in good 
health, and together they are passing 
down the decline of life, with a feeling 
of peace and happiness known only to 
those whose lives have been well spent. 
They must soon go to their reward. May 
the Lord grant an abundant entrance to 
his heavenly kingdom. 



212 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



James McKinney was a native of Vir- 
ginia, born Ma}^ 24, 1806. He was the 
eldest son of Ahiram and Mary McKin- 
ney, who emigrated to Illinois and set- 
tled in Madison county, in 1S18, wliere 
they remained two years, when they 
removed to this county, locating on tlie 
Illinois bottom, but afterwards moved 
to section 24, English township. Here 
young McKinney was reared. James 
McKinney and Mary Ann Grain, a 
native of Tennessee, were united in 
marriage June 8, 1826. They had a 
family of 13 children. Mr. McKinney 
died Sept. 17, 1867. 

Jasper M. Terry, deceased, was born 
in Hardin county, Ky., Jan. 5, 1811. 
He is the fifth cliild of Jasper and 
Sarah Terry, the former a native of 
Botetourt county, Va., and the latter of 
Peekskill, N. Y. Jasper Terry, Sr., 
was married in 1797, and in the fall of 
1800, emigrated to Kentucky, where he 
resided until the fall of 1828. At that 
date he came to Illinois and settled in 
the present limits of Jersey county, on 
the northeast quarter of Sec. 24, T. 7, 
R. 12. In 1849, he sold his farm here 
and after a visit to Texas, returned to 
Greene county, where he died, in Nov., 
1850, at the residence of his eldest 
daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Rev. John 
Stephens. His wife died at the same 
place about one year later. They had 
a family of nine sons and three daugh- 
ters. Jasper M. Terry obtained his 
early education in the common schools 
of Hardin county. He came to Illinois 
with his father's family, and was mar- 
ried Sept. 20, 1833, to Mary Ann Wag- 
ner, daughter of John and Mary Wag- 
ner, of Greene county. 111. By this 
union there were born nine sons and 



two daughters, three of whom died in 
infancy. Those who reached maturity 
are Rev. John W., of Carlinville, 111.; 
William H. and Anslam, in Montgom- 
ery county. 111.; Alljert O., living near 
Janesville, 111.; Henry Clay, near Pana, 
111.; Mary E., wife of E. D. Howard, 
of Montgomery county. 111.; Thomas 
J., Theodore F. and Annie Frances, 
resiiling with their parents. Mr. Terry 
settled, soon after his marriage, on the 
northwest quarter of Sec. 24, T. 7, R. 
12, where he resided until his death, 
Oct. 21, 1876. He made farming the 
business of his life, and was successful. 
He began life without financial capital, 
but he was possessed of those elements 
of mind which are more valuable, and 
the proper use of which insure success 
to their possessor. These qualities are 
good common sense, unerring judgment 
to plan, and energy to execute, with 
order and method. He gave to his 
children tlie advantage of a liberal edu- 
cation, as well as financial aid to facili- 
tate their life labors. He settled four 
of his sons on 1,000 acres of land in 
Montgomery county. 111. Politically, 
Mr. Terry was an 'old line whig." He 
was a great admirer of Henry Clay, 
after whom one of his sons was chris- 
tened. Although he never sought offi- 
cial position, he served several years as 
acting justice of the peace. He was 
elected associate judge of the county 
court of Jersey county, which position 
he filled seven years with credit to him- 
self and satisfaction to his constituency. 
Judge Warren was succeeded as county 
judge by Hon. 0. P. Powel, in Dec, 
1857, and opened court with R. R. Eley 
and William Williams as associate 
justices These gentlemen held these 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



21.^ 



positions for four years, with honor and 
credit to themselves, and to the benefit 
of the county. 

Richard 1. Lowe, was the next occu- 
pant of the office of county judge, 
having been elected to that exalted po- 
sition in Nov., 1861, and opened the 
the county court in the following De- 
cember, with Jacob Lurton and Larkin 
Richardson as associate justices. These 
gentlemen served a term of four years, 
until IStio. Jacob Lurton has been 
noted at length elsewhere. Larkin 
Richardson came to this county in 1S34, 
from the American Bottom. He re- 
mained here some time, holding several 
unimportant offices and went to Texas, 
but in a few years returned to this 
county where he lived several years, but 
finally removed to Texas where he set- 
tled. A sketch of Judge Lowe is given 
in connection with the history of the 
township of Jersey, of which he is still 
a resident. 

0. P. Powel again filled this position 
commencing in the fall of 1865, and 
filled it for four years. W. H. Allen 
and Phineas Eldredge were associate 
justices at the same time, and assisted 
in the government of the county. 

Phineas Eldredge was the son of An- 
thony and Susanna (Vance) Eldredge, 
and was born in Philadelphia, Penn., 
March 14, 1822. He served an appren- 
ticeship of three years at ship build- 
ing, and three more at sail making 
in his native city. His father was a 
sea eaiitain, at this time, in the mer- 
chant service, and Phineas sometimes 
accompanied him on his voyages. The 
man with whom Phineas was learning 
his trade, having a contract to get out 
live oak timber, he sent Phineas, who 



had studied naval architecture, to su- 
perintend the operations in Florida, and 
he did so well that when he returneil, 
although his apprenticeship was not 
out, he was "given his time," as the 
saying is — or, made a full journeyman. 
He now entered upon a sea-faring life, 
having accepted the position ol second 
mate on a trading vessel. He made a 
trip to South America, and then, for 
three years was first officer. He then 
went to New Orleans, and in 1843 was 
made senior warden of the city i)rison, 
and, with the prisoners, built the house 
of refuge in tlmt city. He remained 
there until 1846, when the Mexican war 
broke out, when, having a steamship, 
largely owned by his father, he en- 
tered the transport service, but being 
caught in the Gulf by a norther, after 
battling with the storm for five days, 
the vessel was lost, and they lost their 
all. He then returned to New Orleans, 
and was deputy superintendent of the 
city gas works, where he remained two 
years, when his father made him an 
offer of a tract of land (his present 
farm) if he would come and live on it, 
which he accepted. The Eldredges 
were sea-faring men for five generations, 
and Phineas Eldredge's ancestors had 
settled on Cape Cod, coming from Wales 
at an early day. On his mother's side 
his ancestors were German, and her 
grandfather served on the staff of Gen- 
eral Washington. In 1848 Phineas 
came to Hlinois and settled on the farm 
where he now lives, on section 11, Pia.sa 
township. At one time he and his 
father owned some 1,600 acres of land, 
800 acres of it in a body. He was 
elected associate justice of the county 
court in 1865, and a study of the official 



216 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



actions of the court in this volume will 
show that he did efficient work. He 
was the projector of the poorhouse, also. 
This was his last official act. He was 
married in Sept., 1843, in Philadelphia, 
to Elizabeth Wharf. Their children 
have been — Susanna, wife of James 
Burke; Anthony, clerk in the Anchor 
line; Elizabeth, wife of Colonel John 
Breenholt; Harry, pilot on the City of 
Natchez ; and five deceased. Mr. Eld- 
redge is a member of Hibbard Lodge, 
No. 249, A. F. and A. M., at Brighton. 
On his farm he has two and one-half 
acres of fish pond, and, sailor-like, he 
has a sail-boat thereon. 

J. M. Hurd was duly elected to the 
office of county judge in the fall of 1869, 
and entering upon the duties of the 
office with Caleb Noble and G. W. Gorin 
as associate justices carried on the busi- 
ness of the county for the ensuing three 
years, when he resigned. 

J. M. Hurd was the second son of 
Ezra and Polly (Hamilton) Hurd, and 
was born in Georgetown, Madison 
county, N. Y., March 1, 1809. He was 
educated in the common schools of 
Georgetown, becoming proficient in sev- 
eral branches, especially surveying. At 
the age of 14 he commenced helping his 
father in the saw-mill, of which he was 
placed in charge. At the age of 17 he 
spent the fall and winter learning the 
cloth-dressing trade. He continued in 
the old home until 1830, when, being 21 
j'ears of age, he turned his steps west- 
ward and came to Illinois, and met his 
uncle. Dr. Silas Hamilton, in Monroe 
county, and with whom he came to Jer- 
sey county on the 3d of July, of the same 
year, and located in what is now Otter 
Creek township. In September he re- 



turned to his New York home, where he 
spent the winter. In the spring of 1831 
he, together with his father's family, 
came to Illinois by the water route, 
landing at Eminence, from whence they 
proceeded by a hired team and wagon. 
His father died that fall. J. M. built a 
log cabin on the site of the present vil- 
lage of Otterville, but spent the most of 
his time in surveying until 1837. In 
1833 he was elected constable, and two 
years later justice of the peace. He 
was married January 26, 1836, to Lydia 
Noble, by whom he had eight children. 
From 1839 to 1847 he was the postmaster 
of Otterville. In the fall of the latter 
year was made probate judge of the 
county. After serving his term he per- 
sonally managed his farm until 1852, 
when he was elected sheriff, when he 
removed to Jersey ville, where he resided 
until 1873, when he removed to Nebraska, 
where he died. He was from 1844 to 
1859 in the mercantile business with C. 
M. Hamilton and Marcus E. Bagley, sell- 
ing out in the latter year. In Novem- 
ber, 1869, he was elected county judge, 
as above. 

Caleb Noble was born in Adams county. 
Miss., July 28, 1817, and is the son of 
Henry and Mary (Swayze) Noble. The 
father, wishing to move to a more north- 
ern climate, started for Illinois, and 
landed at Grafton on the 3d of April, 
1833. He settled on a farm which he 
purchased on section 10, in Otter Creek 
township, where he engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits, and where he died in 
July, 1852. His son Caleb, when ahoy, 
attended the schools of his native state. 
Robert A. King was the last county 
judge at the head of the administrative 
department of the county government. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



217 



In the fall of 1872, he was appointed by 
the governor to fill the vacancy caused 
by the resignation of Judge Hurd, and 
assumed his ofticial functions at the 
December term of court, with Caleb 
Noble and William A. Scott as associate 
justices. Under the new constitution of 
1870 the powers of the county judge 
were much curtailed, most of his busi- 
ness being restricted by that instrument 
"to all matters of probate; settlement of 
estates of deceased persons; appoint- 
ment of guardians and conservators, and 
settlement of their accounts; in all mat- 
ters relating to apprentices: and in pro- 
ceedings for the collection of taxes and 
assessments, etc." Under this docu- 
ment, in Novemlier, 1873, Judge King 
was duly elected to fill tlie office of 
county judge, and filled it most ably 
until 1882, when his term expired, he 
having been re-elected in 1877. 

Hon. W. H. Pogue, the present in- 
cunilient of the office of county judge, 
was elected at the November election of 
1882, and has made one of the best 
officials of this character that the county 
has had for many years. 

Hon. William H. Pogue, is a native 
of Philadelphia, Penn., born on the 
28d (if Dec, 1835, and a son of Joseph 
and Jane Knox (nee Cooper) Pogue, the 
former, a native of Ireland, who immi- 
gratc(l to America about 1812; and the 
latter a native of Philadelphia, and 
daughter of Hugh Cooper, an old mer- 
chant of that city. His father was for 
33 years, an active business man of 
Philadelphia, wliile his mother was a 
noted Sunday school worker; she and 
her sister, over 50 years ago, having 
estalilished a Sunday school where 
there is now an old and flourishing 



church. It was owing largely to her in- 
fluence that tlie subject of this sketch 
became interested in Sunday school 
work, he having held the positions of 
secretary of the Illinois State Sabbath 
school convention, president of the 
Jersey county Sabbath school conven- 
tion, and superintendent of a mission 
school in his own town. William re- 
ceived his early education in a private 
school in Philadelphia, under the in- 
struction of Samuel Crawford, a noted 
teacher of his day, but, later, removed 
with his father's family to Camden, N. 
J., and there attended school until the 
death of his father, which occurred in 
1848. He completed his studies at the 
Pennington Male Seminary, receiving 
an ordinary English education with a 
limited knowledge of Latin and German. 
After closing his studies, being still 
young, he was placed in the store of 
James R. Webb, of Philadelphia, but 
after a short time took a position in the 
store of Horatio Litzenberg, of Lower 
Merion. He afterwards went to live 
with Perry Litzenberg, of West Phila- 
delphia. In Feb., 1854, he removed to 
Illinois, where his father had invested 
large sums of money, in landed pro- 
perty. He first settled at Alton, and in 
January of the following year, began 
the study of law in the oflice of Hon. 
Edward Keating, of that jilaee. lie 
soon became private secretary of Mr. 
Keating, who was attorney-general of 
what is now the Chicago and Alton rail- 
road, and acquired a knowledge of bus- 
iness that has proved invaluable to him 
in his life-work. After the death of his 
employer, which occurred in 1857, Mr. 
Pogue began practicing his profession, 
being then about 20 years of age. In 



218 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



Sept., 1858, he was elected city attorney 
of Alton, and on the organization of 
Alton city court he became ex-officio the 
states attorney, thereof, and in the fol- 
lowing spring, by appointment of Judge 
Henry W. Billings, he became master 
in chancery of the Alton city court, a 
position to which he was re-appointed 
in April, 1861. In Jan., 1862, he re- 
moved to Jerseyville and formed a 
partnership with Hon. George E. War- 
ren, his father-in-law, and began prac- 
tice under the firm name of Warren & 
Pogue. The business of this firm 
rapidly increased and soon became one 
of the largest in the county. In 1872, 
he was appointed by Governor Palmer, 
state's attorney, for thefirstjudicial dis- 
trict of Illinois, in place of Hon. Wm. 
Brown, who had resigned, and was also 
appointed state's attorney of Jersey 
county, by Judge J. M. Hard, county 
judge, under the new law conferring 
criminal jurisdiction upon county courts 
in Illinois. In the fall of 1882 he was 
elected countyjudge, which office he has 
since held. In Dec, 1860, he was 
married to Mary A. Warren, of Jersey 
county. They are the parents of four 
children — Harry W., Edmund D. W., 
Hattie and George Dudley. Judge 
Pogue is a member of the board of edu- 
cation, and was its president for two 
years. In politics he is a democrat. 

COUNTY CLKEK. 

This office is one of the most import- 
ant in the government of the county. In 
early days it was officially known as 
the clerk of the county commissioners' 
court. The first regular incumbent of 
this office was Richard Graham, who 
was duly elected at the first election 



after .the separation of the county from 
that of Greene, Mr. Graham not quali- 
fying at the first meeting of the county 
commissioners' court, R. L. Hill was 
appointed to fill the office, pro tem., 
but two weeks thereafter, on the 2Sth 
of Oct. 1839, Mr. Graham filed his bond, 
and assumed the duties of the office. 
He held this place for four years. 

Geoge W. Lowder was the successor 
of Mr. Graham in the office, serving the 
people from 1843 to 1857, or 14 years, 
being re-elected at every successive 
election by an appreciative constituency. 

In the fall of 1857, Andrew Jackson 
became the successor of Mr. Lowder in 
the office of county clerk, and retained 
the same for 12 years. 

At the regular election in Nov., 1869, 
Thomas J. Selby was duly elected to 
the office of county clerk, and entering 
upon the functions devolving on that 
officer, soon won for himself a place in 
the regards of the people, and was 
re-elected his own successor in 1873, 
and served the people, in this capacity, 
for eight years. 

Thomas J. Selby was born in Dela- 
ware county, 0., Dec. 4, 1840, and is 
the son of G. H. Selby, a native of Vir- 
ginia, of English descent. His mother 
was of Dutch origin, but a native of 
New Jersey. Both his parents have 
been called to their last account. The 
father was a stone cutter by trade and 
removed to Illinois in June, 1849, and 
settled in Crawford county, and in 1860 
the family came to Jersey county. 
There were four children in the family 
—I. N. a member of the 97th 111. Inft., 
died while in the service, in Jan., 1862; 
Mrs. Frances Dixon, who died in 1888; 
Mrs. Allan, a teacher in Jerseyville; 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



219 



ami Thomas J. The hitter gentleman 
was united in marriage with Amanda 
Richardson, March 30, ISG'2, and they 
have been blessed with five children, 
one daughter and four sons, all living. 
Mr. Selby followed teaching from the 
age of 16 until 1864, when he was 
elected to the office of sheriff of Jersey 
county, and served as such one term of 
two years. In 1866, he purchased the 
Jersey county Democmt and run it until 
1870, when he sold out to Wheelock & 
Burr. He was elected county clerk as 
al>ove stated. He also served three 
terms as mayor of Jerseyville. Mr. 
Selby was admitted to the bar in 1869, 
but did not commence the practice of 
law in Jerseyville until 1876, in connec- 
tion with E. A. Pinero. In 1879, he 
removed to Nebraska, where he en- 
gaged in the practice of law. He made 
some unfortunate investments in sheep- 
raising, which financially embarrassed 
him for the time. He is now a practic- 
ing attorney at Hardin, Calhoun county. 
He has always been prominently iden- 
tified with the democratic party. 

James Eads, the present county clerk 
of Jersey county, was first elected to 
this office, in Nov., 1877, and has served 
continuously ever since. 

James Eads, who is now serving his 
second term as county clerk, was born 
in St. Louis, Mo., April 25, 1846, he 
being the older of the two sons of James 
A. and Caltha (Burke) Eads. When he 
was three years of age, the family re- 
moved to Jersey county. 111, and since 
that time, the suliject of our sketch has 
been a resident of the same. He was 
educated in the common schools, and at 
an early age assisted his father, who was 
a merchant at Fieldon. When he was 



only 16 years of age, he quit the school- 
room on account of his father's poor 
health, and took charge of the store and 
continued in business with nis father 
until 1873. From 1868 to 1873, he dealt 
in grain. In 1873 he removed to Jersey- 
ville, and served as chief deputy in the 
office of county clerk, T. J. Selby, and 
in Dec, 1877, succeeded Mr. Selb}^ and 
was re-elected in 1882. Mr. Eads is a 
democrat in politics, as was his father 
before him. He is a Mason, belonging 
to blue lodge, chapter and comniandery; 
a member of the subordinate lodge and 
encampment of the I. 0. 0. F.; a mem- 
ber of the K. P. society, and the K. of 
H. He was married on the 2d day of 
April, 1874, to Virginia E. Crosby, 
daughter of George W. Crosby, and two 
children have been born to them — James 
B. and Emma F. Mr. Eads, besides 
attending to the duties of his offices, 
also, in connection with his brother, 
deals in real estate, and loans money. 
He is a gentleman who is easily ap- 
proached, always attending to the duties 
oT his office, and ever ready to be of ser- 
vice to his fellowman. 

William Eads, younger son of James 
A., and Caltha A. (Burke) Eads, was 
born in Richwood township, Jersey 
county. 111., Dec. 14, 1850. In early 
life, he attended school during the win- 
ter seasons, and the remainder of the 
year, assisted his father in the store. 
The winter of 1869 he spent in attend- 
ing school in Jacksonville. In the fall 
of 1871, he went to Calhoun county, and, 
in partnership with E. P. Lowe, en- 
gaged in general mercantile business at 
Batchtown, the firm being, Eads, Lowe 
& Co. In the fall of the following year 
he returned to Fieldon, and assisted his 



220 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



father in business, until the death of 
the latter, which occurred in Jan., 1874. 
He then continued the business with 
his brother, for two years, under the 
firm styled "Eads & Bro." William 
then, in Jan., 1876, having sold out his 
former business, came to Jerseyville, 
and clerked in the office of county clerk 
T. J. Selby, until Feb., 1877. At that 
date he went to Kane, Greene county, 
wliere, with his brother, he established 
a dry goods business. Five months 
later, tliey sold out, and William re- 
turned to Jerseyville, again entering 
the employ of T. J. Selby, whom he 
served till Dec, 1877. Since that time 
he has served as deputy county clerk, 
under his brother. Mr. Eads was mar- 
ried in Montgomery county. 111., to 
Elizabeth J. Thomas, second daughter 
of Samuel and Mary E. Thomas. Mr. 
and Mrs. Eads have three children — 
Caltba T., Mary D. and Lenna B. Mr. 
Eads is a democrat in politics, and a 
member of Fieldon lodge. No. 592, of 
A. F. & A. M., also of the Jerseyville 
chapter, No. 140, of R. A. M. 

CLEHK OF T}IE CIRCUIT COl'RT. 

The first to occupy tliis onerous office 
was Robert L. Hill, who was duly ap- 
pointed by Judge Thomas, at the organ- 
ization of the county, in 1839, and being 
successively elected his own successor, 
served until 1849, a service of 10 years. 
Robert L. Hill was a native of Todd 
county, Ky., and was born during the 
year 1797. He was reared and educated 
in the plaje of his nativity, where he 
was also married to Maria Tonstall. 
They were the parents of six children — 
Martin L., Mary A. C, M. Ellen, Juliet 
A., Robert T., and Oscar. But three of 



these are now living— Mary, in Nebraska; 
Ellen, in Kentucky; and Oscar, in Jer- 
seyville. Mr. Hill removed to what was 
then Jersey county from Kentucky, and 
on the organization of the county was 
made circuit clerk, as above stated. His 
death occurred in 1863, while a resident 
of Jerseyville. 

In the latter part of 1849 Mr. Hill was 
succeeded by Thomas L. McGill, who 
also remained in this official capacity for 
a number of years, serving for 11 
years, or until the fall of 1860. Mr. Mc- 
Gill came to Jersey county about the 
year 1840, from St. Louis, Mo., and set- 
tled in what is now Piasa township. He 
has, since the expiration of his term of 
office, died. 

Marcus E. Bagley was the next incum- 
bent of the office of clerk of the circuit 
court, being elected thereto in 1860, and 
served for twenty years. Marcus Bag- 
ley was born August 18, 1828, in Greene 
county, N. Y., and is the son of Thomas 
and Mary Bagley. In the fall of 1850 
he came to Jerseyville, and soon engaged 
in mercantile pursuits in company with 
A. W. Howe, in which he remained sev- 
eral years. February 16, 1860, he was 
married to Mrs. Hattie M. Harriman, 
nee Page. In the fall of 1S60 he was 
elected, as above. He was the first 
mayor of Jerseyville and master in 
chancery many years. He is now en- 
gaged in the banking business. 

At the regular election of November, 
1880, Jesse I. McGready, the present 
clerk of the circuit court of Jersey 
county, was duly elected to that office, 
by a majority of 390, and the following 
1st of January he entered upon the 
duties of the office, and still serves the 
county in that capacity. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



221 



Jesse I. McGready was born in Wash- 
ington, Mo., Jan. 10, 1847. He is a 
son of John and Isabella (Mcllvaine) 
McGready, the former a native of Ten- 
nessee, and the latter, of Kentucky. 
John McGready settled in Missouri 
when a young man, and engaged in 
farming and lead mining. He resided 
in that state until his death. Jesse I. 
McGready is the youngest of eight chil- 
dren, only three of whom are now liv- 
ing. His early life was spent on the 
farm. At the age of sixteen years he 
entered McKendree College, at Lebanon, 
111., where he attended one year. He 
then learned the art of printing, first 
working in the office of the St. Louis 
licjuib/icaii, and afterwards at Carlin- 
ville, from whence, in 1870, he came to 
Jerseyville. Here he became associated 
with J. A. J. Birdsall, formerly of the 
Macoupin Times, and purchased the Jer- 
sey County Democrat. In 1871 Mr. 
McGready became sole proprietor, and 
continued editor and proprietor until 
1880. At that date he was elected cir- 
cuit clerk, and in 1884 re-elected to the 
same office, in which he is now serving 
his second term. He was elected mayor 
of Jerseyville in 1879, and served four 
terms. He is a member of the I. 0. O. 
F., both subordinate lodge and encamp- 
ment; also of the K. P. society. Mr. 
McGready is a faithful and efficient 
officer, and liis continued re-election to 
places of public trust is abundant testi- 
mony of the respect and esteem with 
which he is regarded by his fellow 
citizens. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

At the first election held after the or- 
ganization of the county, among the 
first officers elected was John R. Black, 



who entered, at once, upon the duties 
of his office, and served for four years. 

Col. John R. Black was a native of 
Lancaster county, Penn., was born April 
ly, 1797, and was the son of James and 
Mary A. Black, who were of Irish 
descent. John R. attended school in 
Tennessee, his parents having removed 
to that state when he was but six years 
of age. In 1815 John R. came to Illi- 
nois, locating upon the American Bot- 
tom, but five years later came to Jersey 
county, settling in what is now Missis- 
sippi township. He was married here, 
April 23, 1883, to Malinda Darneille, 
and they had four children. He was a 
volunteer during the war of 1812-15, 
and also of the Black Hawk war. He 
died in 1880. 

In 1843, C. Easell was inducted into 
this very responsible office, having been 
elected at the regular election of that 
year. He served four years. 

Solomon Calhoun was the next in- 
cumbent of this office, being elected to 
the same in the fall of 1847, and served 
until December, 1857. 

Solomon Callioun was born in Lyman, 
Grafton county, N. H., Nov. the 25th, 
1795, and was married to Rhoda Walker. 
In 1823 he moved to Bridgeport, Addison 
county, Vt., and from thence to Illinois 
in 1833, and settled on a farm near Jer- 
seyville, where he continued to reside 
till his death, Dec. the 25th, 1869. His 
wife survived him 13 years. There 
were five children. — James W. resides 
at Jerseyville. Hannah W. married 
William Post; she died in May, 1884. 
Caleb C. died at the age of 37 years. 
A<lrastus resides in Jersey county. 
Benjamin F. resides on the homestead. 
Mr. Calhoun was a devoted member of 



222 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



tlie Masonic order, being made a Mason 
at Batli, N. H., when 21 years of age. 
He was a charter member of Jersey ville 
Lodge, No. 394, A. F. & A. M. He was 
strictly honorable in all his dealings and 
had a large circle of admiring friends. 
Politically he was a whig and afterwards 
a republican. He was one of the first 
county commissioners, and for 16 years 
assessor of Jersey county. 

John F. Smith was the next incum- 
bent of this office, having been elected 
to the same in the fall of 1857, and in 
December entered ujion his official du- 
ties. He was re-elected in 1859, thus 
serving at this time four years as county 
treasurer. 

John F. Smith was a native of South 
Carolina, born April 7, 1811. He came 
to Jersey county in 1848 or '49, and en- 
tered upon the business of cultivating a 
farm which he acquired. He was mar- 
ried to Sarah McGuire, previous to 
his coming here, and three of the four 
children by this marriage are still liv- 
ing — Mary, Martha and James Knox. 
He died Feb. 25, 1877; his widow still 
survives, living in St. Louis. He was 
elected and served as treasurer as above 
stated. Mr. Smith was a leading mem- 
ber of the M. E. church. 

John E. Van Pelt, now a prominent 
citizen of Cook county, succeeded Mr. 
Smith as treasurer, being first elected 
in 1861, and again in 1863, serving the 
people for four years in the office. 

John F. Smith, having, when in office, 
pleased the people, was again elected 
to this position in 1865, was re-elected 
in 1867, and again in 1869, serving this 
time six years, with credit to himself 
and honor to the people of the county. 

James M. Young, was the next to fill 



the office of treasurer. His election 
took place in 1871, and, proving his 
worth and adaption to the office, he was 
re-elected in 1873, serving the full four 
years. 

James M. Young, a prominent citizen 
of Jersey county, was born in Ruther- 
ford county, N. C, Dec. 16, 1828. He 
was the eldest of the seven children of 
Martin and Deborah Young, who were 
of French and German descent. In 
1835 Martin Young removed with his 
family to ]\IcDonough county, 111., locat- 
ing on a farm near Blandinsville, where 
they remained till 1845. They then 
moved to the state of Georgia. After 
the war broke out, Mr. Young moved 
his family to Jersey county. He died at 
the residence of his son, James M., in 
the fall of 1865, and the following spring 
his widow and children returned to 
Georgia. James M. Young attended 
the common schools of McDonough 
county, and at the age of 16 went to 
Wisconsin and worked in the lead mines 
about four years. On Nov. 13, 1848, he 
came to Jersey county, and, for a few 
years, followed boating and rafting on 
the Illinois river. Oct. 15, 1851, Mr. 
Young was married to Lucretia Nott, 
daughter of S. B. Nott, of Jersey coun- 
ty. They have had seven children, five 
of whom are now living. For a few 
years after his marriage, Mr. Young 
followed farming in this county. He 
served as justice of the peace two years, 
and also two years as constable of Rich- 
woods township. He was appointed 
postmaster at Fieldon, September 18, 
1868, and held that office three years, 
being constable at the same time. In 
the fall of 1871 he was elected assessor 
and treasurer of Jersey county, and in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



223 



the spring of 1872 removed to Jersey 
ville. In 1873 he was re-elected to the 
same office, thus serving four years. In 
the fall of 1S7(! he was elected shcrifit', 
and re-elected in the year 1878, and 
served as such for four years. In 
1880 he rented the National hotel, and 
run the same two years. In June, 1883, 
he removed to southern Kansas, there 
acting as agent for a patent machine for 
the manufacture of fencing. He re- 
turned to Jerseyville in February, 1885, 
shortly before the death of his wife, who 
for some time had been in feeble health. 
She died Feb. 12, 1885. Mr. Young is 
a member of the A. F. and A. M., also 
of the subordinate encampment of I. 
O. 0. F. and the Knights of Pythias. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Younjj 
are — Luella, wife of C. A. Sullard, of 
Kansas City, Mo.; Hattie, wife of Fred 
Armstrong, of Jerseyville; Luther, who 
is a printer by trade and resides in 
Springfield, Mo.; Susan and Antonia, 
who reside with their father, in Jersey- 
ville. 

At the regular November election of 
1875, John P. Stuut was elected to the 
office of treasurer, and he entering upon 
the duties of the same, continued in the 
office two years. 

Thomas O'Donnell, in 1877, was 
elected to the office of county treasurer, 
and tilling that office to the satisfaction 
of the jjoople, was re-elected in 1879. 
He did not enter upon the duties of the 
office, however, as he was cut off by 
death. Thanksgiving day, lS7it. 

On the death of Mr. O'Donnell an 
election was held on the 20th of Jan., 
1880, which resulted in the election of 
John A. Shepharil, who was re-elected 
in 1882, and is the present county treas- 



urer of Jersey. Mr. Shephard is men- 
tioned at length in the history of Jer- 
seyville, in connection with the hanking 
interests. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

Under the earlier constitutions, the 
office of recorder was a sejiarate one 
from that of circuit clerk. At the 
organization of the county George II. 
Jackson, Sr., was chosen to fill the 
office for the first time in Jersey county. 
He entered upon the office in the fall of 
1839, and continued therein four j'ears. 

George Hunter Jackson, deceased, 
formerly one of Jersey ville's most use- 
ful and highly esteemed citizens, was 
born in Philadeljdiia, Pa., Oct. 15, 1813. 
His father, Andrew Jackson, was also 
a native of Philadelphia, and one of 
its honored citizens. He was appointed, 
by President Washington, an officer in 
the custom house of that city, where he 
remained till 1^37. In IS.'iS, he came 
to Jersey county, and died here in 1850. 
Mary (Servoss) Jackson, mother of the 
subject of this sketch, was born in New 
Jersey, and was the grand daughter of 
Samuel Fleming, the founder of Flem- 
ington, in that state. George H. re- 
ceived the ru<linients of his education 
in the common schools of Philadelphia, 
and subse(iuently completed a course at 
the American Scientific and Military 
Academy, of Middleton, Conn. He 
moved to Illinois in 1833, and located 
on land adjacent to the present site of 
Jerseyville. Here he engaged in farm- 
ing, which occupation he followed the 
greater portion of the time until his 
death, which took place May 20, 1884. 
In Oct., 1839, upon the organization of 
the county, he was elected recorder, 
in which capacity he continued four 



224 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



years. In 1866, he was appointed post- 
master of Jerseyville, and held that 
office two years. Soon after the incor- 
poration of the city of Jerseyville, in 
1S67, he was elected city clerk, and was 
re-elected to the same office, in 1874. 
During the latter years of his life, he 
devoted his spare time to investigating 
and making abstracts of the land titles 
of Jersey county, compiling a Vork of 
incalculable value to the people of the 
county, as much vagueness and uncer- 
tainty had previously characterized the 
boundaries and titles to large portions 
of the land of that county. For this 
work Mr. Jackson was eminently quali- 
fied, by reason of his early settlement, 
long residence and large experience. 
Politically, he was an Andrew Jackson 
democrat, believing in the greatest 
good to the greatest number. He was 
a firm believer in the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity, as taught by the "sermon on 
the mount," and a member of the Pres- 
byterian church. He was married in 
March, 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
John Brown, who came to the territory 
of Illinois in 1802, and entered a con- 
siderable tract of land in Greene 
county. He accumulated much wealth 
and was, in later years, one of the influ- 
ential men of Jersey county, where he 
died April 24, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. 
Jackson reared 10 children, nine of 
whom are now living — Charles, who is 
an engineer and resides in Springfield; 
Emily, wife of J. S. Daniels; John, 
who resides in Kingman county, Kas., 
engaged in the real estate business; 
Mary, living at home; Katie, wife of 
W. W. Douglas, of Indianapolis, Ind.; 
Lizzie, Fannie and George H., at home. 
Mrs. Jackson lives in Jerseyville. 



Thomas L. McGill, was the next in- 
cumbent of the office, having been 
elected to the same in August, 1843, and 
held the same until the adoption of the 
constitution of 1848, caused the blend- 
ing of the offices of clerk of the circuit 
court and recorder into one, under the 
name and title of the former. Mr. Mc- 
Gill for many years held the position 
of county clerk, and has been already 
noticed in that connection. 

SHERIFFS. 

The first to occupy the office of sher- 
ifi' of Jersey county was John N. Eng- 
lish, who was elected in 1839, and served 
in this capacity until the fall of 1842, 
when he stepped down and out. This 
eminent gentleman has been already 
noticed under the caption of members 
of the general assembly, in this chapter. 

Perley Silloway succeeded Mr. Eng- 
lish as sheriff, in the latter part of the 
year 1842, and was re-elected in 1844, 
thus serving four years. 

Jonathan Plowman was the next in- 
cumbent of the office, having been 
elected in 1846, re-elected in 1848, serv- 
ing four years. Mr. Plowman after- 
wards removed to Macoupin county, 
and represented this district in the gen- 
eral assembly, under which head may 
be found a mention of him. 

Murray Cheney was duly elected to 
the office of sheriff, at the general elec- 
tion in the fall of 1850, and served the 
people of Jersey county in this capac- 
ity for two years. 

Captain Murray Cheney was born in 
Addison county, Vt., Feb.' 28, 1809. He 
was reared in his native state, where he 
remained until he arrived at the age of 
24 years. He then started for Illinois, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



225 



making the journey by canal to the city 
of Bufialo, thence to Pittsburg, and via 
the river to Illinois. This was during 
the long to be remembered "cholera 
year," and some of his fellow passen- 
gers sickened and died while on the 
passage down the Ohio river. Mr. 
Cheney was intending to remain on the 
boat until it reached St. Louis, but on 
account of the cholera landed at Shaw- 
ueetownj and proceeded on foot to 
Alton, thence to Jersey county. He 
had no objective point in view, but had 
simply started in search of a favorable 
location in Illinois. On arriving at the 
site of the present city of Jerseyville, 
he located land and remained here one 
year, after which he returned to Ver- 
niont, where he was married to Caroline 
Pickett, who was born in Addison 
county. Her parents had just removed 
to Chatauqua county, N. Y., and in 
that county Mr. Cheney remained for a 
short time. In 1836 he again came to 
Jersey county, making the journey 
with wagons. Mr. Cheney continued 
to reside in Jersey county till 1856, and 
during that period, held numerous 
offices, among whicii were those of con- 
stable, deputy sheriff" and sheriff. At 
an early day he organized a nulitia 
company, of which he was elected cap- 
tain. Their arms were the olii Hint- 
lock nmskets, and were furnished by the 
state. The "training days" are well 
remembered by the older inhabitants, 
and the "muster" was an event looked 
for as anxiously as the fair of the pres- 
ent day. It constituted, for many years, 
the amusement of the pet)ple, and was 
a semi-holiday. Capt. Cheney was 
elected major of the regiment to which 
his company belonged. He moved to 



Sangamon county in 1856. He, at that 
time, owned land nearVirden, in Macou- 
pin county, where he followed farming 
for a time, after which he removed to 
the village of Virden, where he still 
resides, having retired from active busi- 
ness, Mr. and Mrs. Cheney reared a 
family of eight children — Prentiss D.; 
Gilead P., who resides at Denver, Col.; 
Byron M., living in Scott county, 111.; 
Mary, wife of George W. Cox, of Vir- 
den; Charles H., living in Burlington, 
la.; Martha S.,wife of Oliver S. Greene, 
of Jacksonville, 111.; John G., living in 
Christian county, and William, who 
lives upon his father's farm in Sanga- 
mon county. Mr. Cheney was formerly 
a whig in politics, but now votes with 
the republican party. He is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity. 

In 1852 J'ay M. Hurd was elected and 
entered upon the duties of this office. 
He remained in it a term of two years. 
Mr. Hurd having served, also, in the 
office of county judge, he is mentioned 
in connection with that office. 

In 1854, ex-sherifl" Jonathan Plowman 
was again elected to this office, and 
transacted the business of the same for 
one term. He was succeeded in 1856 
by Benjamin Wedding, who, also, oc- 
cupied the office for two years. 

Benjamin Wedding, son of James H. 
and Nancy Wedding, was born April 
14, 1826, in Scioto county, Ohio. He 
came with the family to what is now 
Jersey county in 1834, and here spent 
his early life and obtained his educa- 
tion. At the age of 20 years, he began 
teaching school, which occupation he 
followed during the winter seasons for 
10 years, farming during the summers. 
In 1856 he was elected sherifl' of Jersey 



226 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



county by the whig party and removed 
to Jerseyville. He served one term. 
He joined the republican party at its 
organization and hasconsequentlj' since 
been on the minority side of poli- 
tics in this county. In 1864 he was ap- 
pointed revenue collector for Jersey 
and Calhoun counties, which office he 
held four years. He wa.s justice of the 
peace eight years, and mayor of Jersey- 
ville one year. He has carried on a real 
estate and loan business. Aug. 9, 1847, 
Mr. Wedding was married to Tabitha 
Johnson, then of Jersey county, but a 
native of Scioto county, Ohio. Twelve 
children were born to iheni, five of 
whom died in infancy. Those now 
living are — Barkley, James, Arabella, 
wife of R. H. Maltimore, Thomas, Phil, 
Harry and Heber. 

Charles H. Bowman was first elected 
to the office of sheriff of Jersey county 
in the fall of 1858, and occupied the 
same this term. 

Charles H. Bowman was born in Troy, 
N. Y., March 12, 1822, and was the third 
of a family of the six children of Elisha 
and Eunice Bowman. The elder Mr. 
Bowman with his family came to Jersey 
county, in 1836, landing here Sept. 27, 
of that year. He soon after settled 
upon a farm in Fidelity township. 
Charles H. was educated in his native 
city, and came to this county with his 
parents and engaged in farming until 
1858, when he was elected sheriff as 
above. He held the office several terms 
and died, while in this position, in Jan., 
1873. 

W. H. Cummings was the next occu- 
pant of the office, entering upon its 
duties in Dec, 1860, and continuing 
there in two years. 



Mr. Cummings was succeeded by 
Charles H. Bowman, in 1862. The lat- 
ter gentleman served two years, or until 
Dec,, 1864. 

T. J. Selby, in 1864, was duly elected 
to the office of sheriff of the county, 
and filled it for one term. Mr. Selby 
having occupied the position of county 
clerk for many years, he has been 
noticed in that connection in this 
chapter. 

Again in 1866, Charles H. Bowman 
was induced to enter the office of sheriff, 
and again served one term. He was 
followed by James Henry Belt, who 
was elected at the regular election of 
1868, and entering upon the duties of 
the office he filled it for two years. 

James H. Belt was born Feb. 22, 
1837, in Jersey county, and was the son 
of Horatio N. and Mary Jane Belt. He 
received his education in the common 
schools of this county, and when but 
about 16 years of age he became a mem- 
ber of the firm of Belt Bros. & Co. 
\¥hen about 25 years of age he was 
united in marriage with Helen M. 
Bramlett. In the fall of 1868 he was 
elected sheriff as above mentioned. 

Charles H. Bowman was again elected 
to this position in 1JS70, and re-elected 
in 1872, but dj'ing while an incumbent' 
of the office. At the fall election of 
1873, his son, Stephen H. Bowman, was 
elected by the people to fill the vacancy, 
until the expiration of the term, which 
he did very acceptably. 

In 1874 Augustus H. Barrett entered 
the office of sheriff, and filled it for one 
term. 

James M. Young was duly elected to 
the office of sheriff of Jersey county in 
1876, and filling it to the satisfaction of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



227 



the ]ieople, was re-cleetcd in 1878, 
serving, in all, four years. Mr. Young 
having occupied the office of county 
treasurer, a sketch of him is given in 
connection with that office. 

H. C. Massey served the people of 
this county as sheriff for two years, 
from Dec, 1880. Mr. Massey is one of 
the present members of the general 
assembly and is noticed under that cap- 
tion. 

C. S. Frost, the present sheriff of 
Jersey county, was first elected to the 
office in 18S2, and has filled the same 
to the credit of himself and honor of 
his friends, ever since. 

SURVEYORS. 

The following is believed to be a coni- 
pleti' list of tliose who have filled the 
office of surveyor of the county of Jer- 
sey. On account of the early records 
of the county being incomplete in some 
respects, an omission may occur, but it 
should not be laid to the historian, as 
every endeavor has been made to make 
it cover all the ground: James A. 
Potts, 1843-47; Job Collins, 1847-4!); 



James A. Potts, lS49-5:>; Lewis S. 
McNeil, 185;^-o7; H. M. Chase, 1857-59; 
Josiah H. White, 1869-61; George I. 
Foster, 1861-71; W. L. West, 1871-75; 
(ieorge I. Foster, 1875-79; and D. J. 
Murphy, elected in 1879, and the pres- 
ent incumbent. 

CORONEHS. 

The following is a complete list of 
the various gentlemen who have filled 
the office of coroner of Jersey county, 
from the date of its organization to the 
present time, together with the dates of 
their service: N. R. Lurton was first 
elected, in 1839, and served one 3'ear; 
Aaron Rue, 1840-12; John Brittoii, 
1842-46; George Hoffman, 1846-48; Wil- 
liam Loy, 1848-54; Benjamin \\'edding, 
l,S54-56; Felix Virncy, 1856-58; Lewis 
Johnson, 1.S58-62; James L. Beirne, 
1862-64; F. W. Bcstcrfeldt, 1864-66; 
Lewis Johnson, 18(i(;-68; Sidney Noble, 
1868-70; E. L. Harriott, 1870-74; Wes- 
ley Park, 1874-76; John S. Williams, 
1876-88; Caleb DuHadway, 1S80-84; and 
E. L. H. Barry, the present incumbent 
of the office, was elected in Nov., 1884. 



aHAF»T:"K.R XV. 



Schools, of some sort, were estab- 
lished many years ago; but the eye of 
history has furnished no lens sufficiently 
powerful to enable us to determine when 
or where the first one was located. It 
appears like a fixed star, which is lost in 



EDUCATIONAL. 

from our vision in the vista of distance. 
Schools of astronomy were in operation 
in Babylon over o,;!CK) years B. C. An 
academy of scribes and philosophers 
was an existing institution in China a 
thousand years later. Schools of archi- 



the nebula- of mythology, and obscured ' tocture, astronomy and magic were in 



228 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



operation in the time of Moses, among 
the Egyptians, and he was educated 
therein. Schools of philosophy flour- 
ished in .Judea 2,(X)0 years B. C. The 
schools of Greece date back to the siege 
of Troy. The first Roman school was a 
military academy, established ()67 years 
B. C. How these schools were con- 
ducted, we have but little means of 
knowing. In many countries they were 
state institutions for the benefit of the 
royal court. The magic wise men, sooth- 
sayers and prophets of those ancient 
countries were not ignoramuses, es- 
pecially gifted, as many suppose, but 
were educated men — learned in the 
knowledge of their age — so as to fit 
them for roj^al counsellors. Most of 
these schools were kept secret from the 
masses, and as much mystery and won- 
der were thrown around their inmates 
as possible. These were seats of the 
oracles, and court prophets, without 
whose sanction kings rarely commenced 
or prosecuted any great enterprise. In 
the more republican nations, teachers 
gathered their students in groves, mar- 
ket places, temples, porches, or by the 
sea, and taught them by conversational 
lectures. Book were unknown. The 
art of printing slumbered in the then 
distant future. Even letters had not 
been born out of hieroglyphic charac- 
ters. Education was confined to the 
royal retinue. The masses were igno- 
rant, and purposely kept so, in order to 
insure subordination. It was realized 
many years ago that ignorance only 
would demand and submit to des- 
potism. 

After the discoveries of Galileo, edu- 
cation made rapid strides toward popu- 
larization. He, being repudiated and 



persecuted by the royal authorities, be- 
came the people's educator; and the 
progressive ideas by him promulgated, 
caused America and the Pacific isles to 
be discovered and settled — brought forth 
the art of printing, unfolded the pro- 
testant religion, and infused a general 
spirit of research throughout Europe. 
After this the graded system began to 
be introduced into academies and col- 
leges; but the common schools received 
but little benefit therefrom until within 
the last half century, when Prussia took 
the lead in the enterprise. A committee 
appointed by the crown reported tliat "it 
was advisable to educate all classes, for 
the encouragement of piety and religion, 
in order to lessen the police force of the 
nation." Public schools were accord- 
ingly established for all classes. The 
common people flocked in, and it became 
necessary to erect new and more com- 
modious buildings, and to provide an 
increased number of teachers. To meet 
this demand the graded system was 
adopted. It was found that where one 
teacher had but one grade of pupils, he 
could give instruction to about twice the 
usual number — be more thorough, and 
advance them much faster than by the 
ungraded method. 

The pioneer school houses of Jersey 
county, as was common in all new 
countries, were built of logs, and in 
some cases yet stand rough cradles of 
learning that many distinguished men 
recall in the glamour that memory 
throws around their boyhood's days, as 
their only alma mater. These days are 
past and gone, and now, on every hill- 
top, the white frame school house rears 
itself, inviting the reluctant youth to 
follow the road to knowledge. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



229 



COMMISSIONERS OF SCHOOL LANDS. 

When the county of Jersey was organ- 
ized, in 1839, the office of superintend- 
ent of schools had not been, as yet, 
created. The only officer connected 
with the schools, under the constitution 
of 1818, was the commissioner of the 
school lands, who had charge of the 
funds arising from the sale of the six- 
teenth sections, donated in eacli con- 
gressional township for educational pur- 
poses. This officer was appointed by 
the countj' commissioners' court, who 
were empowered to fix tlie compensation 
of the same. Many of these men in all 
tlie early communities were unfit for 
the position, and upon the records of 
Jersey county is spread the following 
unique preamble and resolution, which 
is here given with names and dates left 
out, as it is not necessary for historic 
accuracy that they should be given; 
suffice it to say, that it is at a term of 
court in the early "forties:" 

"Whereas, an order was made at the 
June term, 18 — , declaring the office of 
school commissioner and agent for the 
inhabitants of Jersey county, vacant by 

the removal of for neglect 

of duty and incompetency; and whereas, 
the court was not aware of tlie existence 
of the law passed last winter, making 
said offices elective by the people, on 
the first Monday in August next; and, 
whereas, in consequence of the exist- 
ence of said law, the court could not 
get a suitable and competent person to 
accept the appointment of said office for 
so short a time; therefore it is 

"Ordered, that said order is hereby 

rescinded, and said is to 

all intents and purposes re-instated in 
and to said office, for the reason above 



mentioned. But, be it known, that 
nothing has occurred to change or alter 
the minds of this court relative to the 
causes of removal." 

The first to occupy this office was Jo- 
seph Crabb, who was appointed by the 
county commissioners' court Oct. 14, 
1839, and held it for about a year. He 
was succeeded by George Pegues. By 
some change in the law this was altered 
from an appointive to an elective one, 
and this gentleman was elected, but re- 
signed it September of that same j'ear, 
and James Harridtt was appointed in his 
place. In 1843 he was re-elected with- 
out any opposition, and again in 1845 
and 1847, holding the office for eight 
years. 

Rev. B. B. Hamilton was the next to 
fill the office, being elected thereto in 
the fall of 1847, but only served one 
year. Mr. Hamilton is a resident and 
present postmaster of the town of White 
Hall, Greene county, in the annals of 
which town may be found his sketch. 

In the fall of 1848 Hiram Bridges wns 
elected to fill this office, and held it for 
nine years, being re-elected in 18")5. 

Henry H. Howard, a prominent attor- 
ney of the county, was elected to this 
office in 1857 and acceptably filled it for 
two years. 

In 18.58 the law governing school mat- 
ters was railically changed, among the 
improvements being the abolishment of 
the office of school commissioner, and 
the establishment of the office of 

SI'PKRINTEXDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

This officer was rc(iuircd to examine 
applicants for teachers' certificates, and 
to issue said certificates to such as were 
qualified; to visit and inspect the schools 



230 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



in the county, periodically; to examine 
the plans for any new school buildings 
and modify the same when necessary; 
to hold meetings of the presidents of 
school districts, and make a report to 
the state superintendent. 

W. J. Herdman was the first to fill 
this new position, being elected thereto 
in the fall of 1859, and held the same 
for nine years, being elected hi.s own 
successor several times. 

C. II. Knapji, was the next incumbent 
of the office, being elected at the regular 
election of 1867, and served the peojile 
in that capacity for six years. 

W. H. Lynn was elected to the office 
of county superintendent of schools of 
Jersey county in the fall of 1873, and 
was re-elected in 1875, serving four 
years. 

M'illiam H. Lynn was born in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1836, his parents 
Vicing Samuel and Frances W. (Wilson) 
Lynn. His early life was spent in 
Kentucky, where he received an aca- 
demic education. In 1857, he, with his 
parents came to Illinois, and served as 
a clerk one year in Carrollton. He then 
gave his attention to teaching, and was 
afterwards elected county superintend- 
ent of schools, and served as such four 
years. Politically, he is a democrat. 

Lott Pennington, the present incum- 
bent of the office, was first elected in 
1877, and has filled it ever since, being 
elected regularly his own successor, on 
the expiration of his term of office. 

Lott Pennington, county superintend- 
ent of schools, is a native of New Jer- 
sey, born July 22, 1842. He is a son of 
James and Elizaljeth (Richards) Penn- 
ington, the former, a native of New Jer- 
sey, the latter born in ^\'ales, but brought 



to this country in infancy. James Penn- 
ington was a farmer, and Lott was reared 
to agricultural pursuits. In 1857 he 
came to Illinois, and stopped first at 
Bunker Hill. He came soon after, to 
Jerseyville. In 1860, he entered Mount 
Morris Seminary, and continued a stu- 
dent there, three years. He then fol- 
lowed teaching during the winter, and 
farming during the summer seasons, in 
the vicinity of Jerseyville. In the fall 
of 1S77, he was elected county superin- 
tendent, and was re-elected in 1882. He 
is well qualified for this responsible 
position, and his popularity is well at- 
tested by his re-election to the same. In 
Nov., 1863, Mr. Pennington was married 
to Rebecca Rue, a daughter of George 
S. and Ellen Rue. They have six 
children — George, Herbert, Birdie, Jes- 
se, Frank and Edith. 

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPEMENT. 

In the pioneer days in Jersey county, 
in conmion with all new coiuitries, good 
schools were like "angels' visits — few 
and far between;" and it was consiil- 
ered very fortunate, indeed, if any 
opportunity was offered for obtaining 
even the rudiments of a common school 
education. Some of the scattered set- 
tlements could not afford to employ a 
teacher, and were therefore compelled 
to do without, or send their children 
across the prairie or through the timl)er 
to some mora fortunate settlement, 
where a school waS' in operation. Many 
instances are mentioned where children 
have been sent a distance of from three 
to six miles, walking the entire way 
morning and evening of each day, that 
they might avail themselves of the 
chance of acquiring knowledge, and 
thus fitting themselves for life's duties. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



231 



How differi'iit now ! In every town- 
ship there are several schools in success- 
ful operation; competent teachers are 
employed, many of whom have spent 
years in fitting themselves for their voca- 
tion, and every convenience afforded for 
the education of the rising generation. 
In those earl}' days a log cabin or shanty, 
probably 10x12 feet in size, was erected 
on some of the old settlers' land. Fre- 
quently these huts had but one window, 
a small doorway cut through the logs at 
the most convenient place, while the 
furniture consisted of slab seats for the 
scholars and a three-legged stool and a 
hazel or hickory rod for the teacher. 
As for books, but few were needed — the 
less the better, as the teacher could get 
along the more readily. 

The school statistics of the county are 
a profitable study, and many items here 
presented will show more conclusively 
and accurately the standing of the county 
in this respect. 

From the last report of the county 
superintendent, Lott Pennington, for the 
year ending June 30, 1884, a number of 
items have been compiled, which will 
best show, in tabulated form, the pres- 
ent condition of educational matter in 
Jersey county. 

Xuniber of males in tliecoimty between 

the ages of (i ami 21 2,(>(i2 

Xumber of ftMiiales 2,3'.)1 

Number of districts ni the county lil 

X\imber of graded scliools S 

Xumber of ungraded schools (U 

Xumber of male teachers emjiloyed 42 

Xumber of female teachers emi)loy.ed.. . .">(> 
Xumber of males enrolled in graded 

schools 7:1(1 

Xumber of females (142 

Xumber of males enrolled in ungraded 

schools I,;i!l4 

Xumber of females 1,255 



Whole number enrolled 4,027 

Xumber of brick school houses 7 

Xumber of frame school houses >;■> 

X'umber of school houses bvult during 

the year 

Xumber of districts having libraries :', 

Xumber of volumes in same riiio 

Average monthly wages paid male 

teachers .•:< .5:1.7s 

Average for female teacl^ers 42.25 

Amount of district tax levy for 

schools 3:J.2i«>.;{S 

Estimated value of school property I;j2,0>s5.0{) 
Estimated value of school libraries .5;!4.(i5 
Estinuited value of school apparatus ],82(;.0() 
Xumber of iirst grade teachers" certifi- 
cates issued ]5 

Xiunl)er of second grade 4.s 

Xund)er teachers' certificates to males 2!i 

Xumber to females :14 

Xumber of male applicants rejected. ... .1 
X'umber of female applicants rejected . . 5 
First grade certificates renewed during 

the year n 

Second grade certificates lo 

riXAXCIAL ST.VTISTICS. 

As to the financial condition in .school mat- 
ters, below is jjresented the account of tlie 
various township treasiu'ers with the school 
districts, for the >ear ending June :J0, 1S84. 

RECKIPTS. 

Balance on hand June :W. \sx-2 .^l5,(;(J4.!iK 

From distribution of trustees (i,724.!i2 

Special district taxes receive<l :>:!,74;i.SK 

From loans paid in :i72.47 

Tuition fees 528.75 

From sale of school property 41.00 

From district bonds for building — ],2!)5.()0 

From treasurers of other townshiiis 1, 14:10:! 

Fees of transferred pui)ils (12.72 

Total .S5!),.57(;.75 

EXPKNDITl'KES. 

Amount paid to male teachers in 
graded schools * 4,!i7ii.l(i 

.Vmoiuitpaid to male teachers in un- 
graded schools 8,074.112 

Amount paid to female teachers in 
graded schools 5,:i:li.'j5 



15 



232 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Amount paid female teachers in un- 
graded schools S.40S.no 

Paid for new school houses, built or 

purchased 2,2I6.;;4 

Paid for school house sites and 

grounds 88.50 

Paid for repairs and improvements. 1,509.90 

Paid for school furniture 1,719.79 

Paid for school apparatus , 32.95 

Paid for fuel and incidental expenses 4,2(j0.54 



.Vmount paid clerks of dist. boards. 120.10 
Amount of interest paid on district 

bonds 443.15 

Amount paid of principal of district 

bonds 400.00 

Paid tuiton of pupils transferrer. . . 94.18 
Amount paid treasurers of other 

township 1,218.00 

Total $20,252.09 



OHAPI^EIR XI. 



THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 



The institution of slavery was always 
a source of trouble between the free and 
slave-holding states. The latter were 
always troubled with the thought that 
the former would encroach upon their 
rights, and nothing could be done to 
shake this belief. Compromise meas- 
ures from time to time were a doptedto 
settle the vexed question of slavery, but 
the fears of the slave-holders were only 
allayed for a short time. Threats of 
secession were often made by the slave- 
holding states, but as soon as measures 
of a conciliatory character were passed, 
no attempt was made to carry their 
threats into execution. Finally came 
the repeal of the Missouri compromise 
and the adoption of a measure known as 
the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill 
opened certain territory to slavery, 
which, under the former act, was for- 
ever to be free. About the time of the 
passage of this act, the whig party was 
in a state of dissolution, and the great 
body of that party, together wHh cer- 
tain democrats who were opposed to the 



Kansas-Nebraska bill united, thus, 
forming a new party to which was given 
the name of republican, having for its 
object the prevention of the further ex- 
tension of slavery. The people of the 
south imagined they saw in this new 
party not only an effort to prevent the 
extension of slavery, but one that would 
eventually be used to destroy slavery in 
those states in which it already existed. 

In 1860, four presidential tickets were 
in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the 
candidate of the repiablicans, Stephen 
A. Douglas, of the national democrats, 
John C. Breckenridge of the pro-slavery 
interests, and John Bell of the union. 
The union party was composed princi- 
pally of those who had previously affili- 
ated with the American or know-noth- 
ing party. Early in the campaign there 
were threats of secession and disunion 
in case of the election of Abraham Lin- 
coln, but the people were so accustomed 
to southern bravado that little heed was 
given to the bluster. 

On the 20th of December, 1860, South 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



233 



Carolina, by a convention of delegates, 
declared "that the union now existing 
between South Carolina and the other 
states of Nortli America is dissolved, 
and that the state of South Carolina has 
resumed her position among the nations 
of tiie earth as a free, sovereign and 
independent state, with full power to 
levy war and conclude peace, contract 
alliances, establish commerce, and do all 
other acts and things which independent 
states may of right do." 

On the 24th Gov. Pickins issued a 
proclamation declaring that "South Car- 
olina is, and has the right to be, a free 
and independent .state, and as such has 
a right to levy war, conclude peace, and 
do all acts whatever that rightfully ap- 
pertain to a free and independent state." 

On the 26th Maj. Anderson evacuated 
Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sum- 
ter. Two days previously he wrote 
the se.cretary of war, follows: 

"When I inform you that my garrison 
consists of only 60 effective men, and 
that we are in very indifferent works, 
the walls of which are only 14 feet high, 
and that we have within 160 yards of 
our walls sand hills which command our 
works, and which afford admirable sites 
for batteries and the finest coverts for 
sharp-shooters; and that besides this 
there are numerous houses, some of them 
within pistol shot, and you will at once 
see that if attacked in force, headed by 
any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely 
a possibility of our being able to hold 
out long enough for our friends to come 
to our succor." 

His appeals for reinforcements were 
seconded by Gen. Scott, but unheeded 
by President Buchanan and entirely ig- 
nored by Secretary of War Floyd. 



On the 2Sth South Carolina troops 
occupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinck- 
ney , and hoisted the palmetto flag on the 
ramparts. On the 2Uth John B. P'loyd 
resigned his place in Buchanan's cal)i- 
net, charging that the president in re- 
fusing to remove Maj. Anderson from 
Charleston harbor, designed to plunge 
the country into civil war, and added: 
"I cannot consent to btj the agent of 
such a calamity." On the same day the 
South Carolina commissioners presented 
their official credentials at Washington, 
which, on the next day, were declined. 

On the 2d day of January, 1861, Geor- 
gia declared for secession, and Georgia 
troops took possession of the United 
States arsenal in Augusta and Forts 
Pulaski and Jackson. 

Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized 
the forts at Beaufort and "Wilmington 
and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the 
evening of the 4th the Alabama and 
Mississippi delegations in congress tele- 
graphed the conventions of their respec- 
tive states to secede, telling them that 
there was no prospect of a satisfactory 
adjustment. 

On the 7th the convention of Ala- 
bama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in 
secession conclave. Secretary Thomp- 
son resigned his seat in the cabinet on 
the 9th, on the ground that, contrary to 
promises, troops bad been sent to Major 
Anderson. On the same day, the Star 
of the West, carrying supplies and re- 
inforcements to Major Anderson, with 
her flag at her mast-head, was fired into 
from Morris Island, and obeying in- 
structions turned homeward, leaving 
Fort Sumter and its gallant little band 
of heroes to the mercy of the rebels and 
traitors. On the same day, also, the 



234 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



ordinance of secession passed the Mis- 
sissippi convention. Florida adopted 
an ordinance of secession on the 10th, 
and Alabama on the 11th. On the latter 
day the rebels seized the arsenal at 
Baton Rouge, and Forts St. Philip and 
Jackson, at the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi river, and Fort Pike at the en- 
trance of Lake Pontchartrain. Pensacola 
navy yard and" Fort Barrancas were sur- 
rendered to rebel troops by Colonel 
Armstrong on the 13th. Lieutenant 
Slemmer, who had drawn his command 
from Fort McRae to Fort Pickens, defied 
Armstrong's orders .and announced his 
intention to "hold the fort" at all 
hazards. The Georgia convention 
adopted an ordinance of secession on 
the 19th. On the following day Lieu- 
tenant Slemmer was besieged by a 
thousand "allied trooiis" at Fort Pick- 
ens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance 
of secession on the 25th. On the 1st of 
February tlie rebels seized the United 
States mint and custom house at New 
Orleans. The peace convention assem- 
bled at Washington on the 4th, but 
adjourned without doing anything to 
quiet the disturbed elements. On the 
9th a provisional constitution was 
adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it 
being the constitution of the United 
States "re-constructed" to suit their 
purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Missis- 
sippi, was chosen president, and Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, of Georgia, vice- 
president, of the "Confederate States of 
North America." Jefferson Davis was 
inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 
25th it was learned that General Twiggs, 
connnanding the department of Texas, 
had basely betraj'ed his trust, and had 
surrendered all the military posts, am- 



munition and arms to the Texas au- 
thorities. 

Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated 
March the 4th, 1861, in front of the 
capitol, the ceremonies being witnessed 
by a vast concourse of people. Before 
taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced 
in a clear, ringing voice his inaugural 
address, to hear which there was an al- 
most painful solicitude; to read which 
the whole American people and civilized 
world awaited with irrepressible in- 
terest. With that address and the ad- 
ministration of the oath of office, the 
people were assured. All doubt, if any 
had previously existed, was removed. 
In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the 
people's president, and himself of the 
people, the government was safe. 

Traitors were still busy plotting and 
planning. Troops were mustering in 
all the seceded states. On Friday, 
April 12, the surrender of Fort Sum- 
ter, with its garrison of 60 effective 
men, was demanded, and bravely re- 
fused by the gallant Robert Anderson, 
the heroic commander. Fire was at 
once opened on the almost helpless gar- 
rison by the rebel forces, numbering 
several thousands. Resistance for any 
length of time was useless, and, at last, 
out of ammunition, and seared and 
scorched by ffames from their burning 
quarters, the little band of heroic men 
were compelled to give up, and the na- 
tional colors were hauled down and by 
traitor hands were trailed in the dust, 
the dirt and the mire not defiling them 
half as much as the Judas touch of ar- 
rant rebels. On Sunday morning, the 
14th, the news of the surrender was re- 
ceived in all the principal cities of the 
Union. That was all, but that was 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



235 



enough. A day later, when the news 
was confirmed and spread throughout 
the country, the patriotic people of the 
North were aroused from their dreams 
of the future — from undertakings half 
completed — and made to realize that, 
behind that mob, there was a dark, 
deep and well-organized purpose to des- 
troy the government, rend the Union in 
twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave 
oligarchy, wherein no one would dare 
question their right to hold in bondage 
the sons and daughters of men whose 
skins were black. Their dreams of the 
future — their plans for the establish- 
ment of an independent confederacy — 
were doomed from their inception to 
sad and I)itter disappointment. 
"Draw forth your million blades as one; 
('omi)lcte the battle now begun; 
(Jod lights with ye, and over liead 
Floats the dear banner of your dead. 
They, and the glories of the past, 
The future, dawning dim and vast. 
And all the holiest hopes of man 
Are beaming triumphant in your van; 
"Slow to resolve, be swift to do; 
Teach ye the False how lights the True; 
How buckled Perfidy shall feel 
Tn her black heart the Patriot's steel; 
How sure the bolt that Justice wings; 
How weak the arm a traitor brings; 
How mighty they who steadfast stand 
For freedom's Mag and freedom's land." 
On Monday, April 15, President Lin- 
coln issued the following proclamation: 
WniiUEAs, The laws of the United States 
have for sometime i)ast, and are now, op- 
posed and the execution thereof ohstrncted, 
in the states of South Carolina, Alabama, 
Florida, >[ississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by 
combinations too powerful to be suppressed 
by tlu- ordinary course of judicial proceed- 
ings, or by the power vested in the marshals; 
now, therefore, I, .Vbrahani Lincoln, president 
of the United States, by virtue of the power 
in me vested by the con.stitution and the laws 



have thought to call forth, and hereby do call 
forth the militia of the several states of tlie 
Union, to the number of seventy-five thou- 
sand, in order to suppress said eouibinations, 
and to cause the laws to be duly executed. 

The details for this subject will be immedi- 
ately comnuuiicated to the state authorities 
through the war department. I api)eal to all 
loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and to aid 
this effort to maintain the honor, the integ- 
rity and existence of our Xatjoual Union and 
the peri)etuity of popular government, and to 
redress wrongs already long endured. I deem 
it proper to say that the first services assigned 
to the forces heiel)y called forth will probaljly 
be to repossess the forts, places and property 
which have been seized from the Union, and 
in every event the utmost care will be observed 
consistently with the object aforesaid, to 
avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or 
interference with property, or any disturbance 
of peaceful citizens in ;uiy part of the country; 
and I hereby command the persons composing 
the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and 
retire j)eaceably to their res))ective abodes 
within twenty days from this date. 

Deenuug that the present condition of pub- 
lic affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, 
I do hereby, in virtue of the powers ui me 
vested by the constitution, convene both the 
houses of congress. The senators and repre- 
sentatives are therefore summoned to assem- 
ble at their respective chambers at V> o'clock, 
noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July 
next, then and there to consider and deter- 
mine such measures as in tlieir \\isdom the 
public safety and interest may seem to demand. 

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand and caused the seal of the United States 
to be alfixed. 

Hone at tlie city of \\'ashington, on the fif- 
teenth day of April, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eigiit hundred and sixty-one, 
and of the independence of the United States, 
the eighty-fifth. 

By the president, 

A15KAHA.A1 HXlDLN. 

"\Vii.LiA>f H. SnwAiii), secretary of state. 

The last word of this proclamation 
had scarcely been taken fronr the elec- 



236 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



trie wire before the call was filled. Men 
and money were counted out by hun- 
dreds and thousands. The people who 
loved their wliole country could not 
give enough. Patriotism thrilled and 
vibrated and pulsated through every 
heart. The farm, the workshop, the 
office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, 
the college, the school house — every 
calling offered its best men, their lives 
and fortunes, in defense of the govern- 
ment's honor and unity. Party lines 
were for a time ignored. Bitter words, 
spoken in moments of political heat, 
were forgotten and forgiven, and join- 
ing hands in a common cause, they re- 
peated the oath of America's soldier 
statesman: "By the great eternal, the 
union must and shall be preserved !" 

Seventy-five thousand men were not 
enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor 
were ten times tliat number. The war 
went on, and call followed call, until it 
seemed as if there were not men enough 
in all the free states to crush out the 
rebellion. But to every call for either 
men or money, there was a willing and 
ready response. The gauntlet thrown 
down by plotters of the south was ac- 
cepted; not, however, in the spirit 
which insolence meets insolence, but 
with a firm, determined spirit of patri- 
otism a d love of country. The duty 
of the president was plain under the 
constitution and laws, and, above and 
beyond all, the people, from whom all 
political power is derived, demanded 
the suppresion of the rebellion, and 
stood ready to sustain the authority of 
their representative and executive ofi[i- 
cers to the utmost extremity. 

(Settled as JerSty county was by many 
from the southern" states, it is in no wise 



derogatory to her that in the breasts of 
many of her citizens beat hearts in sym- 
pathy with the cause of the southern 
confederacj^ and that a feeling of ill- 
will should prevail against the radical 
abolitionists. But to their honor be it 
spoken, that many of these, who looked 
upon the movement of the south as hav- 
ing just grounds, with a noble patriot- 
ism, sank all sectional and political 
feelings in their devotion to tlie cause of 
the Union and the "star gemmed flag" 
of their country. Many of the citizens 
of the county of Jersej^ and among 
them many of the most influential and 
respected ones, used every honorable 
means to defeat the election of Abraham 
Lincoln to the presidency, deeming it 
to be the best interests of the country. 
But others worked equally hard to ele- 
vate the favorite son of Illinois to the 
executive seat, although a no less dis- 
tinguished citizen of Illinois was one 
of his opponents. The vote, in Novem- 
ber 1860, best shows the number of 
those who favored the election of Lin- 
coln and who favored his opponents: 
for Lincoln, 910 votes; for Douglas, 
1,291; for Breckenbridge, 11; and for 
Bell, 105. In the minds of all it 
seemed impossible that the south would 
secede, and that this glorious replublic 
would be disrupted, thinking that when 
the excitement of the political cam- 
paign had passed away, peace and pros- 
perity would continue. But when the 
sad news of Anderson's surrender was 
made known throughout the land, no 
greater indignation, at the outrage to 
our flag, was betrayed anj^where than 
in Jersey county. Political rancor was 
hushed, partisan feeling was swept 
away, and pure patriotism animated the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



237 



whole people. Nobly did the people of 
the county respond to the calls for men 
in the foregoing proclamation, and at 
each succeding call. 

All throughout the long year.s that the 
dark could of war covered our country, 
the enlistment of men, the forming of 
new companies, the constant stir and 
exciteni'-nt was kept up, and men, 
young, middle-aged and old, pressed to 
the front. Many brave and gallant 
sgns of Jersey county represented her 
in the ranks of "blue-coated national 
defenders," men who stood in the red 
front of lurid battle, and always took a 
prominent part. Numbers of them 
laid down their lives upon the altar of 
their country, and their bones enrich 
the soil of nearly every southern state. 
From the Potomac to the Rio Grande, 
from Albemarle sound to the Rocky 
mountains, have their drums beat, and 
the ground re-echoed to their tread, and 
no more heroic soldiers led the van in 
many a stricken field than did the 
representatives from this section of the 
state. 

While they were away upon the tented 
field, the. patriotic men and w(mien at 
home were not idle. Although impos- 
sible to get the county to do anything 
in an official way for the relief of sol- 
diers' families, many, as private citi- 
zens, thought it not only a duty but a 
blessed privilege to render all the aid 
in their power. During the entire four 
years of war, we think but little actual 
suffering was experienced by any at 
home on account of the absence of their 
natural protectors, who were serving 
their country. Fairs and festivals were 
held for the purpose of obtaining sani- 
tary supplies for those in the field, and 



soldiers' aid societies were continually 
investigating and relieving the wants 
of the needy at home. 

ROSTER. 

The following is a complete roster of 
the citizens of Jersey county, who, in 
that trying hour of a nation's need, left 
wife, children and comfortable homes, 
and, shouldering the musket, went to 
the front in discharge of the patriot's 
dutj\ Tliese are compiled from the 
adjutant general's report, and other 
ollicial and authentic sources. If there 
are any inaccuracies of spelling, or 
omissions, the historians hope that 
they will be pardoned, as the rolls have 
been followed as nearly as possible, and 
none has a higher appreciation of the 
"boys in blue," than the writers of 
these annals: 

SEVENTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY F. 

Hickner. a. W. Camp, Christoplicr. 

Klliott, "Williain R., James, (ieorge, 
Heckei-, .1. II., Pliillip.s, II. \\\ 

James, William. 
NINTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY A. 

Harris, Charles. 

I'W KLFTII I^FANTH V. 

COMPANY E. 

Yates, George. 

COMPANY I. 

llamilton, Alexaudfr. 

ForKTKENTII IXFAXTHY. 

COMPANY- 1". 

Captains: 
Littlflield. M. S., Moore, Joliii 1).. 

First Lieutenants: 
.Scott. William II., Simmons. T. II., 
.Staifonl, I. I!. 
Sergeants: 
Mendenhall, A. W., I'atton, Williiim II.. 
Davis, J. A., Stallord, 1. U.. 

Leonard, T. H. 



238 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Corporals: 

Drew, J. M., Aullabaugh, E. R., 

Eliermaii. -T. A., Catt, William, 

8111 itli, J. W., Umphreys, J. II., 

I'iiickard, G. R., Stafford, Brook. 

Iilusicians : 

Adams. George, Smutz, D. P. 

Privates: 

Arkebauer, George, Austin, James, 

Beck, .1. D., Bright, Maldon, 

Biockus, .J. L., Ballanl, LiuUvig, 

Berry, "W. ^V., Craig, Lionel. 

Davis, Jackson, Davidson, E. G., 

Elliott, W. J., Estes, A. J., 

Free, M. W., Freeman, J. G., 

Greene, O. S., Hoag, W. A., 

Iloag, Franklin, Hull, M. J., 

Halloran, John, Johnessee, John, 

James, Alonzo, Keys, John, 

Leonard, S. B., Leigh, Joseph, 

ISIilliken, T. S., Monk. John, 

Miller, Newton, Moore 'William, 

Moore, John D., ' Price, T. A., 

Parker, J. V., Roland, Alexander, 

Rowdan, Isaac, Rowdan, James, 

Rudolph, Charles, Richards, A. P., 

Slaten. ^\'. W., Stover, David, 

Smith, S. C. Sr. Smith, S. C, Jr., 

Strode, T.IL, Taylor, G.W., 

A'inson, (r. W., Ware, Xathaniel, 

Brt)wer, Eliphalet, Brewer, Emory, 

Brewer, Edward, Bigelow, G. L., 

Grosjean, Nicholas, Gosling, David, 

Gill, Jacob, Ileberick, Herman, 

.lennegan, W. C, Jennings, J. Q., 

Lane, J. W., Loran, Matthew, 

Leonard. J. L., Matt, Asbury, 

Mcliain. Franklin, Muny, Patrick, 

Mc(;uire, J. R., Moore, James, 

]Moore, Wyatt, Miner, C. F., 

North, James, Price, S. S., 

I'itt, W. E., Roady, Closes, 

Richards, L. P., Handle, AV. P., 

Roody, W. D., Smith, John, 

Sliort, T. S., Tracy, Patrick, 

Barnes, J. R. 

COMPANY D. 

Laiicord. J. L., McGuire, J. R. 

COMPANY E. 

DellaCella, Stephen, McDonald, Barney. 



FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRX. 

The regiment known as the 14th 111. 
VoL Inf. was organized for 30 clays un- 
der what is known as the "Ten Regi- 
ment bill," and was mustered into the 
state service at Jacksonville, where it 
rendezvoused, on the 4th of May, 1861. 
On the 25th of the same month it was 
mustered'into the service of the United 
States, for three years, by Capt. Pitcher, 
of the regular army. 

The regiment remained at Camp Dun- 
can, Jacksonville, 111., until the latter 
part of June, 1861, under instruction in 
drill and other duties contingent upon 
the life of a soldier, but upon the date 
above they proceeded to Quincy, 111., 
and upon the 5th of July were trans- 
ferred to Missouri. The officers at this 
time were as follows: Colonel, John 
M. Palmer; lieutenant-colonel, Amory 
K. Johnson; major, Jonathan Morris; 
and adjutant, Robert P. McKnight. It 
did some guard duty in Missouri, in con- 
nection with the 16th 111. Inf. On the 
16th of July the regiment marched with 
other troops, under the command of 
Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, to Honey- 
ville. Mo., in pursuit of the column un- 
der Gen. Martin E. Green, and arrived 
in that town on the 1st of September, 
dispersing the forces of the enemy, cap- 
turing James Green, lately a United 
States senator, a strong fomenter of se- 
cession and rebellion. The regiment 
then proceeded to Rolla, where it re- 
mained but a short time, moving to 
Jefferson City, where it joined with 
the forces under Gen. John C. Fremont, 
in his memorable campaign to Spring- 
field, Mo., after Gen. Price. On the con- 
clusion of the campaign the 14th re- 
turned and wintered at Otterville, Mo. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



239 



In the month of Feb., 1862, the regi- 
ment was ordered to join the forces 
under Gen. Grant, at Donelson, but ar- 
rived at that phice one day too late to 
participate in the engagement of that 
place. Here it was brigaded with the 
15th and 46th 111. and 25th Ind. Inf. 
Regts., and under the name of the 2d 
Brig., assigned to the 4th Div., under 
the command of Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, of 
this state. In the meantime Col. Palmer, 
having been promoted to the rank of 
brigadier-general, and Lieu't-Col.Amory 
K. Johnson, having been made colonel 
of the 28th 111. Inf., Maj. Cyrus Hall, of 
the 7th 111. Cav. was appointed colonel 
of the 14th. 

From Fort Donelson the regiment 
proceeded to Fort Henry, where it em- 
barked and was transported by steam- 
boats up the Tennessee river to Pitts- 
burg Landing. Here, early on the 
morning of the 6th of April the regi- 
ment was called into line and marched 
half a mile to the front, where it met 
the enemy driving General Prentiss. 
It was assigned a position on the left of 
the line, in Peach Orchard. The enemy 
immediately attacked it, but were re- 
pulsed; and it held its position from 8 
o'clock A. M. until 3 P. M., only then 
retiring under orders from General S. A. 
Hurllnit, commanding the old fighting 
4th division. On the morning of the 
7th it held a position on the right of the 
line, and was hotly engaged until the 
battle closed and the victory won. 
During those two long, trying, bloody 
days the regiment behaved nobly, and 
was never broken or driven back by the 
enemy, though often most heavily 
pressed, although this was the first time 
that the regiment had been under fire. 



They sustained a loss of nearly one-half 
of the command present, and their 
colors, which came out of the conflict 
with forty-two bullet holes through 
them, fully attest the fierceness of the 
combat and the gallantry of the men in 
that memorable struggle. All the his- 
torians of this fearfully contested field 
highly compliment this noble band of 
heroes, who that day distinguished 
themselves at a most terrible sacrifice. 
In the grand charge on the 7th, which 
was the consummation of that splendid 
victory wrested from the arms of defeat, 
the 14th Illinois was in the advance, and 
was led by Col. Hall. In the official 
report of Gen. Veach, commander of the 
brigade, he used the following words in 
speaking of this favorite bodj- of men: 
"Col. Hall, of the 14th Illinois, led 
with his regiment that gallant charge 
on Monday evening, which drove the 
enemy beyond our lines and closed the 
struggle of that memorable day." 

The regiment, also, took an active 
part in the siege of Corinth, during the 
month of May, 1862, and after the evac- 
uation of that place by Gen. Bragg, they 
went to Memphis, thence to Bolivar. 

On the 4th of Oct., 1862, the gallant 
4th division, under Gen. Hurlbut, was 
ordered to proceed to Corinth, as a for- 
lorn hope, to relieve the beleagured 
garrison of that place, but the gallant 
Rosecrans, before Corinth was reached, 
had already severely punished the ene- 
my, and the forlorn hope met the enemy 
at the village of Metamora, on the 
river Hatchie. After eight hours hard 
fighting a glorious victory was gained, 
in which the 14th 111. sustained most 
nobly the reputation gained at Shiloh or 
Pittsburg Landing. 



240 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The regiment constituted a part of 
the right wing of Grant's army in the 
march into northern Mississippi, 
through Holl}- Springs, to Yacona Pa- 
talfa, under the immediate command of 
General McPherson. General \'anDorn, 
of the confederate army, having cap- 
tured Holly Springs with its large 
amount of army stores, and General W. 
T. Sherman being unable to eflect a dis- 
lodgment of^ the enemy from Vicks- 
burg. Grant's army was compelled to 
retreat, and Jan. 18, 1863, the 14th 111. 
Reg. went into winter quarters at La- 
Fayette, Tenn. 

Early in the spring of 18Go, the regi- 
ment was ordered to the lines in front 
of Vicksburg, and took part in the siege 
of that stronghold until its fall, July 4, 
1863. After this, the command took its 
part in the expedition to Jackson, Miss., 
remaining there until the evacuation of 
that city. In August, of tlian year, it 
proceeded to Natchez, and formed part 
of the force wliich marched across the 
swamps of northeastern Louisiana, to 
Harrisonburg, on the Ouachita river, and 
captured Fort Beauregard, where, the 
spring previous, the ram. Queen of the 
West, had been sunk. It also took part 
in the famous Meridian campaign, under 
General Sherman and on its return from 
that expedition, the regiment, or a large 
part of it, veteranized, although its 
time would have expired in a short 
period. After a short veteran furlough 
in the beloved northland, they returned 
to the field, refreshed, and anxious for 
the fray. 

General W. T. Sherman, with a force 
numbering a little less than 100,000 
men of all arms, with 254 guns, in the 
spring of 1864, started on his ever me- 



morable campaign, to penetrate the 
heart of the confederacy, draw off the 
attention of a large portion of the forces 
of the south, so that they could not re- 
inforce the hard pressed army of Vir- 
ginia. The country to be traversed was 
almost choatic in its upheavel. Rugged 
mountains, deep, narrow ravines, thick 
l^rimitive woods, crossed by narrow, 
ill-made roads, succeed each other for 
40 miles; then intervenes a like distance 
of comparatively open country, only to 
be succeeded by another rugged, diffi- 
cult region of mountains and passses 
which reaches nearly to the Chattahoo- 
chie river, across which, eight miles 
distant, lay the important city of At- 
lanta. The gallant band of heroes 
called the 14th 111. Inf., still under the 
command of Colonel Hall participated 
in all of the movements and engage- 
ments that led up to the seige of At- 
lanta, and honorably acquitted them- 
selves in every place they were called 
upon to act the part of men. 

While before Atlanta the 14th and 
15th 111., ever together since the autumn 
of 1862, sharers of each others' sorrows 
and joys, weary marches and honorably 
earned laurels, were consolidated into 
the "14th and 15th 111. Vet. Bat.," and 
it was detailed to guard the railroad 
communications at or near Ack worth, 
Ga., a most important and dangerous 
duty, as it was the only route by which 
the supplies for Sherman's army could 
be brought, and upon the preservation 
of which depended the subsistence and 
ammunition to this immense host. In 
the month of Oct., 1864, when the con- 
federate General Hood made his demon- 
stration against the rear of Sherman's 
army, a large number of the battallion 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



241 



were killed, and a large part of the 
balance captured and sent to Anderson- 
ville prison pen. Those who escaped 
capture were mounted, and accompany- 
ing Sherman on the ever memorable 
march to the sea, acted as scouts, and 
were continually in the advance, and 
were the first to drive the confederate 
pickets into Savanah, Ga. During the 
long and dreary march through South 
and North Carolina, this battallion was 
on duty day and night, being constantly 
in the presence of the enemy, and 
gained great notoriety as skillful scouts 
and skirmishers. They were the first 
to enter the town of Cheraw, S. C, and 
later, the town of Fayetteville, N. C, 
and took part in the battle of Ben- 
tonville. 

At Goldsborough, N. C, the battalion 
organization was discontinued in the 
spring of 1865, a sufficient number of 
organized recruits, of the one year men, 
having arrived by way of New York and 
Morehead City, N. C, to fill up the two 
regiments. Colonel Hall being again as- 
signed to the command of his old regi- 
ment, the 14th. After the capitulation 
of Johnston, the regiment marched to 
AVashington, D. C, where it partici- 
pated in the well remembered review 
It afterwards was transported by rail 
and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., 
thence by river to Fort Leavenworth, 
Kans. From this place they marched to 
Fort Kearney, Neb., and from thence 
back. It was mustered out at Fort 
Leavenworth, Sept. 16, 1865, and ar- 
rived at Springfield, 111., where the 
men received their discharge. The ag- 
gregate number of men wlio belonged 
to this favorite regiment was 1,980, and 
only 480 were mustered out. 



During its four years and four months 
of arduous service, this regiment 
marched 4,490 miles, traveled by rail 
2,330 miles, and by river 4,490 miles, 
making in all a grand total 11,670 
miles. 

EIGIITKEXTII INFAxNTKV. 

COMPANY li. 

Pegues, Jciliii, Ilii^'l.es. T. l-l, 

Bean, T. .1., Hliuads, .Samuel, 

Roberts, T. E.. IJlioads, E. E. 

TWENTY-SECOND IXFAXTKY. 

COMPVXV li. 

EdsMll, \V. II . McPhersoii, .Vngus, 

Hiiller, W. A., ('iissiii>, .Jiuiies F., 

Miiore, .Julia, Sitikett, Williain, 

"Wadliiigtun, W. I)., Jones, ts. E. 

T^\ENTY-i^EVENTH INFANTRY. 

COME'ANV n. 

Second Lieutenant: 
Uroclc, J. W. 
Yirat Sergeant: 
Miller, A. L. 
Privates: 
Balconili, William. Brigg, J. S., 
Bell, W. I)., Green, W. L., 

Hartley, Nes., Ilurk, William, 

Kenady, J. K. P.. Lewis, Cliarles, 

Mnncy, William, Mott, Fraidi, 

Mill, .John, Sliedler, John, 

Trimble. William, I'lt, (ieorge. 
Bell, J. W., Boyles, Lafayette, 

Braydon, (i. W., J)avis, J. IL, 

Howard, W.IL, Hartley, K. P.. 

.Johnson, A. J., Kennedy, John, 

Larabee, Vinton, Mclntyre, Henry. 

Paugh, Kdwanl, Reynolds, B. F., 

Towre\ iUc, I'rank, Ward, John, 
Ward. B. F., While, .1. T., 

Wliiie, Herman. 

COMPANY F. 

Sergeant: 
Fisher, D. D. 
Corporal: 
Whitney, Charles. 
Privates: 
Daudridge, C. F., Darlington, .J. W., 

Ilyiidman,.John, Miller, J. W., 

:M:irtin,J.C., Martin, J. P., 



242 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Nelson, W. C., 
liyal, Allied, 
Smith, A. A., 
Wooil, W. R., 
Tallev, 'W. F., 



Philliriek. N. B., 
Shielil, AnUionj', 
Talley, J. R., 
Harrington, Francis, 
Talley, A. T. 



TWENTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

Tliis regiment was organized with 
only seven companies, at Camp Butler, 
Springfield, 111., Aug. 10, 1861, and 
ordered to Jacksonville, as a part of 
tlie brigade of Gen. John A. McCler- 
nand. The officers of the regiment 
were as follows: Colonel, Najjoleon 
Btiford ; lieutenant-colonel, Fazillo A. 
Harrington ; major, Hall Wilson ; and 
Henry A. Rust, adjutant. On the 1st 
of Sept., 18G1, the regiment proceeded 
under orders to Cairo, where three ad- 
ditional companies were added to their 
strength, and all moved on to the scene 
of hostilities, and first smelt powder at 
Belmont, on the 7th of Nov., 1861, 
where it bore a prominent part and suf- 
fered heavily. On the evacuation of 
Columbus, Ky., the 27th was sent there 
to duty as garrison. On the 14th of 
March, 1862, in company with the 42d 
111., 18th Wis. and parts of the 2d 111. 
light Art. and 2d 111. Cav., it formed 
what was called the Mississippi flotilla, 
and started down the Mississippi river 
and remained during the siege of Island 
No. 10, the 27th being the first federal 
force to land upon the island, after its 
capture. After crossing the river, the 
regiment was moved to Ft. Pillow, but 
was recalled and ordered to Pitt.'sburg 
Landing, Tenn., and was engaged in 
the siege of Corinth, and battle of Far- 
mington, May 9, 1862, and followed in 
pursuit of the enemy to Booneville. It 
then retraced its steps to Corinth, where 
it remained some time. In July, 1862, 



the regiment received orders to proceed 
to luka, and soon after was distributed 
along the line of the Memphis & 
CUiarleston railroad, where it remained 
until the early part of September, when 
it crossed the Tennessee river, at Deca- 
tur, Alabama, under the command of 
Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, and jjush- 
ing on made a rapid and forced march 
to Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived 
September 12, and where it remained 
during the time it was cut off from com- 
munication with the north. The 27th 
was also with the advance from Nash- 
ville, and particularly distinguished 
itself at the battle of Stone River. On 
the 24th of June, 1863, it moved with 
the army against Shelbyville and Tulla- 
homa, and thence to Bridgeport, Ala. 
On the 2d of September, the corps 
crossed the Tennessee river, and moved 
down toward Rome, Ga., below Chatta- 
nooga, and returned in time to take part 
in the pursuit of Bragg. For some 
time Gen. Rosecrans had been gather- 
ing a large body of men at Nashville, 
and had, by threatening his line of 
communication, caused Gen. Braxton 
Bragg to evacuate Chattanooga, on the 
8th of Sept. Gen. Rosecrans, under 
the impression that Bragg's forces in 
retreat were demoralized, pushed on in 
his rear, but the confederate comman- 
der, who was an able one, receiving 
heavy reinforcements, turned and met 
his pursuer. This he did with so much 
suddenness and ferocity, that the union 
forces narrowly escaped being cut up in 
detail, as they were scattered along the 
line forty miles in length. Gen. Rose- 
crans, who was on hand, rapidly con- 
centrated his forces, and the two armies 
met at Chickamauga creek. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



243 



The first day's entragenieiit, although 
a hot one, was indecisive and on the 
second day, the 20th of Sept. 1SG3, the 
day had hardly dawned ere the roar of 
artillery, and the sharj) rattle of mus- 
ketry awoke the slunihering echoes of 
the "River of Death," the Indian name 
of the creek bearing that interpretation. 
All the forenoon the battle raged with 
unparalleled fury, but about noon the 
federal line was broken for a few mo- 
ments by the passing of troops to the 
left, then hard pressed. General Long- 
street of the confederate army, seized 
the opportunity, and, hurling the neces- 
sary forces on tl e weakened center, soon 
swept it and the right wing from 
the field. The demoralized fugitives, in 
their headlong flight, carried off Gen. 
Rosecrans with them. All now de- 
pended upon General Thomas, who had 
command of the left wing, whicli yet 
stood steadfast. All through that long 
afternoon the entire confederate army 
surged around that band of heroes, a 
body of brave men commanded \)y as 
l)rave a commander, who, by tlie firm- 
ness of their front, earned for General 
Thomas the proud sobriquet of the 
"rock of Chickamauga." The 27th 
sufl'ered severely during the fight, and 
with the balance of the army fell back 
to Chattanooga, where it remained du- 
ring the investment of that place, for 
Bragg, following the retreating forces, 
occupied the surrounding iiills threat- 
ening the city and the garrison with 
starvation. 

Grant was now ajipointed to supercede 
(ieneral Rosecrans and hastcne<l to 
Chattanooga, but being afraid that Gen- 
eral Thomas, who had command after 
Rosecrans left, would surrender before 



re-enforcements, could reach him, tele- 
graphed him to hold fast. The old Ro- 
man's reply was, "I will stay till I 
starve." On Grant's arrival things be- 
gan to wear a different aspect. A corps 
from the army of the Potomac; 23,()O0 
strong, under General Joseph Hooker 
came, and General W. T. Sherman, 
hastened by forced marches from luka, 
200 miles away, and communications 
were again restored. On the 24th 
of November the 27th M-as ordered on 
duty and helped fight the ever-memor- 
able battle of Lookout Mountain. Gen. 
Hooker was ordered to charge the enen)y 
but to sto]) on the high ground, but the 
men, carried away by the ardor of the 
attack, swept on, over the crest, driving 
the enemy before them. The next 
morning Hooker advanced on ttie south 
of Missionary Ridge. Sherman had 
})ecn the whole tim(! jiounding away on 
the northern flank, and ti rant perceiv- 
ing that the rebel line in front of him 
was being weakened to repel these 
attacks on the flank, saw that the 
critical moment had arrived and hiiuK li- 
ed Thomas' corps on its center. 

"The signals for the attack had been 
arranged," says B. F. Taylor, in his ac- 
count of the battle, "six cannon shots 
fired at intervals of two seconds. The 
moment arrived. Strong and steady the 
order rang out: ' No. 1, fire ! No. 2, 
fire! No. 3, fire!' It seemed to me like 
the tolling of the clock of destiny. And 
when at 'No. 6, fire!' the roar throbbed 
out with the flash, you should have seen 
the dead line, that had been lying l>ehiiid 
the works all day, come to resurrection 
in the twinkling of an eye, and leap like 
a blade from its scabbard." 

The orders were to take the rifle-pits 



244 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



at the foot of Missionary ridge, then 
halt and reform; but the men forgot 
them all, and carrying the works at the 
base, swept up the ascent Grant caught 
the grand inspiration, and ordered a 
grand charge along the whole front. Up 
they went, without firing a shot, over 
rocks, trees, and stumps, surmounted 
the crest, captured the guns and turned 
them upon the enemy, now fully routed 
and in disorderly retreat. Although the 
27th held its accustomed place in these 
battles, it lost only a few men. 

From Mission ridge the Reg. was called 
on to make a forced march to the relief 
of Knoxville, then clo-ely pressed l)y 
the confederate forces under Hen. Long- 
street, but by the time it reached the 
beleaguered city the enemy had been re- 
pulsed. It then returned to Louden, 
Tenn., arriving there -Jan. 2-5, 1864, and 
going into camp, remained until April 
18, when orders were received that 
caused 1+ to remove to Cleveland, Tenn. 
While at this phice Gen,. Sturman was 
collecting his forces and organizing his 
army for the decent upon Atlanta and 
the subsequent march to the sea, and 
the 27th IlL was ordered to join the in- 
vading force, which it did. At Rocky 
Face ridge. May 9, Resaca, May 14, Cal- 
houn, May the 16th, Adairsville, May 
the 17th, Dallas, May the 26th to June 
4, Pine Top mountain, June 10 to 11, 
Mud creek, June IS, and Kenesaw, this 
gallant regiment performed prodigies of 
valor and wrung from a defeated enemy 
the highest encomiums. 

At the battle of Peach Tree creek, July 
20, the 27th was in line, and to quote 
the words of Greely in his history of 
the war: "These soldiers stood as still 
as though bullet proof." 



The regiment was relieved from duty 
at the front, Aug. 25, 1864, and ordered 
to Springfield, 111., for muster out, but 
was detained for a couple of days at 
Nashville, Tenn.. on the way home, on 
account of apprehensions felt in that 
city, of an nitnck by tin- cavalry column 
under Gen. Wh'-cler. I; then proceeded 
to the cajiital of Illiiiuis, where it was 
mustered out, Sept. 25, 1864. 

During the term of service it had the 
following casualties: killed or died of 
wounds, 102; died of disease, 80; num- 
ber of wounded, 328; discharged and 
resigned, 209; transferred, 39. The 
veterans and recruits of the 27th were 
consolidated with the il h 111. Inf., on 
their comrades 1' min-- for home. 
THiliiY FT' -T TXFANTRY. 

COill.^.NV 1. 

Strickland, Benjamin. 

tiiii;ty : ec( xi; txfaxtry. 

■ COMPANY I). 

CdViJi'iMi : 

Ilann.ai, J.E. 

Privates : 

Ilanly, Henry, Pickett, William, 

Stnipps, Fields. 

THIRTY'-THIRD INF ANTRIM 

C'OJIPAXY C. 

Bailey. .1. ('.. Reck. II. W., 

Curtis, Leaiider, Huiniston, Linus, 

Kennedy, J. K. P.. Lucas. J. W., 

Land, . I. II., ^[cGee, J. A., 

Maldtt, J. S.. Murj.hy, Roliert, 

O'Donnell, Jeremiah, Sisson, II. H., 

.Stringham, M. E., Tcny, II. C, 

Wilson, J. L , Wliitaker, James. 
FOR'l Y-SE\'KXTH INFANTRY. 

C()JIPAN"r F. 

M:irks, Rufiis. 

COMPANY K. 

O P-ifii. Patrick. 
FIF! Y-T1II1!I) INFANTRY'. 

COMPANY' C. 

Andrews, Juel. Arbogast, John. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 


245 


FORTY-NIXTII INFANTRY. 


Gallagher, E. C, 


Grinin, W. R., 


COMPANY G. 


Gratlier,AV. M.. 


Hall, E. E., 


Second Lieutenant: 


Handling, Orange, 


Hegans, Nelson, 


Lucas, .loseph. 


.Judd, J. \y.. 


Jackson Charles, 


Sergeant : 


Linnel, William, 


Lee. J. AV., 


Lucas, .loseiih. 


Loney, .1. P., 


^Martin. .John, 


Corporal : 


Xott, M. II., 


Minor, B.F.. 


Spangle, Henry. 


Martin, Leonard, 


Miner, L. J., 


Private: 


My rick. O. T., 


Millford, B. C, 


Egan, .John, Gibbs, William. 


Mack, Patrick, 


JIcDow, AVilliam, 


FIFTY-NIXTII INFANTRY. 

COMPANY I. 


McQuidy, J. D., 
Xevius, Henry, 


Xugent, Edward, 
Xichols, J. X., 


Luba, .Tacob, l^'iiy. Aloiizo, 


Oilier, Coleman, 


O'Reilly. Matthew. 


Macumber. Alonzo, Tuller, Isaac. 

SIXTY-FIRST IXFAXTRY. 

Assistant Surgeon. 

Knapp, George H. 

COMPANY A. 

Copeland, Alfred, McCoy, W. II., 
Roberts, .Tohn, Shaw. .1. M., 
Manning, J. M., Walpole, .1. S. 

COMPANY B. 

Kemper, Levi. 

COMPANY C. 

'"aiitain.s: 
Ihrie. Warren, Ilesser, .1. T. 

First Lieutenants: 
Ilesser, .1. T., Parker, M. S., 
.Tndd, .1. W. 
Second Lieutenants: 
Ilesser, J. T., I'arker, M. s., 


Post, W. F.. 
Perrv, Commodore, 
Piggott, .J. T., 
Reed, .J. H., 
Slover, Samuel, 


Parker, M. S., 
Powers, AVilliam, 
Robbins, Richard, 
Savage, J. C, 
Sweeney, AV. II., 


Smith, .Tosepli, 
Stone, .1. B., 
Todrany, William, 
Vinson, I. N., 
Welch,;!. D., 


Sansom, G. AV., 
Sehuller, J. F., 
Thurston, J. L., 
AVentworth, J. F., 
AVentworth, G. E., 


Yuard, Hugh 
Co'iie, Alexander, 


Chisni, T. II., 

Conoway, .John, i 


Lodson, Theodore, Erwin, S. P., 
Ilesser, .Joseph, Machel, .John, 
Milford, H. F., Pijicr. Oliver. 
I'ntchall, B. II., Scroggins, J. F., 
Slaten, II. L. 

CO.Ml'AW I). 


Judd. J. W., Xevius, Ilenrj', 
Cooley, John. 
Privates: 


Caiitain: 

Reddish, ,1. II. 

First Lieutenants: 


Allen, R. M., Uriggs, (i. L., 


Reddish, .J. II., 


St ill well, Leander. 


Bell, Ili-nry. Beule, J. B., 


Second L 


ieutentants: 


Bates, AV. P., Bates. J. W., 


Reddish, AV. M., 


Wallace, E. AV.. 


Cook. W. 11., Cyter, .1. II., 


Slilhvell, Leander, 


Ob.rdoik, C. II. 


Cauipbcll, .1. II., Cooley, .John, 


Privates: ; | 


Chadwell, T. II.. Case, .Limes, 


Austin. B. F.. 


.VI belt, F. 3., 


Chisni, H. P., Crain, J. B., 


Allendcn. A. P., 


Jiethall, L. AV., 


Carson. .lohn, Cnllip, Fri'.lorii-k, 


Bethell, Tillman. 


Barton. J. .V., 


Conner, Bark, Davis, Amos, 


Brewer, Lemuel, 


Bingham, R. C, 


Dodson, F. M., Dehner, .Jacob, 


Bartlett, I. W.. 


Burris. Amnion, i 


Dallis, T. X., Edingtoii, William, 


Burnham, F. S., 


Corbin, .\l. P.., 


Enule, .lohn, Elmore, AVilliam, 


Carroll, J. M., 


Dabbs, Emanuel, 


Embley, Edgar, Faulkner, .John R., 


Ellifrily, .James, 


Ellifritty, Isaac, 


Finicye, \V. B., Feiguson, (!. 1!., 


Eldri<lge, .John, 


Fillay. A. B., 


Francis. .John, Forbes. .J. li.. 


Gates, T. M., 


Gates, F. M., 


Gaul, William, Goff,.I. S., 


(;rcen, E. II., 


Doiiell, AVilliam, 



246 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



CUuither, W. M., 
Harris, A. J., 
Harvill, B. F.. 
Iluti Iiinsoii, J. (r., 
Jobsoii. John, 
Karr, Hugh, 
RoTjiiison. J. E.. 
liippcrt. Henry, 
.Miller. .1. 1'.. 
Elinor, Henry. 
Murphy, Braxton, 



Holliday, Hiram, 
Harvill, .1. W., 
Hall, Edward. 
Hill, F. M.. 
Karr, (', .1., 
King, Willian\. 
Leavitt. Samuel, 
Lee. William. 
:Miller. W. J.. 
!Medford. .Jaclcson. 
?ilc(juiddy. .lames. 



Montgomery, Ezekiel, Oberdeilce, C. H., 



Kichey, John. 
Scott, James, 
Schooley. .lanies, 
iStillwell, Leander, 
Smith, W. C, 
AVallace, E. W . 
r.urns, .lonathan. 
Burgess, W. 1?.. Jr. 
Banlield, AViiliam, 
Chapman, L. N., 
Dougherty. James, 
(iiibert. David, 
(iolden. Michael, 
Hull. Q. A., 
Bowel, Joel, 



Sapp, James, 
Smith, Samuel, 
Schultz, Albert, 
Timmons. Jasper, 
Timmons, Ephraim, 
Worthey, William, 
Burgess, W. B, Sr., 
Banlield. John, 
Barrows, Ackron, 
Duggan, John, 
Fowler, AVilliam S., 
(ioss, A. J., 
Hill. J. J., 
Inards. Silas. 
Uowden, Daniel, 



Balston, S. D. 

COMPANY G. 

Second Lieutenant: 

Powell. John. 

Privates : 



Barber, AV. A., 
Fickell, F. M., 
Powell, John, 
(Juigley, AV. L., 
Scroggins, fJ. L., 
Lofton. J. II.. 
Steijheiison, Leroy, 
Briscoe. Aaron, 
Grasley, Simon, 
Lofton, John, 



Blake, G. F., 
Kelch, Charles, 
Johnessee, S..M., 
Sturman. L. R., 
Turpin, <i. W., 
Powell, John, 
Turpin, J. W., 
Grimm, Jolin, 
.Tones, X. IT., 
Roundtree. S. R., 



"Withrow, William. 

COMPANY H. 

Campbell. Alexander, Falkner, Joseph, 
Grafts, G. F., Lyons, Robert, 

Pruitt, Aaron, Richey, S. M., 

Turnpaw. (r. W., Talbert, William, 

Blakely, Charles, HoUen, Joseph. 



COMPANY K. 

Shepley. William, Bratton, William, 

Litural, Isaac, Grimm, Napoleon. 

For a history of the 61st Illinois Inft. 
Reg., see history of Greene county, in 
this volume, where it i.s given in full, 
having been raised and organized at 
Carrollton, that county, in 1862. 
SIXTY SECOND INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

McClure, Samuel, Pollock, .John. 
SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY G. 



Sutton. L. ^I., 
Brown, AVilliam, 
Frisby, George, 
Nicodemus, John, 
Beebe, AVilliam, 
Lynum, S. VT., 
Marshall. W. H., 
Peter, G. B.. 
St. Clair, J. AV., 



Asher. AV. R., 
Cundilf, J.L., 
Marshall, Charles, 
Smith, ('harles, 
Lovely. R. A., 

Marshall, D. E., 

Parker, Joel, 

Peter, AV. M., 

Tally, H. D. 



SE VE VT Y-SECOND INFANTRY. 

COMPANY D. 

Hall. W. L. 
NINET Y-SEAT:NTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY G. 

Richer, Samuel. 

COMPANY H. 

Second Lieutenants: 
McNeil, L. C, Martin, W. L. 

Sergeants: 

Carr, Robert. 
Corporals: 

Doyle, Michael, 
Pembroke, T. C, 
Fitzpatrick, Patrick, McCollum, Henry. 
Musician: 
Powers, Thomas. 
AA'aggoner : 
Blackwell. Thomas. 
Privates: 



Bell. J. B.. 



Scott, H. B., 

Monk. John, 
AVhite. John, 



Brooks. Frank, 
Curry. Jeremiah, 
Crocker, Frank, 
Dowdy, Martin, 
Fuller, AVilliam, 
Hughes, Peter, 



Burnines, Jasper, 
Cummings, John, 
Draper. George, 
Fitzpatrick, Michael, 
Guilor, Michael, 
Haig, Thomas. 





HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 24'.) 


Hughes, J. D., Jackson. G. H., 


Pait, John, Palmer. Thomas, 


Lucker. Kandolitli, Monk, Henry, 


Proe, John. Howe. Z. P., 


Monk. William. Monk, (J. W., 


Sands,.!. P.. Selby. 1. X.. 


IVny. Charles, I'erry. Oliver, 


Schnltz. Levi, Snyder, J. A., 


Held. William. Hicher. Samuel, 


Snyder. .1. W., Tullis. L. F. 


.Smith, Aaron, Tucker, Ephraim. 


Ykin Home. Jame.s, Wilson, W. S. i 


Watson. ( 'harles, ^Voods, Martin, 


Williams. D. S., Williams, B. F., 


Woods, William. Williams. James, 


Williams, Nelson, W'alty, .Jacob, 


Williams, William, Herlien. John. 


Wade, Wiley, White, J. W., 


Crissii). James, Ilanna, T. J., 


Wiser, C. F.. White, J. (i.. 


Kramer, August, Murphy, Jolui, 


Whitlock. .1. W., Worthy. Osborn. 


Mason, E. B. 


Court. .1. K. P. A^inPeit. K. W.. 


COMPANV I. 


English. Philip. (iarrick. Ilarrisou. 


Carney. Edward, Davis, C. M.. 


McBride, Thomas, Stephens, William. 


Edwards. George, (frosjean, Francis, 


UNASSIONKl). 


Hall, George, Osboni, X. S., 


Brown, Andrew, Clark, Alec, 


Pope, Kichard, 


Davenport, John, Hunter, James, 


(Company k. 


McConrock, ^y.. White, (i. W. 


(Second Lieutenants: 






NINETY-SEVEXTH ILLINOIS IXKAN'TRY. 


Orem. S. H., Fisher. John. 




Sergeants: 


The 97tli 111. Inf. Reg., was organized 


Orem, S. B., Francis, James, 


at Camp Butler, Sprindfield, 111., in 


I'almer, L. H., Uarnhart, H. J., 


Sept., 18(i2, and was mustered into the 


Lowe. K. I).. 


service of the United States on the 16th 


Corporals: 


of that month, with the following regi- 


Huland. Charles. Fisher, John, 


Massey, S. L., Barby, Joel, 


mental staff: Friend S. Rutherford, 


Miller,' C. J., Slaten. J. 1'.. 


colonel; Lewis D. Martin, lieutenant- 


Wagoner: 


colonel; Stephen W. Horton, major; 


Xoble, (ieorge L., 


Victor Vifquain, adjutant; G. C. Cock- 


Privates: 


erel, quartermaster; Samuel Willard, 


IJallard, Lovin. Hull. 11. C.. 
Bingham. A. W.. Bush. C. A.. 
Burniue. Jasper, Chaput, J. .\., 


surgeon, and M'. M. Baker, chaplain. 
On the 3d of October it started fur 




Cockrell. Jesse, Curtis. J. '!".. 


Cincinnati, 0., and from there it marched 


Clark. A. J.. Caslick. John, 


to Nicholasville, Ky., where it went 


Carroll, M. B., Carsen, A. ('., 


into camp, and remained drilling and 


Connor, L. M.. Clark, T. H., 


doing guard and police duty, until Nov. 


Dyke, O. E., Ennis, James, 


10, when it was assigned to the division 
under the command of (Jen. A.J. Smith, 


Foibush, T. M., Giberson, H. H. 
(Jiberson, W. 11. Giberson. 1!. S- 


(iibersou. Isaac. (ilobe. .lohn. 


and moved to Louisville, arriving in that 


Harris. II. H. Ilasselton, Amos, 


city, on the 15th. On the 17th in em- 


Ilartnian. Franklin, Ilullin. Jolui, 


barked on transports, and started for 


Hamaker. J. F.. Kelly. J. A.. 


Memphis. Tenn., and on arrival, went 


Loney, David, Lassiter, Lafayette, 


into camp, Nov. 26. Here it was as- 
signed to the 2d brigade, lOth division. 


Macoy Elliott, McKang. James. 
Jlilford, A. J., Myers, Henry, 


May fold, J. II., Nutt, R. A. 


13th army corps, under the command of 


Ogden, F. F., Ogden, J. 11., 


Maj.-Gen. John A. McClernand. This 



250 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



force left Memphis, Dec. 20, and landed 
near Walnut Hill, on the Yazoo river and 
occupied a position on the extreme left 
during the battle of Cluekasaw Bayou, 
hut fortunately were not brought into 
the assaulting column. This was an im- 
potent and fruitless attack on the most 
superb fortifications of the south. The 
sluggish waters of the bayou covered the 
entire rebel front, behind which rose the 
lofty blufls ofthe Yazoo. Here the labor 
of thousands of slaves had been devoted 
to the complete fortifications ofthe line 
for months, until it was perfectly im- 
pregnable to the simple assault, yet 
General Sherman dared the awful hazard 
of the battle, and hurled column after 
column of infantry upon them in sim- 
ple, useless slaughter. In obedience to 
orders, the men plunged into the bayou, 
where both banks were covered by tan- 
gled abatis, and where the bayou pre- 
sents a quicksand bed 300 feet wide, con- 
taining water fifteen feet wide and three 
feet deep. The rebel rifle pits beyond 
were filled with sharpshooters, whose 
every bullet drew blood; his gunners 
had the range of the ford, such as it 
was, and poured grape and canister into 
their dauntless but rapidly decimated 
ranks. Toiling like heroes, they essayed 
to stem the storm until an order was 
received to fall back. It was raining all 
the time, and stung by the consciousness 
that they had fruitlessly thrown away 
many valuable lives, they retired sul- 
lenly from the contest. During the 
rainy night which followed the battle, 
the men of the 97th stood or lay without 
fire, in the swamp bordering the exe- 
crated bayou, but next morning they 
were embarked and returned to Milli- 
ken's Bend. On the 10th and 11th of 



Jan., 1863, they took part in the reduc- 
tion of Arkansas Post, or Fort Hindman, 
as it is sometimes called, where they, 
as usual, displayed their high courage 
and valor. 

On the 15th of Jan. the regiment 
moved down the river to Young's Point, 
where it remained until March 6, when 
it returned to Milliken's Bend, and on 
15th of April, marched to Grand Gulf 
On the 1st of May it, together with the 
other troops, was engaged at Port Gib- 
son, Miss., and on the 16th, at Champ- 
pion Hills, where it did good work. 
The regiment arrived in the rear of 
Vicksburg on the 19th of May, and par- 
ticipated in the siege of that place until 
its capitulation, July 4, 1863. Scarcely 
had the confederate colors been hauled 
down on this stronghold, than General 
Sherman started for Jackson, Miss., 
where Joe Johnston was securely forti- 
fied, and with his column was the 97th. 
It participated in all tlie manoeuvers 
that led to the downfall of that place, 
and then returned to Vicksburg, where 
it remained until Aug. 25, when it em- 
barked for New Orleans, and went into 
camp at Carrollton, near that city, on 
their arrival at that place on tlie 27th. 
The regiment was mustered out of ser- 
vice July 29, 1865, at Galveston, Texas, 
and arrived at Camp Butler, Springfield, 
111., Aug. 13, 1865, where it received its 
discharge. 

NINTY-NINTH INFANTRY. 

First Assistant Surgeon, 
Curtiss, John F . 

COMPANY II. 

Lowe, Edward, Penniek, Jeieniiah, 

Pennick, M. M., Smith, John C, 

Smith, Dennis, Wedding, C. H., 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



2:.i 



ONE HUNDRED AXD TWENTY-SEC- 
OND INFANTRY. 

fO:\II>ANY c. 

Second Lieutenant: 

Chapman, S. L. 

Sergeant: 

Powell. Asa. 

Corporal: 
Miles, \V. VV. 
I'rivates: 
Avers, S. A., Aster. Sam, 

Bull, William, Bill, M. A., 

(^assey, Daniel, Clowers, (i. R., 

Davis, S. P., Evcland Garrison, 

Esellioff, Philip, Fitzc;eral(l,J. W.. 

Miles, J. D.. Myers, W. H., 

Matthews, Elijah, Phipps, .1. M., 

Ryan, Samuel, Spear, W. L., 

Sego, D. J. Spencer, A. .1., 

Upton, T. .1., Witluow, .1. II. 

Carll, .1. I)„ Dalihs, Elias, 

Davis, D. 15., Davenjiort, .\bsalom, 

Daveni)ort, William, (iertinier, George, 
.Tacksori, W. L., Lnft, .John, 

Osborn, W. C, Weiuan. H. L , 

0.\K HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SECOND IN- 
FANTRY. 

The regiment which was known as 
the 122d 111. Vol. Inf. was organized 
at Camp Palmer, Carlinville, in Au- 
gust, 1862. The officers of the regi- 
ment were as follows: Colonel, John J. 
Rinaker; lieutenant-colonel, James F. 
Drish; major, J. F. Chapman; H. G. 
Kaplinger, adjutant. On the 8th of 
Oct. the regiment moved to Colum- 
bus, Ky., and from thonce to Trenton, 
Tcnn. On Nov. the 12th, companies A, 
D and F moved to Humboldt, that state 
but upon the 18th of December, the 
regiment was transported to Jackson, to 
defend that place against Forrest. They 
marched in pursuit of the enemy as far 
as Lexington, Tenn., but returned to 
Jackson, December 21. In the mean- 
time, the enemy, under General For- 



rest, captured the town of Trenton, to- 
gether with the sick in the hospital at 
that place, among wliom were Major 
Chapman and 60 men of the 122d Illi- 
nois, on hearing which the balance of 
the regiment set out in pursuit of the 
enemy, December 27th. On the 31st, 
was engaged at Parker's Cross-roads, in 
connection with detachments of the 
39th Iowa, 50th Ind. and ISth 111. 
Inf. regiments, and captured seven 
pieces of artillery and 500 prisoners. 
The loss of the 122d was one officer and 
22 privates killed and 56 wounded. Col- 
onel Rinaker was severely wounded. 
On the 17th of Feb. 1863, the regiment 
moved to Corinth, and on the 15th of 
April from Corinth, and on the 25th was 
engaged at Town creek. It moved to 
Saulsbury, June 25th, and October 30th 
to luka, Colonel Rinaker commanding 
the post at each place. It did efficient 
service, in this line of duty, the summer 
of 1864, companies E, II and K defend- 
ing Paducah against the assaults of 
General Forrest, repelling three attacks 
on Fort Anderson. June 26, 1864, it 
was transported to Memphis, Tenn., and 
was assigned to the 1st Brig., 3d Div., 
and joined to the command of Gen. A. 
J. Smith. 

On the 14th of July was engaged at 
Tupelo, Mississippi, and met with tlie 
loss of Captain Josiah Burroughs and 
nine enlisted men killed and 23 wound- 
ed, and returned to Memphis, arriving 
there July 23. It was also engaged in 
garrison and guard duty at Holly 
Springs, and on the 8th of Sept. moved 
to Cairo, 111., and the 12th to Jefferson 
barracks, St. Louis, Mo. It was a jiar- 
ticipant in the campaign in Missouri, of 
this year, after General Price. The 



252 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



regiment embarked for Nashville, 
Term., Nov. 24, and on the 15th and 
16th of Dec. was engaged in the battle 
of Nashville. Hood, who had swung 
around Sherman's advancing army, 
threatened Nashville, and Gen. Thomas 
gathered all the men within reach, for 
the defense of that city, to him, and 
among them the 122d 111. who did valiant 
service upon that sanguinary field. On 
the Ifith, the battle raged with increas- 
ing fury, until Thomas ordered a grand 
charge, when the confederate forces 
were driven out of their intrenchments 
in headlong flight. The union cavaly 
thundered upon their heels with re- 
morseless energy, the infantry follow- 
ing closely behind. Almost the entire 
rebel army was dissolved into a rabble 
of demoralized fugitives, who, at last 
escaped across the Tennessee. The war 
in the west, so far as great movements 
were concerned, was practically at an 
end, but the gallant regiment whose 
name graces the head of this article 
was not through with its days of bat- 
tle, for, on the 3d of April, it joined 
the forces before Fort Blakely and on 
the 9th of that month participated in 
the assault upon that stronghold, losing 
20 killed and wounded. On the 12th it 
marched to Montgomery, Ala., arriving 
there on the 26th, where it remained 
until the latter part of May. June 4th, 
it embarked at Providence Landing, and 
steamed down the Alabama river to Mo- 
bile, where it was mustered out of the 
service, July 15. 

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOURTH 
INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

First Lieutenant: 
Terry, John W. 



Sergeants: 
Heatie, N. C, White,,!. .L, 

Corporals: 
Gooihiian. B. F., Hegans, Lalayette. 

Musician : 
Banlett, B. E., 

Privates : 
Austin, Frederick, Barton, diaries, 
]5eck. S. E., Bartlett, W. H., 

Cadwallailer, El', Crane, Levi, 

Daggett, H. P., Gaston, William, 

Ilesser, W. S., Howell, C. H., 

Hughes, Thomas, Hughs, Thornton, 

.Johnson, A. C, Motherly, J C, 

Nelson, John, Phillips, Nelson, 

Perrigs, G. W., Rutherford, G. ^V., 

Smith, L. N., Snivel, James, 

Slaughter, J. H., Truman, Alhert, 

Vance, R. C, Walker, AV. S., 

Brown. M. C. Barley, J. C, 

IJeck, H. W., Barton, P. S., 

Cadwallader, .J. R., Kennedy. .1. K. 1'., 
].,u(;'as, .1. W., Lamb, Leroy, 

Me Dow, J.J. H., Malott, J. S., 

Malone,John, McGee, J. H., 

Murphy, Robert, O'Donnell, Jeremiah, 

Riley, John, Sisson, H. H., 

Strin'4iain, M. E., Terry, H. C, 

Whitaker. James, ' Wilson, J. L. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ILLI- 
NOIS INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Camp 
Butler, Springfield, 111., in Sept., 1862, 
with the following regimental officers : 
Thomas J. Sloan, of Chicago, colonel; 
John H. Howe, lieutenant-colonel; R. 
P. Pattison, major; and William E. 
Smith, adjutant. It was mustered into 
the service of the United States by Lieu- 
tenant DeCourcey, Sept. 10. On the 
3d of Oct. the regiment received orders 
to go to the front, and leaving Camj) 
Butler, moved to Jackson, Tenn., where 
it arrived on the 9th, and was assigned 
a place in the 3d Brig., 1st Div., 13th 
Army Corps. On the 14th of Nov. it 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



253 



moved to Lagrange, and on the 28th 
drove the enemy acrosi^ the Tallahatchie 
river and advanced to the Yacona river. 
The regiment was then in the 1st Brig., 
Col. John E. Smith; 3dDiv., Brig.-Gen. 
John A. Logan; of the 17th Army Corps, 
commanded by Maj.-Gen. James B. Mc- 
Pherson. 

On the 13th of Feb., 1863, they moved 
down the Miss^issippi river to Lake 
Providence, and March 17 went into 
camp at Berry's landing. On the 18th 
of April the regiment moved to Milli- 
ken's Bend, and on the 25th commenced 
with the other troops the campaign that 
ended in the surrender of V^icksburg. 
On the 3Uth of April it took part in the 
sanguinary and hotly contested battle at 
Thompson's Hill, and gained imperish- 
able laurels. In the engagement at Ray- 
mond, Jackson, and Champion Hills, 
May 12, 14 and 16, respectively, during 
the entire seige of Vicksburg, including 
the assault on Fort Hill, they performed 
a heroic part. After the surrender of 
that redoubtable place they rested imtil 
August 31, when they entered upon the 
campaign to Monroe, La., and thence to 
Brownsville, and was engaged in the two 
days' battle at the latter place, on the 
16th and 17th of Oct. It went into camp 
at Black river Nov. 7, and on the 25th 
engaged in a prize drill with five other 
regiments, and carried off the palm. At 
a .subsequent contest for a prize banner 
the 124th received the flag, inscribed, 
"Excelsior regiment, 3d Div., 7th 
Corps," from the hands of Maj.-Gen. 
McPherson, for excelling in soldierly 
appearance, discipline, and drill. On 
the 3d of Feb., 1864, the regiment en- 
tered upon the famous Meridian expedi- 
tion, and returned to Vicksburg March4. 



It was engaged at Benton on May 7 
and 10, returned to Vicksburg on the 
21st, and in July, moved with General 
Slocum on his Jackson campaign, and 
was engaged in the sharp fight at Jack- 
son Cross Roads the 5th and 7th. In 
October it was in the campaign to White 
river and Memphis. Remained at 
Vicksburg doing guard and provost duty 
until Feb. 25, 1865, when it removed to 
New Orleans. March 12, it embarked 
for Mobile, moved to Dauphin Island, 
and up Fisli river, and commenced the 
siege of Spanish Fort. Tiic regiment 
was the extreme left of the investing 
line, and, with one-half deployed as 
skirmishers, drove the enemy within 
their fortifications. The regiment 
was mustered out, at Chicago, Aug. 15. 

ONE IIL'NDHEI) TlIIKTV-TllIHI) INF. 

First Assistant Surgeon : 

Folger, II. A. 

COMPANY n. 

First Lieutenant: 

llottiuan, Peter A. 
Corporals: 
.Stoner, X. ('., Chaniey, Michael. 

Dupy, .1. E., Roady, Christian. 

Privates: 
Christoplier, B. F., Drury, V. ,S., 
Davidson, C. J., Dodge, E. A., 

Everman, ^\'. A., Eunis, .(oliii, 

Elliott. T. JS., llolowcll, W. '1'.. 

Howell. John, ilcCunly, Joseph, 

MeCiuiiber, .Jasper, iledley, .1. L., 
Pease, (;. A., Palmer, \V. E., 

Klioads, T. .1., Sininioiiils, .1. L.. 

Tunstall, .John, Wales, C. E., 

Wilson..!. J>. 
OXE IIUXDKEI) FOHTV - FOUimi IXF. 

CO.Ml'AXV A. 

Andrews, .T. E., Jieclitil, J. J.. 

Craig, Soloiaon, Deiuiy, J. 1!., Jr., 

Ihirrington, Morris, Pyalli .Vlfred, 

Tally. II. <;., Waggoner, .J. E. 

COMrAXV H. 

Austin, (Jeorge, I5ell, Z. '1'., 

Crabtree, ICdward, Dovle. 'I'hoinas, 

Fitzgerald. Kobert, llairis, II. 15.. 

Ilueston, J. L., Ilueston, C. W., 

Ilueston, .S. W., Jones, Saiiuiel, 

Xelsoii, Andrew, Porter, .Jackson. 

Uowden. W. W., Kowden. J. U.. 

.Snedeker, J. >S., Spangle, Perry, 



2.54 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



tDMPAXy D 

]5ailey. William, Kendall, W. H., 



Keed, J. ('. 
\'aii Pelt, Clark, 
Fiedeiibiirg. (". II., 
Proctor, T. ( )., 
Trager, William, 



Kicliard, .Tohn, 
]51eumertield, John, 
(iuthrie, .J. A., 
Proctor, Benjamin, 
White, T. C, JJiirritt, T. L. 



COMPANY r. 



J'.oedy, Christian, 
Jirow'n, Myrcni, 
Crowder, .J. T., 
Capp, .Joseph, 
Kdington, William, 
Funk. .1. IL, 
Holmes, William, 
.Jones, W. X., 
Manning, .John, 
Murphy, A. N., 
Morse. C. L., 
I'ollard. Isaac, 
JJatcliff. (i. W., 
Scroggins, Henry, 
Sheff, R. -J., 
Siniderland, William N. 
Shields, W. F., 
Tack. C. M., 
AVhite. T. F., 
"Wiird. .John. 
Fizer. Clinton. 
Furlong, Martin, 
-J ewett. C. A., 



Butlington, Colby, 
Bonjuer, A., 
Crowder, W. D., 
Crocker, Denny, 
P'isher, (i. S., 
Gilleland, T. R., 
Hart, .J. F., 
^Nlott, Asbury, 
Murphy, M. A., 
Murphy, W. H., 
O'Neal, .James, 
Parks, .lohn, 
Ryan, William, 
Scerie, .Jolni, 
Sunderland, William, 
, Sison, L. H., 
.Scroggins, Anderson, 
Wilkinson, Thomas, 
Weigel, Henry, 
J )olson, Stephen, 
Fizer, .John, 
House, .Jolni, 
Powrey, .James. 



( OM 

Bull, C. F., 
Close, Samuel, 
Dandridge, Robert, 
l<;i]iery, Charles, 
(iranger, W. T., 
Giles, Andrew, 
Liine, W. H., 
Moore, W. H.. 
Mmard, A. K., 
Orr, W. .1.. 
I'eters, Henry, 
Rue. W. H,. ' 
Suuderlaiid, Jl. Ij.. 
Sharon. William, 
Sunderland, J. W., 
Shook. Blaney. 
Cope, Thomas, Foi 



PAXY G. 

Cope, Leonard, 
Cope, Martin, 
Dunsdon, J. M., 
Ford, .1. H., 
(rier, .lolm, 
Kinsella, Martin, 
Moore, .lames, 
McFaiu, E. A. 
McFain, .) 
Proctor, ,J. 
Pitt, A. F.. 
Handle. .J. P., 
Sherfey, .1. .J., 
Smith, .John, 
Slatterv, .John, 
Wilson", E. E., 
•d. G. A., McGee. .J. W, 



C., 
M. G. 



Avleard. T.W.. 
(!ier, .1. H., 
Hand, Shadradi, 
J-ilter, .lohn, 
Xicliolas, T. S., 
O'Donnell, .lolni. 
Pistole, M. K.. 
Reed, W. A., 
Smith, C. C.. 
1'ravis. G. W., 



fOMI'ANY II. 

Captain: 

Pitt, William E. 

Privates: 



(ifreen, Louis, 
(iieen, Almarion, 
Hartly, Samuel, 
McDow, William, 
O'Xeil, .Michael, 
Owen ,.Iames, 
Figgott, a. M., 
Sliaw, W. W., 
Sweeney, Thomas, 
Tearney, .John, 



Vinson. .J. E.. 
AVelsh. William. 
Winger. Henry, 
( 'aldwell, S. T.. 
Gibbs. James, 
J'itt. A. T.. 
Sandford, (ieo.. 



Willis, W. A., 
Willis Isaac, 
liriggs. ( i. L., 
Edsall. Coe, 
Nutt, W. J., 
Still well, John, 
Shaw, S. A., 



Bidwell, L. X.. 
Battersbey. David. 
Crain. James, 
Dobbs, (J.W., 
(Jray, Solomon, 
Jennings, liichard. 



Sunderland, J. W. 

COMPANY I. 

Captain : 

Moore. J. D. 

Second Lieutenant: 

Hutchinson, W. II. 

Privates: 



Burlew, Xoah, 
Carroll Patrick, 
Crabtree, .J. W., 
Dowdall, W. H., 
Harvill, B. F., 
Lyles, T. W., 



Little. S., LemkuU, W. IL, Miller, Isaac 
Simpson, J. II., Ford, S. W., Macumber, J. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

George W. Bickner died Nov. 28, 1861. 

H. W. Phillips was killed at Alatoona 
Pass, Ga., Oct. 5, 1864. 

Daniel P. Smutz, was killed at Shiloh, 
Tenn.; April 6, 1862. 

John Johnessee died Aug. 24, 1863. 

John V. Parker died July 21, 1862. 

N. Ware, killed, April 6, 1882. 

Emory Brewer was killed at Shiloli, 
Tenn.. April 6, 1862. 

Edward Brewer died Dec. 22, 1861. 

Herman Heberick was killed at 
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1861. 

John Smith died Aug. IS, 186.3. 

William D. Wadlington died at Mound 
City, Oct. 30, 1861. 

William D. Bell died at home, Nov. 
10, 1863, from wounds. 

William L. Green died July 2, 1864. 

W. Trimble died, wounds, Nov. 21, '61. 

George Ult was killed at Kenesaw 
Mountain, June 27, 1864. 

Sergeant George W. Brayden died at 
Bridgeport, Aug. 25, 1863. 

Andrew J. Johnson was killed at 
Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Henry Mclntire died of wounds at 
Benton Barracks, April 14, 1864. 

Chas. F. Daudridge was left wounded 
on the battlefield of Chickamauga, Sept. 
20, 1863. Benjamin Strickland was killed 
at Grand Junction, Jan. 18, 1863. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



255 



William H. McCoy died at Pittsburg 
Lauding, April 6, 1862. 

James M. Shaw died at Little Rock, 
May 5(), IStil. 

Captain Warren Ihrie died Sept. 9, 
1862. 

Robert M. Allen, left wounded on the 
field at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

John W. Bates died at St. Louis, May 
15, 1862. 

John H. Cyter died at Duvall's Bluff, 
Sept. 2, 1868. 

John Francis died at St. Louis, Mo., 
March 14, 1862. 

Julius S. Goff died at St. Louis, Mo., 
March 14, 1862. 

Edward C. Gallagher was killed at 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Nelson Hegans died at Savannah, 
April 12, 1862, of wounds. 

John Martin died at Snyder's Bluff, 
Miss., July 25, 1863. 

Sergeant Benjamin F. Miner died at 
Memphis, Feb. 1, 1864. 

Corporal Leonard Martin was killed 
at tlie battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Joseph Smith died from wounds re- 
ceived at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Samuel P. Erwin died at St. Louis, 
Mo., May 12, 1862. 

Benjamin H. Pritchall died at Pitts- 
burg Landing, Teun., May 8, 1862. 

John F. Scroggins died at Franklin, 
Tenn., Aug. 6, 1865. 

Frank J. Albert was killed at Pitts- 
burg Landing, April 6, 1862. 

Benjamin F. Austin died at Pittsburg 
Landing, April 30, 1862. 

Moses B. Corbin was killed at Shiloh, 
Tenn., April 6, 1862. 

James M. Carroll was killed April 6, 
1862, at Shiloh. 

Corporal Hiram Halliday died at 



Macon, Ga., Aug. 14, 1862, while a 
prisoner of war. 

Andrew J. Harris, reported dead. 

John Jobson died July 25, 1863. 

Samuel Leavitt died at Mound City, 
111., May 10, 1862. 

Joel P. Miller died at St. Louis, Mo. 

Braxton Murphy was missing at 
Pittsburg Landing; Tenn., and was re- 
ported dead. 

Ezekiel Montgomery died Feb. 3,1862. 

Samuel Smith died at St. Louis, Mo., 
April 26, 1862. 

James Schooley died of wounds, April 
30, 1862. 

James Dougherty died at Duvall's 
Blutf, Miss., Sept. 22, 1864. 

Daniel Rawden died while in the 
service. 

Charles Kelch died while a prisoner 
of war. 

William L. Quigley died at Hamburg, 
Tenn. 

William A. Rowden died at Paducah, 
Ky., Feb. 8, 1865. 

Leroy Stephenson died at Murfrees- 
boro, Tenn., March 29, 1865. 

Noah W. Jones died at Owl Creek, 
Tenn., June 1, 1863. 

Alexander (,'ampboll died at the hos- 
pital of the Good Samaritan, April 3, 
1862. 

Robert Lyons was reported dead. 

Aaron Pruitt was killed at Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

Corporal George W. Turnpaw di(Ml 
while in the service. 

William Beeby died at Piasa of wounds 
Sept. 4, 1864. 

William M. Peter died at Newbern, 
N. C, April 9, 1864. 

James W. St. Clair died at Louisville, 
Ky., July 14, 1864. 



2o(j 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



William L. Hall died at Columbus 
Ky., Sept. 28, 1862. 

George Draper was killed accident- 
ally, Nov. 1, 1863. 

William Reid was accidentally killed 
Nov. 1, 1863. 

Charles Watson died at home Oct. 8, 
1862. 

William Woods was accidentally killed 
Nov. 1, 1863. 

.John Berlienwas killedatFort Blake- 
ley, Ala., April 9, 1865. 

James Crissip died at Morganzia Bend, 
La., Oct. 6, 1864. 

Edward Carney died at Morganzia 
Bend, La., Aug. 3, 1864. 

Newton S. Osborn was killed acci- 
dentally, Nov. 1, 1863. 

Edwin D. Lowe was killed April 9, 
1865, while planting the colors on Fort 
Blakeley, Ala. 

Christopher .J. Miller died while in 
the service. . 

John P. Slaten was accidentally killed 
Nov. 1, 1863. 

Andrew J. Clark died March 23, 1863. 

Thomas H. Clark died March 15, 1863. 

James Enos died Aug. 15, 1863. 

Henry H. Giberson, died Feb. 15, 
1863. 

William H. Giberson died Jan. 23, 
1863. 

Lafayette Lassiter died April 6, 1863. 

Elliott Macoy died Feb. 8, 1863. 

James McRang died Feb. 8, 1863. 

James H. Many fold died of wounds 
July 28, 1863. 

Isaac N. Selby died Jan. 23, 1863. 

Benjamin F. Williams died Feb. 14, 
1863. 

Jacob Walty died March 23, 1863. 

Osborn ^Vorthy died April 3, 1863. 

J. K. P. Court died Feb. 13, 1863. 



R. W. VanPelt was killed at Fort 
Blakeley, Ala., April 9, 1865. 

Andrew Brown died at Camp Butler, 
Springfield, 111., March 10, 1864. 

Sergeant Asa Powell died in Ander- 
son ville prison, Ga., Aug. 15, 1864. 

Daniel Cassey died at Eastport, Miss., 
Jan. 26, 1865. 

Garrison Eveland died at Memphis, 
Tenn., Nov. 5, 1862. 

Philip Egelhotf died of wounds Jan. 
1, 1863. 

Samuel Ryan died Sept. 29, 1862. 

John H. Withrow died at Trenton, 
Tenn., Jan. 31, 1863. 

William L. Jackson died at Trenton, 
Tenn., Nov. 15, 1862. 

Frederick Austin died at Detroit, 
Mich., Sept. 8, 1863. 

Charles Barton died at Lake Provi- 
dence, La., March 10, 1863. 

William Gaston died at Vicksburg, 
Miss., Sept. 27, 1864. 

Thornton Hughs died at Memphis, 
Tenn., July 14, 1863. 

J. C. Motherly, died at Laclede, Mo. 
Sept. 15, 1863. 

Nelson Phillips died of wounds, June 
28, 1863. 

R. C. Vance was killed at Vicksburg, 
June 26, 1863. 

Christian Boedy died at Alton, Ills., 
March 27, 1865. 

William Sunderland died at Plain- 
view, Ills., Jan. 22, 1865. 

Almarion Green died at Alton, Ills., 
July 14, 1865. 

Thomas S. Nicholas died at Alton, 
Ills., Jan. 12, 1865. 

John E. Vinson died atFieldon, Ills., 
Dec. 2, 1864, 

James Gibbs died at Alton, Ills., 
Feb. 1, 1865. 



QHAP^RR XVII. 



ELSAH TOWNSHIP. 



The above named township lies in the 
southern part of the county. It does 
not comprise a full congressional town- 
ship, a considerable part being cut off 
by the Mississippi river, which bounds 
it on the south. On the east it is 
bounded by Madison county, with Mis- 
sissippi township on the north and 
Quarry township on the west. The 
township is hilly and broken, and along 
the Mississippi river is found many 
high and picturesque bluffs, from which 
a fine view of the surrounding country 
is commanded. Among the more prom- 
inent of these is Notch Cliti", upon 
which is the residence of Mrs. Lucy V. 
S. Ames. The Piasa creek enters the 
eastern part of the township on Sec. 24, 
and in its meandering and zigzag course 
flows through sections 18, 14, 23 and 24, 
emptying into the Mississippi river on 
the fractional section 25. There are 
several other small creeks or streamlets, 
which furnish an abundance of water 
for all practical purposes. 

EARI.V SETTLEME.VT. 

The first settlement in what is now 
Elsah township is generally believed to 
have been made by William Bates, and 
he was undoubtedly one of the first per- 
manent settlers. He came to this 
county in 1817, and took up his location 
in what is now Elsah township. He 
erected his cabin on section 25, about a 



quarter of a mile from the Piasa creek, 
on land which now belongs to the widow 
of John Locke. He was a native of 
South Carolina, and on coming to Illi- 
nois stopped, for a time, at the block 
house between Edwardsville and St. 
Louis, and thence to this county, as 
aforesaid. He was married when he 
came here. One of his daughters mar- 
ried James Redden; one married Abel 
Moore, whose two children were killed 
by the Indians at the Wood river mas- 
sacre; another daughter married Josiah 
Askew. Bates buried three wives 
in this county, and he was married 
five times. Some persons were condol- 
ing with him on the loss of a wife, and 
the necessity of his thereafter living 
alone. Bates said, "Oh, I could easily 
get another, if I just had time to go oxit 
and hunt one." Bates was a very small 
man, and was known among the early 
settlers as being the most diminutive 
among them. He sold out his place to 
John Bostwick and others, about 1835, 
who laid out thereon the town of Ran- 
dolph, and he moved away to the farm 
of his son-in-law, Abel Moore, about 
two miles northeast of Shurtleft' Col- 
lege, at Upper Alton, where he after- 
ward died. 

A man by the name of Watson ef- 
fected a settlement in the eastern part 
of the township about the year 1818, 
accompanied by his son, Matthew. 



\ 



258 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



None of the family are living at present 
and it is not known what became of 
these pioneers. 

One of the few settlers of 1818 was 
Edward Carroll, of whom not a great 
deal is remembered among the early set- 
tlers, as he died within a few years after 
coming to the county and when the set- 
tlement of the county was in a compara- 
tively very crude condition. Descend- 
ents of hi.s have, however, been identi- 
fied with the county and vicinity for a 
space of time equaling that of a long 
lifetime, and two of his three children 
are living at this writing. He was born 
in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1780. He was 
reared in his native country, and there 
learned a trade, that of tanner and cur- 
rier. Being in Ireland at the time of 
the rebellion of 1798, he was engaged on 
the patriot side in that struggle. In 
1801 he emigrated to America, landing 
at the port of New York. From there 
he went to New Jersey, locating in Sus- 
sex county, near New Town, where he 
worked at his trade. While working 
there he was married to Mary Wright, a 
niece of Gen. Greene, of Revolutionary 
fame. Her father also served on the 
side of the colonists all through that 
memorable struggle. After his mar- 
riage Edward started in business for 
himself, sinking a tan-yard and engag- 
ing quite extensively in the manufacture 
of leather. He continued the business 
with profit until, his health failing, he 
determined to sell out and travel. He 
finally brought up in Stark county, 0. 
This was before the last war with Great 
Britain, and that part of Oliio was then 
a howling wilderness, and the Indians 
who infested that vicinity were then on 
the rampage. All through the war of 



1812 the family lived there, and the tri- 
als there undergone by them may read- 
ily be understood by a perusal of the 
history of the times. 

Having determined to penetrate 
further into the western wilds, in 1817, 
Edward left his family in Ohio, and 
with a brother-in-law, James Moflitt, 
came out to the vicinage of the Missis- 
sippi river. Arriving at the Whiteside's 
settlement, Gen. Whiteside, who was 
himself contemplating a trip, offered to 
go with them on a tour of the country 
further north. They traveled through 
Madison and what are now Jersey and 
Greene counties, and were as far as the 
neighborhood of the present city of 
Springfield, thus getting a pretty good 
idea of the advantages for settlement 
ofi'ered by difl'erent regions on the 
route. The result of the trip seems to 
have determined them in favor of what 
is now Jersey county, for the brothers- 
in-law returned, as they had come, on 
horseback, to Ohio, and began prepara- 
tions for moving their families out in 
the spring following. The last traces 
of winter had hardly vanished in the 
lap of spring ere Edward, mounting a 
hardy steed, was once more on his way 
across tha trackless route of alternating 
prairie and timber, bound for his new 
Eldorado. The family, again left be- 
hind, were to take the river route, and 
under the guidance of MoSitt, were to 
find the spot selected, where Edward 
was to have a cabin ready for occupancy. 
That spring he labored in the wilder- 
ness, and on the arrival of the famih', 
on the 17th day of July, 1818, he was 
found alone at the new home, with 
everything ready for occupancy. He 
had two log houses and a stable of the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



259 



same material built, about the center of 
of section 23, in what is now Elsah 
township. He commenced to improve 
this place, but thinking the other side 
of Mill creek better suited for a place of 
residence, he went over there and built 
a two-story hewed log house, moving 
his family into it in the summer of 
1819. That same spring he had sunk a 
tan-pit on the place, having a number 
of French workmen from Portage to 
help in its construction. This work 
was never pushed to completion accord- 
ing to the plan he had adopted, though 
considerable leather was tanned there, 
considering the extreme newness of the 
country for any enterprise of this kind. 
Edward died on the 14th day of June, 
1823. They took his body across the river 
and he was interred at Portage, there 
being then no regular place of burial on 
this side of the Mississippi, in that vi- 
cinity. He had served on the first 
petit jury of Greene county, in 1822, 
(Jersey and Greene being then one 
county), and at that term of court was 
one of the jury in the notorious Dixon 
robbery case, which occurred within the 
present limits of Jersey county. Mrs. 
Edward Carroll died near Otterville, 
on the 24th of Feb., 1852, and is buried 
in the family graveyard, which lies on 
the John Dougherty farm. Mr. and 
Mrs. Edward Carroll were the j)arents 
of three children. The eldest, Cather- 
ine, bt)rn in Sussex county, N. J., in 
180.5, was married in the 1823 to Sam- 
uel I^ofton, and is now deceased, her 
only surviving child being Mary Agnes, 
wi(h>w of Ephraim Frcdenburg. 

Charles Wright Carroll, the second 
child in order of age, of Edward Car- 
roll, was born in Stark county, Ohio, 



on the 16th day of Aug., 1815. He 
came to this county with his parents in 
1818, and was reared here. He was 
married in Alton, July 20, 1863, to 
Bradley, a native of Maryland, and 
daughter of Henry Bradley. He is 
now living in Otterville, and is one of 
the few early pioneers still surviving, 
having lived within her borders longer 
than Illinois has been a state. Thomas 
Edward Carroll, the youngest of the 
three children of Edward Carroll, and 
the second white child born in what is 
now Jersey county, was born in what is 
now Elsah township, Jersey county, 
at his parents' home, on Sec. 23, on the 
2d day of Feb., 1820. He married 
Bridget Fitzgerald, and the couple, with 
their children live in Macoupin county, 
not far from Litchfield, the metropolis 
of Montgomery county. 

James Moffitt also came out with the 
Carroll family. He had been out with 
Edward Carroll, in 1817, on his trip of 
exploration. 

John Carroll and family, a brother of 
Edward, settled on the farm owned l)y 
James Seagraves, in 1819. He was a 
native of Ireland, but came to this 
township from Ohio. He resided here 
until his death, which. occurred in Jan., 
1837, and his wife followed him in Feb., 
1844. Out of a family of ten, all are 
dead at present except one daughter — 
Mary — who is now the widow of Thomas 
Cummings, and resides in Mississij)pi 
township. 

Isaac Terry came in 1830, locating in 
Elsah township. He was born in Han- 
cock county, Va., in 1800. He died 
here in 1871. His son James C, now 
lives in the township, and is one of its 
best men. 



260 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



REPRESENTATIVE PEOPLE. 

Among the people of Elsah who 
reflect credit upon that section of the 
county, for their intelligence, culture 
and praiseworthy enterprise, are the fol- 
lowing gentlemen, whose sketches are 
given in tliis connection : 

George Piggott, a well known and 
prosperous farmer of Elsah township, 
is a native of Jersey county, 111., born 
near Newbern. He remained with his 
parents till 21 years of age, then worked 
out, at farming, in different places until 
the fall of 1864. At that date he en- 
listed in the 144th Reg. of 111. Inft., 
becoming a member of Co. H., com- 
manded by Capt. Pitt. He served until 
July, 1865, when he was mustered out 
at Springfield, 111., and returned to 
Jersey county. In 1866, he was mar- 
ried to Hannah M. Snider, who was 
born April lo, 1840. They have had 
eight children — James H., born Nov. 
11, 1866;.Elnora M., born April 26, 
1869; Ulysses L., born Feb. 18, 1871; 
Hetty J., born Nov. 13, 1877; Min- 
nie L., born Sept. 20, 1882; Lelie B. 
and Lula D., twins, born Aug. 22, 1873; 
Lelie B., died Sept. 21, 1877, and Lulu 
D., Oct. 15, 1873; Arvilla E., born May 
2, 1875, and died Nov. 21, 1882. Mr. 
Piggott owns 114 acres of valuable land 
located on sections 5, 6, 9 and 11, Elsah 
township, and has comfortable improve- 
ments. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F., and of the G. A. R. post. No. 
206, of Elsah. He is a republican poli- 
tically. 

Jacob Kesler, a leading farmer of 
Elsah township, was born in C'incin- 
nati, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1841. He resided 
with his parents until 18 years of age. 
In 1860, he went to St. Charles county. 



Mo., where he remained for a time, 
then went to St. Joseph, thence to Kan- 
sas City, after which he returned to Cin- 
cinnati, where he continued till 1870. 
During this period he spent three years 
in the army, enlisting in Co. K, of the 
33d Reg. of Mo. Vol. He was mus- 
tered out at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, 
in 1865. Jan. 18, 1872, he was married 
at St. Charles, Mo., to Rebecca Hansel, 
a daughter of Richard and Lydia 
(Plumber) Hansel. She was born April 
18, 1849. Four children have been 
born to them — Mark H., born April 3, 
1873, and died July 28, 1874; George 
W., born June 11, 1875, and died March 
13, 1877; Clifford, born May 2, 1878, 
and one who died at a very early age. 
Mr. Kesler owns a fine farm, compris- 
ing 120 acres. He has a commodious 
and substantial brick residence, a frame 
barn and other farm buildings, all in 
good repair, and is an enterprising and 
successful farmer. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, also of the K. 
of P. Mr. and Mrs. Kesler are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church. 

William Roades, a farmer of Elsah 
township, was born in Virginia, Sept. 
17, 1811, and is a son of Henry and 
Mary (James) Roades. He resided 
with his parents until 22 years old, when 
he went to Kentucky, where he was 
married to Sarah E. Rolston, who died 
in 1843. By this union there were three 
children, two of whom died in infancy; 
one (laughter, Elizabeth F., born in 1835, 
wife of C. D. Howard; she died Sept. 23, 
1885. Mr. Roades was married to 
Elizabeth Swan, April 20, 1844, by 
whom he had six children, three of 
whom are now living — Martha J., born 
in 1845, now the wife of James N. Fran- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



261 



cis; William H., born in 1<S46, now 
married to Hannah A. Bouglicr, and 
Ann E., born in 1849, now the wife of 
George W. Smith; George L., born Aug. 
80, 18o4, died Sept. 7, 18.55; Lucy V .; 
born July 24, 185ti, died Nov. 27, 1880, 
and Alice, born Oct. 11, 1858, died in 
18(55. Mrs. Roades died in Jan., 187(i, 
and Mr.Roades was married the third 
time to Nettie B. Anderson. He had by 
this marriafre, three children — Charles 
C, born April 20, 1879; Alfred R., born 
March 5, 18S1, and Rebba R..born Feb. 
19, 1883, and died July 22, 1884.— Mr. 
Rbades has a finely improved farm, 
comprising 180 acres. His residence is 
of brick, and is commodious and sub- 
stantial. This place is located on sec- 
tions 7 and 8, of Elsah township, is 
j)leasantly situated and highly desirable. 
Mr. and Mrs. Roades are members of 
the M. E. cliurch. He is a supporter of 
the prohibition party. 

John Bradford Crawford, a farmer in 
Elsah township, was born in Sumner 
county, Tenn., on the 3d of June, in 
the year of 1835. When he was three 
years old he went with his parents to 
Dallas county. Mo., where they lived 
till 1848, when they wentto Farmington, 
St. Francis county. Mo. InlS511ieand 
his father went to California, and after 
staying six months there, he came back 
to the state of Tennessee, where he 
stayed with his grandmother Crawford 
about six months. He then went back 
to Farmington, Mo., for a short time, 
and from there he went to Crawford 
count}', in the same state. In Oct. of 
18.53, he moved from there to Jersey 
county. 111., locating in Elsah township. 
He was married to Lucinda M . Anderson, 
at Grafton, 111., on the 11th of May, 



1854, by 'Squire John Slaten. She was 
the daughter of John and Lucinda 
(Black) Anderson. They have had 12 
children, seven of whom are living. 
These are John L., Syrintha A., Eliza 
J., Leonora, William W., Elizal^eth and 
Charles H. 

Jacob Rister resides u])on section 10, 
Elsah township, where he owns a farm 
comprising 80 acres of the southwest 
quarter. He has 50 acres in cultivation, 
a good frame house and other comfort- 
able improvements. Mr. Rister was 
born in Germany, April 13, 1826. In 
1859, he emigrated to America, and 
landed at New Orleans, La., where he 
remained two months, then went to St. 
Louis, and thence to Morgan county, 
111. From there he returned to St. 
Louis, remaining in that city three 
years, engaged in various occupations. 
He removed from St. Louis to Jersey 
county, which has since been his home. 
He was married during the year 1853, 
to Christine Vernon, who was born 
Jan. 5, 1827, and is a daughter of Dan- 
iel and Frederica Vernon. Mr. and 
Mrs. Rister have had seven children, 
among whom are ^\'illiam, born Nov. 8, 
1856; Thomas, born May 12, 1861; 
Christina, born April 19, 1863; Mary, 
born Feb. 11, 1865; and Henry, born 
Dec. 11, 1867. Mr. Ri.'iter was in the 
army a few months, during the year 
1865, enlisting in Co. B, of the 154th 
111. Inft. He was mustered out of the 
service at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111. 
He is now a member of the G. A. R. 
post, No. 206, of Elsah. 

EI)i:C.\TI0N.\I-. 

Among the early schools of the town- 
ship was one taught by Hannah Piggott 



262 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



about the _vear 1845, in a log cabin on 
section 16. She is at present a resident 
of the village of P^lsah, and the widow 
of Joseph Lane. 

School district No. 1 has a school 
house located near the center of section 
2. It is a frame building, 20x40 feet in 
size, and was erected at a cost of about 
S7U0. John Busby taught the first term 
of school in this building. The first 
board of directors were : Joseph Chap- 
pel, George Spangle, and Augustus 
Bingham. The present directors of the 
district are: Barnard Kelley, J Winger, 
and Alexander Chappee. Abel Stanhope 
teaches the school at present. 

Abel H. Stanhope, son of Abraham 
and Caroline (Smith) Stanhope, was 
born in Mercer county, N. J., May 17, 
1846. Abraham Stanhope was a native 
of the same state, born April 22, 1810, 
and died near Godfrey. 111., in 1879. 
His wife, C'aroline, was born in Devon- 
shire, Eng., Aug. 9, 1816, and died 
Jan. 25, 1877. The subject of this 
sketch resided with his parents until 21 
years of age, assisting his father upon 
the farm which was their home. On 
leaving home he hired out as a farm 
hand. In the year 1868 he was em- 
ployed by C. C. Cumings, of Delhi, 
111., and in the fall of that year, on the 
day of Gen. Grant's first election to the 
presidency, went to Godfrey, Madison 
county, which was then the residence 
of his parents, to cast his first vote for a 
president. On his return from that 
place to Delhi, he was accidentally 
thrown from the cars and his left arm 
was so badly crushed that amputation 
became necessary in order to save his 
life. He was taken, at the time of the 
accident, to the residence of M. V. 



Hamilton, of Delhi, where he remained 
eight weeks. He then went to his home 
in Godfrey and as soon as his health 
would permit commenced fitting him- 
self for the profession of teaching, 
which he now follows. He was then 
barely able to read and write, and en- 
tered the grammar department of the 
model school, connected with the Nor- 
mal University at Normal, 111. He 
remained one year in that department, 
then entered the Normal, where he was 
a student two terms. Then, on account 
of a severe attack of lung fever, he was 
compelled to abandon his studies for a 
time. After recovering his health, he 
engaged in teaching school near 
Brighton, in Jersey county, where he 
continued one year, then returned to the 
Normal University and remained two 
years, since which he has followed 
teaching in Jersej' and adjoining coun- 
ties. Mr. Stanhope is thoroughly qual- 
ified, both by nature and education, for 
his responsible work, and as a teacher 
is popular and successful. 

The Locke school house, in district 
No. 4, was built in 1872, at a cost of 
$800. It is situated on the southwest 
quarter of section 11, and is 18x36 feet 
in size. 

The building in district No. 5, also 
known as White Oak, was erected in 
1877 at a cost of $500, which also in- 
cluded the lot of three-quarters of an 
acre upon which the building stands, 
the latter being 22x26 feet in size. The 
first term of school was taught by Al- 
bert Barwise, and the first board of 
directors were George Spangle, Chris- 
tian Besterfeldt and George Piggott. 
Richard Keiley teaches the school at 
present and the present directors are 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



263 



William Kiiaj)p, R. M. Smith and 
George Piggott. 

The school house located on the 
southeast quarter of the southeast quar- 
ter of section fi, and known as Pleasant 
Grove, was built in 1875. It is 20x28 
feet in size and was completed at a cost 
of S'.100. The first teacher was Walter 
Maxie. The first hoard of directors of 
the district were T. F. Slaten, Jasper 
Terry and A. F. Swan. Those serving 
as present directors are B. F. Slaten, 
Jasper Terry and George Spangle. 
Lizzie L?ak is the present teacher. The 
sdiool has an average attendance of 
about 28. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first white child bom in what is 
now Elsah township, was Thomas 
Edward Carroll, son of Edward and 
Mary (Wright) Carroll. This was also 
the second birth in the county, he being 
born on the 2d day of Feb., 1820. He is 
now living in Macoupin county. 

The first 'death was that of Thomas 
Carroll. He came up from St. Louis to 
stop with his brother, Edward. He had 
been there but a little over a month 
when his deatli occurred, in July or 
August, 1819. His body was taken down 
to St. Louis in a skiff, and there in- 
terred . 

William Bates planted the first corn, 
in 1817, and also built the first house. 

The first marriage was that of Josiah 
T. Askew and Miss Hannah Bates, in 
1821. 

Joseph Bassey was the first justice of 
the peace, who was elected or appointed 
in 1822. 

ELSAH. 

The land on which is situated the 
town of P^lsah, or Jersey Landing, was 



originally entered by James Mason, and 
occupies the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 20. It afterwards came into the 
possession of William H. Allen, of 
Grafton, who disposed of it to James 
Semple, formerly United States senator 
and minister to Bogota. Mr. Semple 
subsequently laid out the town of Jersey 
Landing, which was surveyed March 7, 
1853. He opened a road up Askew 
Hollow, so called from Josiah T. Askew, 
who had an extensive sugar camp in 
the hollow, about half a mile distant 
from the river. Shortly after the lay- 
ing out of the town, a landing was es- 
tablished and called Jersey Landing. 
On the establishment of the postoffice, 
it was called Elsah, which name it still 
retains, though the town has popularly 
been known as Jersey Landing. 

The town of Elsah is built mostly in 
a hollow and extends back in the neigh- 
borhood of a mile from the Mississippi 
river. The houses are mostly substan- 
tially built of brick or stone, and are of 
a better class than is usual in towns of 
its size. A magnificent view is offered 
from the bluffs adjoining, which are 
about 300 feet in height at this point. 
Just below the town is Notch Cliff, the 
palatial residence of Mrs. Ames, a 
daughter of the late Hon. James Sem- 
ple, from which a most charming and 
extensive prospect of romantic scenery 
can be obtained. Before the construc- 
tion of railroads, a large business was 
done at Elsah in the shipment of grain. 
It is said that for a period extending 
from 1853 to 1856, it was one of the 
largest shipping points for grain along 
the Mississippi. Messrs. Onetto & 
Brock acted as shippers. During the 
grain season, in the years noted above, 



264 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



the firm never received less. than 500 
bushels per day, principally corn, and 
from this amount ranged up to 3,000 
bushels. The large trade in grain made 
the business of selling goods brisk dur- 
that period, and it was no uncommon 
circumstance for the sales of Brock' & 
Onetto to amount to S500 per day, a 
heavy business in those times. 

BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

J. M. Giberson engaged in the gen- 
eral merchandise business, in 1870, at 
which time he erected the present store 
room, which is 40x70 feet in size. The 
building is two stories high, the second 
story being occupied as a hotel by I. N. 
Piggott, which contains 14 sleeping 
apartments. 

James M. Giberson, one of the lead- 
ing merchants of Elsah, is a son of 
Jacob C. and Mary (Burleigh) Giberson, 
and one of a family of seven children, 
six of whom are now living. ' James M. 
Giberson was born seven miles south of 
Jersey ville, 111., Jan. 30, 1848, and re- 
sided with his parents in that vicinity 
until 1865. At that time he left home 
to attend Bryant & Stratton's Connuer- 
cial College, from which institution he 
graduated Dec. 19 of the same year. 
The following summer he engaged as 
bookkeeper for E. Briggs, at East New- 
bern, near his old home. He continued 
in Mr. Briggs' employ four months, then 
engaged in farming in Macoupin county. 
In July he disposed of his crop and went 
to trading in horses and land, working 
occasionally at carpentering. In July, 
1868, he engaged in threshing in Macou- 
pin county. The following winter he 
attended school in St. Louis, and in the 
spring of 1869 went to Audrain county. 



Mo., where he followed farming one 
season, returning in the fall to Jersey 
county and again engaged in threshing. 
Soon after he sold his outfit and em- 
barked in mercantile trade, in company 
with W. W. Gilham, at East Newbern. 
In March, 1870, he moved his stock of 
goods to Louisiana, Mo., where the fol- 
lowing May he closed out his goods and 
engaged in farming in Audrain county. 
He returned to Jersey county in July, 
1871, having disposed of his interests in 
Missouri, and purchased a portion of 
the old homestead on Round Prairie, 
where he resided till March, 1873. At 
that date he moved to Elsah and engaged 
in merchandising. In Dec, 1874, he 
shipped his stock of goods to Aberdeen, 
Miss., and spent 1875 and a part of 1876 
in that state. He engaged while there 
in farming, milling, ginning cotton, mer- 
chandising and trading. November 8, 
1876, he returned to Elsah, Jersey 
Co. , and, in partnership with his brother, 
E. C. Giberson, engaged ill mercantile 
trade. In the spring of 1877 anotlier 
brother, J. J. Giberson, was admitted 
into the firm. In August, 1878, James 
M. Giberson purchased his partners' in- 
terests and has since that time carried on 
business alone. He has an extensive 
trade and is highly prosperous. He is 
the owner of the store building which 
he occuijies, four dwelling houses, a 
stock farm located one-half mile from 
Elsah, and real estate in Kansas. Sept. 
4, 1870, Mr. Giberson was married to 
Irene Collins, a native of Keokuk, 
Iowa. They have two children — Herbert 
G. aad James A., the former born at 
East Newbern, April 29, 1872, and the 
latter at Elsah, March 3, 1882. Mr. 
Giberson is a member of the I. 0. O. F. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



265 



The general merchandise store of A.H. 

Stephany was Cfitablished by his father, 
M. Stephany, deceased, in 1870, who 
purchased the building of Richard 
Fuller, at that time. Mr. Stephany car- 
ries a complete stock of general mer- 
chandise and groceries, and is doing a 
good business. 

A. H. Stej)hany is a son of Martin 
Stephany, a native of Germany, who 
was l)orn June 24, 1824. Martin was 
the third of a family of five children, 
ami in his youth learned the tailor's 
trwde. He then went to Switzerland, 
where he remained until 1849. In that 
year he immigrated to America, and 
proceeded immediately to the city of 
St. Louis, where he arrived May 11th of 
that year. On the 28th day of the same 
month he was married to Elizabeth 
Steinman, a native of Switzerland. Five 
children were born to them, three of 
whom are now living. They continued 
to reside in St. Louis until October, 
1855, at which time they removed to 
Elsah, then known as Jersey Landing- 
Here, in 18tiO, he engaged in mercantile 
business, which he carried on success- 
fully until the time of his death, July 12, 
1879. The subject of this sketch, A. 
H. Stephany, was born in St. Louis, 
Oct. 2;^, 1852. He came with his par- 
ents to El.-^ah, whc^re he has since re- 
sided, being here reared to a mercantile 
life. He is unmarried, arid now resides 
with his widowed mother. He is suc- 
cessful in business, and a prominent 
and honored citizen. He is a member 
of the Masonic lodge of Grafton, the 
I. O. O. F., and the K. of P., of Elsah. 
He has lield the office of village clerk 
four years and collector two years, and 
is a consistent Lutheran. 



The building now occupied by B. L. 
Mott as a drug and variety store, was 
purchased by him in 1862, of James 
Semple. It is a one story stone affair, 
20x30 feet in size, with basement, and 
was erected in 1856 by James G. Swan. 

Mrs. C. Haas is engaged in the sale 
of groceries and provisions, in a build- 
ing which she rents of her daughter 
Effie. She commenced business in 
1862. 

The grocery and provision business 
is also represented at Elsah by L. H. 
Vanderslice. 

J. 0. Richie is the proprietor of the 
only meat market in the place at 
present. 

John G. Brown operates a wagon and 
blacksmith shop combined, which he 
rebuilt in 1884. It was formerly owned 
and used by D. T. Tonkinson as a 
Idacksmith shop. The business is 
valued at present at $6(X). 

John G. Brown, blacksmith, of Elsah, 
is the seventh of a' family of nine 
children. At the age of 17 years he 
left home and went to work for himself 
at blaeksmithing, having previously 
served an apprenticeship of three years 
with Theodore Burnett, in Girard, Ma- 
coupin ccnmty, 111. He first opened a 
shop in Raymond, Montgomery county, 
111 , where he continued one year; then 
went to Ohio and worked one year in a 
shoeing shop at Middlotown; thence to 
Dayton, O.; and, about one year later, 
to ^lissouri, where he was employed 
for six months in building trestle work 
on a railroad. He then went to Louisi- 
ana, in the same state, and there fol- 
lowed horse shoeing a few months, after 
which he returned to Illinois, and 
worked at his trade in Greene Co., 



266 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



where he carried on a general repairing 
establishment. During his residence 
there he was married to Vina Pennell, 
Nov. 20, 1877. He removed to Elsah, 
Jersey county. He is a skilled work- 
man at his trade. In addition to black- 
smithing he runs a general repairing 
establishment for wagons, buggies, &c. 
He is also an experienced veterinary 
surgeon, and practices that profession 
in connection with his other business. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had three 
children born to them — Nellie, Emma 
and Amanda. 

There are two cooper-shops in the 
village of Elsah, owned and operated 
respectively by X. Schneider and Louis 
Keller. 

Michael Huss is engaged in making 
boots and shoes, and also the repairing 
of the same. He also keeps a stock for 
retail purposes. 

McNair Bros, established their pres- 
ent business in the spring of 1884. They 
have a machine shop for repairing of 
all kinds, and have also a feed mill in 
connection. The machinery is operated 
by a ten-horse power engine. Their 
building is 22x30 feet in size, with a 
wing 16x32. 

J. B. Reintges, wheelright, erected his 
present building, and commenced busi- 
ness in 1878. He does all kinds of 
woodwork, carriage and wagon making 
and repairing, and is also engaged in 
the sale of farm machinery. His busi- 
ness structure is 20x34 feet in ground 
area, and is three stories in height. 

John B. Reintges, the first white yhild 
born in the village of Elsah, is the son 
of Peter Reintges, who came to Elsah 
township in 1852. Peter Reintges was 
born in Dollendorf, Germany, Jan. 13, 



1813. He was a stone mason by trade. 
In 1852 he immigrated to America, and 
went first to Wisconsin, where he re- 
mained a short time, then to Elsah, as 
before stated. He died here in 1863. 
His widow, Mrs. Eva M. Reintges, was 
married, in 1864, to Christian A. Loehr, 
a prominent citizen of Elsah. Mr. 
and Mrs. Peter Reintges had six chil- 
dren born to them, three of whom are 
now living — John B., Louisa A. E. and 
Jacob. Theresa wife of D. J. Murphy, 
is deceased, and two died in infancy. 
John B. Reintges, the subject of this 
sketch, was reared and educated in his 
native township, and in his youth 
learned the trade of wheelwright, which 
he still follows. He was married Nov. 
19, 1878, to Annie O'Hare. They have 
two children, Lizzeta and Eva. Mr. 
Reintges is a public-spirited citizen. He 
has held the office of constable four 
years, has been school director three 
years, and is at present serving as as- 
sessor of Elsah township. He is a 
member of the Catholic church. He 
was, in honor of having been the first 
first white child born in Elsah, pre- 
sented by Hon. James Semple with a 
lot 50x75 feet in dimensions, located in 
the village of Elsah. 

Christian A. Loehr, mentioned above, 
was born in Hanover, Germany, 
April 14, 1832, and came to Jersey 
county in 1857. He was first married 
to Christine Schrier, in September, 1861. 
She died in January, 1864. ■ Three chil- 
dren were born to them, one of whom 
is now living — Lizzeta. Mr. Loehr has 
been engaged in mercantile trade, but 
is now retired. He has been a member 
of the village board three terms, and is 
at the present time school director. He 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



267 



is a member of the Lutheran church 
and his wife of the Catholic church. 

The tonsorial business is represented 
by Louis Bai>st, who is located here, 
and established his shop, in 1885. 

There are two saloons in the village, 
operated respectively by Cosmos Keller 
and William H. McDowell. 

HOTELS. 

The first building on the present site 
of the Riverside hotel, was a log cabin 
built by Addison Greene, in 1847. It 
was afterward remodeled and a frame 
addition erected, and about the year 
1853 purchased by Brock and Onetto. 
In 1866, Cosmos Keller, Sr., purchased 
the building, adding a frame structure, 
two stories high. At the time of his 
death, April 9, 1880, the property 
passed into the hands of his children, 
Cosmos and Emma, who still operate it 
as a hotel. 

Cosmos Keller, proprietor of a hotel 
and saloon at Elsah, was born near 
Elsah, Jersey county, 111., Sept. 27, 
1859. He is a son of Cosmos,, Sr., and 
Dorothea Keller. Cosmos Keller, Sr., 
was born March 11, 1832, in Alsace, 
then a province of France, and resided 
in his native country until 1856, when 
he came to America, and located, in 
March, 1857, at Elsah, Jersey county, 
111. In 1856 he was married to Dorothea 
Behrens, who died Jan. 12, 1877. In 
July of the same year, he was married 
to Mrs. Bertha Feurherd. He has had 
three children, two of whom are living 
— Cosmos and Emma, tlie latter, born 
in 1.S63. The family are believers in 
the Roman Catholic religion. Cosmos, 
Jr., is at present, township collector, 
which oflBce he has held for five succes- 



sive years. He has also held the office 
of village clerk, one term. He is a mem- 
ber of the I. 0. O. F. lodge. No. 269, of 
Elsah, in which he holds the office of 
P. G. He belongs, also, to the K. P. 
lodge, No. 106, of Elsah. In the latter 
organization he has served three terms 
as secretary. 

A hotel is also run b\' Isaac N. Pig- 
gott, which is first-class in all its ap- 
pointments. Neatness and cleanliness 
are the mottoes of the house, and a fair 
patronage is the result. The building 
is a large, two story frame structure, 
with a store in the first floor. 

STILL HOUSE AND (SRIST MILL. 

In the spring of 1856, Knapp, Good- 
rich & Co., of Jersey ville, built a large 
stone building, 40x2(X) feet in ground 
area and three and a half stories high, 
which they operated as a distillery and 
a Houring mill. It was equipped with 
the necessary machinery and had five 
run of buhrs, the distilling department 
having a capacity' of 1,2(_K) bushels per 
day. The mill and distillery was in 
operation until May 5, 1870, when the 
institution was destroyed by fire. The 
walls are still standing and at present 
are the property of the W., St. L. & P. 
railroad company. It was erected at a 
cost of $65,tXK), and from the date of its 
completion the town began to improve 
and expand. 

ELSAH FISHERY. 

One of the leading industries of the 
town of Elsah, and, indeed, of this 
whole section of the country, is the 
fishery of Isaac Iloupt. This gentle- 
man commenced the business as early 
a8^1866, in a^ comparatively small way, 



268 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



and has, by attention to it, developed it 
to an extraordinary dimension. He 
has some sixty or seventy nets, and 
two large seines and five fishing boats, 
whicli he uses in the business, and finds 
employment for quite a number of 
hands. All kinds of edible fish, among 
wliich are white, black and calico bass, 
pike, pickerel, catfish, perch, buffalo 
and red-horse, are gathered from the 
bosom of the mighty "father of waters" 
and prepared for the market. Tons of 
the finny tribe are gathered in and for- 
warded to St. Louis and other points, 
and disposed of to the benefit and profit 
of the enterprising proprietor of this 
industry, who is the largest and most 
successful fishery operator in this 
county, or, in fact, in all this region. 
He is able, honest and industrious, and 
deserves the good fortune brought about 
by his ability and enterprise. 

SPRTN'GS. 

Two fine springs of living water are 
among the attractions of Elsah. One 
of them is known as Fountain Square 
spring. They were noticed at the time 
of the first settlement of the town, and 
since then have never, at any time, 
ceased to flow. Quite a respectable 
sized stream of water flows from each 
one, and the water is used by the people 
of their vicinity in preference to well 
water. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

James E. Starr was born in New York, 
Sept. 21, 1813. When about 16 years of 
age he was taken bj^ a maternal uncle to 
Georgia, as an assistant in a store. He 
remained with him until Sept., 1833, 
when, learning of the death of his father, 
at Alton, 111., he returned home, reach- 



ing Alton in November of that year. 
Here he pursued his avocation as clerk 
and merchant for several years. In 1S43 
and 1844 he was employed as clerk on the 
river in the Alton and St. Louis trade, 
leaving it to take the position of United 
States deputy marshal. In 1845 he took 
command of a steamer, and finally quit 
the river in 1847. In Oct., 1846, he was 
married to Sabra B. Ellis, at Burlington, 
Iowa. On the opening of the Alton and 
Sangamon railroad (now Chicago and 
Alton) he was appointed general ticket 
agent of the road, which position he 
held for several years. On the breaking 
out of the war he was residing in Alton 
with his family, but in the spring of 1862 
he moved to Jersey county, where he 
has since resided. The farm is located 
on Sees. 21 and 22, T. 6 n., R. 11 w., and 
has been largely devoted to horticulture. 
Mr. Starr was one of the founders of the 
State Horticultural Society, of which he 
was at one time president. He was one 
of the first admitted to membership in 
the I. 0. 0. F., Aug. 11, 1836, and has 
filled the positions of treasurer, secre- 
tary, grand master, and grand represent- 
ative. 

Rev. Luther E. Cole, of Elsah, was 
born in Halliston, Massachusetts, Oct. 
9, 1847. In 1855 he came to the state 
of Illinois, where he grew to manhood, 
fitting himself for a ministerial career. 
He was licensed to preach May 19, 
1881, by the Alton District Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
which met at Brighton, 111., Aug. 31, of 
the same year, he joined the Southern 
Illinois Conference, held at Greenville, 
Bond county, BishoiJ J. P. Hurst 
officiating, and was appointed to the 
Elsah circuit. He was ordained and 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



209 



ordered deacon by Bishop Thomas Bow- 
man, of Belleville, 111., Sept. 24, 1883. 
At the session of conference held at 
Fairfield, 111., Sept. 24, 1884, he was 
returned to the Elsah circuit. At that 
session the circuits of Elsah, Grafton, 
and all of the territory in Jersey 
county lying south of a line from Delhi 
to Fulton, were united, ft)rming one 
circuit, of which he was appointed pas- 
tor in charge, "and which field he at 
present occupies. Rev. Luther Cole is 
a man of much zeal and ability and is 
an earnest and faithful worker in the 
cause of the Master. 

R. C. Chidister, son of William and 
Amanda (Willbanks) Chidister, was 
born in Elsah township, Jersey county, 
June 29, 1858. William Chidister was 
born in Licking county, 0., Oct. 14, 1818, 
and died in this county, Feb. 14, 1881. 
Amanda Chidister was born in Ken- 
tucky, in Aug., 1843, and died here, 
Feb. 12, 1883. Both are buried in the 
Salem cemetery. The subject of this 
sketch is the second of a family of six 
children, and resided with his parents 
until 24 years of age. He then engaged 
in farming for himself in Elsah town- 
ship, where he still lives. He is a 
re]iublican in politics. 

Al>raham\\'orthey, retired farmer, was 
born in Franklin county, Ga., Nov. 11, 
181S. When about three years of age he 
left that state, removing with his par- 
ents to Smith county, Tenn., where he 
remained till he was 19 years old. Oct. 
20, 1.S39, he was united in marriage witli 
Sarah Craig, daughter of James and 
Susanna ( Hurchett ) Craig. Mr. and 
Mrs. Wortheyhave had 17 children born 
to them — Mary Ann, wife of Charles 
Harland, of Mississippi township; Wil- 



liam H., living in Alton, 111; John W., 
married to Lucy Finch, living in Mis- 
souri; Sarah, widow of John Connor; 
Susanna, wife of Aaron Reed, of Elsah 
township ; Martha, wife of George 
Miers, of Macoupin county, 111.; Eliza- 
beth, wife of John Reed, also of Macou- 
pin county; Addie, who resides with 
her sister, Mrs. Miers; Abraham, Jr., 
living on section 6, Elsah township, 
married to Mary Dougherty; Julia, wife 
of William Johnson; Eva, wife of Wesley 
Johnson, of Elsah township; James M., 
Eliza' Ann, Thomas B., and Jasper N. 
are deceased, and three died in infancy. 
Mr. Worthey owns a valuable farm of 
120 acres, located on section 6, Elsah 
township, which is well improved, also 
residence property in the village of 
Elsah, where he now lives. Mr. and 
Mrs. Worthey are members of the Pres- 
byterian church. He belongs to the 
Grafton lodge of the Masonic fraternity, 
and to the I. 0. O. F, lodge, No. 369, 
of Elsah. 

Isaac Newton Piggott, was born in 
"Piggott's Fort," in Monroe county, 
111., in Nov., 1793. His father, Capt. 
James Piggott, was a native of the state 
of Connecticut, and in early life was a 
sea-faring man. He is reputed to have 
been one of the party who blew up a 
British gunboat just preceding the 
Revolution. The British Crown ofl'cred 
")00 guineas reward for each of the parties 
concerned, but failed to capture them. 
He next appears with acommisssion, as 
captain of a Pennsylvania company of 
troops, early in the war. He was at 
Valley Forge, during that memorable 
winter, when Gen. Cieorge Rogers 
Clarke was fitting out his western expe- 
dition to subdue the great Northwestern 



270 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



territory. C'apt. Piggott tendered his 
resignation in the Continental army, 
giving as reasons therefor, "that his 
family had then (1778) already gone 
west, to Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburgh, 
Penn.; that he wished to join Clark's 
expedition, and go to the Northwest 
territory." In accepting his resignation. 
Gen. Washington received the same for 
the reasons therein stated. Capt. Pig- 
gott came west with Clark's expedition 
and shared in the perils and privations 
incident thereto. He remained for 
some years at Kaskaskia, where his 
family soon joined him. He next built 
a fort or block-liouse, in the American 
Bottom, in Monroe county, which was 
known as Piggott' s Fort, as a protection 
for the early settlers against the hostile 
Indians. He established the first ferry 
at St. Louis, which is now known as the 
A\'iggins ferry. He moved to what is 
ni)W a part of East St. Louis, 111., at his 
ferry, where he died in Dec, 1799. At 
the time of his decease, he was presiding 
judge of the court of St. Clair county, 
111., then held at Cahokia, then the 
county seat of that county. Isaac N. Pig- 
gott was left an orphan, at seven years 
of age. In 1803, his mother re-married 
and moved across the river, to the terri- 
tory of Upper Louisiana, and settled in 
St. Louis county, where Isaac N. was 
principally brought up, on a farm. His 
opportunity for education was very 
limited. We find him in the war of 1812, 
for which service, his widow drew a 
pension until her decease, in 1881. In 
1821, we find him a Methodist minister, 
stationed at the First M. E. church, in 
St. Louis. At the western conference 
of the M. E. church, held in Oct., 1822, 
at St. Louis, he was sent to the Missis- 



sippi circuit, comprising Pike, Adams, 
Schuyler, Brown, Scott, Greene, and 
part of Morgan counties, 111. In Dec. 
1822, he moved with his family to 
Greene county, and settled near Wood- 
ville, northwest of Kane, from whence 
he went around a four week's circuit on 
horseback, going northwest as far as 
Quincy. The settlements at that early 
day were sparse and far between, no 
bridges, very dim roads, but early set- 
tlers were proverbial for their hospital- 
ity to all, and especially to the early 
itinerant preacher. He virtually estab- 
lished Methodism in this district, being 
the first itinerant minister regularly sent 
to this part of the state. He was ordained 
a deacon by Bishop McKendree, at the 
St. Louis conference, and was afterwards 
ordained by Bishop R. R. Roberts, at 
Padfield, in St. Clair county, 111., in 
1824, as evidenced by the parchments 
signed by the bishop, and now in the 
hands of one of his daughters, Mary J. 
Brock, of Jerseyville, 111. About the 
year 1825, from failing health, Isaac N. 
Piggott located from the itinerancy, and 
sought other occupation. He remained 
a member of the M. E. church until his 
decease, in 1874. He was the first post- 
master in the limits of Jersey county, 
the office being at Eminence. He after- 
wards had the postoffice removed to 
Newbern, where he was again post- 
master. He removed from Jersey county 
to St. Louis, Mo., in 1859, where he 
died Feb. 11, 1874, in his 81st year. He 
was a fine conversationalist, a fluent 
speaker, a versatile writer; and a man 
well posted on almost any subject. He 
could apparently turn his attention 
equally well to theology, medicine, or 
the law, being proficient in each. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



271 



Hiram T. Keyser was born in the 
state of Kentucky, on the 24th of De- 
cember, in the year of lS2tJ. He lived 
with his parents until he was 20 years 
old. In 1852 he came to Illinois, stop- 
ping at Alton, where he staid four 
years, working at his trade, which is 
that of brick and stone mason and 
plasterer. In the year 1856 he came to 
Elsah, and has lived there or in that 
vicinity up to the present time. On the 
5th day of September, in the year 1855, 
he was married to Mary Ann Myers, 
daughter of Samuel Myers. They have 
had five children, namely — John H., 
Charles H., Mary Elizabeth, Victor and 
Harry. Mr. Keyser has served as 
trustee of the village of Elsah for four 
years. He still continues at his trade 
which he has been working at nearly 40 
years. Himself and wife are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 
politics he is a democrat. 

William G. Onetto, blacksmith and 
engineer, came to Jersey county in 1836, 
and for a time followed various occupa- 
tions to gain a livelihood. In 1853 he 
moved to the village of Elsah, where he 
now resides, and which then contained 
but three houses. He was born April 
8, 1825, and married in 1843, to Mary 
Ann Massey, daughter of William and 
Magdeline (Metz) Massey. She was 
born in St. Louis and died in 1870. 
They had two ciiildren — Elizabeth and 
Anthony, both of whom died in infancy. 
Mr. Onetto was again married to Mrs. 
Sinclair, widow of William Sinclair. 
He is a member of Masonic fraternity, 
the I. O. 0. F., and the Knights of 
Pythias. He is a democrat politically, 
and with his wife, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church of Elsah. 



Mr. Onetto is one of the earliest settlers 
of the village of Elsah, and a highly 
esteemed citizen. 

Leander C. Carrico, a cooper in Elsah, 
was born on the 10th day of October, in 
the year 1848, near Kane, Greene 
county. 111. He lived with his parents 
until he was nearly 16 years old, when 
he enlisted in Co. D, 1st Reg., Missouri 
cavalry volunteers. He went into ser- 
vice on the 22d of July, 1864, and was 
mustered out at Benton Barracks, Mo., 
on the 18th of September, 1865. He 
participated in the following battles or 
skirmishes: At Mount Elba, Ark., 
and at Mt. Elba Ferry and Princeton, 
and the second assault at Pine Bluff and 
Brownsville. On the 3d day of Feb., 
in the year 1869, he was married to 
Annie Reynolds. One child was born 
to them — Ledora C, born on the 9th 
of Dec, 1869. She is living with her 
grandparents at Shipman, 111. On the 
1st of Aug., 1878, Mr. Carrico was mar- 
ried again to Mrs. Mary M. Davis, 
widow of Haston Davis. They have 
had two children — Mary E., born June 
20, 1880; died Aug. 14, 1880; and Horace 
G., born Dec. 26, 1881. Mr. Carrico 
has been in 17 different states and ter- 
ritories, seeing a great deal of the coun- 
try. He belongs to the Baptist church, 
is a member of Rutherford Post, No. 
206, G. A. R., of which he is now com- 
mander, and has been officer of the day 
two terms previous to this. His parents 
were both natives of Illinois, but were 
of French and English descent. Her 
parents were of French descent. His 
father, Thomas C. Carrico, was born 
Dec. 21, 1825, in Greene county. 111. 
He enlisted at Virden in Co. G, 122d 111. 
Inft., on the 13th of Aug., 1862. He 



97-^ 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



dierl in the hospital at Corinth, Miss., 
on the 14th of March, 1863, and was 
brought home to Virden, wliere he was 
buried. His mother is still living, and 
is now the wife of Daniel Bettis, and 
resides in this county. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice at Elsah was established 
in 1852, and James Semple commis- 
sioned postmaster. The present incum- 
bent is James Francis. Prior to this 
time, however, and about the year 1830 
a postoffice was established at a place 
called Eminence, two miles below Elsah. 
Newton Piggott was the postmaster. 

MUNICIPAL. 

Elsah was organized and incorporated 
as a village in 1872. The following 
were the first officers : William P. War- 
ren, president; W. A. McNair, clerk; J. 
R. M'hipple, Christ. Loehr, Isaac 
Newton Piggott, and Thomas Hansel, 
trustees. The present officers are the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen: George F. 
Lane, president; W. B. Starr, clerk; T. 
F. Hansel, treasurer; James Fuller, 
street commissioner; William Tonkin- 
son, constable; W. P. Warren, X. 
Schneider, J. G. Brown, R. B. Leak, 
and E. M. Pinney, trustees. 

ELSAH ITBLIC SCHOOL. 

The ' present school building was 
erected in the year 1857 by the late Gen. 
James Semple, who was a great friend 
of education. The building is a large 
stone structure, two stories high, and is 
24x36 feet. The cost at that time was 
$2,833. After the district was formed 
the building Avas purchased from Gen. 
Semple by the board of directors. The 



present teachers are Miss Minnie E. 
Lane, principal, and Miss Rosa V. 
Stroud, in the lower department. The 
school is considered to be in a flourish- 
ing condition, and with the present 
board of education will so continue. 

CORNET BAND. 

Notch Clift' cornet band was organized 
in 1879 with the following members: 
Jacob Spatz, Eb clarionet; Jacob C. 
Reintges, solo cornet; Edward Reed, 
Bb; J. B. Reintges, first alto; J. Dean, 
second alto; William Besterfeldt, bari- 
tone; Edward Besterfeldt, Eb tuba; H. 
Howard, bass drum; Cosmos Keller, 
snare drum. The first president of the 
organization was William Besterfeldt. 

TOWN H.\LL. 

A town hall for public meetings of 
all kinds was erected in 1884, and is 
now owned by Dr. B. F. Farley. It is 
a one-story frame structure, 30x50 feet 
in dimensions, and was completed at a 
cost of about $1,000. 

• ELSAH ROLLER MILLS. 

This flouring institution was con- 
structed in 1878 by McAdams and Bley- 
ler and is 40x80 feet in ground area, 
three stories and a half- high, with an 
engine room 30x35 feet in size. The 
machinery and fixtures were removed 
from Newbern, the engine being 50- 
horse power. The above named firm 
run the mill about one year, when it 
was purchased by Enos J. Doron, in 
Feb., 1879, who still owns and operates 
the same successfully. When the mill 
was first erected it was a buhr aflair, 
but in the fall of 1882 it was remodeled 
by Mr. Doron to the roller system. The 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



273 



mill liiis a cajmcity of 200 barrels of 
flour per day, and is so situated that its 
shijipiug advantages are unsurpassed 
either hy rail or water. It is in good 
rei)air. and is valued at S;W,OO0. The 
mill proper was originally erected for 
an elevator and ware house in 1861, l)y 
a man named Pegram, of St. Louis, 
who was amongthe principal grain deal- 
ers of that city, at that time, and was 
provided with all the reijuirements of a 
first-class ware house. 

Eiios T. Doron, the proprietor of the 
Elsah Roller Mills, Jersey county. 111., 
was born near the city of Philadelphia, 
in the state of Pennsjdvania, Sept. 17, 
1880. His early life was spent in his 
native state. In 1848 he engaged as 
clerk in a wholesale hosiery establish- 
ment in Philadelphia, and in 1858, be- 
came a partner in the same firm. He 
continued there in business until Jan. 
1, 1871, when he retired from mercan- 
tile life. In 1879 he came to the village 
of Elsah and purchased the flouring 
mill, which in 1882 he remodeled, 
and added new machinery, increasing 
its capacity to 200 barrels per 
day. Mr. Doron was united in mar- 
riage Feb. 8, 1859, with Huldah H. 
Bedell, of Rochester, X. Y. They had 
two children — Charlie P>., born May 28, 
1800, and John B., born June 30, 1864. 
The hitter died April 23, 1866. Mrs. 
Doron died in Germantown, Penn., 
May 20, 1873. Mr. Doron is a republi- 
can in politics, and an upright and 
worthy citizen, as well as an enterpris- 
ing business man. 

SOCIETIES. 

Elsah Lodge No. 26!t, I. O. O. F., 
was instituted in 1859. Among the 



charter members were John H. Onetto, 
Addison (ireene and.Jacoli Lurton. The 
lodge has had a prosperous existence, 
and is well fixed financially. They own 
the building in which their hall is 
situated, and rent a portion to the K. of 
P. and (4. A. R. societies. The mem- 
bership is about 40. Being the first 
lodge in the south end of the county, it 
has been a mother lodge, three other 
lodges having drawn membership from 
her. 

Black Cross Lodge, No. 106, K. of P., 
was instituted Jvme 13, 1882, with 17 
charter members. The following were 
the first officers of the lodge : Thomas 

F. Hansel, P. C; William H. Bleyler, 
C. C; William G. Onetto, V. C; Jacob 
Kesler, P.; X. Schneider, M. of E.; 
Nathaniel Greene, M. of F.; Fred. W. 
White, M. at A.; Tony A. Brock, K. of 
R. and S.; John N. Warren, I. G.; Jacob 
C. Reintges, 0. G. Those serving the 
lodge at present in an official position 
are Nathaniel Greene, P. C.; Charles B. 
Doron, C. C; Edward M. Pinney, V. C; 
X. Schneider, P.; C. Loehr, M. of E.; 
A. H. Stephany, M. of F.; John X. 
Warren, M. at A.; Fred. W. White, K. 
of R. and S.; Cosmos Keller, I. G.; 
William (i. Onetto, O. G. The present 
membership numbers 22. The lodge, 
though small in number, has been active 
and interesting since its institution to all 
connected with it. 

Rutherford Post, No. 206, G. A. R., 
was organized April 11, 1883, l)y John 

G. Mack. The first officers of the post 
were as follows : E. M. Pinney, C; B. 
F. Slaten, S. V. C; Lewis Keller, J. V. 
C; William H. McDow, Q. M.; William 
Marshaw, Chap.; L. C. Carrico, O. D.; 
N. Hartley, O. G.; J. K. Francis, Adjt.; 



Adam Lightner, Q. S.; Myron Hansell, 
Surg. The membership at present num- 
bers 62. The post rents the hall of the 
I. 0. 0. F. fraternity in which to hold 
their meetings. The present officers of 
the society are L. C. Carrico, C; J. A. 
Chappee, S. V. C; Lewis Keller, J. V. 
C; E. M. Pinney, Q. M.; W. D. Col- 
lins, O. D.; J. A. Dabbs, 0. G.; Perry 
Spangle, Chap.; P. W. Dougherty, 
Adjt.; I. M. Free, Surg.; T. A. Palmer, 
Q. S. The charter members of the or- 



ganization were E. M. Pinney, Lewis 
Keller, A. F. Swan, Adam Lightner. W. 
D. Collins, Terry Spangle, B. F. Slaten, 
L. C. Carrico, W. H. McDow, William 
Burgess, William Deymond, Myron Han- 
sel, P. W. Dougherty, J. K. Francis, 
William Marshaw, (ieorge Piggott, N. 
Hartley, William Gillham. 

ITEM. 

The first white child born in the vil- 
lage of Elsah was John B. Reintges. The 
date of his birth was June 8, 1853. 



aHAF»T?ElR. XVIII. 



OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



This sub-division of Jersey county is 
bounded on the north by English, on 
the east by Mississippi, on the south by 
Quarry, and on the west by Rosedale. 
The township is well wooded, the prin- 
cipal prairie land being found in the 
eastern part and in the south row of 
sections. Otter Creek, with its two 
forks, North and South Otter, run 
through this township. North Otter 
comes in from English about the center 
of the east line of section 12, and South 
Otter creek comes in from Quarry about 
the center of the south line of section 
36. The two effect a junction on section 
8, and thenceforward pass onward 
as one stream — the main Otter creek, 
flowing out of the township, and pass- 
ing into Rosedale, at the line between 
sections 6 and 7. These streams, with 
tlieir numerous little tributaries, serve 
to furnish an abundant supply of water 
for stock and agricultural purposes, and 



giving ample drainage facilities. Con- 
siderable attention is given to stock- 
raising in this township, a number of 
the farmers taking an interest in the im- 
provement of their live stock. The 
eastern part of the township has the 
best farm land, and generally the best 
improved, though there are a number 
of good places in the west and south 
parts. 

The village of Otterville lies on sec- 
tion 11, and afibrds a number of busi- 
ness enterprises for the accommodation 
of the citizens of the township. There 
is no railroad running through it, though 
all parts are within easy access of rail- 
road points. There is some hilly coun- 
try in the township, but very little 
indeed that would resist eftbrts at culti- 
vation. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first permanent settler within the 
bounds of what now constitutes the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



275 



township of Otter creek was Joseph 
White, a native of South Carolina, but 
wlio came to this county from Kentucky, 
in 1821 or 1822. His two grand-sons, 
Daniel P. and John L., are both resi- 
dents of the townships. 

Daniel P. White is a son of Joaband 
Maria (Randall) White, and was born 
in what is now Jersey county, in 1834. 
He was here reared, and in 1855 was 
married to Mary M. Terry, a native of 
this county, who died in 1872. In 1874 
he was married to Sarah V. Moss, who 
was also born in Jersey county. She 
died in 1876, and in 1882 Mr. White 
was married to Mrs. Mary J. (Turner) 
White, widow of Louis White, of Mis- 
sissippi township. Mr. White has 
always been a resident of tliis county, 
and always followed farming. He is 
the owner of a valuable and well im- 
proved farm, comprising 80 acres. He 
is a republican in politics, and an enter- 
prising and worthy citizen. 

John L. White was born in Jersey 
(then Greene) county, Aug. 2, 1823. His 
father, Joab White, was born in South 
Carolina, and his mother, Jane (Lofton) 
White, in Kentucky. John L. White is 
the oldest man, with one exception, 
born, raised and now residing in the 
territory comprising Greene and Jersey 
counties. Ho was reared here, and in 
1843 was married to Martha L. Sansom, 
a native of Ohio. Three sons were 
born to them — lames J., born in 1845, 
now living in Kansas; Lewis A., who 
died in 1880, and Charles Henry, now 
living in Mississippi township. Mrs. 
White died Feb. 14, 1851. Mr. White 
was again married, Oct. 4, 1851, to Rosa 
J. White, a native of Jersey county. By 
this union, there were four daughters. 



three of whom are living — Susan, wife 
of John T. Wagoner, of Otter Creek 
township; Mary Jane, wife of James P. 
Achford, of this township, and Fannie 
Evelyn, living with her parents. 
Josephine died in 1857. 

Thomas White, in 1824, located east 
of Otterville, where he lived for many 
years. 

Samuel Lofton, the same year, made 
a settlement in this township, on sec- 
tion 14, where he resided for a long 
time. He came from Madison county 
to this township, where he subsequently 
died. 

.James Dabbs settled on section 9, in 
this township, in the spring of 1826. 
He was a native of South Carolina, and 
was married in that state, in 1802. Sev- 
eral years after that event they emi- 
grated to Barren county, Ky., where 
they resided until 1819, when they 
removed to the vicinity of Wood river, 
Madison county. 111., from which place 
they came here, as above stated. Jesse 
Dabbs, a son, was a resident of the 
county until 1875, when he died. James 
Dabbs and his wife, Mary, were worthy 
members of the pioneer band. He died 
a resident of the county, Dec. 19, 1841, 
his wife living until Sept. 8, 1852. 

Samuel Dal)bs, a native of South Car- 
olina, made a settlement on section 8, 
in this township, about the year 1826. 
His son, W. W. Dabbs, is a resident of 
the township still, living near the old 
homestead. 

W. W. Dabbs is a son of Sanju^-l and 
Mary (Link) Dabbs, who were pioneers 
of Jersey county. Samuel Dabbs was a 
native of Kentucky, and his wife of 
Tennessee. They came to Illinois in 
1805, and to what is now Jersey county, 



276 



HISTORY OF JEESEY COUNTY. 



in 1826, settling upon Sec 8, Otter dreek 
township, which was the birth-place of 
the subject of tliis slsetch. He was born 
on the 8th day of June, 18;!6. He ob- 
tained his education in the common 
schools of that township, and there 
grew to manhood. Nov. 5, 1855, he was 
married to Catherine Worthey, a na- 
tive of Tennessee. Nine children were 
born to them — John M., George F., 
Lindley, Hattie E., Margaret E,, Emma 
E., Nellie Jane, Oscar and Mary E. 
INIr. Dabbs owns a large farm, com- 
prising 534 acres, and follows farming. 
He was engaged in a meat market 13 
years. Politically Mr. Dabbs is a re- 
publican, having voted with that party 
since its organization. He has held the 
office of school director and is a mem- 
ber of the A. F. & A. M. Samuel 
Dal)bs died Dec. 12, 1853, and his 
widow, Mrs. Mary Dabbs, Sept. 12, 
1855. Both are l)uried in the old ceme- 
tery at Otterville. 

The first settlement on what is called 
Otter Creek Prairie was made in 1827 
by Josiah White. He also built the 
first house on the prairie, on the farm 
now owned by JobnSisson. He died in 
this township. He was a son of Joseph 
White, one of the early settlers of Lof- 
ton's Prairie. 

Jesse White, deceased, was born in 
Madison county, 111., in 1807. His 
father, Joseph White was a native of 
South Carolina, and his mother Eliza- 
beth (Self) White, of Georgia. They 
came to this state in 1805 and settled in 
Madison county, near Edwardsville, in 
1818. They moved to Jersey county 
and lived there four years, then removed 
to Greene county, and settled near 
where the town of Kane now stands. 



In 1838 they removed to Otter Creek 
township, where Joseph White built a 
grist mill on Otter creek, south of the 
present town of Otterville. He operated 
the mill and continued to reside here 
until his death, which occurred in 1840. 
He had six sons — Joab, who settled in 
Mississippi township; Josiah, who set- 
tled in Otter Creek; Jesse, subject of 
this sketch, who settled two miles west 
of Kane, in Greene county; Joseph, 
who also settled near Kane; Stephen, 
who settled near the same place, and 
Jehu, who settled in Greene county. 
Jesse White was married in 1827 to Ta- 
bitha Carrico, a native of Mason county, 
Ky. They had six children born to 
them, two of whom died in infancy. 
Those who lived to maturity were — ■ 
Nancy, deceased, wife of J. G. Harper, 
of Greene county; Lewis, now living in 
Otterville; Baalam, of Greene county, 
and Ira, also of Greene county. Mr. 
White died in 1873 in Otterville. He 
was a consistent, member of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church. His wife 
is a member also. She is now living 
with her son Lewis, in Otterville. 

Lewis White, son of Jesse and Ta- 
bitha White, was born in Greene county, 
near Kane, in Oct. 1831. He remained 
in that county, on a farm, until 1873, 
when he moved to a j)lace two miles 
east of Carrollton, where he lived live 
years. At the expiration of that time 
he removed to Jersey county, locating 
three miles east of the city of Jersey- 
ville. He then moved to Missouri. 
One year later he came back to this 
county, and settled where he now lives, 
in Otterville. He is by trade a wagon 
maker. Mr. White was married in 
Oct. 1856, to Lucinda A. Cook, a native 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



277 



of Tennessee. Seven children were 
born to them, three of whom are liv- 
ing — John H., Charles M., and Justus 
V. Four children died in infancy. 
Mrs. White died Feb. 1, 18(;i, in Mis- 
soiiri. Mr. White is a member of the 
A. F. & A. M., a skilled workman at 
his trade, and an esteemed citizen. 

Gregg jSIcDanel and his wife settled in 
Otter Creek township in the fall of 1828, 
on Sec. 7, where he lived for many years. 
He constructed a dam and mill for saw- 
ing lumber on Otter creek in 182S, and 
two years later a mill for grinding corn. 
Mr. McDanel came here from Madison 
county, and died in Sept., 18-")!), leaving 
a large landed estate. His wife, Rachel 
(Cooper) McDanel, died May, 1861. 
Gregg McDanel built a large flouring 
mill at Upper (irafton, in 18."i7, through 
the persuasion of Henry Shaff, a young 
miller, which proved a disastrous fail- 
ure. His son, Charles McDanel, resides 
on the old homestead. 

Charles McDanel is a son of tiregg 
and Rachel (t'ooper) McDanel, who set- 
tled in Madison county in 1820. They 
removed to Jersey county in 1828, locat- 
ing on Sec. 7, Otter Creek township, 
where Charles now resides, (iregg Mc- 
Danel died in Sept., 1851), and his wife 
in May, 18(il. Both are buried in the 
Noble cemetery. Charles McDanel was 
born in Madison county, HI., in 1827, 
and was one year old when his parents 
settled in this .county. He was reared 
to the occupation of farming, also worked 
in a saw and grist mill. He received a 
good education, attending the district 
school and afterwards Shurtleff College, 
at Upper Alton. In November, 18(j.5, he 
was married to Amanda Dabbs, who was 
born in Otter Creek township. Mr. and 



Mrs. McDanel are the {)arents of eight 
children — Sarah Leonora, Rachel A., 
Charles G., Georgiana, Ada Maria, 
Mark L., William R., and Grace 
Adella. Mr. McDanel is one of the 
most extensive land owners in Jersey 
county, having 1,400 acres, and carries 
on general farming. He is a member of 
the A. F. & A. M. Mr. McDanel has 
sjjent almost his entire life in this town- 
ship, and has witnessed its development. 
He has contributed his full share toward 
effecting the transformation from a scene 
of natural wildness to a countr}' of com- 
fortable homes and a land teeming with 
wealth and material prosperity. These 
solid comforts of life have been secured 
by the industry and sacrifice of those 
early settlers, and among them Mr. Mc- 
Danel is now in the enjoyment of an 
abundan.t competency and can spend his 
remaining years in peace and happiness. 

Jasper M. Terry was a settler of the 
year of 1828, un section 24. A sketch 
of this gentleman appears in the 
National, State and County Representa- 
tion chapter. 

Henr}' Clay Terry, son of Jasper M. 
and Mary A. (Wagoner) Terry, was 
born in Otter Creek township, Sept. 25, 
1845. He was brought up on a farm in 
this township, and attended the district 
schools of the neighborhood. In 1864, 
he enlisted in the 124th Inf., and served 
in that regiment until Julj', 1865. He 
was then transferred to Co. C, of the 33d 
111. Regt., and served until Nov. of the 
same year. He took part in the battles 
of Benton, Yazoo, and Spanish Fort, 
returning home Dec. 7, that winter, he 
attended school in Otterville, and the 
following year, became a student at 
Shurtleff College, where he continued 



278 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



One year, then went, in the winter of 
1867-8 to the Commercial College, at 
Poiighkeepsie, N. Y. In the spring of 
1870, he returned to Otterville, and en- 
gaged in the milling business, in com- 
pany with H. E. Dougherty; this part- 
nership lasted until July, 1873. Mr. 
Terry then went to Christian county, 
and bought a farm near Rosamond, on 
which he lived till Jan., 1875, at which 
date he sold it and removed to Jersey- 
ville, where he lived one year. He re- 
moved from Jerseyville to his present 
residence, on section 24, Otter Creek 
township, formerly the farm of his 
father. It comprises 160 acres, and is in 
a high state of cultivation, and well im- 
proved. His business is general farm- 
ing. Mr. Terry was married Sept. 28, 
1870, to Mary Cadwalader of Otterville, 
Jersey county, 111. They have three 
children — Addle May, born Aug. 18, 
1871; Charles H., born Oct. 28, 1873, 
and Lora F., born Oct. 23, 1876. Mr. 
Terry belongs to the A. F. & A. M.,and 
also to the G. A. R. He is one of the 
directors of the board of agriculture, of 
Jersey county. He is the only one of 
his father's family now living in Jersey 
county. 

On the 18th of March, 1829, Tarlton 
F. Brock settled on the northeast quar- 
ter of section 25, in this township. He 
was born July 16, 1802, in Franklin 
county, Va. His ancestors, who were 
originally from England, had resided 
there for several generations. He em- 
igrated with his father's family to the 
Missouri territory in the fall of 1818, 
and settled in Franklin county, about 
60 miles west of St. Louis, from whence 
he removed to the present limits of 
Greene county. 111., in 1825. March 



20, 1829, he located on Otter Creek 
prairie, on Sec. 25, T. 7, R. 12, where 
he remained until his death, Nov. 6, 
1876. He was a life-long Methodist in 
his church relations, being a member of 
the quarterly conference for nearly, or 
(juite, 50 years. The writer, his son, 
well remembers the pioneer Methodist 
preachers who where always welcome 
at his father's house — John T. Johnson, 
Hadley, John Dew, Deneen, Phelps, 
Cartwright, Akers, Barger, Bobbins, 
Heath, Wollard, Peters, Anderson, the 
Corringtons, Norman Allyn, the gifted 
C. W. Lewis, and many others. T. F. 
Brock was the first postmaster at Otter 
Creek, being the second postoffice in 
the county. He was a strong advocate 
of education, temperance and Sunday 
schools. 

Dr. Silas Hamilton came to Otter 
Creek township in the spring of 1830. 
He was born in Tinmouth, Vt. His 
father, Captain Nathaniel Hamilton, 
commanded a company of Green Moun- 
tain boys, in the Revolutionary war. 
The family afterwards made a settle- 
ment in Ohio, and finally he removed 
to Monroe county. 111. Dr. Hamilton 
was an accomplished physician, and be- 
fore coming to this country, had been 
practicing in Mississippi, back of 
Natchez. He bore a high reputation 
while he lived in this county, and if his 
life had been longer spared, he would 
undoubtedly have risen to a high place 
here. Dr. Hamilton was the owner of 
a considerable number of slaves, whom, 
in his lifetime, he liberated. After his 
death, a fine monument of Italian mar- 
ble, which still stands, was erected to 
his memory at Otterville. This monu- 
ment bears the following inscription: 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



279 



"To the iiu'Hiory of Dr. Silas Hamilton, 
his former master, born at Tinmouth, 
Vt., May ly, 1775; died at Otterville, 
Nov. 19, 1834; having in his lifetime 
given freedom to 28 slaves, and at his 
death bequeathed $4,000 for the erection 
and endowment of the Hamilton Prima- 
ry School." There is also an inscrip- 
tion stating that the monument was 
"erected by George Washington, 
born in Virginia, a slave, died at 
Otterville, 111., April 18, 1864, a chris- 
tian freeman." The school building 
erected by the doctor, and spoken of in 
the first inscription, is a stone structure, 
and is even yet a handsome appearing 
edifice. 

William Hamilton, a brother of Dr. 
Silas Hamilton, made a settlement on 
section 13, of this township, in 1830. 
He was from the state of Vermont, and 
losing his wife in 1828, he with his three 
sons immigrated to this state in 1830, 
and located upon the northeast quarter 
of the section, where he lived the re- 
mainder of his life. He was an active, 
energetic man, and highly esteemed by 
all. He died at the residence of Jephtha 
Dixon, in Calhoun county, July 22, 
1849. 

William McDow came to Otter Creek 
township, in the fall of 1830, and set- 
tled where he now resides. 

William McDow, son of John and 
Margaret (Gilham) McDow, was born in 
Madison county. 111., Feb. 2, 1808. His 
parents were natives of North Carolina. 
In 1809, his father moved his family to 
a farm, near St. Luois, where they lived 
till 1815. In that year they moved to 
Boone county, Mo., where they lived 
nine years, and then returned to Illinois, 
locating in Jersey county, near New- 



hern. William resided here with his 
parents until the fall of 1830, wlien he 
removed to Otter Creek township, and 
bought 160 acres of government land, 
for which he paid SI. 25 per acre. 
He built a log house the same year, in 
which he lived about 30 years. He now 
has a well improved place, with a good 
frame house and barn. He was married 
April 11, 1830, to Delilah Wagoner, 
daughter of David Wagoner. She was 
born in Virginia, in 1808. They have 
had eight cliildren, seven of whom are 
now living — Marion, living in Otterville; 
Ellen, wife of Charles Shelton Roads, of 
iNIacoupin county; Margaret, living with 
her parents; Mary, wife of Ziba Noble, 
Quarry to ivnship; William H., of Alton: 
Josephine, wife of Lawrence Green, of 
Kansas City, Mo., and Allie, living at 
home with her parents. Mr. McDow 's 
farm contains 278 acres, which he rents, 
but still resides upon the place. 

Marion McDow has resided in the 
township over half a century, having 
been born here in 1830. He is a son of 
William McDow. 

James Derrick settled where Samuel 
Dougherty now lives in 1830. That loca- 
tion was on Sec. 14. That same year 
all the family had the bilious fever, and 
Mrs. Derrick took an overdose of lauda- 
num and died. Derrick knocked around 
about a year, married a widow named 
Hurd, and moved to Missouri. He was 
driven out of there by bushwhackers 
during the war. He returned to Mis- 
souri after the rebellion was over. 

Solomon Dixon came in the spring of 
1830, and located on the place where 
William Dougherty now resides. He 
died in 1831, and his widow soMthe im- 
provement to Thomas Hamilton. The 



280 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



J^^^^J:^ 



widow and her family then removed to 
Macoupin county. Dixon was a native 
of Tennessee. 

Among the other settlers of this year, 

1830, were the following : Maurice Arm- 
strong; on Sec. 13; Elijah Brown, Sec. 
12, and James Hinson. Maurice Arm- 
strong soon sold out, removing to the 
neighborhood of Fieldon, from whence 
he removed to Montgomery county. 

Thomas H. Hamilton came in the 
spring of 1831, and bought the improve- 
ment made by Solomon Dixon, buying 
from the hitter's widow. He came to 
Illinois, from Ohio, in 181.S, and located 
in Monroe, county. On the 9th of May, 

1831, he came to Jersey .county. He 
was a carpenter by trade. He died in 
the fall of 1844, leaving three sons — 
Nathaniel, Dr. J. 0., and Rev. B. B. 

With him came Daniel H. Hamilton, 
who also entered land on section 14. 
These were both brothers of Dr. Silas 
Hamilton. 

Jay M. Hurd, whose sketch occurs 
elsewliere, was a settler of 1831. He 
came here the year previous, with his 
uncle, Dr. Hamilton, but, being taken 
sick, returned to his eastern home, but 
the following spring came back. With 
him came his parents, Ezra and Polly 
H. Hurd, but they died soon after. 

James F. Terry and Ezekiel Chance 
were also settlers of the year 1831, the 
former locating upon section 24. 

WillianijDougharty, Sr., came in Sep- 
tember, 1832, and located on the farm 
now owned by his eldest son — John G. 

JohnG. Dougherty has been a resi- 
dent of Otter Creek township since 

1832, having come here with his parents 
in September, of that year. He was 
born in Adams county. Miss., in 1820, 



and is a son of William and Janet 
(Fowler) Dougherty, the former a native 
South Carolina, and tlie latter of New 
York. The subject of this sketch has 
always followed farming. He now 
owns a fine farm comprising 65G acres, 
with splendid improvements. He was 
married, in 1845, to Susan Millross, a 
native of Scotland. They are the pa- 
rents of eight children, six of whom 
are living — Louisa, wife of J. C. Cad- 
walader, of this tovi'nship; George H., 
living at liome; William, living in this 
townsliip; Irene, wife of C. A. L. 
Reed, M. D., of Hamilton, 0.; Leon- 
ora, wife of Milton Noble, of this town- 
ship; and John, living at home with 
his parents. Julius died in 1849, and 
Anna in 1881»t Mr. Dougherty's father, 
William, died in 1833, and his mother, 
in 1862. 

Henry Noble, a native of Maryland, 
liut a long time resident of the state of 
Mississippi, came to Jersey county in 
1833, landing at Grafton on the 3d of 
April. He immediately purchased 
some 400 acres of land on section 10 
and 15, in this township, and settled 
down to the hard life of a pioneer. Mr. 
Noble was married in the state of Mis- 
sissippi to Mary Swayze, a native of 
New Jersey, He was the father of 
quite a family of children, some of 
whom have risen to considerable dis- 
tinction — Reuben, having been until 
lately the judge of the 5th judicial dis- 
trict of Iowa; Caleb, associate justice 
of this county, and others. Mr. Noble 
was noted throughout this county as a 
man of the strictest integrity and ster- 
ling worth. He died in July, 1852, at 
his place near Otterville. 

Caleb Noble came with his parents in 



HISTORY OF JBRSEY COUNTY. 



283 



1833. He was born in Adams county, 
Miss., in 1817. He was married in 
1840 to P^lecta Gillham, a native of Illi- 
nois. She died in 1852. 

William Noble came to Otter Creek 
township in 1833, he being then six 
years old. He wa§ born in Adams 
county, Mississippi, in 1827. His par- 
ents, Henry and Nancy Anns (Curry) 
Noble, resided in this township from 
from 1833 until their death, his father 
dying in 18-52 and his mother in 1850. 
William H. was brought up on a farm 
and has always followed agricultural 
pursuits. He was married, on the 4th 
of March, 1849, to Thirza Chappell, a 
native of England. They are the parents 
of six children — Israel C, of Otter Creek 
township, Emma M., wife of Theodore 
Dodson of Jerseyville, 111.; William 
H., of this township; Miltt)n B., of this 
township; James R. and Jesse C, living 
with their parents. Mr. Noble owns 
218 acres of land on sections 14 and 15, 
200 on section 10, and 40 on section 9, 
of Otter Creek township. His residence 
is one of the oldest frame houses in Jer- 
sey county. He carries on general 
farming. Mr. Noble and all of his 
family are members of the Presbyterian 
church. 

Sanmel J. M. Dougherty settled 
where he now lives in Otter Creek town- 
ship, in 1845, since which this has been 
his home. He was born in the state of 
Mississippi, in 1810. His parents, 
James and Arkada (Vavnada) Dougher- 
ty, were natives of South Carolina, who 
came to Jersey county in 1834, and set- 
tled where Samuel now lives, in this 
township. Here James Dougherty died 
in 1843. The subject of this sketch was 
married in 1846 to Elizabeth Cook, who 

~ rn^ 



was born in Mississippi, 'and came with 
her parents to this state in 1835. Mr. 
Dougherty owns a fine farm, comprising 
275 acres of land, all improved, and is 
engaged in general farming. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dougherty are the parents of four 
children, two of whom are living — 
Joseph C, of this township, and Mary 
A. James H. died while in the service 
of his country, during the war of the Re- 
Ixdlion. He was a member of Co. C, of 
the 61st 111. Inft. Alexander F. died 
at the age of four years. Mr. Dougherty 
and his family are members of the 
M. E. Church. He is a republican po- 
litically, and was formerly a whig. Al- 
though advanced in years he is still 
vigorous and hearty, and a well inform- 
ed, intelligent gentleman. 

Jeremiah O. Still well, was born in 
Haywood county, N. C, July 28, 1814. 
He came to Illinois in 1834, and located 
in what is now Jersey county, on the 
northeast quarter of Sec. 27, T. 7, R. 12, 
about two miles southwest of the place 
where the village of Otterville is now 
located. He was married Dec. 14, 1837, 
to Ann Eliza White, who was born Oct. 
1, 1821, in Chatham county, N. C, and 
who came to Illinois with her parents 
about the same time Mr. Stilhvell did. 
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Still- 
well 13 children, of whom only six are 
now living — five sons, Virgil, Leander, 
Reuben, Logan, Ernest, and a daughter, 
Louisa. Mr. Stillwell resided on the 
old homestead until 1881, when he sold 
out and moved to Anderson county, 
Kan., where he now resides, engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. Politically, 
Mr. Stillwell was an old-line whig, but 
on the dissolution of that party, he 
allied himself, in 1854, with the repub- 



284 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



lican party, with which he has ever 
since voted and acted. 

Leander Btillwell, son of Jeremiah 0. 
and Ann Eliza (White) Stillwell, was 
born in Otter Creek precinct, Jersey 
county, 111., Sept. 16,1843. He received 
a limited common school education, at 
the old Stone school house, in Otter- 
ville. On Jan. 7, 1862, he enlisted as a 
private in Co. D, 61st 111. Inf., and in 
Feb., 1864, re-enlisted as a veteran vol- 
unteer in the same company and regi- 
ment, and served to the end of the war, 
being mustered out as 1st lieutenant, 
and having served continuously nearly 
four years. At the close of the war, he 
studied law at the Albany law school, 
and was admitted to the bar in Dec, 

1867. He immigrated to Kansas, in May, 

1868, locating at Erie, Neosho county, 
where he engaged in the practice of 
law. He was married in 1872 to Miss 
Anna L. Stauber. He was elected to the 
lower house of the Kansas legislature in 
1876, and in 1883, was elected judge of 
the seventh judicial district, consisting 
of the counties of Allen, Neosho, Wilson 
and Woodson, which position he now 
holds. Politically*, he is a republican. 

Ephraim Fredenburg settled in Otter 
Creek township in 1837. He was born 
in Toronto, Canada, in 1817, his parents 
being Aaron and Mary (Routledge) Fre- 
denburg. His early life was spent in 
his native country, where, in his youth, 
he learned the carpenter trade. In 
1837, he came to Jersey county, 111., 
and settled in Otter Creek township, 
where he continued to reside until his 
death, which occurred in January, 1880. 
He owned a farm of 40 acres. He was 
married in 1844 to Mary A. Lofton, who 
was born in this county. Six children 



were born to them — Charles H., now 
living in (4rafton; Catharine, wife of 
Charles Blish, of Jersey ville; Eliza- 
beth' J., wife of R. R. Nugent, of Graf- 
ton; Caroline C, wife of Thomas J. 
Cannada, of Otterville; Delevan, living 
at home; and Celinda, wife of Frank 
Calhoun, of Otterville. Their son, 
Charles H., served one year in the 
army, during the war of the Rebellion. 
Mrs. Fredenburg is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Reuben T. Worthey, son of George 
and Lucy (Ivins) Worthey. was born in 
East Tennessee, in 1828. In Aug. 1846, 
he came to Jersey county, 111., settled 
in Otter Creek township, and engaged 
in farming. He has been a resident 
here since that time and now owns a fine 
farm of 120 acres. He was married in 
•lune, 1860, to Mary E. Miner, a native 
of this county. They are the parents 
of 11 children, 10 of whom are living — 
Toney Newton, Josephine, Daniel Ben- 
ton, Aaron, Louis, Nathaniel, Louisa, 
Jennette, Christopher, Harry A., and 
Lucy. Alice is deceased. Mr. Worthey 
carries on general farming. He is at 
present school director of this district. 

John W. Sisson, one of the leading 
farmers of Otter Creek township, is a 
native of Virginia, born March 7, 1813. 
He is a son of Abner and Susanna 
(Hardy) Sisson, both natives of Vir- 
ginia. In the fall of 1820 they removed 
from Virginia to Jefferson county, Ky. 
John W. came to the state of Illinois in 
May, 1837, and settled in Macoupin 
county, where he lived until 1850, then 
moved to Jersey county and located 
where he now resides, on Sec. 13, Otter 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



285 



Creek township. He owns a well im- 
proved farm, comprising 295 acres. His 
residence is a handsome structure, 
erected at a cost of $8,000. His barn 
and other farm buildings are of a corre- 
sjxinding description. Mr. Sisson was 
married in Feb., 1843, to Martha J. 
Eaton, a native of Kentucky. They are 
the parents of eight children — Susan S., 
wife of Charles Stephenson, of Nebraska; 
Henry Hardy, now in Nebraska; John 
Franklin, living in Logan county, 111.; 
Louisa Maria, wife of Shepherd Bell, of 
Nebraska; Emma Cordelia, wife of Is- 
rael Noble, of Jersey county; Jessie 
May, living with her parents; Cyrus 
Ausbury and Olive Augusta, also living 
at home. He is engaged in general 
farming. He came here in very limited 
circumstances, and his present highly 
prosperous condition is due entirely to 
hia own industry and wise management. 
Thomas Edsall, son of Coe and Li- 
dice H. (Perry) Edsall, was born in 
Jersey county, in 1841. Coe Edsall 
was a native of New York, and his wife 
of Tennessee. The sul>ject of this 
sketch grew to manhood in this county. 
During the war of the Rebellion he 
served ten months as a member of Co. 
E, of the 9th 111. Cav. He has always 
followed the occupation of farming and 
now owns a good farm of 120 acres in 
Otter Creek township. He was mar- 
ried in 1884 to Eliza A. Myers, a native 
of Reynolds county. Mo. She is a 
daughter of Lorenzo D. and Angeline 
(Legate) Myers. Mrs. Angeline Myers 
was born in 1820 and died in the year 
1881. She was an old settler of Jersey 
county, was well known and highly re- 
spected. Mr. Edsall has served two 
terms as road commissioner, and is a 



highly respected citizen of this town- 
ship. 

Charles R. Kirchner, a farmer of Otter 
Creek township, is a son of George C. 
and Elizabeth (Thurston) Kirchner, na- 
tives of Prussia, who came to America 
in 1825. Charles R. was born in Jersey 
county in 1850. He here grew to man- 
hood, receiving his education in the dis- 
trict schools of English township and 
the graded schools of Jerseyville*. In 
1870 he was married to Charlotte Hin- 
son, a native of this county. They have 
three children — Lula Bell, Harry Wes- 
ley, and Delia Leo. Mr. Kirchner owns 
a farm of 120 acres, located on Sec. 15. 
Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal church. George 
C. Kirchner improved one of the first 
farms in English township, located on 
Sees. 31 and 32. George Kirchner died 
Dec. 11, 1881, and his wife, Elizabeth, in 
the fall of 1865. Both are buried in the 
Jerseyville cemetery. 

Samuel C. . Ellis was l)orn in East 
Tennessee in 1824. His parents were 
Elijah and Amanda (Cox) Ellis, tiie 
former a native of Tennessee, and the 
latter of Pennsylvania. AVhen Samuel 
was (juite young his parents moved to 
Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio, where 
his mother died August 6, 1826, and his 
father in 1835. After his father's death 
he went back to Pennsylvania, where he 
remained until 1841. He then returned 
to Ohio, and, in the spring of 1846, en- 
listed in the Mexican war, joining Co. j 
G, 2d Ohio Regt. He was in the ser- j 
vice two years, after which he came to 
this state, and settled in Quarry town- 
ship, Jersey county. He followed farm- 
ing there until 1872, then removed to 
Otterville , and ,has li ved in this neigh- 



286 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUI^ TY. 



borhood ever since. In 1850 he was 
married to Mary M. Edsall, who was 
born in Pennsylvania. They have had 
two children — Linda Maria, who died 
June 14, 1860, aged nine years, and Ida 
Jane, wife of J. N. Noble, of Quarry 
township. Mr. Ellis owns a farm of SO 
acres. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and an Odd Fellow. Mrs. 
Ellis is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

John T. Swan, a farmer of this county, 
was born in 1823, in St. Clair county, 
111. He is a son of Francis and Eliza- 
beth (Chambers) Swan, the former a 
native of Kentucky, and the latter of 
Virginia. He came to this country in 
1826 with his parents, and settled two 
miles west of Carrollton, Greene county. 
He there lived until he was about ten 
years old, when they moved to Missis- 
sippi township, this county, and lived 
there 15 years. They then moved to 
Sec. 25, Otter Creek township, which 
has since been his home, and where he 
now owns 80 acres of good land. 
He was married in 1856 to Melissa Fell, 
a native of this state. They have two 
children — Laura, wife of 0. S. David- 
son, of Virden, 111., and Mary, wife of 
Silas Spangle, of this township. Mr. 
Swan is a member of the M. E. Church. 
He takes a considerable interest in pub- 
lic affairs, and has been town trustee. 
His mother died in 1844, and his father 
in 1846, and both were buried in Salem 
church cemetery. 

Henry S. Rogers, a prominent farmer 
of Otter Creek township, is a native of 
Scioto county, Ohio, born in the year 
1821. His father, Elias P. Rogers, was 
born on Long Island, N. Y., and his 
mother, Susanna (Spangle) Rogers, in 



Pennsylvania. Henry S. Rogers came 
to Illinois in 1840, locating in St. Clair 
county. Eightmonths later he removed 
to Jersey county and settled in Jersey- 
ville township, where he lived four 
years. He moved to a farm on the 
Illinois river bottom, upon which he 
lived two years and kept the farm, then 
went to Monroe county. 111., and re- 
mained one year, then returned to 
Jersey county, lived here four years, 
and removed to Johnson county, Ind., 
where for two years he was proprietor 
of a paper called the Franklin Jeffersdn- 
ian. At the expiration of that time, he 
came back to Jersey county and staid 
five years engaged in blacksmithing, 
then went to Montgomery county. 111., 
and there followed farming eighteen 
months, after which he purchased the 
farm in this county, upon which he now 
resides. It is located in Otter Creek 
township, and comprises 340 acres. Mr. 
Rogers was married in 1844, to Rachel 
Vanausdall, a native of Ohio. Eight 
children were born to them — Austin J., 
born in 1847, and died in 1879; Desde- 
mona, born in 1849, and died in 1865; 
Margaret H., born in 1860, and died in 
1865; Cornelius W., born in 1854, now 
living at home; Mary E., born in 1851, 
now the wife of T. A. Davis, of Win- 
chester, 111.; John v., born in 1857, 
living at home; Teresa C, born in 1863, 
now the wife of Seth Fisk, of this 
county, and Rowena Maud, born in 1865, 
living at home. Mrs. Rogers died in 
1879, and was buried in the Noble cem- 
etery, near Otterville. Mr. Rogers is a 
member of the I. 0. O. F., and has for 
the past forty years, held connec- 
tion with the Baptist church. He is at 
present serving as township trustee. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



287 



Noah T. Rogers settled where he now 
resides, on section 11, Otter Creek town- 
ship, in 1846. He is a son of Elias P. 
and Susanna (Spangle) Rogers, and was 
born in Scioto county, 0., in 1824. He 
was married in 1849 to Sarah McDaniel, 
a native of Illinois. By this union 
there were seven children, six of whom 
are living — Sarah A., William C, Viola 
v., Maria L., Dora J., and Ada. He 
owns 198i acres of land. Mrs. Rogers 
also owns 180 acres in this county, and 
240 acres in Madison county. Mr. Rog- 
ers is a justice of the peace and a town- 
ship supervisor, having held both offices 
for a number of years. He is a mem- 
ber of the I. 0. O. F., also of the A. F. 
and A. M. 

Hiram White a farmer of Otter Creek 
township, was burn in Clinton county, 
111., Dec. l(i, 1843. He is a son of 
Thomas and Rebecca White, who caine 
to Jersey county in 1845, and settled on 
section 2(5, Otter Creek tcwnship, where 
Hiram White now lives. Thos. White 
died in l!S50 and his wife, Rebecca in 
1884. Hiram White was married in 
18(18, to Julia Hill, a native of Georgia. 
They have three cliildren — Nettie De- 
light, Iva Nellie and Elda May. Mr. 
White served five months in the army 
during the war of the Rebellion, enlist- 
ing in the 27th 111. Inf. He was dis- 
charged for disability and returned home 
He owns 80 acres of valuable land and 
is engaged in general farming. He is a 
member of the I. 0. O. F. 

Andrew Spangle, of Otter Creek town- 
ship, was born in Ohiii in ISIS, and is a 
son of Jacob and Sarah (Johnson) Span- 
gle, natives of the same state. In the 
year 18.'?2 he came to Jersey county, and 
settled on the place where he now re- 



sides. He has 200 acres of well im- 
proved land, and is engaged in general 
farming. In 1846 he was united in mar- 
riage with Susan Hughes, who was born 
in Ohio. They reared a family of eight 
children — Ellen, who was married to 
Linus Humiston, and died in 1879; Silas, 
living in this township; Louis, at home, 
George, living in Mississippi township; 
Julia, at home; Albert, living in this 
township; Emma, wife of James Bot- 
kin, and Jasper, of English township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Spangle are members of 
the Baptist church. 

Isaac Kennedy was born in Hen- 
dricks county, Ind., April 10, ISIriS, his 
parents being Levi and Elizabeth 
(Smith) Kennedy, both natives of Ken- 
tucky. Isaac came to this coimty in 
1854, and settled in Quarry township 
remaining there two years. He then 
moved to Christian county, but after a 
few months, returned to Jersey county 
and located in Otter Creek township, 
where he has since resided. He was 
married on the 27th day of ^lay, 1850, 
to Elizabeth Davis, a native of Indiana. 
They are the parents of two children — 
Isaac Newton, of Otterville, and Jesse, 
living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy 
are members of the Baptist Church. 

Louis Albrecht was born in Germany 
in 1834, and is a son of Ignatius and 
Victoria (Tischler) Albrecht. both na- 
tives of Germany. He came to the 
Uifited States in 1867, and located first 
at Memphis, Tenn., where he remained 
six months, then went to Iowa, thence, 
soon after, to Missouri. Three months 
later he came to Illinois, and stopped 
three months in Brighton, after which 
he came to Jersey county, locating at 
Grafton, where he resided one year. At 



288 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



tlic expiration of that time he moved to 
a farm near Grafton, where he spent 
four years, taking care of a vineyard. 
In 1872 he rented a farm in Otter Creek 
townsliip, and in 1876 moved to the 
farm where he now lives. He rented 
tlie same for a period of five years, hut 
at the end of two years purchased tlie 
l)hiee. It is located on Sec. 34, and 
comprises 119 acres of valuable and well 
improved land. He was married in 
1865, to Elizabeth Willmann, a native 
of Germany. Three children have been 
born to them — John Michael, Joseph 
Louis, and Maggie Elizabeth, all attend- 
ing the district school. Mr. Albrecht, 
before coming to this country, served 
nine years in the German army. He 
was also a conductor on a railroad in 
tliat country, and kept a store there two 
years. He is at present serving as 
school director. 

James F. Moss, a farmer of Otter 
Creek township, was born in Jefl'erson 



county. 111., in 182. 



being a son 



of Ra 



som and Anna (Johnson) Moss, both of 
wliom were native Virginians, and came 
to this state in 1818, settling in the 
county where James was born, near Mt. 
Vernon. His father there died in 1835, 
and his mother still lives in that county. 
The subject of this sketch came to this 
county in 1849, locating first in Graf- 
ton, and there remained one winter. He 
tlien came to this township, and located 
on Sec. 25, and rented a farm, which 
subsequently he purchased and where 
he now lives. He was married in 1846 
to Martlia Brock, a native of this county. 
By that union were nine children, only 
two of whom — Samantha J. and James 
C. — are now living. His first wife died 
Jan. 2, 1864, and July 27 of the follow- 



ing year he was married to Lucinda C. 
Slaten, a native of this county. By this 
marriage were six children — Neenah, 
Nettie D., Fannie- R., Ruth, Harmon 
W., and Carrie. Mr. Moss takes a com- 
mendable interest in public affairs, and 
has been school director and trustee. 
He has always made farming a business 
and now owns 200 acres of land. 

James C. Moss, son of James F. and 
Martha (Brock) Moss, was born in Jersey 
county in the year 1858. His early life 
was 8j)ent here and his education ob- 
tained in the district schools of this 
neighborhood. In 1877 he was united 
in marriage with Alma C. Hinraan, 
who was born in Jefferson county. 111. 
They are the parents of one child — Fred- 
die, aged two years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Moss are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, in which they take an 
active interest. Mr. Moss is superin- 
tendent of the Sunday school and in that 
capacity is well liked and highly useful. 

Daniel Newberry came to Jersey 
county in 1856, locating then in Otter 
Creek township. He was born in New 
Jersey, in 1806, his parents being Daniel 
and Elizabeth (Smallwood) Newberry, 
both natives of New Jersey. Daniel 
Newberry was married in 1827, to Eliza- 
beth Jones, a native of Clermont county, 
Ohio. Nine children were born to them, 
two of whom are now living — Louisa, 
wife of J. W. Lane, of this township; 
and Hamilton D., now living in Mont- 
gomery county, HI.. Mr. Newberry 
has a farm of 80 acres, and has always 
been a farmer. Both he and his wife 
are consistent members of the M. E. 
church. 

Marion McDow was born in Jersey 
county in the year 1830, and is a son 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



289 



of William and Delilah (Waggoner) 
McDow. The subject of this sketch has 
spent most of his life in Otter Creek 
township, where he now lives. He was 
married in 1862, to Melissa Rogers, a 
native of Otter Creek township. In 
1853 he went to California, remaining 
thereuntil 1861, engaged in blacksmith- 
ing. He then returned to Jersey county. 
He owns 120 acres of land and town 
property, consisting of a residence and 
five lots. He has served as township 
assessor, two terms. 

Henry T. Miller was born in the 
kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in the 
year ]8.'58, and is the son of Henry and 
Charlotte (Hincey) Miller, natives of 
that country. The subject of this 
sketch came to America in the year 1848, 
and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he 
learned the trade of turner, with the 
firm of Woodburn & Scott, where he 
worked fifteen years. He then went to 
Calhoun county, 111., and was a resident 
of that county five years, after which he 
moved to Clark county. Mo. One year 
later he came to Jersey county and 
settled in T. 7, R. 12, Sec. 36, where he 
still lives. He owns a farm of 80 acres 
and carries on general farming. In 
1S()2, Mr. Miller was married to Melvina 
M. Miller, a native of Ohio. Four 
children have blessed their union — 
Scena, wife of Phillip Maxwell, of 
Rurden, Kan.; Fannie Bell, wife of Sam- 
uel S. Lcppler, of Burden, Kan.; Susie, 
wife of Edward W. Maxwell, of this 
township; and Thomas Henry, at home. 
Mr. Miller has been school director of 
his district four years. His father, 
Henry Miller, died in St. Louis, in 1874, 
and his mother now lives in Calhoun 
county. 



James Shortal is a native of Kil- 
kenny, Ireland, born June 15, 1815. He 
is a son of Robert and Bridget (Griffin) 
Shortal. In 1847, James Shortal emi- 
grated to America, landing in New York 
city, where he resided 12 years. In 
March, 1865, he moved to Jersey county, 
111., settling in Otter Creek town- 
ship, where he now owns a valuable 
and well improved farm, containing 277i 
acres of land. He has a commodious 
and comfortable residence, erected at a 
cost of $2,500. He began life without 
financial capital, and has accumulated 
his property unaided. He carries on 
general farming. He was married, in 
1849, to Mary Sangford, also a native of 
Kilkenny, Ireland. Six children were 
born to them, only one of whom is now 
living — Samuel, who resides upon the 
farm with his father. Bridget was mar- 
ried to James O'Neal, who died in 1877. 
She died Feb. 2, 1879, in Colorado. 
Robert died Sept. 29, 1882, in this county 
Margaret died in 1858. Mary died in 
1859, and Ellen in 1861. The three last 
named are buried in Bordentown, New 
Jersey. Mr. Shortal and his family are 
members of the Catholic church. He 
has five grandchildren living with him, 
all of whom attend the district school. 

Edward D. Howard, a farmer of Otter 
Creek township, is a son of Beal and 
Ann R. Howard, both natives of Fair- 
fax count}', Va. They emigrated to Illi- 
nois in 1829, and settled at Alton, 
where Edward was born in 1843. When 
he was eight years old he removed with 
his parents, to a farm four miles north 
of Alton, upon which they lived until 
the fall of 1868. He then went to 
Montgomery county, and remained un- 
til 1875. In that year he cmimp to Otter 



290 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Creek township, where he has since 
resided. In Oct. 18S2, he went to New 
Mexico, with the intention of making 
tliat his home, but not being pleased 
with the country, returned after a few 
months. He was married April 9, 1868, 
to Emma M. Terry, of this township, 
and by this union had five children — 
Jasper E., Thomas Henry, Anna, Eva, 
and Cartncy Leroy. Mr. Howard owns 
a good farm containing 150 acres, all 
under cultivation and well improved. 
He carries on general farming. His 
father, Beal Howard, died in 1874, and 
his mother in 1861. 

Jesse K. Cadwalader is a son of 
John and Mary (Branson) Cadwalader, 
and was born in 1846, in Fulton county, 
111. He remained with his parents, on 
a farm, in that county till April, 1858, 
then came to Jersey county and settled 
in Otter Creek township. After coming 
liere he attended one year (ISGGj at 
yhurtleft" college, at Upper Alton, then 
returned to the farm, on Sec. 12, where 
he now resides. In March, 1864, he en- 
listed in the r24th 111. Inf., and served 
mitil June 13, 1865. He participated in 
the siege of Mobile, Ala. In Sept., 
1871, was married to Louisa M. Dough- 
erty, daughter of John S. Dougherty, of 
Otter Creek township. They are the 
parents of one child — Mamie D. Mr. 
Cadwalader owns 270 acres of land, all 
of which is improved except 30 acres of 
timber; also, a residence in Jerseyville. 
He makes a business of stock-raising, 
paying particular attention to short-horn 
cattle. Mr. Cadwalader and his family 
are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and has held the 
office of township supervisor two years. 



John Cadwalader was born in Harrison 
county, Ohio, Feb. 29, 1812, and died 
Nov. 24, 1880. His wife, Mary (Bran- 
son) Cadwalader, was born in 1818, and 
is now living in Jerseyville. 

Adrastus Calhoun came to Jersey 
county in 1833, accompanying his 
parents, Solomon and Rhoda (Walker) 
Calhoun. They settled near the site of 
the present city of Jerseyville. Solo- 
mon Calhoun was a native of New 
Hampshire, and his wife of Massachu- 
setts. They remained residents of 
Jersey county until their death. Solo- 
mon Calhoun died near Jerseyville in 
1869. His widow survived until Jan., 
1882. Both are buried in the Jersey- 
ville cemetery. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Vermont in 1828, 
and was five years of age when he came to 
this county, which has ever since been 
his home. He was educated in the pub- 
lic schools of this county, ahd in 1859, 
married to Emeline Moore, who was born 
in this county. Mr. Calhoun has a fine 
farm of 260 acres, with a handsome and 
commodious residence. He is engaged 
in general farming. He is the present 
assessor of Otter Creek township, and a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. 
and Mrs. Calhoun have six children — 
Frank, living near Otterville; Charles, 
in Belleville, 111.; Caleb, James, Joseph 
and Frederick, living with their parents. 
Mr. Calhoun has in his possession a gun 
which was carried through the Revolu- 
tionary war by his grandfather, who 
was a soldier in the British army, but 
who deserted to join the colonists. 

Isaac T. Patton was born in Tennes- 
see in the year 1828, and is a son of 
Josiah and Julia (Coile) Patton, the for- 
mer a native of Tennessee, and the lat- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



291 



ter of South Carolina. In 1831, the 
faniily removed to Illinois, and settled 
in liond countj'^, where Isaac remained 
until 1S.")4. In that year he came to 
Jer.sey county, locating there on the 
place where he now resides, on section 
34, Otter Creek township. He owns 71 
acres of valuable land, and is engaged 
in farming. In ISoO lie was married to 
Jane Wilkinson, a native of Kentucky, 
and by this union, has seven children — 
Sylvester, living in this township; John, 
in Jerseyville; Alice, now married, and 
living in this township; Nancy, wife of 
Jolin Lethlcr, also of this township; 
Rhoda, Freddie and Lula, living with 
their parents. Jlr. Patton and wife are 
members of the Baptist church, in whicli 
he is a deacon. He has held the office 
of school director, and is a highly 
respected citizen. 

Thomas W. Anderson, son of Thomas 
and Isabel (Barton) Anderson, was born 
in Warren county, Ohio, Feb. 15, 1830. 
His j)arents were natives of the state of 
Pennsylvania. Thomas W. Anderson 
came to this county in 1852, coming all 
the way from Ohio on horseback. He 
arrived in Jerseyville on the evening of 
the day that Franklin Pierce was elected 
president of the United States. He set- 
tled then in this townsliij), where he has 
since resided. He owns 80 acres of well 
improved l:ind, and in addition to farm- 
ing, buys produce whicii he ships to St. 
Louis. Mr. Anderson was married July 
25, ISljl, to Mary Ann .Vustin, a native 
of Wayne county, 111. Seven children 
have been born to them, five of whom 
are living— Rebecca Isabel, born in 18()(); 
William Watson, born in 18(J8; Jasper 
Newton, born in 1870; Lydia Ann, and 
John T. Two sons, Robert Benjamin, 



died July 19, 1863, and Charles, died 
in 1865. Mr. Anderson is a member 
of the A. F. and A. M. His father, • 
Thomas Anderson, died in 1866, and his 
mother, Mrs. Isabel Anderson, in 1864. 

Henry L. Slaten is a son of George 
W. and Clementine Slaten, the former, 
a native of Georgia, and the latter, of 
North Carolina. Henry L. was born in 
Jersey county, in 1842, where he was 
reared upon a farm. In 1868 he was 
married to Jane Kulison, also a native 
Jersey county. Tiiey have three child- 
ren living — Elmira P., Rollie R. and 
Zettie May. Mr. Shiten owns a well 
cultivated farm comprising 120 acres. 
His improvements are of the best class. 
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. 
April 20, 1861, Mr. Slaten enlisted in 
the 14th 111. Inf., and served two 
months, then returned home and re- 
mained until the fall of the same year, 
when he again enlisted in the 61st 111. 
Reg., and served until Dec. 25, 1865. 
He participated in the battles of Shiloh, 
Corinth, Vicksburg, Little Rock and 
others. 

John T.Waggoner was born in Greene 
county. 111., in 1850, being a son of John 
D. and Phoebe Waggoner. His father 
was born in Kentucky, and his mother 
in this county. He received his educa- 
tion in the district schools of Jersey 
and Greene counties. He began farm- 
ing at an early age, and is still engaged 
in that business. He was married in 
the month of March, in the year 1878, to 
Susie R. White, daughter of John L. 
White. She was born in Greene county. 
They have but one child — Lacy Earl. 
At the last school election he was elected 
to fill the office of director, in that dis- 
trict. 



292 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



CEMETERY. 

The Otterville cemetery is located on 
the northwest quarter of Sec. 14, on 
land lying witliin the corporation 
limits. It was formerly called the 
Noble cemetery, being on land belong- 
ing to William Noble. The first inter- 
ment made there was that of the mortal 
remains of Daniel White, oldest child 
of Jo.siah White, who died in the fall of 
1829. This was also the first burial in 
the township. The plot of Otterville 
cemetery was filed for record May 28, 
1877. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Antioch Baptist church is located on 
the northeast corner of the southeast 
quarter of Sec. 36. It is the only church 
in the township outside of Otterville. 

EDl'C.\TION.\L. 

The first school taught within the lim- 
its of what now constitutes Otter Creek 
township, was presided over by Mrs. 
Caroline Ripson. It was opened in the 
summer of 1S32, in the cabin built for 
Ezra Hurd, who had died the fall before. 
The district is now in good shape, most 
of the schoolhouses being commodious 
and neat structures, and well kept up. 
An excellent standard of tutors is held 
and the teachers are quite up to the 
mark, in all respects. 

The first school house in the Pleasant 
Grove district was erected in 1870, and 
was 16x20 feet in size. The first teacher 
was Mary Jane Slaten. The present 
building was put up in 1875. It is 16x24 
feet in size, and cost $300. The first 
teacher was Alice Hughes. Mrs. Kate 
B. Owens is the present teacher. 

Grant school house in district No. 2. 
was erected in 1883. It cost $450. Kate 



McKinstry taught the first term of 
school in this building. 

The school building in district No. 3, 
known as Buckeye school house, was 
erected in 1880, V)y John C. Lewis, con- 
tractor. The building is 20x36 feet in 
size, and cost $500. The enrollment in 
this school is 35. The teaclier is Ned 
Yerkes. 

Liberty school house, in district No. 
4, was built in 1885, at a cost of $500. 
In size it is 20x36 feet. The enrollment 
is 20. 

Shiloh school house was built in 1872. 
It is a frame building 22x32 feet in size, 
and cost $1,200. There is an enrollment 
of 75 in this school, with an average at- 
tendance of 40. S. T. Cannedy is the 
present teacher. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first death was Daniel, son of 
Josiah White, born in 1828. 

The first marriage was that of Wil- 
liam McDow and Delilah Waggoner, in 
the spring of 1830. The ceremony was 
performed by Rev. Joseph Basey, a 
Methodist minister, on the farm now 
owned by Edward Howard. 

Josiah White's oldest child, Daniel, 
died in the fall of 1829, and was 
buried in what was known as 
the Noble cemetery, now the Otter- 
ville cemetery. This was the first death 
in the township, and the body was the 
first interred in that cemetery. 

The first grist mill in the county run 
by water power, was erected by Gregg 
McDanel in 1828, and was located in 
Otter Creek township, on section 7, on 
the south bank of Otter creek. It was 
built in 1830. A saw mill had been 
built by the same party, in 1828, on the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



293 



opposite side of the creek. The dam was 
afterwards washed away, and botli mills 
went down. 

The first justice of the peace was Gil- 
bert Douglas, Sr., elected in 1824. His 
son is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. 

The first constable was Jay Montgom- 
ery Hurd, elected in 1833. 

The first resident physician was Dr. 
Silas Hamilton, who located here in 
1830. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. 
Caroline Ripson, in the summer of 
1832. 

The first store in the township was 
opened at the forks of Otter creek, in 
1832, by W'oodberry Massey, who met 
with such a tragic fate, three years after- 
wards, at the Dubuque lead mines. 

VILLAGE OF OTTERVILLE. 

This is one of the oldest towns in 
Jersey county. It is located on section 
14, the principal part being on the west 
half of that section. It was surveyed 
and platted by Geo. I. Foster, county 
surveyor, Oct. 6, 1866, and the plat was 
filed for record August 14, 1867, although 
the jjlace is, really, many years older 
than that would seem to indicate. 

Its early possession of good educa- 
tional facilities was one of the principal 
causes of the building up of the town. 
Dr. Silas Hamilton, who died in Novem- 
ber, 1834, left, by his will, g4,0{X) for the 
purpose of education. Of this sum 
82,(.IUU was to be expended in the erection 
of a school building on a site which had 
previously been selected by the doctor 
himself. This building was to be large 
enough to be used for a place of worship. 
The remaining S2,(X)0 was set apart as 
an endowment fund for carrying on a 



primary school. Material was gotten 
onto the site selected, which was within 
the present limits of Otterville, and the 
executors commenced the erection of 
the present school building thereon in 
the summer of 1835, finishing the same 
season. The first term of school opened 
in June, 1836, and was sustained in part 
by subscriptions, and partly by interest 
on the endowment fund. The opening 
of the school occasioned the settlement 
of a number of families in the neighbor- 
hood to enjoy its educational advantages, 
and this was the nucleus of the growth 
of the town. 

A log house which stood on what is 
now block three, was occupied by a man 
named Chandler previous to the erection 
of the school building. 

There has been made to the town of 
Otterville one addition since the laying 
out of the place. This was made by 
Henry E. Dougherty, and was surveyed 
and platted Aug. 14, 1867, by George I. 
Foster, county surveyor. The plat was 
recorded in the office of the clerk of the 
circuit court, Nov. 20, 1867. 

The first store in Otterville was 
started by Joshua Thompson, in 1845'. 
About a year afterward he disposed of 
it to Thornton Hughes. He conducted 
tlie business two years and then sold to 
B. B. Hamilton. In the fall of 1854 he 
sold out the stock to William Shephard, 
who afterward closed out the goods. 

The first blacksmith was Thornton 
Hughes, who established his shop about 
the year 1846. 

A wagon shop was instituted about 
tlie same time by John D. Waggoner, 
in connection with Hughes' blacksmith 
shop. This was also the first wagon 
shop in the place. 



1 



2 94 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



PRESKNT BUSINESS INTEREETS. 

The Otterville Store Companj' com- 
menced doing business in 1885. The 
business is managed by H. L. Giers. 
He handles a general stock of goods, 
comprising dry goods, groceries, hats 
and caps, boots and shoes, queensware, 
glassware, hardware, notions, cigars, 
tobacco, etc. The building is of frame 
construction, the main portion being 
24x55 feet in ground area, with a ware- 
house attached, 16x20 feet. There is 
also an office room attached, which is 
12x14 feet in size. The building is two 
stories in height, the upper floor being 
used as a hall by the Odd Fellows and 
Masons. 

H. L. Giers is a son of Louis and 
Louisa (Rupp) Giers, natives of Ger- 
many, and was born in St. Louis, Mo., 
Oct. 28, 1851. He resided with his 
parents in St. Louis, where he attended 
school until he was 11 years of age. 
At that time he came to Otterville, 
which has been his residence the greater 
portion of the time since. He was for 
three years engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness in company with his uncle, Fred- 
erick Giers. The firm then became 
Giers & Barnes. April 4, 1876, H.'C. 
Giers bought the business of that firm 
and continued it until March, 1880, 
when he sold out to L. T. Wagoner. In 
January, 1883, Mr. Giers rebuilt the 
Otterville mill, which he operated 
six months, then traded the same to C. 
C. McMurphy for Kansas lands, which 
he traded for a water-power flouring 
mill at East Dubuque. He removed 
thither and engaged in running the 
mill, 10 months, when it was burned. He 
then purchased a two-thirds interest in 
a mill at Alta, Iowa., where he lived 11 



months, then sold out and returned to 
Otterville and engaged in merchandising 
for the Otterville Store Company. He 
was united in marriage June 9, 1883, 
with Isabella Montgomery, of Otter- 
ville. They have one child, Henry 
Webster, aged 14 months. Mr. Giers 
held the office of postmaster one year 
(then resigned) and assistant postmaster 
for eight years. He was township 
treasurer one year, and is a member of 
the A. F. and A. M. 

The drug store of Dr. Williams was 
established by him Nov. 1, 1879. He 
keeps a full line of drugs of all kinds, 
handles patent medicines, druggists' 
sundries, cigars, fancy goods, paints, 
oils, toilet articles, etc. Prescriptions 
are compounded here with precision and 
accuracy, the doctor himself being a fine 
physician, and his assistant, Mr. Case, 
being a registered pharmacist. A sketch 
of Dr. Williams will be found in the 
Medical chapter. 

The wagon-making and general repair 
shop of Lewis White was established in 
April, 1882. The shop is well equipped 
for doing repairing of all kinds and gen- 
eral blacksmithing. 

L. T. Waggoner, postmaster, is also a 
dealer in general merchandise. His 
building is a one-story frame, 24x70 feet 
in size. The business was established 
by him in 1882. The postoffice is in the 
same building. 

W. H. Lehmkuhl, blacksmith, com- 
menced business in 1878. He does all 
kinds of general blacksmithing, repair 
and wagon work, and since May, 1885, 
has been manufacturing a patent fence, 
constructed of wire and slats, which is 
acquiring considerable popularity. 

W. H. Lehmkuhl is of German extrac- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



29o 



tion, his father, W. H. Lehmkuhl, being 
a native of Germany. His mother, 
Elizabeth (Grether) Lehmkulil, was born 
in Missouri. The subject of this sketch 
was born in St. Louis county. Mo., in 
184S. When he was eight years of age 
his father died, after which he went 
with his mother to .St. Charles, Mo., 
where they remained a short time, then 
went to Cattleville, Mo., thence, soon 
after, to Grafton, Jersey county. ,One 
year hitcr they removed to Otterville, 
where he still resides. Here he received 
a fair education, and at the age of 1(5 
years l)egan learning the blacksmith 
trade, which he has followed the greater 
j)orti<>n of the time since. In 18fi4 he 
enlisted in the 144th 111., and served 
vmtil the close of the war. In 1870 he 
was married to Elmira Montgomery, a 
native of Otterville. They have three 
children — William Francis, aged 14; 
John Leo, aged 8, and Preston Mont- 
gomery, aged o years. Mr. Lehmkuhl 
was elected justice of the peace, but 
resigned after serving one year. He 
has been a member of the town board 
two terms. He is the owner of real 
estate, including residence property and 
a shop in Otterville. 

MI U.S. 

The first mill in Otterville was built 
in 18.")0, by H. E. Dougherty, William 
McDow, Ephraim Hughes, and John .\. 
Campbell. It was not a very extensive 
establishment, and the business out- 
grew the facilities. A change was made 
in the proprietorship, H. E. Dougherty 
and William McDow assuming sole 
control. Some additions were made to 
the property, at the conclusion of which 
Mr. McDow went out of the firm. Mr. 



Deugherty then took J. M. Terry into 
partnership, and a new mill was erected. 
The old mill building was then used as 
a grain warehouse. The cost of the 
new plant was $28,0(X). Additions were 
subsecpiently made to the value of 
S4,(X)0. The new mill commenced run- 
ning in Aug. 1869. Dougherty after- 
wards assumed exclusive control of the 
mill, which he ran until he died. It 
then lay idle about a year, and was 
finally sold to a firm composed of H. 
N. Belt, W. E. Carlin and W. H. H. 
West. The business was conducted 
under this proprietorship for a time, and 
was then sold to B. F. Waggoner. He 
ran it until it burned down, in 187H. 
The property was insured for about all 
that it was then worth. A temporary 
structure in which to continue opera- 
tions was soon erected, by Humiston & 
Co., who afterwards sold it to a firm 
from Kansas, named Lee A' Schofield, 
under whose management it again fur- 
nished food for the flames. The boilers 
still remain on the site of the ruined 
mill, they now belonging to Mr. Hu- 
miston. 

Otterville has a feed mill run by 
steam. It was put up in 1882, by A. 
H. Humiston, and does all kinds of 
custom grinding. Mr. Humiston also 
keeps in stock feed and meal of all 
kinds, which he handles in large and 
small ((uantities. 

Arthur H. Humiston, son of Warren 
and Elizabeth (Starlin) Humiston, was 
born in Washington county, O., in 18,'i(;. 
When he was six months (dd his 
parents removed to Jersey county. 111., 
and settled in Otter Creek township, 
where he has resided most of the time 
since. During his early life he worked 



296 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



this county, he lived on his father's 
farm, near Otterville, four years, then 
came to the village, where he has ever 
since resided. In 1849 he became a 
christian, making a public profession of 
religion. In lSo2, after fully preparing 
himself, he commenced preaching the 
gospel. In 1854 he was ordained a 
minister of the Baptist church, known 
as the Missionary Baptist, and has con- 
tinued to preach since that time. In 
1842 he was married to Margaret M. 
Biggers, a native of Kentucky. By this 
union there have been six children — 
Francis M., now living in Jersey ville; 
Melvina, wife of Uriah Oberlin, of this 
town.ship; Theodore, living in Jersey- 
ville; Junius A., of East St. Louis; 
Mary Belle, wife of George Hocking, of 
Jacksonville, 111.; Sarah M., wife of 
^^'illiam D. Curtis, of Abilene, Kan.; 
Mrs. Dodson died Feb. 20, 1857. The 
same year, Mr. Dodson was again mar- 
ried to Mrs. Nancy Montgomery, widow 
of William D. Montgomery, of Otter- 
ville. By this marriage there are four 
children — James F., living in Abilene, 
Kan.; Aaron, Jr., at Mendota, 111.; 
Irena, wife of Edgar Nutt, of Abilene, 
Kan.; and Kersey, living with his par- 
ents. The second Mrs. Dodson died in 
1878. Four years later he was married 
to Amy Irene Greer, by whom he has 
one child — Jennie M. Mr. Dodson 
served in the army three years during 
the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in 
1862, in the 14th 111. Cav., in which he 
acted as chaplain during ".the last six 
months of his service. He saw much 
active service, and participated in many 
engagements. In the fall of 18()5 he 
was elected justice of tlie peace of this 
township, in which capacity he has 



upon his father's farm and attended the 
di.strict school. In 1873, he attended 
the graded school at Jerseyville for a 
term of five months. He then returned 
to Otter Creek and engaged in running 
a derrick used in erecting stone build- 
ings. He assisted in building the school 
houses at Otterville and Grafton. After 
a time he located on a farm near Otter- 
ville, where he remained till the spring 
of 1882, at which time he returned to 
the village, and built the mill of the 
Jersey Milling Company. After carry- 
ing on that business a few months he 
sold his interest in the business, and 
the following spring moved to Kansas, 
and engaged in the drug business at 
Abilene, having as a partner, Dr. Curtis. 
Nine months later he sold out and came 
back to Otterville. In Dec, 1883, he 
built and fitted up a steam feed mill, 
which he operates at the present time. 
He was married June 2, 1885, to Sarah 
Gulick, a native of Macoupin county, 
111. He is the owner of real estate, in- 
cluding four lots and mill property in 
Otterville. Mr. Humiston is a member 
of the Methodist church, and his wife, 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

Rev. Aaron Dodson has been a resi- 
dent of Jersey county since 1840, having 
removed here from Greene county with 
his parents, in that year. He was born 
in St. Louis county. Mo., Sept. 29, 
1822, and is a son of Fletcher A. and 
Margaret (Toney) Dodson, the former a 
native of Kentucky, and the latter of 
Virginia. In 1824, they settled on a 
farm in Greene county, 111., near where 
the town of Kane now stands. Aaron 
grew to manhood on the farm, and 
attended the district school, thus obtain- 
ing a fair education. After coming to 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



297 



served until the present time, except 
one year, and that year he served as 
assessor. He owns 40 acres of land, 
also town property. As a preacher Mr. 
Dodson is ])ossessed of much zeal and 
ability, and has been successful in bring- 
ing many to a knowledge of salvation. 
His father was also a Baptist minister 
and school teacher over 40 years, 30 of 
which was spent in Missouri, and died 
in 1873. 

John B. Carroll, son of Andrew and 
Jane (Patton) Carroll, was born in Bond 
county. 111., in the year 1844> An- 
drew Carroll died in 1846. His widow 
is now living in Ottcrville. John B. 
was brought to this county when quite 
young, and here reared, receiving his 
education in the district schools. Feb. 
4, 18(54, he enlisted in the 14!»th 111. 
Inf., Co. G, and served one year. He 
was united in marriage Dec. 7, 1875, 
with Anna M. Porter, a native of Jer- 
sey county. She was brought up by 
Rev. James Slaten, of Jlississippi 
township. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll are 
the parents of two children^ — Achsah 
and Beulah. Mr. Carroll has been con- 
stable four years, and still holds that 
office. He is a member of the G. A. R. 
He carries on, in the capacity of con- 
stable, quite an extensive collection 
business, also engages in loan and real 
estate business, having a large amount 
of land upon his list. Mrs. Carroll is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 

Allen M. Vanausdall, a carpenter and 
b. resident of Otter Creek township, is 
among the old settlers, having lived 
here most of his life. He was born in 
Monroe county, this state, Aug. 4, 1839, 
and is a son of John and Mary (Pegan) 



Vanausdall, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania, and the latter of Wt- 
ginia. These people were pioneers and 
came down the Ohio river on a flat boat 
in 1812, settling near Vincennes, Ind. 
They were also early settlers in this 
state, locating near Waterloo, Monroe 
county, as early as 1824. Thus they 
were among the early settlers in two 
states, and contributed their full share 
toward "opening up" a new country, 
and setting in motion a series of events, 
which subsequently made this a desir- 
able home for many people. They 
continued to live near Waterloo until 
1846, when they removed to Rosedale 
township, Jersey county, and remained 
four years, then came to this township 
where they both died. His father was 
born March 29, 1785, and died Nov. 6, 
1865, in the 80th year of his age. His 
mother died April 7, 1872, at the age of 
76. The subject of this sketch here 
spent his youth engaging in the mul- 
tifarious duties incident to farm life, 
and attending school until 19 years old. 
Subsequently he owned a farm of 
80 acres and engaged in farming until 25 
years of age, then came to Otterville 
and worked at the carpenter's trade 
with Michael Murray, and has since 
been engaged in that business. He was 
married May 6, 1860, to Agnes Ann 
Hillman, a native of Iowa. They have 
five children living — Rose, at home; 
Mattie, Lillie, Millie and Ebert Syl- 
vester. He is a member of the I. 0. 
O. F. 

Charles F. Bull has been a resident of 
Jersey county since 1862, having come 
here in May of that year and settled 
near Grafton, on the Illinois river bot- 
tom. He remained there until 1868, 



298 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



when he moved to Otterville. He was 
born in Worcester, Mass.. in 1845. He 
is a son of Horace C. and Sarah R. 
(Baker) Bull, the former born at West- 
field, Vt., and the latter at Brattleboro, 
in the same state. Charles lived with 
his parents in the states of Connecticut 
and Massachusetts until he was seven 
years old. They then moved to Cleve- 
land, Ohio, and two years later to Belle- 
ville, 111., where they remained a few 
months, then moved to St. Louis. They 
resided in that city two years, removing 
in 1857 to St. Charles county. Mo. In 
the fall of 18(51 they moved to Calhoun 
county, 111., and the following spring to 
Jersey county, as before stated. In 1864 
Charles enli-sted in the 144th 111. Inf., 
and served one year. His father was 
also in the army, serving three years as 
a member of Co. K, of the 97th 111. Inf. 
Charles was married April 10, 1883, in 
Fairfield, Ohio, to Mary C. Martin. 
They are tiie parents of one child, Sarah 
Roxana. In 1874 Mr. Bull went to 
Clay county. Neb., and took a home- 
stead of 160 acres, and remained there, 
teaching most of the time till 1879. He 
then went to Lebanon, Ohio, and at- 
tended the National Normal University 
until the fall of 1882. The following 
winter he spent in the southern states, 
Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, re- 
turning to Ohio in the spring. After 
marriage he went south to Tennessee 
and remained until August, 1883, when 
he returned to Jersej^ county. During 
the winter of 1883-4 he taught school at 
Elsah, and the next winter at Black- 
jack school house, south of Jerseyville. 
In April, 1885, he came to Otterville, 
where he at present resides. He owns 
a house and two lots in Otterville. He 



is a teacher by profession, for which he 
is well fitted both by nature and educa- 
tion and in which he is popular and 
successful. He is a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian church, with 
which he united in 1869. His wife holds 
connection with the Protestant Method- 
ist church. He has always been an 
earnest advocate of the cause of temper- 
ance and is a member of the I. O. G. T. 
He belongs also to the A. F. & A. M., 
I. O. 0. F., and the G. A. R. He has 
traveled considerably in Texas, the In- 
dian Territory, and several states. He 
has learned two good trades, hence will 
always be able to make a good living. 

Silas W. Rogers of Otterville, is a son 
of William and Elizabeth (Hamilton) 
Rogers, and was born near this town in 
1849. He was brought up on a farm and 
educated in the public schools of Otter- 
ville. When 16 years of age he entered 
the store of John A. Campbell, with 
whom he continued six years. He then 
went into business for himself, which 
he carried on until May 25, 1885. He 
was married in the year 1871, to Hattie 
McKinstry, a native of Jersej^ county. 
They are the parents of three children 
— Eddie, Flora and John. Mr. Rogers 
was j)Ostmaster of Otterville six years 
and served two terms upon the board of 
supervisors, immediately after township 
organization. He is at present town- 
ship treasurer and treasurer of the 
Hamilton fund. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, also of the I. O. 
O. F. lodge at Otterville, of which he 
was the first member initiated. Mrs. 
Rogers is a member of the Baptist 
church. While in business here, Mr. 
Rogers won the respect and esteem of a 
large number of friends and patrons. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



299 



Isaac Newton Kennedy was born in 
Otter Creek township, Jersey county, in 
the year lSo9. His parents, Isaac and 
Elizabeth (Davis) Kennedy are still 
living in the township. Both are na- 
tives of Indiana. Isaac attended srhool 
until 17 years of age, thus obtaining a 
fair education. He then followed farm- 
ing three j'ears. At the expiration of 
that period, he went to Macoupin county 
and engaged in clerking in a store at 
Chesterfield. He continued thus em- 
ployed till Jan. 1883, at which time he 
returned to Otterville entering the 
store of S. AV\ Rogers, for whom he 
clerked until May, 1885, when Mr. Rog- 
ers sold out his business. Mr. Ken- 
nedy was married Sept. 2, 1884, to Mary 
C. Hall, of Chesterfield, Macoupin 
county. 111. He is at present serving 
as township collector. He is a member 
of the I. 0. 0. F., in which he now 
holds the office of N. G., being re- 
elected to the same. 

Linus Ilumiston, of Otter Creek town- 
ship, is a son of Jason and Margaret 
(McNeal) Humiston, the former a na- 
tive of Wallingford, Conn., and the lat- 
ter, of Miirgaiitown, W. Va. Linus was 
born in Washington county, ()., in 1825. 
He remained in that county until 21 
years of age, engaged in farming and 
carpentering. He obtained a good edu- 
cation in the public schools, and taught 
school one term of four months, in Ohio. 
In Sept., 1847, he came to Jersey coun- 
ty and settled in Otterville, where he 
has ever since resided. He has follow- 
ed teaching school and carpentering. 
He was employed about 10 years as 
teacher of the Otterville school. In 
Feb., 1864, he enlisted in the 124th 111. 
Inf., and served till July 17, 1865, 



when he was transferred to the 33d 111. 
Reg., and was mustered out Dec. fi. 
1865. He participated in the following 
battles: Benton, Yazoo City, Clinton, 
Jackson Cross Roads, Miss., and Span- 
ish Fort, Ala. Mr. Humiston was mar- 
ried in 1878, to Ellen Spangle, a native 
of this county, and daughter of Andrew 
Spangle, of this township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Humiston have two children — 
Andrew Jason and Luther Burton. 
Jason Humiston, father of the subject 
of this sketch, died in Ohio, Nov. 20, 
1854, and his wife, Margaret, March 
31, 1849, in the same state. 

Horace K. Barber is a native of the 
"Green Mountain State," born in Wind- 
ham county in 1829, being a son of Calvin 
and Polly B. (Hall) Barber. In 1852 
he came to Jersey county and settled in 
Jerseyville, where he resided till 1870. 
In that year he moved to Otterville, 
which has since been his home. He 
has followed the occupations of carpen- 
tering, coopering and brickniaking. In 
1849 he was united in marriage with 
Martha E. Reed, also a native of Ver- 
mont. They are the parents of seven 
children — Francis Elliott, who died May 
11, 1858, aged eight years; George 
Horace, born Aug. 6, 1851, now living 
in Edgar, Neb.; Arthur, who died March 
18, 1854, aged eleven months; John 
A., born Oct. 24, 1855, now living in 
Carthage, Mo.; F'rederick Eugene, who 
died in 1876, aged 18 years; Lula Winnie, 
who died in 1872, aged eight years, and 
Desdemona, who also died in 1872, at 
the age of six years. Mr. Barber enlisted 
in 1861, in the 14th 111. Regt., and 
served as a musician in Co. F, one year. 
He was mustered out at Corinth, Miss., 
in June, 1862. In Feb. 1865, he again 



300 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



enlisted in the 154th 111. Inf., and served 
seven months as commissary-sergeant. 
Mr. Barber is a thorough musician and 
a band teacher. 

Thomas A. Case, of Otterville, is a 
son of John B. and Ann (Ross) Case, and 
was born in the town where he now re- 
sides, Oct. 3, 1856. He attended the 
graded schools of Otterville and later, a 
private school, thus obtaining a good 
education, and at the age of 20 years, 
began teaching in a district school, 
which he continued five terms. Since 
1880 he has clerked in the drug store of 
Dr. John Williams, during the sum- 
mer months, and followed teaching dur- 
ing the winter. In 1882 he was elected 
collector of Otter Creek township, and 
filled that office one term. He is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F., in which he 
is P. G. 

SOCIETIES. 

Otterville lodge, No. 456, I. 0. 0. F., 
was organized on the 10th day of Oct., 
1871, by T. B. Needles, G. M., and N. 
C. Nason, G. S., with the following 
charter members : Albert Livingston, 
Jesse Cockrell, L. H. Palmer, James C. 
Buckles, E. N. Yale, John Cooley, 
Richard Chappell, Joseph Chambers and 
Joseph Marshaw. The first officers 
were: Albert Livingston, N. G.; Jesse 
Cockrell, V. G.; John Cooley, R. S.; 
Richard Chappell, Treas. Since then 
the presiding officers have been as fol- 
lows : Jesse Cockrell, N. T. Rogers, 
James C. Buckles, E. J. Hughes, J. C. 
Noble, J. E. Hurd, John S. Williams, 
H. K. Barber, S. W. Rogers, W. H. 
Lehmkuhl, J. S. Turner, William H. 
Cook, W. C. Rogers, A. J. Milford, W. 
H. Lehmkuhl, J. S. Williams, W. A. 
Smith, J. A. Flautt, Vincent Martin, 



S. Hamilton, Thomas A. Case, Geo. W. 
White, J. N. Kennedy. The present 
officers are the following : J. N. Ken- 
nedy, N. G.; W. H. Lehmkuhl ,V. G .; 
Thomas A. Case, S.; W. C. Rogers, 
treasurer. The membership of the lodge 
is 40 at this writing. A commendable 
degree of interest is manifested by the 
members, and the lodge may be said to 
be in good condition, financially and 
otherwise. The lodge meets every Sat- 
urday evening. 

Otterville lodge No. 563, A. F. & A. 
M., was organized in 1868, with the fol- 
lowing charter members: William J. 
Hull, 0. B. Hamilton, John Lincogle, 
Rev. Daniel Bell, ^^^i]liam Bell, Lewis 
White and F. A. Claridge. The hall in 
which the lodge met was burned in 
1881, with all the records, so that little 
of the data of its earlier history is ob- 
tainable. The lodge was re-organized 
Dec. 3, 1881, with the following officers: 
J. C. Noble, W. M.; H. C. Terry, S. W.; 
L. H. Slaten, J. W.; N. T. Rodgers, S. 
D.; J. K. Cadwallader, J. D.; J. F. 
Curtis, secretary; A. Swantzmiller, 
tyler. The officers for 1885 are: J. 
K. Cadwallader, W. M.; J. S. Williams, 
S. W.; J. A. Flautt, J. W.; J. C. Noble, 
Treas.; S. W. Rodgers, Sep. The pres- 
ent membership is now 28. The finan- 
cial condition of the lodge is most ex- 
cellent. Meetings are held once a 
month. 

BAND. 

Barber's cornet band was organized on 
the 4th day of Dec, 1880, by H. K. Bar- 
ber, with the following members : R. 
S. Bell, J. A. Barber, Charles W. Noble, 
George W. Noble, L. T. Waggoner, and 
H. K. Barber. Since then there have 
been some changes in membership. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



301 



though tlie number remains the same. 
The l)and at present contains the follow- 
ing new members : T. Herman Kirch- 
ner, Caleb C. Calhoun, W. C. Rogers. 
This band has held regular meetings for 
over four years, and under the efficient 
leadership of H. K. Barber, who is also 
instructor, they have made good prog- 
ress and are now able to furnish good 
music when called upon. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

• The present school house of Otter- 
ville was built in 1873 and 1874. The 
building in size is 28x66 feet in the main 
portion, with an annex 18x20. It is 
constructed of stone, is two stories high, 
and cost §8,000. The first term of 
school in this building was taught by 
Mrs. Hannah H. Devol and Frances 



Dibble. The school year consists of 
eight months. There are 106 pupils en- 
rolled, and the cost of maintaining this 
institution of learning is $1,000 per 
year. The present teachers are Will 
Hanly and Elizabeth Godfrey. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Otterville Presbyterian church 
was organized March 19, 1885, with ten 
members. 

The Otter Creek Baptist church was 
organized in June, 1855, by Revs. B. B. 
Hamilton, D. P. French, R. C. Keele, 
Aaron Dodson, and Elder John Brown. 

Shiloh M. E. church was built in 185'.). 

A full history of these religious bod- 
ies is given in the chapter devoted to 
ecclesiastical history. 



OHAPXEIR XIX. 



QUARRY TOWNSHIP. 



This civil sub-division of Jersey 
county embraces congressional fractional 
T. 6 n., R. 12 and 13 w., and is 
bounded on the north by Rosedale and 
Otter Creek townships, on the east by 
Elsah, and on the soutli and west by the 
Illinois and Mississippi rivers. This 
township is perhaps most worthy of 
notice on account of the outcropping of 
the Niagara grouj) of the Lower Silurian 
limestone, which is quarried so exten- 
sively here, and which gives to the town- 
ship its name of Quarry. There is S(mie 
goo<l farm land in the township, but the 
surface of the country is generally so 



rugged and uneven that a large part of 
it must remain untried by the hand and 
implements of the agriculturist. The 
town of Grafton, in the south part of the 
township, which stretches along the 
north bank of the Mississippi river, near 
the mouth of the Illinois, aflbrds an 
excellent trading place, as well as post- 
office facilities to the citizens of the 
township. There are several small 
streams running through the townshij), 
flowing into the Illinois and Mississippi 
rivers. Long lake and Deep lake pro- 
ject into this township from Rosedale, 
on Sec. 5, R. 13. Gilbert lake lies right 



302 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



alongside the Illinois river, on Sees. 14 
and 15, R. 13. 

Many interesting historical items have 
their origin in this township, which are 
duly noticed further on in this chapter, 
or in their proper place in the general 
chapters. 

George Finney located near the Illi- 
nois river, in the south part of what is 
now Quarry township, in 1819. He had 
been a soldier in the regular army, and 
after his discharge, in St. Louis, came 
up, and made the settlement mentioned. 
In the latter part of the year 1826, he 
entered land on Sec. 15, T. 6, R. 13, and 
on Sec. 8, T. 6, R. 12. 

Sanford Hughes also located in what 
is now Quarry township, in 1819. He 
had been a companion-in-arms of Geo. 
Finney, and on their discharge, at St. 
Louis, had come up, and located on the 
Illinois river bottom land. 

David Gilbert and John Stafford were 
also settlers of 1819, locating, with tlieir 
former comrades of the regular service, 
Finney and Hughes, on the bottomland 
of the Illinois river, in what is now 
Quarry township. 

A man named Babcock settled in the 
southeastern corner of what is now 
Quarry township, about 1819. He had 
been a soldier in the war of 1812. Babb's 
Hollow took its name from him. Bab- 
cock died at this place. 

A man named Copeland also came up 
with the four mentioned, and settled in 
the south part of Quarry township. He 
had also been a soldier in the United 
States service. 

William D. F. Slaten was a settler of 
1829, coming in March of that year. 

William D. F. Slaten, one of the ear- 
liest settlers of Jersey county, was born 



in Jackson county, Ga., in 1808. He 
came to Illinois in 1822, locating four 
miles southwest of Carrollton, in Greene 
county. Seven years later he moved to 
Quarry township, Jersey county, living 
here until 1831, when he returned to 
Greene county, and remained two years, 
then moved back to Quarry township, 
and after two years (in 1835) again re- 
turned to Greene county. In 1836 he 
came back to Jersey county, where he 
has since resided. He first settled on a 
farm in Quarry township, but remained 
there only a short time, moving to 
Grafton the same year. He lived at 
Grafton about six years, during which 
time he held the offices of constable, 
collector and deputy sheriff. In 1842 
he moved to section 36 of Otter Creek 
township, where he lived until 1848. 
In the fall of that year he returned to 
Grafton, and was there partner in a gen- 
eral mercantile business, one year. 
Then he removed to a farm two miles 
northeast of Grafton, which was his 
home until 1852. In that year he moved 
to section 1, Quarry township, remain- 
ing here two years, then again returned 
to Grafton, but soon after returned to 
his farm on section 1, where he now 
resides. He was married in Aug., 1831, 
to Irene West, born in Kentucky in 
1817. They have had 13 children born 
to them, nine of whom are now living. 
Mr. Slaten was for many years a prom- 
inent and leading citizen of this county, 
and is now held in much esteem. 

Woodberry Massey settled on the 
jtresent site of Grafton about 1830. He 
afterwards moved to Otter Creek, and 
opened a store. 

Nicholas Kesling came to what is now 
Quarry township in 1832. He was 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



303 



probably the first German settler in the 
township. 

Among other early settlers were also, 
George Pixley, Joseph Marshall, Judah 
Warner and Joseph Marshaw. 

OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE. 

A. N. Thoroman is a son of James and 
Sophia Thoroman, and was born in 
Ohio, in 1848. When a child of four 
years he was brought to Jersey' county 
by Thomas Wedding, who settled at 
Rosedale. He remained with Mr. 
Wedding until 24 years of age, working 
upon a farm. In 1808 he was married 
to Harriet Richardson, a native of this 
county. She died in 1869. Jan. 25, 
1873, he was married to Laura F. Brown, 
daughter of William S. and Amanda 
Brown. They have four children — Al- 
pheus W., born May 12, 1874; Ollie, 
born March 1, 1875; Ruth A., born Feb. 
24, 1879; Mamie, born July 29, 1882, and 
died Oct. 6, 1883; and Spalding M., 
born April 24, 1885. Mamie is buried 
in Hartford cemetery. Mr. Thoroman 
owns 40 acres of land, and carries on 
general farming. He is a member of 
the Christian church, and his wife of 
the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Seth Burris, an enterprising farmer of 
Jersey county, came here in 185(5, and 
settled on Coon creek, where he lived 
four years. He then removed to his 
liri'sent location, on section 2, Quarry 
townshi]). He owns a valuable and well 
imj)rovcd farm, comprising 120 acres, 
55 of which is improved, and G5 wood- 
land. Seth Burris was born in the state 
of Kentucky in 1827, and is a son of Job 
and Sarah (Hendricks) Burris, both of 
whom died in Madison county, 111. He 
was married, Oct. 24, 1850, to Rhoda 



Whitlock, a native of Jersey county. 
Five of their children are living — Ben- 
jamin, who lives in Kansas; John, in 
Minnesota; Margaret E., wife of Henry 
A. Kruger, of York, Neb.; Henry 
Grantus, married, and living at York, 
Neb.; and Charles Perry, living at home. 
Mrs. Burris died in in 1877, and on the 
IBth of October, 1878, Mr. Burris was 
married to Sarah Jane Keyser, a native 
of Kentucky. Mr. Burris opjioses the 
nianufacture and sale of liquors, oleo- 
margarine, butterine, glucose, and all 
such articles, and always votes against 
such when the opportunity oflVrs. 

Spalding E. Brown came to Jersey 
county when quite young, accompany- 
ing his parents, William S. and Amanda 
(Durand) Brown. They settled at 
Grafton. Spalding E. Brown was born 
in DuPage county. 111., in 1849. He 
received a good education, attending 
the district schools of Grafton, and later 
a select school taught by Prof. Atchison, 
of Chicago, under whose tuition he con- 
tinued six months. He afterwards at- 
tended another select school at Fideli- 
ty, fully preparing himself for the im- 
portant work of teaching, which he be- 
gan at Deer Plain, Calhoun county, 111., 
teaching there two terms of six months 
each. Since then he has taught one 
term at Union school; the same at 
Snow school house, during which the 
building was destroyed by fire, in the 
nuddle of the six months term; one 
term at Teneriflc school; the same at 
Rosedale, Farmer's scht)ol house, Ger- 
man school house, Washington and 
Pleasant Cove sclu)ols. He has, most 
of the time, followed teaching during 
the winter and farming in the summer 
seasons. He was married Feb. 1, 1873, 



304 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



to Anna M. Journey, daughter- of 
Samuel Journey, of this county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brown are the parents of one 
cliihl — Carrie E. Mr. Brown has served 
as road supervisor one term. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, also of the Masonic fraternity. 
He is the owner of a farm of 90 acres, 
located in Quarry township. His 
parents now reside in Fieldon, Rose- 
dale township, in this county. 

Samuel P. Dinsnioor, a prominent 
and leading farmer of Quarry township, 
is of Scotch, English and French extrac- 
tion. He is the seventh from John 
Dinsnioor, who went from Scotland to 
Ireland, and settled in the county of 
Antrim, and the sixth from John, who 
came to America in 1720, and settled in 
what is now Windham, N. H. Ho is 
the eighth from George Little, who came 
from England in 1840, and settled in 
Newbury, Mass. His father's mother 
was a Little. His mother's father's 
father was a Frenchman, and lived in 
Canada. His mother's mother was a 
Cleveland, and he is the ninth genera- 
tion from Moses Cleveland, the emi- 
grant, and sixth cousin to President 
Grover Cleveland. He has the geneal- 
ogies of the Dinsmoor, Little and Cleve- 
land families. His father, William A. 
Dinsmoor, was born in Chester, New 
Hampshire, Oct. 3, 1814, and married to 
Laodicea Tubbs. The latter is now liv- 
ingin Coolville, Ohio. William A. Dins- 
moro died in that state Sept. 6, 1884. 
The subject of this sketch was born in 
Athens county, Ohio, March 8, 1843, and 
reared upon a farm near Coolville, where 
he attended school. When the civil 
war broke out, he enlisted in the 116th 
Ohio Vol. Inf., and served three years. 



participating in 18 battles, among which 
were: Moorefield, Jan. 3, 1863; Win- 
chester, June 12, 13 and 14, 1863; Pied- 
mont, June 5, 1864; Lynchburg, June 

18, 1864; Occoquan, Sept. 19; Fisher's 
Hill, Sept. 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, Oct. 

19, 1864; Hatch's Run, March 31, 1865; 
Ft. Gregg, April 2, 1865; Farmville, 
April 6 and 7, 1865; and surrender of Lee 
at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 
1865. He returned from the army to 
his home in Ohio, where he remained, 
engaged in farming, one year, then came 
to Illinois in the fall of 1866, and spent 
three months in Bond county, after 
which he became a' resident of this 
county, where he has since lived. He 
first settled at Rosedale, and during the 
winter of 1869 and 1870, taught school 
at the Williams' school house. He con- 
tinued teaching five terms. Aug. 24, 
1870, he was married to Mrs. Frances 
(Barlow) Journey, widow of Samuel 
Journey, and daughter of Martin B. 
Barlow, of Kentucky. By this union 
there are five children — Charles A., 
James F., Samuel A., Thomas B., and 
Laura E. Mrs. Dinsmoor had four chil- 
dren by her former marriage, three of 
whom are living — William H. Journey, 
Alice M. Journey, Addie L. Journey, 
who died in April, 1881, and Carrie M. 
Journey. Mr. Dinsmoor owns 341 acres 
of land, 150 of which is bottom land. 
His business is general farming. He is 
a member of the A. F. & A. M., and 
has been school trustee six years. Pre- 
vious to the death of Mr. Dinsmoor's 
fatlier, in 1884, a death had not occurred 
in the family for 38 years, the last one 
being that of his eldest brother, in 1846. 
Mr. Dinsmoor is a gentleman of superior 
intelligence, and an honored citizen. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



305 



Enoch W. Wallace, of Quarry town- 
ship, is a veteran of two wars, having 
served in the war with Mexico, in 1846, 
as a member of the 3d U. S. Dragoons, 
continuing in the service until the close 
of the war, and in 1861, enlisted in Co. 
D, of the 61st 111. Inf., and served 
three years and three months, in the 
war of the Rebellion. He enlisted as 
orderly sergeant, serving in that capac- 
ity till Sept. 3, 1862, when he was pro- 
moted to the rank of second lieutenant. 
He resigned his commission in Fel)ru- 
ary, 1865, and during the last month of 
his service acted as captain of Co. A, 
of the same regiment. He participated 
in engagements at Shiloh, Murfroes- 
boro, Vicksburg, Little Rock, Frank- 
lin, Nashville, and other points, and 
was a gallant soldier, never shrinking 
from duty and always at his post. Mr. 
Wallace was born in Davis county, Ind., 
in the year 1830. He is a son of Cole- 
man C. and Sarah (Chapman) Wallace, 
the former a native of Indiana, who 
died in that State; the latter is still liv- 
ing there. Enoch was brought up on a 
farm and remained with his parents in 
Indiana until tlie date of hi;^ enlistment 
in the Mexican war. At the close of 
the war he came to Jersey county, ar- 
riving at Andrews' Landing, three- 
fourtlis of a mile above the mouth of 
the Illinois river. He settled at that 
time near Otterville, where he lived one 
year, then moved to (iraliam Hollow, 
and remained until the spring of 1852. 
He then purchased a farm three miles 
north of Cirafton, on which he resided 
a short time, removing from thence to 
Otter Creek. In 1855 he removed to 
Christian county, and in 1857 returned 
to this county and located near Grafton, 



and has since that time been a resi- 
dent of this vicinity. He was married 
in Feb. 1849, to Julia A. Bray, daughter 
of Isaac Bray, of Quarry township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents 
of nine children — Eli M., living on a 
farm near Grafton; Elijah S., in Graf- 
ton; William T., engaged in farming in 
this township; Rosa S., wife of Rupert 
Claridge, editor of the Stockman, at San 
Antonio, Tex.; Alford J., living in 
Grafton; Alice J., wife of William Hol- 
brook, of Macoupin county; Enoch W., 
Perry A., and I. Newton, living at 
home with their parents. Mr. Wallace 
owns a good farm of 80 acres, and is a 
member of the G. A. R. 

William Williams (deceased), an early 
settler and wealthy farmer of Quarry 
township, was born in Scioto county, 
Ohio, and was a son of Robert Williams. 
He came to Jersey county in 1835 and 
settled at Camden, where he lived three 
years and then removed to a farm eight 
miles west of that place. He resided 
here until his death, which occurred in 
1868. He was the owner of 1,000 acre.s 
of land. He was married in 1836 to 
Sidney Darnell, who was born in Ken- 
tucky. Three of their children are now 
living — Nelson, William and Elvira, 
wife of Martin Fox, of (irafton. Nelson 
Williams, eldest son of William and 
Sidney (Darnell) Williams, was born in 
Jersey county in 1840. He was brought 
up and educated in this county. In 
1862 he was married to Adaline Stafford, 
daughter of John StaObrd, of this 
county. They are the parents of five 
children — Lula May, Ollie Bird, Ivy 
Myrtle, Grace V., and Elva L. In 1878 
Mr. Williams went to Pawnee county, 
Kan., and settled on a homestead which 



306 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



he improved and lived upon one year. 
He returned to Jersey county in the 
fall of 1881 and rented the farm of 
Thomas Thompson, seven miles west of 
Grafton, where he now resides. Mr. 
Williams was in the army three years 
during the war of the Rebellion, enlist- 
ing in 18H2 in the 97th 111. Inf. He par- 
ticipated in the battles of Arkansas Post, 
VicksburgjPort Gibson, Champion Hills, 
siege of Blakeley, Chickasaw Bluff, 
Black River Bridge and siege of Jackson. 

J. N. Noble, son of George and Sarah 
(Swan) Noble, was born in Quarry town- 
ship in 1849. His childhood and youth 
were spent on the farm where he now 
lives. In 1869 he went to California 
and remained 14 months, during which 
time he was engaged in fariiiing. In 
1872 he was married to Ida Ellis, a na- 
tive of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Noble 
have three children — George E., Clar- 
ence, and Ida May. Mr. Noble owns 
63 acres of land and carries on general 
farming. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F. His father, George Noble, died 
in Quarry township in 1856, and is buried 
near Otterville. His mother, Sarah 
Noble, died in 1862, and is buried at the 
same place. 

Antoine DeFossa is a native of Can- 
ada, and a son of Spray and Rojenia 
DeFossa, both natives of Canada. He 
was born in the year 1832, and in his 
youth worked upon a farm. At the age 
of 20 years he went to Monticello, Can- 
ada, to learn the baker's trade, at which 
he worked three years. He then went 
to St. Paul, Minn., where he spent 18 
months, then engaged as cook on board 
a steamboat, following that occupation 
three months, after which he came to 
Jersey county. Here he worked at 



chopping wood and various employ- 
ments until 1861, when he moved to 
Grafton, where he worked by the day 
about 15 years. He then moved to the 
farm of Henry Eastman, on which he 
still lives. He was married in 1858 to 
Eliza Jane Vanantrop, who was born in 
Tennessee. They have three children 
— Josephine, Catherine and Charles. 
Mr. DeFossa is at present serving as 
school director. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, also of the I. O. 0. 
F., and as a'citizen is highly esteemed. 
Charles M. Chase owns and resides 
upon a farm of 200 acres, located on 
section 12, Quarry township, where he 
settled in 1871. He was born in Meigs 
county, 0., in 1828, and is a son of 
Charles C. and Mary P. (Holt) Chase; 
the former a native of Maine, and the 
latter of Canada. Charles M. lived 
upon a farm with his parents until 
1851. In that year he went to Califor- 
nia and remained one year, engaged in 
a sawmill, then returned east to Ohio, 
where he lived one year. He next 
went to Iowa, and two years later to 
Kansas. He remained there one year, 
after which he went to Catlettsburg, 
Ky., there engaging in the drug busi- 
ness, continuing the same three years; 
then removed to Clark county, 111., in 
the spring of 1862, and there followed 
farming until 1871. Mr. Cliase was 
married in 1859, to Melinda McKee, a 
native of Lj^ons county, 0. They have 
one child — Frank M., who now lives 
with his parents. Mr. Chase is a mem- 
ber of Masonic order. Charles C. Chase, 
father of the subject of this sketch, died 
in Rutland, O., in 1857. His widow, 
Mrs. Mary (Holt) Chase, survived until 
1882, when she died at the same place. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



307 



Daniel Davis is a son of John and 
Elizabeth (Green) Davis, and was born 
Jan. 8, 1815, in Kentucky. His parents 
died in Ohio; his mother, in 1820, and 
his father in ISiio. Daniel was brought 
up on a farm, and, in his youth, went to 
Cincinnati, where he learned the car- 
penter's trade, and resided 25 years. 
He then removed to Lewis county, Ky., 
and, a few years later, to Henderson 
county, of the same state. He remained 
12 years in the latter county, after which 
he went to Quincy, 111., and two years 
later, came to Jersey county, and settled 
at Grafton, where he now lives. He is 
engaged in skiff-building and fishing. 
He ships to St. Louis, annuall}', about 
S8(X) worth offish. Mr. Davis was mar- 
ried in 1838, to Sarah Jane Garrett, a 
native of Ohio. They are the parents 
of four children — Franklin B., now liv- 
ing in Arkansas; Thomas J., in Little 
Rock, Ark.; Mary E., wife ot Benjamin 
Suttlis, of Grafton; and Missouri Anna, 
wife of Sidney Noble, of Quarry town- 
shij). ^Irs. Davis is a member of the 
M. E. church. 

John Hart, deceased, was a native of 
Pulaski county, Ky., and a son of Berry 
and Nancy (Blankinship) Hart, both of 
whom were natives of Kentu_;ky. John 
was reared in that state, and in 1855 
went to Iowa, where he remained a few 
months. In June of the same year he 
came to Jersey county and settled on 
Sec. 33, Otter Creek township. He re- 
moved to Quarry township, where he 
resided until his decease. He was mar- 
ried in 1852 to Lucinda Berry, who was 
born in Lincoln county, Ky. Nine chil- 
tlren were born to them, seven of whom 
are still living — John M., of Jersey 
county; Lucy, wife of Frank Miller, 



now livingin Kansas; James H., Thomas 
A., Ernest B., George M., and MoUie L. 
Those deceased were Margaret C.,wife of 
Henry Noble, of this county, and Lillie, 
who died in 18G7. On the 15th of March, 
1883, Mr. Hart and one of his sons, 
while returning from Jersey ville to their 
home in this township, had their car- 
riage upset in driving around a corner. 
Mr. Hart was thrown out and received 
internal injuries, which proved to be the 
cause of his death on June 29 of the 
same year. He was a man universally 
beloved and was well deserving of the 
high esteem in which he was held 
throughout the entire community. His 
loss fell heavily, not only upon 
his family, but also upon all with 
whom he had business or social rela- 
tions. He was a loving and indulgent 
husband and father, a kind neighbor 
and a Christian gentleman. His remains 
were laid to rest in the family cemetery. 
He began life in humble circumstances, 
and died possessed of a comfortable for- 
tune, leaving his family provided for. 

Oliver Dare is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was born in 1832, being 
a son of .James and Rebecca (Richey) 
Dare, natives of Pennsylvania. He 
came to this state in 1867 and settled in 
Calhoun county, and five years later 
became a resident of this county, which 
has since been his home. \\'lu'n he 
was but two years old he was taken by 
his parents to the state of New Jersey, 
where they lived 22 years. He was 
married in 18.50 to Rebecca Hartman, 
of New Jersey. His father died in (Cal- 
houn county in 1871. His mother died 
in \ew Jersey in 1848. 

Ziba Noble, a well known farmer of 
Quarry township, is a son of George A. 



308 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



and Sarah (Swan) Noble. George Noble 
was born in Mississippi in the year 
1800. His wife was born at Fort Co- 
lumbus, ni., in 1811. The subject of 
this sketch is a native of Quarry town- 
ship, born in November, 1838. His 
early life was spent upon a farm in his 
native township. In 1860 he went to 
California, and there remained, engaged 
in mining, seven and a half years. While 
there he was quite successful, and suc- 
ceeded in accumulating a competency. 
He returned to Quarry township in 1867, 
and settled upon the farm where he now 
lives, which contains 100 acres of well 
improved land, located on section 1. 
Mr. Noble was married in March, 1870, 
to Mary McDow, a native of Jersey 
county, and daughter of William Mc- 
Dow, of Otter Creek township. They 
have one child — Inez. Mr. Noble holds 
the office of commissioner of highways 
of Quarry township. 

GRAFTON. 

Grafton is located in the southern 
part of the county, in Quarry township, 
on the Mississippi river. The first set- 
tlement was made by James Mason, in 
1832, who built four split-log cabins and 
afterward named the town in honor of 
his native place. Charles Chapman 
also erected a cabin during that year. 
Shortly afterward Paris Mason put up a 
frame structure, which he occupied as a 
general store, the first in the settle- 
ment. This building has since been 
remodeled and forms a part of W. H. 
Allen's residence. Abijah Whiting, 
John Keys and Brook Staftbrd were 
also among the first settlers. 

The town was surveyed April 15, 
1836, and at that time displayed un- 



usual signs of prosperity and it was fully 
believed that a large and prosperous 
city would be built. The town was laid 
out by Paris and Sarah Mason, admin- 
istrators of the estate of James Mason. 
The first sale of lots occurred in 1836, 
and were disposed of at from $50 to 
$100. The second sale took place in 
1837. This was at a time when specu- 
lation was running wild throughout the 
state; new towns were being laid out by 
the score and every speculator saw a 
fortune within his grasp. Grafton 
shared in the excitement, and lots rose 
to fabulous figures — the auctioneer 
easily disposing of them at sums rang- 
ing in amount from $400 to $1,500. Lots 
back of the town on the blufls, on land 
now of little value, changed hands at 
good, round figures; and below the 
town the Chicago addition was projected 
on the bluffs, covering a site which has 
since been almost as destitute of streets 
and buildings as it was the day Mar- 
quette sailed down the Mississippi on 
his first voyage of discovery. The 
crash of 1837 came; banks broke, spec- 
ulators failed, and lots fell rapidly to 
prices inconsiderable in comparison 
with their former valuation. The first 
houses were built in what is still the 
business portion of the town, the 16th 
(the school) section at that period not 
being open for settlement. On the 16th 
section being thrown into the market, 
the town extended farther in that di- 
rection, and now its length along the 
river is more than two miles. 

The second store in the place was 
erected soon after that of Paris Mason. 
John Keys was the proprietor, and he 
carried on the general merchandise 
trade, also dealing in grain and pork. 



Jolm Arnistroiig also opened a gen- 
eral merchandise store in I806. 

In the same year two other similar 
establishments were started — those of 
W. 1). Denby, and Lawson & Lucas. 

All these, save Keys, felt the effects 
of the trade depression of 1887-38 to 
such an extent that they were com- 
pelled to close their doors. 

Brook Stafford established a black- 
smith shop in Grafton in 183(5. He was 
the first in that line in the place. 

PRESENT BUSINESS. 

Carl Albert engaged in the sale of 
general merchandise Sept. 1, 1884, in 
Upper Grafton. The building is con- 
structed of brick, 25.K.50 feet in dimen- 
sions, two stories high. 

Carl Albert, merchant at Grafton, was 
born in Germany in 1848. He grew to 
manhood in his native country, where 
he received a liberal education, graduat- 
ing from Hamburg College in 1867. He 
then went into the armj', from which 
he was discharged on account of disa- 
bility. In 1882 he came to America 
and settled, then, at Grafton, Jersey 
county. 111. Here he was engaged as 
teacher of the German language two 
years; then, in 1SS4, opened a store of 
general merchandise, which he still 
carries on, and is doing a thriving busi- 
ness. Mr. Albert was married June 5, 
1883, to Rosa Freiman, who was born 
in Grafton. They have one child — 
Barbara, born Dec. 12, 1883. Mr. 
Albert's father, Andreas Albert, was 
born in Germany, and now resides here, 
with him. His mother, Mrs. Laura 
Albert, also a native of Germany, died 
at Hamburg, in that country, in 1871. 

The general merchandise business of 



H. E. Brinton was established by M. 
Grady & Co. in 1S69, who were suc- 
ceeded by W. S. Brinton & Co. in 1874. 
In the early part of 1885 it was trans- 
ferred to H. E. Brinton. 

C. P. Stafford has been engaged in the 
sale of general merchandise since 1883. 
The store room in which he does busi- 
ness is 50x70 feet in size, constructed of 
brick, and two stories high. 

Christopher P. Stafford, a leading 
merchant of Grafton and a prominent 
citizen of Jersey county, is a son of 
Brook and Mary A. (Hilliard) Stafford. 
He was born in the city of Philadelphia 
in 1831, and removed with his parents 
to this county in 1836. Here he received 
his education, and in his youth learned 
the harness-maker's trade, which he 
followed 12 years. He then engaged in 
merchandising, and has continued in 
that business since. He was married in 
1850 to Charlotte Roe, a native of Ire- 
land. Three children were born to 
them — Alice, deceased wife of Lewis 
Slaten, of Grafton; George, who died in 
infancy; and Bell, who is now a teacher 
in the graded school at Grafton. Mrs. 
Stafford died in April, 1858. Feb. 29, 
1860, Mr. Stafford was married to Ange- 
line Ainburg, a native of this county. 
By this marriage there were seven chil- 
dren — Delia, now assistant postmistress 
at Grafton; Christopher P., who is now 
in Texas, engaged in the office of the 
Texas SlucL- Journal; John M., in the store 
with his father; James H., Fred Smith 
and Harry E. Sadie died in infancy. 
Mr. Stafford served as justice of the 
peace 24 years, beginning in 1853. In 
1881 he was elected a member of the 
county board, whicli office he has held 
continuously since that time. He is at 



310 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



present serving his fourth term in that 
capacity. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and of the I. 0. 0. F. 

Dr. J. Tidball is engaged in the sale 
of drugs, paints, oils, etc., which he es- 
tablished in 1881. He has also been 
practicing medicine since 1876. 

The drug and book store, managed by 
W. R. Hewitt, on lower Main street, 
was established by Dr. Harriott in 1870. 
He was succeeded by C. W. Lund in 1875, 
who ran it until his death in the fall of 
1878, since which time it has been owned 
and operated by Mrs. M. E. Lund. The 
building is 25x40 feet in size, and is 
constructed of stone. 

Charles Walker Lund, (deceased,) 
wos born in Barry, Pike county, 111., 
Oct. 22, 1841. His parents were Wil- 
liam and Elizabeth Lund. Charles W. 
Lund came to Jersey county in April, 
1873, and settled in Grafton, where he 
engaged in the drug business, continuing 
the same until his death, which occur- 
red Nov. 6, 1878. He was married Oct. 
27, 1863, to Mary Ellen Hewitt, a native 
of England. They had five children, 
three of whom are living — Mary Eliza- 
beth, wife of H. E. Budicell, of Rush 
Centre, Kan., Anna Viola and George 
Curtis. Those deceased are — Joseph H., 
who died June 15, 1874, and Alma May, 
who died Aug. 13, 1877. Mr. Lund was 
a member of the I. 0. 0. F.. and is 
buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery at 
Grafton. 

William R. Hewitt was born in the 
city of Alton in 1857. His parents, Jo- 
seph and Hannah (Read) Hewitt, were 
natives of England, who came to Amer- 
ica in 1849 and settled at Alton. Wil- 
liam R. received a good education, at- 
tending the graded schools of Alton, 



and later Shurtleff College, at Upper 
Alton, taking a commercial course. In 
1877 he came to Grafton and entered tlie 
drug store of his brother-in-law, C. W. 
Lund, wht) died in 1878. Since that 
time Mr. Hewitt has carried on the busi- 
ness, and is now enjoying a thriving 
trade. As a business man he is popu- 
lar and successful. He has been a mem- 
ber of the town board one year, and 
served as township clerk two years. He 
belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. 

Among the leading firms of Grafton is 
that of Allen & Rippley, dealers in 
hardware, stoves and furniture. The 
members of the firm are W. H. Allen, 
Jr., and Frank Rippley. They are 
doing a fine business in these lines, and 
carry a stock of tinware, cutlery, guns, 
pistols, ammunition, fishing tackle, pic- 
tures, frames in addition, and do the 
principal business in tin roofing. The 
business was established Aug. 1, 1881. 
Their building is 23x70 feet, two stories 
high, and is constructed of stone. 

Frank Rippley, of the firm of Allen & 
Rippley, is the son of George and Helen 
(Sume) Rippley, natives of Baden, Ger- 
many. Frank Rippley was born in 
Booneville, Mo., Dec. 15, 1857. He 
went to St. Louis Sept. 15, 1873, and 
learned the tinner's trade. He came to 
Grafton, 111., Oct. 3, 1876, and worked 
for Brook Stafford at the tinner's trade 
until Feb. 4, 1878, when he bought the 
stove and tin business of B. Stafford, 
and continued the business for himself. 
Aug. 1, 1881, William H. Allen, Jr., 
bought an interest in the business, and 
became a partner. They then moved in 
a large building, and opened a general 
store, consisting of hardware, stoves, 
tinware, furniture and house furnishing 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



311 



goods of all kinds, and have continued 
the business up to the present time. 
They keep a full stock of goods on 
hand always, and bear the reputation of 
being one of the best and most accom- 
modating firms in Jersey county. 

The carriage and wagon making in- 
dustry is represented by F. Stinman, 
who established the same in the fall of 
1868. 

B.\NK OF GR.\FT0.\. 

This monetarj' institution was estab- 
lished in October, 1869, by W. H. Allen 
and E. A. Pinero, and was operated by 
them as a private ci)ncern until 187o, 
when W. H. Allen succeeded the above 
named firm. On the oth of July, 1.SS8, 
the present management assumed con- 
trol. The directors are W. H. Allen, 
C. P. Stail'ord and E. Meysenburg. 

Ernst Meysenburg, cashier of the 
(Irafton bank, was born in Rliine prov- 
ince, Prussia, and is a son of F. W. and 
Johannah (Schmitz) Meysenburg; the 
latter died in (;ermany,in 1853, and the 
former came to America in 1857, and 
settled in St. Louis, where he died 10 
years later. The subject of this sketch 
came to America in 1855, accompanying 
his uncle, Theodore Kimm, who had 
been a dry goods merchant in St. Louis, 
until 1849; the latter had come to Amer- 
ica in 1835. In 1855 he returned to 
Europe for a visit, and on coming back 
to St. Louis, brought with him, Ernst, 
who was then a lad of 13 years. His 
uncle had settled on a farm, afterwards 
laid out by him and called Kimmswiek, 
a station 20 miles below St. Louis, on 
the Iron Mountain railroad. There 
Ernst remained two years on a farm. 
He then went to St. Louis, and engaged 
as clerk in a wholesale house. The firm 



by whom he was employed failed in 
1858, and he returned to Kimmswiek, 
and went to work for his uncle, opening 
a store of general merchandise. In tlie 
fall of 1859, he went to St. Louis, and 
entered the employ of Joseph Gray, a 
retail hatter, with whom he continued 
until the fall of 1860. At that date he 
went to Sulphur Springs, as agent for 
the Iron Mountain railroad company, 
and the Pilot Knob iron company. A 
few months later he enlisted as private 
in Co. E, 2d Mo. Cav., and served until 
18G5, the latter two years as 1st sergeant. 
He then went to work in a wholesale 
hat establishment in St. Louis, continu- 
ing there two years, after whicli he 
formed a partnership with Henry East- 
man, and engaged in general merchan- 
dising at Grafton, Jersey county. 111. 
This partnership continued four years, 
when B. J. Smith took the place of Mr. 
Eastman, the firm becoming Meysen- 
burg & Smith. In 1876, C. P. Stafford 
became a partner in the firm, wliich re- 
mained unclianged until 1879, then Mr. 
Smith retired, the firm becoming Mey- 
senburg & Stafifbrd. In August, 1883, 
Mr. Meysenburg disposed of his mer- 
cantile interests, to assume the position 
which he now occupies, as cashier of 
the bank. He was married in Grafton, 
Oct. 7, 1869, to Mary H. Fichner, 
daughter of of James Fichner, of Graf- 
ton. She was born at Wheeling, Va. 
They are the parents of four children — 
Fannie, Nannie, Edith and Clara. Mr. 
Meysenburg has served two years upon 
the board of supervisors, and has been 
school trustee, and president of the town 
board, two terms. He is the owner of a 
comfortable residence in Grafton, and is 
interested in the Grafton bank and 



312 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



quarries. He is a member of the I. 0. 
O. F. 

HOTELS. 

The Vallev House was established in 
1871 by W. S. Dempsey. At that time 
the building was a two-story frame 
structure, o0x40 feet in size. In 1873 
the building was torn down and rebuilt. 
It is now a two-story frame, 50x75 feet 
in dimensions, and contains about 20 
sleeping rooms. It is a well kept house 
and is situated on Main street, in the 
business part of the town. 

^^'illiam S. Dempsey, of Grafton, was 
born in the northern part of Ireland, in 
1844, and is a son of Hugh and Sarah 
(Agnew) Dempsey, natives of Ireland. 
In 1846 William immigrated with his 
parents to America, and settled in East- 
ern Pennsylvania, and in 1S52 removed 
to the city of Philadelphia. There they 
remained two years, then came to Jer- 
sey county and located at Grafton, where 
William S. has resided the greater part 
of the time since. In 186S he opened a 
saloon, and in 1871 built the Valley 
House and began keeping hotel, which 
he still continues. In 1864 he drove an 
ox team across the plains to Virginia 
City, Nevada. In the fall of the 
same year he drove the first team ever 
driven down Prickly Pear Valley, and 
camped in "Last Chance" gulch, where 
Helena is now located. His brother, 
•lames A. Dempsey, was at that time 
employed by the government as inter- 
preter on the Snake River Indian reser- 
vation. James A. Dempsey was massa- 
cred by the Indians in Idaho, in June, 
1874. William remained in Montana 
three years, then returned home, via the 
Missouri river, with a party of 52 men, 
on board the Mackinaw, arriving at 



Grafton in the fall of 1867. Mr. Dempsey 
was married in 1871, to Jane Brower, 
daughter of William and Lucy Brower, 
of Ulster county, N. Y. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dempsey have three children — W. 
H., (lideon, and Christina. His father, 
Hugh Dempsey, died in 1855, and was 
buried in St. Patrick's cemetery in Phil- 
adelphia. His remains were in 1874, 
removed to the Catholic cemetery at 
Jerseyville. Mrs. Sarah Dempsey died 
in 1872, and was buried in Jerseyville. 

The Ruebel Hotel is a line three-story 
brick structure, with stone foundation, 
76x71 feet in ground area, and is oper- 
ated by its founder, Michael Ruebel. 
It contains 32 rooms, in addition to the 
parlor, office, billiard, store and dining 
rooms, the latter being 28x38 feet in 
dimensions. There is also a kitchen 
20x20 feet in size. The structure was 
commenced during the winter of 1884, 
and when completed will cost about 
$7,0(K), being the finest and largest hotel 
in Jersey county. A fine view of the 
Mississippi river is had from two veran- 
das, parlor and several sleeping apart- 
ments. The hotel is convenient to bus- 
iness, newly furnished, and is also to be 
supplied with fire escapes upon com- 
pletion. It is well kept by Mr. Ruebel, 
who provides abundantly for the com- 
fort and convenience of his guests. 

Michael Ruebel, son of Peter and 
Barbara (Hoffman) Ruebel, is a native 
of Bavaria, Germany, born in the year 
1834. When 16 years old he came to 
America and settled at Green point, 
Long Island, where he remained 18 
months; then went to Zanesville, 0., 
and, eight months later, to St. Louis, 
Mo. He resided in St. Louis till the 
spring of 1863, at which time he came 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



313 



to Grafton. Here he worked three 
years at the cooper's trade, then engag- 
ed in kee])ing saloon. In 1879 he began 
keeping a hotel, which he still con- 
tinues. In 1855 he was united in mar- 
riage with Margaret Maurer, daughter 
of Leonard Maurer, of St. Louis. 
Eight children have been born to them, 
five of whom are living — Michael, 
George, Charles, Louisa, and Sherman. 
Christian died at the age of six years, 
and two died in infancy. Mr. Ruebel 
served four months in the army, during 
the war of the Rebellion. He is a re- 
publican in politics, and has been school 
trustee three terms. He owns 20 acres 
of land, and hotel property, a saloon, 
residence and two lots in Grafton. Mr. 
Ruebel's parents are deceased, his 
mother having died in Germany, in 
1856, and his father, in Ohio, in 1867. 

The Grafton House is operated by 
Martin Flanigan, who commenced 
business in 186'J. The house at that 
time was a two-story frame, 12x24 feet 
in size. In 1872 he remodeled the 
building and enlarged it to 24x38 feet, 
and as his business demanded larger 
accommodations still, he accordingly 
built an addition in 1S83, 26x38 feet in 
dimensions. At present the house con- 
tains 22 sleeping apartments. Mr. 
P^lanigan also operates a livery and 
feed stable in connection with the 
hotel. 

Martin Flanigan, proprietor of a hotel 
and saloon at Grafton, was born in 
county Limerick, Ireland, in 1841, and 
is a eon of James and Jane (Kane) 
Flanigan, both natives of Ireland. At 
or about the age of 20 years, Mar- 
tin came to America and settled in 
Washington, D. C, vyhere he remained 



till the spring of 1866. He then re- 
moved to St. Louis and remained in 
that city until 18li9, at which time he 
came to Grafton, and engaged in his 
present business. Mr. Flanigan was 
married in 1862 to Mary C. Eight 
children have been born to them, five 
of whom are living— Jane, wife of Mr. 
Fitzgibbons, of Grafton; John, Mary 
A., Margaret T., and Martin J. Those 
deceased were — Catherine, Catherine 
Helen, and Johanna. They are buried 
in the Catholic cemetery. Mr. Flani- 
gan owns his business property and a 
residence in the town of Grafton, and 
is in prosperous circumstances. He 
and his wife are members of the Catho- 
lic church. His mother, Mrs. Jane 
Flanigan, died in Ireland in 1863. His 
father, James Flanigan, died in the 
city of Philadelphia in 1883. 

John A. McClintock, jeweler at Graf- 
ton, came to this town and established 
his present business in 1874. He was 
born in St Clair county. 111., in 1845, 
and is a son of James McClintock, a 
native of Bourbon county, Ky. His 
mother was formerly a Miss Glass, of 
St. Clair county. 111. John resided in 
his native county until 1851, then with 
his parents removed to Hancock county, 
of the same state. In 1863 he went to 
Quincy, 111., and there learned the 
jeweler's trade with E. B. Tobin. Mr. 
McClintock thoroughly understands his 
business, and has a thriving trade. In 
April, 1882, he established the Newm and 
still owns the office, although it is under 
the editorial control of C. P. Edsall. 

Among the mechanics of Grafton, is 
R. R. Nugent, the cooper, who is an 
excellent workman in his line, and has 
a good patronage. 



314 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



R. R. Nugent came to Grafton from 
Williamstown, West Virginia, in the 
spring of 1865, since which time he has 
been a resident here. He was born in 
Ohio, in 1883, and is a son of David and 
Margaret J. (Eccles) Nugent, both 
natives of Pennsylvania. He resided in 
Ohio until he was 28 years of age, there 
learning the cooper's trade. He then 
went to Williamstown, Va., where he 
remained until the date at which he 
came to Grafton, and engaged there at 
his trade. Since coming here he has 
followed the same occupation princi- 
pally. He was married Dec. 6, 1863, 
in Williamstown, to Mary C. West, a 
native of West Virginia. She died Dec. 
6, 1864, just one year from the date of 
her marriage. Nov. 27, 1881, Mr. 
Nugent was married to Mrs. Elizabeth 
J. Grubb, widow of George Grubb, of 
Otterville, 111. There is one child by 
this marriage — Leslie Milton. Mr. 
Nugent is a member of the Christian 
church, and his wife of the M. E. church. 
His mother, Mrs. Margaret J. Nugent, 
died in Grafton, Oct 6, 1865, and was 
buried in the old cemetery. His father, 
David Nugent, is living, and resides 
with him at Grafton. 

Andrew Young, the barlier, of Graf- 
ton, was born in Prussia, Feb. 10, 1847, 
and is the youngest of the five sons of 
Anthony Young. The latter was born 
in Prussia, Jan. 1, 1812. In 1852, An- 
drew came with his parents to America, 
landed at New Orleans, thence went to 
Pomeroy, Ohio, where he remained 
until 1867. He then went to Cincinnati, 
having acquired the tonsorial art while 
living at Pomeroy. He followed that 
business until January, 1865, when he 
enlisted in the 187th Ohio Vol. Inf. He 



served three months, participating in 
the skirmish of Resacca. He was 
mustered out at Macon, Ga., in Dec, 
1865, and returned to Cincinnati, where 
he followed his former occupation until 
1870. At that time he engaged as bar- 
ber on board the steamer "Northwest- 
ern." He was employed in that capac- 
ity until the fall of the same year, when 
he came to Grafton, Jersey county. 111., 
where he has since resided. Mr. Young 
was married to Jane Redd, Fel>. 17, 
1874. She was born in 1854, and died 
Feb. 7, 1882. Mr. Young is a member 
of the 1. 0. 0. F. lodge, No. 449, of 
Grafton, and, politically, is a repub- 
lican. 

POSTOFFTCE. 

The postoffice at Grafton was estab- 
lished in 1834, and Paris Mason was 
commissioned postmaster, who held 
that position until his death, in 1851. 
The succession of postmasters since Mr. 
Mason are as follows: W. H. Allen, 
E. Brinton, S. Farrington and G. M. 
Slaten. the pr^ent incumbent, who was 
appointed in Jan., 1883. It was made 
a money order office in July, 1883. 
Mail is received daily from Jerseyville 
by stage. There is also mail three 
times a week each way by rail. 

George Newton Slaten, one of the 
business men of Grafton, is a son of 
John W. and Ann (Piggott) Slaten. 
John W. Slaten was born in Georgia, 
and his wife, Ann, in Missouri. George 
N. was born in Jersey county, Oct. 6, 
1844, and remained with his parents 
until 21 years of age. He received a 
good education, attending the district 
schools, and, later, Lebanon College. 
In 1871 he went west, and spent two 
years in the states of Texas and Nebraska 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



317 



returning in 1873. The same year he 
was elected constable, and served in 
that fa))acity eitiht years. In 1S78 he 
was elected to the office of collector, 
which he filled seven years, and is now 
the present incumbent. In 188.3 he was 
appointed postmaster at Grafton. He 
o])ened the lumber yard, which he now 
carries on, in 1877. He is the owner 
of 7()0 acres of rough land in Jersey 
county, 220 acres of which is in cultiva- 
tion, the remainder in pasture. Mr. 
Slaten is clerk of the board of school 
directors; also clerk and treasurer of 
the town of Grafton. He is a member 
of the I. 0. 0. F., and permanent secre- 
tary of Silurian Lodge, No. 449, of such 
order. 

KEPKESENT.VTIVE MEN. 

The following will give the readers an 
idea of the class of citizens who give to 
Grafton its name, for enterprise and in- 
telligence: 

Rev. John T. Huffman was born near 
Paris, Edgar county. 111., in 1847, and is 
a son of James and Phebe (Tiffin) Huff- 
man, the former, a native of Virginia, 
and the latter, of Ohio. At the age of 
20 years, John entered McKendree Col- 
lege, and was for a part of two years a 
student in that institution. He then 
spent one year in traveling in the east. 
In 1870 he was licensed to preach by 
the Methodist Episcopal Conference, 
and entered upon his duties in Mont- 
gomery county. 111. He preached 10 
years in this state, then went to Arkan- 
sas, and joined the Little Rock Confer- 
ence. Six months later he was trans- 
ferred to the Arkansas Conference, and 
continued to preach there a few months, 
when, on account of the ill health of his 
family, he returned to Illinois. Here 

"~ 2^ 



he labored with the Free Methodist 
Conference of Illinois, two years. At 
the expiration of that period he became 
connected with the Southern Illinois 
Conference, and began his labors at 
Grafton, where he now preaches. Jlr. 
Huffman is an able and talented preach- 
er, and a faithful and successful worker 
in tlie vineyard of the Master. He was 
united in marriage, in 1870, with Rosa 
Bell Potter, of Grand Rapids, Mich., 
who died in 1871. They had one child, 
who died in infancy. Mr. Huffman was 
again married Aug. 9, 1875. to Elizabeth 
Funston, of Livingston, 111. She died 
Dec. 9, of the same year. Nov. 23, 1876, 
he was married to Rosa Lane, of Staun- 
ton, 111. By this union there were four 
children, three of whom are now living 
— Nellie B., Phebe Maud, and Lucy C. 
Sarah A. died in infancy. Mr. Huff- 
man's father died at Memphis, Tenn., 
in 1864, while in the service of liis 
country. His mother is still living. 

Silas Farrington was born Dec. 26, 
1803, at Belchertown, Mass. At the age 
of 14 years he entered a cotton mill, and 
spent two years in learning to operate 
the machinery, then engaged as a 
spinner. After one year he was placed 
in charge of the spinning room, as over- 
seer, whicli position he occupied four 
years. He then went to Dorchester, six 
miles from Boston, where lie learned the 
carpenter's trade, working one and a 
half years, for which he received the 
sum of S150. He became in that time 
a skilled workman, and then com- 
manded the highest wages. In 1825 he 
went to Roxbury, Mass., where he 
resided 11 years, engaged in working 
for different parties. He was there 
married, in 1828, to Elizabeth Kelly. In 



318 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



the fall of 1836 he moved to Bloomfield, 
Conn., four and a half miles from the 
city of Hartford, where he purchased a 
farm, and carried on farming in connec- 
tion with working at his trade, at which 
he had constant employment. He con- 
tinued there four years, then moved to 
Hartford, built a residence and lived in 
that city 14 years. In the winter of 
1852-3 he went to Washington, D. C, 
and remained eight months, employed 
by the Washington Stone Company 
upon the Washington monument. In 
1854 he moved to Trenton, N. J., where 
he built a residence. Mrs. Farrington 
died at Trenton, Feb. 5, 1855. The fol- 
lowing October, Mr. Farrington re- 
moved to St. Louis, Mo., and three 
years later, came to Grafton, Jersey 
county, and opened the first stone 
quarry ever opened at that point. He 
quarried the stone used in the construc- 
tion of the bridges at St. Louis, Quincy 
and Meredosia, also of the first Lindell 
hotel of St. Louis. He continued this 
business till 1876, when he was ap- 
pointed jjostmaster at Grafton, which 
position he held seven years, during 
which he was engaged in the furniture 
business. The latter he sold in 1883, 
since which he has run a repair shop, 
repairing furniture. Mr. Farrington 
was married in 1856 to Frances Marten, 
who died at Grafton, July 17, 1873, and 
Dec. 24, 1875, he was married to Eliza- 
beth Johnston. He had by his first 
marriage, two children, one of whom, 
Silas, Jr., is now a minister of the Uni- 
tarian cliurcli, engaged in preaching at 
Manchester, Eng. Mr. Farrington is a 
member of the Universalist church, 
also of Charter Oak lodge, 1. 0. 0. F., 
at Hartford, Conn., and of the encamp- 



ment. He is a man of sterling qualities 
and enjoys the confidence and respect 
of the entire community. 

Brook Stafford, a wealthy and prom- 
inent citizen of Grafton, settled here in 
the spring of 1836 and engaged in blaclc- 
smithing, being the first to engage in 
that business in Grafton. He was born 
in New Jersey, Dec. 10, 1808, and is a 
son of David and Sylvia (Eaton) Stattbrd. 
Brook Stafford was married in 1826, to 
Mary Ann Hilliard, a native of Philadel- 
phia, and by this union had seven 
children — David C, living in Grafton; 
Christopher P., also in Grafton; Israel, 
who died in 1855; Mary J., wife of George 
Thomas, of Grafton; Elizabeth, wife of 
M. Jones, of (irafton; Sarah L., wife of 
John Brown, of this county; and Brook, 
who died in Leadville, Col., in 1881. 
Mrs. Stafford died in 1850. Two years 
later Mr. Stafford was married to Arty 
Ballard, of Jersey county. She died in 
1853, and the following year he was mar- 
ried to Nancy Parker, of Greene county. 
By this marriage there were two child- 
ren — Ida Blanche, now wife of Samuel 
Leggett, of Jersey county, and John P. 
In 1869 Mr. Stafford was again bereaved 
by the death of his wife, and in 1871 he 
was married to Mrs. Maria Leper, widow 
of William Leper, of Greene county. By 
this last union there is one child — Lena 
JIay. Mr. Stafford owns 500 acres of 
land, also residence and business proji- 
erty in Grafton. He is a member of the 
M. E. church and of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. For 25 years he has served as 
justice of the peace, and is a highly 
respected and useful citizen. 

James Mason, deceased, one of the 
earliest settlers of Grafton, Jersey 
county. 111., was born at Grafton, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



319 



]\[ass., in July, 1783, and died in St. 
Louis July 5, 1834. When a young 
man he went to Portsmouth, N. H., 
and after two or three years, went to 
sea, being engaged in trade with the 
West Indies for a number of years, 
lie then went to New York city and 
became a partner in the wholesale gro- 
cery firm of Hancock & Mason. The 
firm subsequently failed, and Mr. 
Mason came west, locating at Edwards- 
ville, Ma<lison county, III., where he 
engaged in the real estate business. He 
was one of the prominent men of this 
vicinity, and assisted in laying out the 
city of Springfield. He was married 
.\ug. l.'i, ISIS, in 8t. Louis, to Sarah 
Von Phul, a sister of Henry Von Phul, 
who, at the time of his death, was the 
oldest merchant in St. Louis, being up- 
wards of 90 years. Mr. and Mrs. Ma- 
son were the parents of one child — 
Martha M., now the wife of William H. 
.Mien, of (Irafton. Mrs. Mason died 
Sept. IS, lS(i7, at the home of her 
d:nigliter, in (irafton. 

William Murphy, S(m of Jesse and 
Ellen (ALathews) Murphy, was born in 
the state of Ohio, in 1S30. He resided 
in his native state until Sept., 1857, at 
which time he came to Jersey county 
and engaged in farming in Quarry town- 
sliip. In Fell., 1SC)4, he enlisted in the 
service of his country, and served IS 
months; then, at the close of the war, 
returned to Jersey county, and resumed 
farming. He continued that occupation 
until 1882, when, on account of failing 
health, he retired from active labor and 
moved to tiraffon, where he now lives. 
He was married in 1857, to Cynthia 
Lawrence, a native of Ohio, and by this 
union had seven children— William T., 



who now resides on a farm in this 
county; Rachel E., Miner E., Carrie 
M., James M., Eary N. and Jesse A. 
April 22, 1879, Mrs. Murphy died, and 
in 1884, Mr. Murphy was married to 
Celia Myers, a native of Indiana. Mr. 
Murphy owns residence property in 
the village of Grafton, and on account 
of disability, contracted while in the 
army, draws a pension from the govern- 
ment. He has served three years as 
school director and is a highly respected 
citizen. 

William S. Brinton, a retired merchant 
of Grafton, was born in Chester county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1835. He came to 
Jersey county in 1858, and located at 
Newbern. Three years laterhe moved to 
Grafton, where he has since been a res- 
ident. For the first eight years of his 
residence here, he was employed in 
teaching school. He then entered the 
store of Grady & Co. as clerk, with 
whom he remained until 1874. At that 
time he purchased their stock of goods, 
and engaged in merchandising, which 
he continued until 1885, when he retired 
from the business. He was mari'ied, in 
the year 1860, to Miss E. J. Bpaulding, 
daughter of Richard Spaulding, of this 
county. They have four children — ■ 
Harry E., Effie May, William R. and 
.\lford. Mr. Jirinton is a mend)er and 
an earnest worker of the M. E. church, 
and has been for three j'ears superin- 
tendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. 
Brinton is also a member of that church . 
He has held the office of marshal two 
years, and school director 10 years. 
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., 
and the I. 0. 0. F. 

William I. Bray is a son of Isaac and 
Rosanna (White) Bray. Isaac Bray 



320 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



came to Jersey county in 1831, and lo- 
cated two miles northeast of Grafton, 
where he improved a farm. He was 
born in North Carolina, in 1792, and 
married to Rosanna White, who was 
horn in the same state in 1822. Isaac 
Bray died in this county, in 1872, and 
is buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery, 
near Grafton. His wife survived until 
1876, when she died, and was laid to 
rest beside her husband. They were 
consistent members of the Baptist 
church. Isaac Bray was one of the 
earliest settlers of Jersey county, and 
assisted in laying out the town of Graf- 
ton. The subject of this sketch, Wil- 
liam J. Bray, was born in Jersey county 
in the year 1840. His early life was 
spent upon his father's farm. He at- 
tended the district school, and obtained 
a fair education. In 1861 he was mar- 
ried to Eliza J. Slaten, daughter of W. 
D. F. Slaten, of this township. She was 
born here in 1843. B}' tliis marriage 
there are three children — Henry, born 
Dec. 5, 1863; Ziba, born Nov. 30, 1866, 
and Rowena, born Jan. 5, 1870. Mr. 
Bray lives in Grafton, where he owns 
residence property. He at present, 
holds the office of township assessor. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and 
a public spirited citizen. 

Nathan T. Veach, of Grafton, is a son 
of William and Ruth (Burris) Veach. 
He was born in Scioto county, 0., in 
1824, and there reared upon a farm. 
When 22 years old he began lumbering 
and rafting on the Ohio river, and con- 
tinued that occupation until 1861. He 
then enlisted in the service of his coun- 
try, joining the 56th Ohio Reg., in 
which he served one year. He was 
discharged on account of disability and 



returned home. Among the engage- 
ments in which he participated were 
those at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and 
Corinth. He came to Grafton in 1868 
and for six years followed the business 
of stone cutting. Since that time he 
has been engaged in fishing, shipping 
from S700 to SI, 200 worth of fish to St. 
Louis annually. He was married in 
1846, to Elizabeth Bryson, a native of 
Kentucky. By this union there were 
four children — Mary L., wife of Jacob 
Wise, of Ohio; Australia, wife of Wm. 
Peck, of the same state; Wm. Thomas, 
now living in Texas, and Ruth, wife of 
Hiram McMear, of this county. Mrs. 
Veach died in 1856. Mr. Veach was 
again married in 1867, to Mary Douglas, 
a native of Massachusetts. They have 
one child, Charles F., who now resides 
with his parents. Mr. Veach has been 
a member of the town board five years, 
and president of the same one year. He 
is a republican in politics. 

ARMORY H.\I.I.. 

This hall is a large and handsome 
room in the upper story of the massive 
stone building erected in 1869 by the 
Grafton Stone & Transportation Co., at 
a cost of S14,n00. The hall is 30x70 
feet in dimensions, and is used for all 
public purposes. 

SOCIETIES. 

The first meeting for the organization 
of the lodge of A. F. & A. M. was held 
at the residence of J. L. Beirne, Beirne- 
ville, Jan. 7, 1860, and was organizedas 
Full Moon lodge. No. 341. During that 
year the lodge was removed to Grafton, 
and first met over the store of Jacob 
Godfrey. The charter members of the 
society were: J. L. Beirne, Hezekiah 



Funk, T. K. Phipps, L. W. Bethel, 
J. H. Hadley, D. M. Highfill, John 
Piper, G. L. Smith, M. B. Hadley, 
Freeman Sweet and William Williams. 
The organization was effected by Hon. 
A. H. Burke, G. M.; F. M. Blair, D. 
G. M.; A. T. Kuykendall, S. G.W.; and 
S. C. Saler, J. G. W. The firt^t officers 
installed were: J. L. Beirne, W. M.; 
Hezekiah Funk, S. W.. T. K. Phipps, 
J. W. The present officers of the lodge 
are as follows: W. S. Brinton, W. M.; 
Jasper Tidball, S. W.; J. Larbey, J. W.; 
C. P. Stafford, treas.; C. Brainard, sec; 
L. Foster, S. D.; F. Stinman, J. D.; H. 
Backster, tyler. Those who have served 
as masters of the lodge since its organ- 
ization are: J. L. Beirne, Hezekiah 
Funk, James Darby, C. P. Stafford, 
Jacol) (jodfrey, J. T. Simms, Charles 
Brainard, Brook Stafford, Jr., Albert 
llatzal, Hiram Heath and W . S. Brin- 
ton. The present membership of the 
lodge numbers about oo in good stand- 
ing. The financial condition of the 
lodge is also excellent. 

Silurian lodge. No. 449, I. O. O. F., 
was organized in April, 1871, by D. P. 
G. M. James Starr. The date of the 
charter is Oct. 8, 1872, upon which are 
the following charter member — James 
R. Bell, C. J. Lyons, C. P. Stafford, 
William H. Allen, James Nelson, W. 
S. Brinton, K. I). Sudduth, F. Stein- 
man, W. C. Curry, and L. Foster. The 
first officers were James R. Bell, N. G.; 
C. J. Lyons, V. G.; C. P. Stafford, sec- 
retary; W. H. Allen, treasurer. Those 
who have held the office of N. G. since 
the organization of the lodge are W. S. 
Brinton, C. J. Lyons, S. Farrington, 
C. P. Stafford, Ernest Meysenburg, F. 
Steinman, A. Young, W. H. Allen, B. 



Stafford, T. A. Reams, C. W. Lund, 
H. C. Allen, M. Ruebel, Thomas Robin- 
son, Ziba Noble, William I. Bray, E. 
Brinton, J. Closson, William R. Huitt, 
Thomas M. Calloway, The present 
officers are: George Ratcliff, N. G.; 
Harry Willison, V. G.; C. P. Stafford, 
R. S.; G. M. Slaten, P. S. The present 
condition of the lodge is flourishing, 
with a membership of 41 in good stand- 
ing. They have leased a neat and com- 
fortable hall, ii> connection with the 
Masonic lodge, in which to hold their 
meetings, the lease extending over a 
period of 10 years. 

Grafton Encampment, No. 131, I. 0. 
O. F., was organized Jan. 10, 1872, by 
E. A. Casey of Jersey ville, witli the 
following charter members: E. A. Pi- 
nero, T. A. Reaves, C. P. Stafford, Jas. 
Nelson, A. H. Barrett, C. J. Lyons, 
W. S. Brinton. The first officers were 
E. A. Pinero, C. P.; T. A. Reaves, H. 
P.; C. P. Stafford, S. W. The mem- 
bership at present numbers 17, with the 
following officers presiding: M. Ruebel, 
C. P.; John Classen, H. P.; Andrew 
Young, S. W.; C. P. Stafford, scribe; 
E. Meysenburg, treas. The camp is in 
a flourishing condition. C. P. Strafl'ord 
is also the present district deputy. 

EDUCATI0N.\I>. 

The first term of school in Grafton 
was taught by a man named Brock, at 
an early day, in a log cabin on the site 
of the present school building. The 
next term of school was taught in a 
Imilding 24 feet square, which is now a 
part of Lewis Johnson's residence. In 
1838 a frame school house was erected, 
which was 18x24 feet in size. This 
building was superseded by a stone 



322 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



structure erected in 1858, at a cost of 
S4,-')00. It amply served the town for 
school purposes until one night in 1870, 
when it was burned to the ground. Not 
only was the building a total loss, but a 
valuable library, which had been under 
process of collection for some time, 
shared the fate of the edifice which con- 
tained it. The school books in the 
building were also consumed. 

In 1874, the present building was 
erected at a cost of $15,000, the contract 
being let to N. T. Smith. It is an ele- 
gant structure, built of the celebrated 
Grafton stone, with two large rooms in 
the first and two in the second story. It 
is a graded institution and furnishes em- 
ployment for four teachers. 

The first principal was John W. C. 
Jones, who taught two years. The suc- 
cession of principals and time they 
served since then, areas follows: J. 
W. Roberts, one year; M.J. Hoflnian, 
five years; W. H. Gregg, one year; and 
the present principal, Otis D. Leach. 
There are about 225 scholars enrolled in 
the school, and $2,000 per annum is 
expended in the maintenance of the 
same. The present school trustees are 
the following: W. D. F. Slaten, M. 
Ruebel and Charles Brainard. The 
board of directors are James M. Allen, 
president; George N. Slaten, clerk, and 
J. T. Slaten. 

MILLS. 

The flouring mill at Grafton was 
erected in 1855, by W. H. Allen, but is 
now operated by his son, James M. 
Allen. The building is a large frame 
structure, 40x88 feet in ground area. It 
originally had three run of buhrs, with 
a cai)acity of 125 barrels of flour per 
day. It is operated by steam, and 



the machinery is the patent roller pro- 
cess. It cost about S30,(X»0. 

James M. Allen, miller at Grafton, is 
a son of William H. and Martha M. 
(Mason) Allen. He was born in Jersey 
county, in the year 1847, and was reared 
here, receiving a good education. He 
attended the district schools, and later 
spent two years at the Normal Univer- 
sity, at Bloomington, 111. In 1864 he 
entered the mill owned by his father, 
and learned the miller's trade. Four 
years later he assumed the full charge 
of the mill, which he still operates. He 
was united in marriage in 1869, with 
Alice S. Eaton, daughter of C. B. 
Eaton, of Jersey ville. She was born in 
the state of New York, and came with 
her parents to this county in 1864. Mr. 
and Mrs. Allen are the parents of five 
children — Rosalie, Harry E., Mason, 
Robert Stewart and Arthur Barrett. 
Mr. Allen has been a member of the 
town council 12 years, three years of 
that time acting as president of the 
board. 

The first saw mill at Grafton was 
built by A. W. Caverly, which run but 
a short time, when it was destroyed by 
fire. Before the year 1840, and pre- 
vious to the erection of Caverly's mill, 
a saw mill had been built at the mouth 
of the Illinois river, and was operated 
by a man named Crandall. In 1845 one 
was built at Grafton, by W. H. Allen, 
which was operated for some 12 years; 
and was afterwards torn down. 

STONE QUARRIES. 

The stone quarries adjoining the 
town are the richest and most extensive 
of Grafton's resources. These quarries 
were worked for local purposes from the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



323 



date of the first settlement of the town, 
and small quantities were shipped sub- 
S('(iiieiitly to Alton. About the year 
l.S.")G, the quarries were opened on a 
larger scale b}' Silas Farrington and 
John Loler. The excellence of the stone 
and the imjiortance of the quarries had 
already attracted the attention of Giles 
F. Filley, of St. Louis, and through his 
influence the stone was brought into 
public notice and use. The first that 
the quarries were worked to any con- 
siderable extent, was in getting out the 
stone for the old Lindell Hotel in St. 
Louis. Since that time the stone has 
come into general use, and has entered 
into the construction of a large number 
(if important buildings and public works, 
among which are the Quincy bridge, the 
St. Charles bridge, the great bridge 
across the Mississippi, at St. Louis, and 
one of tlie finest government liuildings 
on the island, at Rock Island. 

The product is a magnesian limestone, 
and, according to the judgment of com- 
petent authorities, possesses the best 
(jualities for building purposes of any 
stone found in the Mississippi valley. 
It was thoroughly tested by James B. 
Eads, previous to its selection for use 
in the St. Louis bridge, and was found 
to be of the highest order of excellence. 
The quarries passed into the hands of 
the Grafton Stone and Transportation 
Co., and are now owned by the Grafton 
Quarry Co., of whom James Black, 
of St. Louis, is president, and Jolin S. 
Roper, of Alton, is secretary. There 
are two other quarries beside the one 
opfrated by the Graftiin Quarry Co. 
During the years ISGG and 1S()7, when 
the quarries were worked to their 
greatest extent, the men employed 



reached the number of about 2,000. At 
present there are only about 100 men 
employed. 

Charles Brainerd, superintendent of 
the Grafton Quarry Co., is a native 
of Rome, Oneida county, N. Y.. born 
Sept. 10, 1839. He is a son of J. B. 
and Laura (Gates) Brainerd. He re- 
mained with his parents in Rome 
until 1854, when he went to Saratoga 
county, N. Y., where he lived until the 
war broke out. He then, in 18G1, en- 
listed in the 15th N. Y. Engineers, and 
served three years, participating in the 
Peninsula campaign, engagements at 
Manassas, Fredericksburg, and other 
points. He was with the Army of the 
Potomac, and acted as cliief clerk in 
the commissary department of the Eng- 
lish Brigade. After the war he returned 
to Rome, N. Y., and remained four 
months, at the expiration of which 
time he came to Grafton and assumed 
his present jjosition as manager of the 
quarry company. He is also a stock- 
holder in the company. Mr. Brainerd 
was married in 1870, to Hattie A. Ben- 
ner, of Waldoborough, Maine, daughter 
of Edward Benner, a native of Maine. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd have four chil- 
dren — Laura Josephine, George Car- 
rington, Carl Edward and Harold Web- 
ster. Mr. Brainerd is a member of the 
JLisonic fraternity. His father, J. B. 
Brainerd, was born in 1804, in New 
York, and is now living in this countj'', 
having come here in 1881. His mother, 
Mrs. Laura Brainerd, died in Rome, 
N. Y., in 1853. 

CKMETERV. 

The Grafton cemetery is located some 
two miles north of town, and was laid 
out by E. Meysenburg, N. G., and Em- 



324 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY, 



mor Brinton, R. S., of Silurian lodge 
No. 449, I. O. 0. F., July 23, 1873. It 
was surveyed and platted by Z. E. Freer, 
surveyor, June 30, of that year, and filed 
for record Aug. 20. The first burial was 
that of William Godfrey, July 12, 1873. 
The burying ground is nicely located on 
the bluffs north of the Mississippi river, 
and is quite well improved. 

FERRY BOATS. 

Grafton was at one time an important 
point for crossing the river for emigra- 
tion to Missouri. In the month of June, 
1833, permission was given by the 
Greene county court to Paris Mason, to 
establish a ferry. This first ferry was a 
horse boat, and was subsequently taken 
off, and an ordinary flat boat substituted, 
but when business got better again, the 
horse boat was again called into requisi- 
tion. 

Judge William H. Allen established a 
steam ferry in 1856, and it was conducted 
until 1862, when the progress of the war 
of the Rebellion stopped all intercourse 
between the states of Illinois and Mis- 
souri at this point, and necessitated the 
the abandonment of the boat, since 
which time there has been no regular 
ferry. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first house was built by James 
Mason, in 1832. 

The pioneer merchant was Paris Ma- 
son, who erected a building and put in 
a i^eneral stock, in 1833. 



The first newspaper in the county was 
established in Grafton, in 1836, by 
John Russell. 

The first church was built in 1837, 
and was for the Methodist Episcopal 
society. The building was a frame struc- 
ture, 36x40 feet in size. 

The first school house was built in 
1838, and was a frame building, 18.x24 
feet in dimensions. 

The first religious services were held 
by the Methodist Episcopal society, in 
1836, in a warehouse owned by John 
Keyes. The services were conducted 
by Rev. Mr. Poole. 

The second religious services were 
conducted by Rev. Weldon, in a Imild- 
ing owned by Mr. Whitcomb. He after- 
ward held quite a revival, in the spring 
of 1837, there being about 40 converts. 

Paris Mason was the first to be com- 
missioned postmaster in the place. 

The first mill was built in 1855, by 

W. H. Allen, and was 40x88 feet in 

size. 

CAMDEN. 

This town was laid out by George 
Finney, on the southeast quarter of Sec. 
8, T. 6, R. 12. 

The place was expected, by its foun- 
der, to eventually become a commercial 
emporium, but his expectations were 
never realized, and there is very little 
on the site to make one think that it 
was ever the intention to build a town 
here. 



HISTORY OP JERSEY COUNTY. 



325 



OHAPT^EIR. XX. 



Piasa is the most populous agricul- 
tural township in Jersey county. It is 
bounded on the north by Fidelity town- 
ship, on the east by Macoupin county, 
on the south by Madison county, and 
on the west by Mississippi township. 
Part of the town of Brighton lies in this 
township, the main portion being in 
Macoupin county. The Piasa creek in- 
tersects the township diagonally, com- 
ing in from Fidelity township at the 
north line of section 2, and passing into 
Madison county from the southwest 
corner of the township. A fork of this 
creek comes in from Fidelity township 
at the north line of section 5, and has 
its junction with the main stream, 
about the center of the west half of 
section 20. The Little Piasa enters 
from Macoupin county on the southeast 
ciirner of section 12, and passes into 
Madison county from the center of the 
south line of section 83. Two lines of 
railroad intersect this township. The 



PIASA TOWNSHIP. 

are, for the most part, a live energetic 
people, as the (juality of the improve- 
ments seen on so many of the farms, 
which dot the country in this township, 
will show. 

E.\KLY SETTLEMENT. 

John Wilkens was the pioneer settler 
of Piasa township. In 1818 he took up 
a location on the southwest quarter of 
section 31, and made improvements. He 
was a native of Maryland, where he was 
reared. Brought up to sea life, he 
became captain of an ocean vessel. He 
commanded on ship-board for five years, 
after which he gave up his seafaring 
life, and came out to Illinois. He was 
twice married, and reared a large family 
of children, all now deceased save three. 
He had made a number of improvements 
on his first location, on section 31, this 
township, but in 1824, left them, and 
removed to section 19, near Delhi, where 
he kept a stage station, and a tavern for 
the accommodation of the travelers. For 



old line of the Chicago & Alton passes I 20 j'ears he remainetl at this place, and 
through sections 24, 25, 36 and 35. The j then went to Jerseyville to stop for a 



Jacksonville division intersects sections 
18, 19, 30 and 32. 

The village of Delhi lies in the south- 
west quarter of section 18. Above it will 
be seen that the township is abundantly 
suj)plied with running water for stock 
and agricultural purposes, as well as 
with transportation facilities for the 
ready marketing of all the surplus pro- 



short time with a, daughter, Mrs. Har- 
riet Silloway. Thence he went to Paw 
Paw Grove, 111., and spent his remain- 
ing days with another daughter, Mrs. 
Sarah Baker. 

Levi McNeil first settled in this county 
in 1825, selecting a home on section 22, 
this townsliip. He first saw the light 
amid the "old granite hills" of New 



ducts of its inhabitants. The citizens I Hampshire, but came here from Ohio. 



326 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The farm which he settled is now owned 
by John (i. Oitle. He lived upon this 
until Jan., 1852, when he died. He was 
a well-to-do and influential citizen, and 
was highly respected and well thought 
of by his many friends and neighbors. 
He surveyed the greater part of this 
township at an early day, although not 
an educated surveyor. He reared three 
sons, two of whom have since died. The 
surviving member of the family, Henry, 
now resides in Weld county, Col. 

Nelson R. Lurton settled on the site 
of the town of Delhi in 1827 or '28, and 
afterward laid out that place. He kept 
a stage station and tavern there for a 
number of years, and as it was situated 
on the stage road, a large business was 
carried on there during those days. He 
was the first postmaster of Delhi, hold- 
ing that position until 1844, when his 
death occurred. He also operated a 
large farm in that vicinity, and it is 
said that the sale of his personal effects, 
after his demise, was one of the largest 
in the county. Mr. Lurton was born 
in Kentucky in 1803, where he was 
reared and educated. He attained con- 
siderable of a fortune in the lead mines 
of Galena,being among the first to engage 
in mining at that place. He was married 
to Adeline Sumner, in Missouri, of 
which state she was a native. They 
had a family of seven children, only 
one of whom is now living — Joseph, 
who resides on the old homestead. 

A carpenter by the name of William 
Earnhardt, also settled in the town of 
Delhi about the year 1830. He was 
one of the first carpenters in the town, 
and lived there until his death. 

James B. Pinckard made a settlement 
on -Sec. 24, in the early part of 1830, he 



having entered the land in January, of 
that year. He was a Virginian by birth, 
but came here from Ohio, where he had 
resided some years. He was widely re- 
spected for many excellent qualities of 
head and heart. 

Joseph Richardson and Samuel Clarke 
came to this township in 1830, and set- 
tled upon Sec. 14, where they put up 
dwellings and resided some time. 

John Hart made a settlement in Piasa 
township during the year 1830. He 
was a native of Tennessee. 

About the year 1830 Benjamin Draper 
settled on the place now owned by 
Thomas Edwards, where he resided for 
many years. He came from the state of 
Tennessee to this county and afterward 
went to Macoupin county, where he 
subsequently died. 

William Hackney settled at Delhi 
about the same time that Draper came, 
opening up a blacksmith shop, which 
was the first in the village and township. 
He came from Troy, N. Y. He raised 
quite a family of children and during 
the latter years of his life, resided with 
them. He died at the residence of his 
daughter, Mrs. Margaret Brown, in the 
village of Brighton. 

S. T. Kendall settled the James 
Parish farm about the year 1830. He 
was a native of Tennessee, but came 
here from Missouri, being married to 
Catherine Sumner in the latter state. 
In 1836 he represented Greene county 
in the state legislature, Jersey and 
Greene being one county at that time. 

George and David Settlemier, natives 
of Pennsylvania, came from Missouri to 
this township in 1830, settling the farm 
now owned by Phineas Eldredge. They 
remained until 1848, when they sold to 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



327 



Mr. Eldred^e and removed to Oregon 
with their families, where they now re- 
side. Both served through the Bhick 
Hawk war. They were good farmers, 
and were well known in the county. 

During the year 1830, Bartholomew 
Downs located on section 22. He wab a 
native of England, and had lived here a 
nuuiher of years, when his death oc- 
curred. 

In the spring of 1837, James Howell 
settled on the farm now owned by 
Frank Knajiii, on section 33. He came 
from Somerset coimty, N. J., where 
he was born in 1774. He was married 
in 1801, to Anna De Hart. They were 
the parents of 10 children, only one of 
whom is living in this part of the coun- 
try. The name of thi.s one is Isaac, 
who lives just over the line, in Madison 
county. Howell resided here until his 
death, which occurred in a peculiar 
manner, Sept. 20, 1846. He set fire to 
a dead tree, and then went to his house. 
Soon the tlames sprang to a great 
height, and fearing that the falling 
Ijrands would ignite a fence near by, he 
went out to protect it. Th(! e.xact man- 
ner of his death is not known, but when 
his dead body was found his breast was 
badly biuisfd and one foot had been 
burned oil'. 

Thomas Marshall came to Delhi in 
1837, where he resided until 1844, when 
he moved upon a farm on section 30. 
He lived there until Aug., 1881, when 
he reiiioved to Jerseyville, where he 
now resides. He was born in Wilming- 
ton, Del., Nov. 21, 1814. He was mar- 
ried to Agnes McFarland. They were 
the parents of one child — Agnes. 

Robert McFarland came in 1838, and 
settled on section 30. He did not live 



there much of his time at first, how- 
ever, as he was then following railroad- 
ing. He left at the time of the out- 
break of the Mexican war, serving 
through the same. After the close of 
that war, he remained in Mexico one 
year, and died there, in July, 1848. 
His widow afterward married Thomas 
Marshall, who now resides in Jersey- 
ville. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Andrew Edwards came to Piasa in 
184V), and during tl\at season raised a 
crop. In October of that year he moved 
to section 19, wliere he purchased 120 
acres of land of James Hixson. He 
continued to reside there until his 
death, which occurred June 4, 1867. He 
was born May 11, 1808, in Mercer 
county, Penn., and moved to Scioto 
county, O., when 11 years of age. He 
was a son of David Edwards, whose 
wife was Catherine George, daughter of 
Jacob George, of Germany. Andrew 
Edwards married Mary Darlington, a 
native of Scioto county, O., Dec. 24, 
1835. They continued to reside in 
Oliio till 1849. They had four chil- 
dren, all natives of Scioto county — 
Henry D., Minerva, wife of A. Ran- 
dolph, of Montgomery county; William 
H., and George W., living in Piasa. 
The Edwards were farmers by occupa- 
tion, but Andrew Edwards was a "jack- 
at-all-trades" and a very industri<jus 
man. He was a memlier of the M. E. 
churcli. 

llenry 1). Edwards, son of Andrew 
Edwards, was born Feb. 24, 1837. He 
was educated in the country schools, 
and subsequently attended McKendree 
college. After completing his educa- 
tion, he followed teaching school and 



328 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



surveying for six or seven years in Jer- 
sey county. He made hi.s home with 
his parents until Nov. 9, 1872, when he 
was married to Marj' Howeller. He 
engaged, the same year, in the mercan- 
tile trade, buying a store and'goods of 
E. Tillotson, in Delhi. In 1873 he be- 
came associated in business with M. V. 
Hamilton, with whom lie continued in 
trade until 1882. He then sold his 
interest to Mr. Hamilton and has since 
been engaged in attending to his duties 
as station agent, having been appointed 
in 1872. Mr. Edwards owns 2t)0 acres 
of land in Piasa township, 40 acres in 
Mississippi township, and a residence 
in Delhi. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, both of the blue 
lodge and chapter, of Jerseyville, also 
of the K. of H. and the M. E. church. 
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two chil- 
dren — Frederick M., born Aug. 2-5, 1873, 
and Jerome Y, born May 20, 1875. 

John Christian Bauer, a native of 
Germany, was born May 21, 1843. He 
remained in that country until 20 years 
of age. In March, 1866, he embarked 
for America and arrived in New York 
city on Easter Monday. After stopping 
a few days in New York he proceeded 
west to Alton, 111., where he followed 
the blacksmith trade two years. He 
tlien went to Litchfield, 111., and staid 
six weeks engaged in the same business, 
then returned to Alton, and came soon 
after to Piasa township, Jersey county. 
Here he worked for a time, by the 
month, employed by Mr. Robinson, of 
whom he later rented land, wliieh he 
cultivated one season. He then rented 
the farm which he now lives upon, of 
his brother, Philip Bauer. April 17, 
1873, he was married to Isabella Down, 



who was born in 1848. Tliey are the 
parents of five children — Isabella, born 
Feb. 28, 1874; Willie, born Aug. 30, 1875; 
Annie, born June 17, 1878; John, born 
Oct. 4, 1879; and Alice, born Dec. 
13, 1881. Mr. Bauer is the owner of two 
fine stallions, of one-fourth Norman 
stock, one being a bright bay, three 
years old, and a little more than 16 
hands high; the other, a dapple gray, 
seven years old, and 17 hands high. Mr. 
Bauer is a member of the Lutheran 
church, and politically a democrat. 

George Cairns is a native of Scotland, 
born July 1, 1820. He remained in his 
native county until 26 years of age, there 
following the occupation of farming. 
He then went to England, where he 
lived six years, working for a wholesale 
merchant. He was married in Scotland, 
in 1842, to Agnes Fairbairn. In 1852 
he immigrated to America, and settled in 
Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained 18 
months, engaged in blacksmithing. He 
then removed to Alton, 111., where for 
three years he followed mining, then 
moved to Jersey county, this being in 
1857. He located on his present farm 
in 1860. He has 121 acres of land, upon 
whicli he has made all the improve- 
ments, and which is nicely situated. He 
lias a coal mine on his place, which he 
works. He was bereaved by the death 
of his wife, in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cairns have had 13 children, 10 sons 
and 3 daughters. Five of the former 
and two of the latter are now living, 
the eldest being 41 and the youngest 15 
years of age. Mr. Cairns has served as 
justice of the peace of this township 
four years, and at present holds the 
office of township trustee. 

Charles Bruce Bartlett was born in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



329 



Seneca county, 0., in Sept., 1S45. 
When 9 years of age he removed with 
his father to Jersey county, 111. After 
coming here he attended school in Jer- 
seyvijle one j'ear, after which he lived 
with his father ui)on the farm known as 
the "old Bartlett faru)," (on which he 
now resides) until 21 years of age. He 
then left home, attending McKendree 
College, Lebanon, 111., for three years; 
then one year at Michigan University, 
where he studied law. AVhile there he 
was tlie friend and room-mate of the 
Hon. Henry Seiter. Being obliged to 
al)andon the law on account of ill health,. 
Mr. Bartlett has divided his time be- 
tween teaching and farming. He has 
taught at Delhi for the past two years, 
and is engaged to teach in the same 
jilace the coming term. Mr. Bartlett's 
father, William Bartlett, was born in 
Maine, in 1S()2. In early life he fol- 
lowed tiie orcu]iation of ship carpenter, 
but during his latter years was engaged 
in farming. His death occurred in 1876. 
His widow, who is still living, was born 
in ISIU, in the state of Ohio. She re- 
sides with her son, the subject of this 
sketch. ^Ir. Bartlett has held the oHice 
of town clerk two terms. He is a mem- 
ber of tli(^ K. of H., Didhi lodge No. 
1129. As a teacher he is popular and 
successful. 

William II. Bartlett came with his 
parents to Jersey county in 1858, he 
being then 18 years of age. He ivas 
born in Seneca county, 0., July 3, 1840. 
On coming to this county the family 
located in Jerseyvilie, where they 
resided one year, and then removed to 
the farm in Piasa township, on which 
William H. lives, and where he followed 
farming until 1862. In Sej)t<'mber of 



that year he enlisted in Co. C, of the 
124th 111. Inf., serving as musician. 
After spending six weeks at Camp But- 
ler, near S])ringfield, his regiment went 
south, to Memphis, participating in 
Grant's campaign against V'ickslnirg. 
He took part in the engagements of 
Champion Hills, Jackson and Raymond, 
arriving at Vicksburg, May 19, 1863. 
He was present at the capture of V'icks- 
burg, on the 4th of July, and subse- 
quentlj' took part in other engagements. 
After the war he returned home and 
resumed farming upon the homestead 
farm, which has been his residence 
since, with the exception of two years, 
during which he lived two miles west of 
his present place. Mr. and Mrs. Bart- 
lett have four children — Minnie, born 
Nov. 12, 1869; William, born May 7, 
1871; Ethel, born April 8, 1874, and 
Albert, born Sept. 7, 1875. Mr. Bart- 
lett was highway commissioner three 
years, and at present holds the office of 
supervisor. He is a member of the 
K. of H., Delhi lo.lge. No. 1129. 

Frank Schoeberle was born in Bohe- 
mia, Austria, Oct. 20, 1830. He remained 
in his native country until 1853, then, 
to avoid being drafted into military ser- 
vice, he came to America, landing in 
New York city in June of that year. 
He proceeded west to Milwaukee, Wis., 
thence, soon after, to Watertown,in the 
same state, wliere he remained two 
years, engaged in farming and brick- 
making. He then went south to New 
Orleans, his object being to learn the 
French language. He had, during the 
first six weeks of his residence in this 
country, obtained a practical knowledge 
of the English language. He staid in 
New Orleans two months, and while there 



330 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



was sick in a hospital two weeks. On 
his recovery he came to Illinois, and 
stopped in IMadison county, where he 
followed farming two years, then went 
to Dubuque, la., there working at brick- 
making, and next to St. Louis, where 
he wa.s married, Nov. 9, 1858, to Annie 
Gaitman, who was born Oct. 12, 1834. 
He remained in St. Louis l-i months, 
then moved to Mason country, 111., and 
16 months later to Jersey county. He 
located on section 34, Piasa township, 
purchasing 40 acres of ld,nd, to which he 
has since added 40 more. This land he 
improved and lived upon until March, 
1884. He then sold his farm and moved 
to Brighton, where he purchased resi- 
dence property, and now makes his 
home. Mr. Schoeberle is a n'publican 
politically. He has held the office of 
school director two terms, and is at 
present assessor. He is a member of 
the Catholic church, while his wife 
holds connection with the German Lu- 
theran. On the 1st of July, Mr. Schoe- 
berle start(Hl on a trip to Germany, and 
is, at the time of this writing, enjoying 
a delightful time there. He was to re- 
turn about Oct. 1. 

Charles P. Long, a farmer of Piasa 
township, was born in the city of St. 
Louis, Sept. 12, 1850. His early life 
was spent in that city, where he receiv- 
ed a good education. In 1874 he came 
to Jersey county and purchased a farm 
of 63 acres in Piasa township, to which 
he has since added 26 acres, making 
altogether 89 acres, on which he now 
resides. His farm is in a good state of 
cultivation and highly productive. Mr. 
Long was married in 1874, to Ella 
Bording, of Detroit, Mich., and by this 
union has five sons — Charles Sylvester, 



born Sept. 26, 1875; Willard D., born 
March 30, 1878; Frederick A., born 
Oct. 7, 1879; Leonard, born Jan. 7, 1882; 
and Walter, born Nov. 30, 1883. Mr. 
Long now holds the office of justice of 
the peace, school director and road com- 
missioner, having held the first, eight 
years, the second, four terms, and the 
last a few months, this being his first 
term. He is a Catholic in religious be- 
lief. His farm is underlaid with a 
3-foot vein of coal of excellent quality. 

George Tunnard is a native of Lincoln- 
shire, England, born in 1835. He is a 
•son of John and Ann (Holden) Tunnard. 
In 1853, George Tunnard came to Amer- 
ica, and settled in New York, where he 
resided 18 years. At the expiration of 
that period, he removed to the state of 
Illinois, locating in Piasa township, 
Jersey county, whicli has since been his 
home, and where he now owns a well 
imjjrovcd farm of 90 acres. He was 
married, in 1864, to Elizabeth Weaver, 
a native of the state of New York. Two 
children have been born to them — Sarah 
and John. Mr. Tunnard carries on 
general farming, raising grain and stock. 
He is a member of the Baptist church. 
His father, John Tunnard, died in New 
York, in 1855, and his mother, Mrs. 
Ann (Holden) Tunnard, in the same 
place, in 1880. 

Charles Stieren, deceased, was born 
in Germany in the year 1822, and was a 
son of Charles and Anna Stieren. He 
resided in his native land until 1857. 
In the fall of that year he came to 
America, settling upon section 20, Piasa 
township, Jersey county. 111. He was 
married the same year to Elizabeth 
Stelta, a native of Germany. Eight 
children were born to them — Frederick, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



331 



Elizabeth, wife of George Springerman, 
of Bunker Hill, 111.; William, in Jer- 
sej'ville; Joseph, Charles, Francis, 
Kate and Lena. Mr. Stieren died in 
Nov., 1883, and was buried in the 
Brighton cemetery. His widow still 
resides on section 20, Piasa township, 
where she owns 40 acres of land. Mr. 
Stieren was a member of the Catholic 
church. All of Mrs. Stieren's children, 
except Elizabeth and ^^'illiam, reside 
with her on the farm. 

Horace Lindley was born in (iodfrey, 
Madit^on county. 111., Aug. 18, 18r)3, 
being a son of William and Mary Cath- 
erine Lindley. The former was born in 
England in 1S()8, and dieil in Mndison 
county. 111., in 1870. Tiic latter was 
Ixirn in (icrmany in 1819, and is still 
living. Tlie subject <.)f this sketch was 
reared in his native coiuity, where he 
resided until 1SS3. In that year he 
located in Piasa township, Jersey 
county, where he now lives. He owns 
2(>() aca-es of land, and is engaged in 
general farming. Mr. Lin<lley was 
married in 18S4, to Tracy Knapii, who 
was born July 24, 1867. 

John Allen Coodinan is a son of 
James R. (loodman, an early settler of 
this county. The latter was born in 
bSU). His wife, the mother of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, Mrs. Frances Good- 
nmn, was born in 1820, and is still liv- 
ing. James R. Goodman died July G, 
1>^<J2. John Allen Cioodman was born in 
Piasa township, Jersey county, 111., 
Dec. 25, 1S.')1, and was here reared upon 
a farm. June 21, 1874, he was united 
in marriage with Abbie Thomas. They 
are the parents of six children, four 
daughters and two sons, the oldest 
being ten years of age. Mr. Goodman 



is a farmer, owning 40 acres of land, all 
under good cultivation. He is engaged 
in raising corn principally. He is an 
enterprising farmer anda worthy citizen. 

Frederick Haag, of Piasa township, 
was born in Germany, March 23, 1828. 
He was reared on a farm in that country, 
where he remained until he was 28 years 
of age. He came to America in 1856, 
landing in New York in September of 
that year. He then went to Alton, 111., 
stopped a few weeks, after which he 
worked at a place about three miles 
from Alton, one year, receiving $1 per 
day. At the expiration of that time he 
entered a brewery, where he was em- 
ployed three and a half years. He then 
purchased 40 acres of land on section 
28, Piasa township, which has since 
been his home. In Dec, 1861, he was 
married to Lizzie Keile, who was born 
Jan. 24, 1S42. TJiey were the parents 
of seven children, four sons and three 
daughters, all of whom are living, ex- 
cept one son, who dii'd in June, 1880, 
aged four months. Mrs. Haag died 
the 17th of Feb., 1880. Mr. Haag has at 
different times added to his real estate, 
until he now owns 186 acres of valuable 
land. He is an industrious and enter- 
prising farmer, and has accumulated all 
by his own industry. He is a member 
of the Evangelical Lutheran church. 

Herman Oehler, son of William and 
Hen ri(!tta (Darby ) Oehler, was born in 
Prussia in 1842. In 1867 he emigrated 
to America, and settled in Brighton, 
Macoupin county, III., and has ever 
since resided in Macoupin and Jersey 
counties. He now owns 92 acres of 
land, and is engaged in farming. In 
1869 Mr. Oehler was married to Augusta 
Brummer, a native of Germany. Five 



332 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



children were born to them — Charles 
William, Herman, Louis and Mollie. 
Mrs. Oehler died in 1S81, and in 1883 
Mr. Oehler was married to Louisa Hit- 
terman, who was born in Prussia. By 
this union there is one child — Hattie. 
Mr. Oehler has held the oflico of road 
commissioner. He is a member of the 
Mutual Aid society, and, with Mrs. 
Oehler, holds connection with the Lu- 
theran church. 

Mary Agnes Nugent, formerly Mary 
Harrington, was born in Manchester, 
Eng., in 1819. At the age of 20 years 
she was married to James Nugent, who 
was born in Manchester in 1818. He at 
the time of his marriage was an o'ver- 
seer in a cotton factory. In 1843 Mr. 
Nugent immigrated to America and set- 
tled at Albany, N. Y., where he learned 
the stove moulder's trade, and where in 
1845, he was joined by his wife, who 
then came over from England. They 
remained eight years in Albany and 
Mr. Nugent became a skilled workman 
at his trade, commanding the highest 
wages. In 1851 they moved to St. 
Louis, Mo., where he followed the same 
business until 1859. He then came to 
Jersey county and purchased 60 acres 
of land, but soon after, leaving the 
farm in charge of his oldest son, Ed- 
ward, he returned to St. Louis and fol- 
lowed his trade in that city five or six 
years, returning to this county in 1864. 
He died here in 1876, upon the farm 
now known as the Nugent place. He 
left a widow and nine children. Ed- 
ward, the eldest, was born in Manches- 
ter, Eng., in 1841; James was born in 
the same place in 1843, and died in No- 
vember 1843; Sarah Ann, born in 
Albany, N. Y., in 1846, is now the wife 



of W. H. Bartlett, of Jersey county; 
Mary Ellen, born in Albany in 1848, is 
now living in St. Louis; William Jo- 
seph, born in Albany in 1851; James 
D., born in St. Louis, in 1854; Rupert 
Moseley, born in St. Louis in 1856; 
Elizabeth A., born in 1858, and John 
Robert, born in 1860. Of these chil- 
dren, William Joseph, John Robert and 
Elizabeth A., are now living with their 
mother upon the homestead farm which 
contains 240 acres. The brothers, Wm. 
J. and John R. carry on the farm, 
wheat-growing being their principal oc- 
cupation. They also raise considerable 
stock, and are enterprising and success- 
ful farmers. 

James G. Goodman is a son of James 
R. and Frances (Fuller) Goodman, the 
former a native of Virginia and the lat- 
ter of Tennessee. They came to Jersey 
county in an early day, and were here 
united in marriage, in the year 1836. 
They lived two years on section 10, 
Piasa township, then removed to Madi- 
son county, where they remained until 
1842. In that year they returned to 
Piasa township, locating on the west 
half of the northeast quarter of section 
29. Here Mr. Goodman, Sr., improved 
a farm, and resided until his death, 
which occurred July 6, 1862. His widow 
still survives, and is now living with 
her son, John A. Goodman. James G. 
Goodman was born and brought up in 
Jersey county. Aug. 22, 1862, he was 
married to Martha Davis, a native of 
Macoupin county. Ho settled upon the 
homestead farm which he bought in 
company with his brother, W'ilHam C. 
Goodman, and which then contained 
200 acres. To this has been added 240 
acres, the farm now comprising 440 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



333 



acres. Mr. Goodman, in addition to 
farming, is engaged in threshing and 
grinding feed, using for that purpose an 
"American Mill Co." steam engine, and 
does quite an extensive business in that 
line. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman have 
seven children — Annie L., Addie M., 
Ira E., Mary E., George A., Edward E., 
and Nellie May. Mr. (Toodman served 
as justice of the peace from 1880 to 
1884. He is a member of the I. 0.0. F., 
Brighton lodge No. 366. 

M'illiiim Chappell is a native of 
England, horn Jan. 28, 181(). He is a 

I son of Bartholomew Cliappell, an Eng- 
lish farmer. They immigrated to Amer- 
ica together, in the year 1833, landing 
in New York city. William remained 
in New York state, living in Genesee 
county, until 1837, but his father, Bar- 
tholomew, came direct to Jersey coun- 
ty, 111., locating in IMississippi town- 
slii]i, where he died May 15, 1869. 
Bartholomew Chappell was married in 
England to Elizabeth Bendle, who died 
in that country, leaving six children, 
three sons and three daughters — Wil- 
liam was the youngest of the family. 
Mr. Clia])pcll was subsequently mar- 
ried again, and had by his second mar- 
riage six children. William Chappell, 
during the time that he lived in New 
York, worked out bj' the month and 
managed by strict economy to lay by 
SliH) of his earnings, with which, on 
coming to Jersey county, in 1837, he 
purchased 120 acres of land in I'iasa 

I townshij). lie now owns 610 acres, with 
good and substantial improvements. 
-About 3(K) acres of this land is under 
cultivation, and the remainder in pas- 
ture. A])ril 1, 1840, he was married to 
Mary King, who died soon after her 



marriage. In the fall of 1842 Mr. 
Chappell was married to Elizabeth 
Hooper, and by this union has four sons 
—William H., Charles F., Chevalier S., 
and Chester John. Mr. Chappell began 
life without financial capital, and has 
accumulated his large property by his 
own energy and industry. He is now 
one of the substantial and well-to-do 
farmers of Jersey county. 

EUUC.\TI0.NAL. 

Diamond district, or No. 3, was or- 
ganized in the summer of 1883. In the 
fall of the same year, a school ])uilding 
was erected, on' the southeast (juarter 
of section 30, at a cost of about $400. 
Mary Keeley was the first to teach 
a term of st^bool in this building. The 
present teacher is Florence Compton. 

CEMETEKV. 

The first cemetery in the township 
was that which is located on section lU, 
on the farm now owned by G. ^\'. 
Edwards. The first V)urial occurred in 
1827, and was that of the body of Jacob 
Lurton, 8r. The graveyard has some 
time since been abandoned. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first death was Elizabeth, wife of 
John Wilkins. 

The pioneer school was taught l)y a 
daughter of Horace Landon, and who 
afterwards became the wife of Dr. Sncll. 
The school was taught in a room of a 
dwelling house, which was only partially 
completed, in the summer of 18.')7. 

The first cemetery was established at 
an early day on section 19. 

There are seven school districts in the 
township, and two union districts. 



334 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The first birth in Piasa township was 
a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilkins 
named Frederick. 

The board of school trustees at pres- 
ent is composed of the following: Geo. 
Cairns, pres.; Phineas Eldredge, treas.; 
Geo. Weld and James W. Parish. 

The permanent school fund of the 
township now amounts to S3, 500. 

The school house in district No. 1, 
was built in 1884, at a cost of $600. It 
is a frame structure, 18x26 feet in size. 
George North was the first teacher in 
this building. A school house was 
erected within the borders of this dis- 
trict in 1840. It served the district 
until the winter of 1883-84, when it was 
destroyed by fire. The present teacher 
in this district is Miss Huftbrd. The 
directors are: James Burke, William 
Edwards and Godfried Gotter. 

The first school house in district No. 
2, was erected in 1840. It stood on the 
southwest quarter of section 14. It 
served the district until 1856, when the 
present edifice was erected, at a cost of 
about §600. It is located on the north- 
^ west quarter of section 22, and is 18x28 
feet in dimensions. Fannie Davis 
taught during the winter of 188-4U-85. 
The directors are: John G. Ortel, George 
Springman and Charles P. Long. 

DELHI. 

The first settlement and building with- 
in the present boundaries of Delhi, was 
in 1831, when N. R. Lurton came, erect- 
ing a double log cabin on the west 
half of section 18. The first store was 
established during this year, but no fur- 
ther etibrt was made to establish a town 
until about the year 1851, when other 
business enterprises were attempted, as 



noticed further on in this chapter. The 
town was laid out by Sarah A. Lurton, 
Joseph N. Lurton, Jacob M. Early, Car- 
oline S. Early, William A. Scott and 
Sarah A. Scott, and was surveyed and 
platted by George I Foster, county sur- 
veyor. May 5 and 6, 1868. Delhi is lo- 
cated on the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 18, and is on the Chicago & Alton 
railroad, about 40 miles north of St. 
Lonis. 

The first store at Delhi was opened by 
Dr. McClosky, in 1831. He continued 
the business but a short time, when he 
closed it out. 

After this there was no other business 
established until 1848, when Edward 
Tryon opened a general store. His wife 
managed the business, and he taught 
school. They continued some time, 
when the stock was closed out, in Octo- 
ber of the above named year. 

L. C. McNeil put in a stock in 1854, 
and a year later sold out to William V. 
Eldredge, who operated the business 
aboiit a year, and then sold to William 
A. Scott. Scott was succeeded, a year 
afterward, by J. N. Lurton, who con- 
tinued the business about 13 months, 
when he was succeeded by Elias Tillot- 
son, who took in J. L. Compton as 
partner. The latter gentleman disposed 
of his interest afterwards to Tillotson, 
who in turn sold to Albert Hoyt, and he 
was succeeded by Terrell & Clapp. Two 
years later the firm name was changed 
to Clapp Bros., and later reverted to 
Tillotson. H. D. Edwards afterwards 
bought the stock, and in 1873 consoli- 
dated with M. V. Hamilton. 

A. Myers & Co., engaged in business 
in 1868. They continued one year, when 
they removed the stock to Newbern. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



335 



In ISoO John Adamson put a stock of 
goods, but only continued a short time. 

A saloon was opened by John Gregory 
in 1872, who sold out to MattheAv Wat- 
son in 1873. In 1876 William A. Garry 
merged the business into a drug store, 
which he t)perated until 1880, when the 
store was closed. 

In 1882, H. N Ford opened a grocery 
store. In October, 1884, he removed 
the stock to McClusky. 

In the year 1857, Messrs. Hamil- 
ton & Hixon opened a meat mar- 
ket, which was run about four years. It 
was the only market ever in the place. 

The first blacksmith shop was estab- 
lished 1836, by Wm. Hackney. He con- 
tinued the same until 1875, when he 
closed it out, being too old to work. 

Patrick Dufly opened a shop in 1875, 
which he continued until 1880. 

The first shoemaker was John Hop- 
kins, who established a shop in 1851, 
He remained only about three years. 

John Smith opened a shop in 1875, 
and remained about a year. 

The only general store at present at 
Delhi is operated by M. V. Hamilton, 
who purchased the same of W. T. Dow- 
dy, in 1865. In 1873 he erected the 
present store building, which is 24x40 
feet in ground area, two stories high. 
He carries a stock of about $4,(KK). 

Martin V. Hamilton, one of the lead- 
ing business men of Delhi, was born in 
Hunterdon county. New Jersey, Dec. 
26, 1832. His parents, John G. and 
Dorothy (Crique) Hamilton, were of 
Irish extraction, but liorn in the state of 
New York. In 1886 the family removed 
to Madison county, Illinois, settling 
near (Godfrey, on a farm, where Mrs. 
Hamilton died, in 1855. John G. Ham- 



ilton died in Virden, Macoupin county. i 
The subject of this sketch came to Piasa i 
township in 1859, since which time he 
has been a resident here. He was mar- 
ried, March 13, 1859, to Mary J. Lur- 
ton, a daughter of Jacob Lurton. She 
died Feb. 29, 1876. She was an estimable 
lady, and a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church. Nov. (>, 1878, Mr. 
Hamilton was married to Lillie Bell, of 
Jerseyville, and by this union has two 
children — Mabel and Edith. Mr. Ham- 
ilton was elected supervisor in 188(1, and 
served until the spring of 1885. He is 
a member of the Baptist church, also of 
the Masonic fraternity and the Knights 
of Honor, at Jerseyville. 

John Myers opened a blacksmith 
shop in 1878, and is the present repre- 
sentative in that line. 

The drug business is represented by 
Dr. J. F. Gary and E. D. Griggs. They 
also a carry a small stock of confection- 
ery, tobacco, etc. They engaged in this 
line of trade in March, 1885. 

William Brumheadis engaged in mak- 
ing boots and shoes, etc., and also in 
repairing the same. He came to Dellii 
in 1853, learning his trade with John 
Hoj)kins, 

Another representative of the shoe- 
making business is John Snyder, who 
entered into that line in 1884, 

POSTOFKICE. 

A postofRce was established at Delhi 
in 1831, and N. R. Lurton was commis- 
sioned postmaster. He occupied that 
position until his death, in 1844, though 
the office was continued in his name 
until 1847, and was kept by Joseph 
Pennifield. Since that time, the following 
has been the succession of postmasters: 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



William Hackney, 1847-50; William 
Scott, 1850-62; E. Tillotson, 1862-66; 
M. V. Hamilton, 1866-69; S. B. Clapp, 
1869-73; H. D. Edwards, 187:3-83; H. 
N. Ford, 1883-84; at which time the 
present incumbent, E. D. Griggs, was 
appointed. The post-office is kept in the 
store of M. V. Hamilton. 

HOTELS. 

In 1831 Nelson R. Lurton erected a 
building in Delhi for hotel purposes, 
which he operated until 1844, when his 
death occurred. His widow continued 
the business until 1846, when she leased 
the building to Mr. Buflfon, but after- 
ward took charge of it again. In 1848, 
William Scott became landlord, and was 
succeeded in 1852 by William Smith, 
who conducted the house until 1855, 
when it again reverted to Scott, who 
operated it until 1S.'')8, when it was dis- 
continued as a hotel, and became a 
private residence. 

A hotel was opened in Delhi about 
the year 1857, by Harry Spaulding. He 
conducted it until 1869, when Elias 
Tillotson took charge. In 1861 he was 
succeeded by M. V. Hamilton. James 
L. Pennifield became its landlord in 
1866, and so continued for two years. It 
then ceased to be a hotel and was used 
for a residence. After a time, Mrs. 
Myers re-opened it as a hotel. There 
were hotel accommodations in Delhi 
until 1880, since which time John Kent 
and James Pennifield have kept board- 
ers. M. V. Hamilton now provides for 
the transient trade. 

EDUCATION.VL. 

The first school at Delhi was taught 
in 1838, in a small log cabin, 16 feet 



square, which stood within the present 
limits of the village. The next liuilding 
was erected in 1840, where the present 
school house now .stands. It was a 
frame structure, and was used until 
1866, when the jn-escnt house was built. 
It is 26x34 feet in size, and was com- 
pleted at a cost of $1,500. John Hender- 
son taught the first term of school in 
this building. Lena Ross is the teacher 
at present. The board of directors is 
composed of H. D. Edwards, M. V. 
Hamilton and Dr. Gary. 

SOCIETIES. 

Delhi lodge. No. 1139, K. of H., was 
organized July 8, 1878, by John W. 
Vinson, of Jerseyville. The charter 
members of the society were: Henry D. 
Edwards, Spencer Wyckoff, C. M. Wil- 
son, M. V. Hamilton, C. C. Cumniings, 
William 0. Langdon, James P. Walker, 
Henry B. Rothweiler, J. F. Gary, Ho- 
ratio M. Ford. The first officers of the 
organization were: Henry D. Edwards, 
D.; J. F. Gary, P. D.; C. C. Cum- 
niings, V. D.; James Walker, A. D.; 
C. M. Wilson, R.; H. N. Ford, F. R.; 
M. V. Hamilton, T.; Dr. W. O. Lang- 
don, C; Spencer Wyckoff, G.; Henry 
Rothweiler, Gn.; Dr. J. F. Gary, M. 
E.; W. 0. Langdon, M. V. Hamilton 
and Spencer Wyckoff, trustees. The 
present officers of the lodge are W. H. 
Bartlett, P. D.; Theodore Oscar, D.; 
John Rue, V. D.; John Long, A. D.; 
J. F. Gary, R.; H. D. Edwards, F. R.; 
M. V. Hamilton, T.; D. Sunderland, 
C.; John Myers, G.; J. C. Reid, Gn.; S. 
Wyckoff, S.; Dr. J. F. Gary, M. E.; 
H. McCloskey, A. J. Evarts and H. N. 
Ford, trustees. The present member- 
ship numbers 22. They meet in the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



337 



hall owned by M. V. Hamilton, where 
the I. 0. O. F. society also meet. 

Delhi Lodge No. 659, I. O. 0. F., 
was organized in 1879, and its charter 
bears date Nov. 19 of that year. The 
charter member.? were: Jose])h Cham- 



bers, William Herring, George H. Van 
Horn, J. S. Powell, E. T. Francis, Elon 
Cooke, James P. Walker, Arthur M. 
DeBow and Darwin Wales. Hon. Wal- 
ter E. Carlin conducted the organiza- 
tion. 



OHAPO^KR XXI. 



ENGLISH TOWNSHIP. 



Tlie civil sul)-di vision of Jersey 
county, known as English township 
embraces all of congressional T. 8 
north, R. 12 west. It is bounded on 
the north by Greene county, on the 
east by Jersey township, on the south 
by Otter Creek, and on the west by 
Richwood, This township was mostly 
timber land, but is now well cleared 
up and is in great part level or gently 
rolling. Borer's creek has its origin t)n 
section 20 and 21. It leaves the town- 
shij), on its nortliwestward course, from 
the north line of section 6, thence 
passing into Greene county. It is the 
principal, and almost the only water- 
course, so tliat there is, substantially, 
no waste land in the township. The 
community is composed of a wide- 
awake, energetic class of citizens, and 
the farms to be seen here are not to be 
excelled anywhere in this part of the 
state. There are no towns within its 
borders, though Fieldon is but three- 
quarters of a mile from the west line, 
and JiTseyville only about two miles 
from the east line, thus aflbrding post- 
oflice and market facilities within easy 
access of all the citizens of the town- 



ship. The prairie land is well dotted 
with artificial groves, almost every farm 
having one, serving the double purpose 
of shade and wind-break. The Jersey 
county poor farm is on section 16, in 
this township. There is quite a large 
German settlement here, wliich has 
aided much in the thorough develop- 
ment of the land. Considerable stock- 
raising is carried on, and some in fact, 
devote almost their entire attention to 
this branch of the l)usiness. 

In 1817, a party of landseekers came 
through this part of the county looking 
for a home, and on the 10th of June, 
1817, two of their number, David Stock- 
ton and James Whitesides, made a set- 
tlement in what is now English town- 
ship, on section 25. Stockton remained 
but a short time, but Whitesides made 
two different improvements, which he 
sold in 1821, and then removed to Mor- 
gan county. 

Thomas Lynn located on section 23, 
in what is now English township, dur- 
ing the year 1817. In 1822 he sold out 
to Philip (jrimes and removed from the 
the township, going to a point on Coon 
creek, in Rosedale township, about a 



338 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



quarter of a mile from the present Rose- 
dale postoffice. He and his brothers, 
Amos and Thomas, were chair-makers, 
and with the rudest machinery imag- 
inable, they could "turn out an excellent 
cliair in a very short time. 

Philip Grimes came to Jersey county 
in 1817, and erected a cabin on section 
2, in English township. In the spring 
of 1818, he moved his family into this 
house, where they lived until 1822, 
when he purchased the improvement of 
Thomas Lynn. His son, Jarrett T. 
Grimes, is now a resident of Jersey 
township. Philip Grimes was a native 
of the state of Tennessee, and served 
under Gen. Andrew Jackson at the bat- 
tle of New Orleans. In 1815, he came 
to Illinois. He was an active, indus- 
trious man, of excellent habits and 
much respected. He died in 1851. 

James Pruitt located on section 24, 
English township, in 1824. He bought 
the improvement of John Thornton. 
He sold out to James T. Post, in 1834, 
and removed to a place on Phill's creek, 
in Fidelity township, where he resided 
until his death. He was the father of 
Amos and another son, who went to 
Arkansas. 

John Grain, a native of North Caro- 
lina, came to Illinois from Harrison 
county, Tenn., in 1811, and settled in 
St. Clair county. He was married while 
in Tennessee to Heriba Rumney, in 
18(X). They remained in the last-men- 
tioned locality until 1819, when they 
came to this county and township, set- 
tling on section 10. This was their res- 
idence until October, 1845, when he, 
with his wife, emigrated to Texas, where 
he died in 1855 and his wife in 1867. 
Grain was a plain-spoken man, some. 



what rude in his manners in his 
early life, especially when he was 
drinking, but was a substantial citizen. In 
his later years, he became of a religious 
turn, and thenceforward was a devoted 
member of the church. His son, Joel, 
became a minister of the Gospel in 
Texas, but is now deceased. John 
Grain had three sons— Joel, James L. and 
Silas, and two daughters. 

Major Gershom Patterson made a set- 
tlement in this township in 1820. He 
was a native of Kentucky, born in 1796. 
His parents moved to Illinois in 1797. 
He was married in 1819 to Eleanor 
Cooper, by whom he had five children. 
In March, 1820, he removed to Jersey 
county, and on the 5th of January, 1821, 
entered a liody of land in this township, 
and immediately started to improve it. 
He was a captain in the Black Hawk 
war, and was afterwards commissioned 
major in the militia. Mrs. Patterson 
died Nov., 10, 1853, and on the 24th of 
Jan., 1856, the major again married, 
this time Mrs. Mary Mabee. At the 
time of his death, which occurred Jan. 
10, 1857, he owned 1,800 acres of land. 
He was a prominent and influential 
member of the Protestant Methodist 
church, and became a local preacher. 
He was a promineat figure in his day, 
and a successful farmer. 

John Thornton came to this locality 
as early as 1820, and, liking the looks 
of the country, on the 5th of Jan., 
1821, entered 280 acres of land, lying 
on section 23 of this township. Here 
he made his home until 1824, when it 
was purchased by Mathew Darr, and 
then he removed to Richwoods town- 
ship, west of the village of Fieldon, 
where he passed the balance of his life. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



339 



John Brown came to the county of 
Jersey in 1S20, and having, on the lOtli 
of January, IS'Jl, entered a tract of 
80 acres of land in this township, set- 
tled on it. Six months later he entered 
an additional 8U acres. Both of these 
pieces were on section 25. He was a 
native of South Carolina, born in Pen- 
dleton county, in 1790. His father re- 
moved with his family to Georgia, and 
in 180'2, to the French territory of Lou- 
isiana. In 1813, John volunteered in 
the United States Rangers, and served 
until the close of the war. He died 
while a resident of the county, about 
1873. 

Jehu Brown, a native of South Caro- 
lina, came to this county about the year 
1820, from Florissant, Mo., and being 
in aliluent circumstances, rode down to 
Edwardsville, and on the 5th of Janu- 
ary, 1821, at the land office there, en- 
tered some 880 acres of land, lying on 
sections 1 and 2 of this township. 
Philip (Jrimes had part of this land 
under cultivation, but Brown paid him 
$300 for his improvements, and he va- 
cated. Brown served as probate judge 
cf Greene county, wiiile this was a part 
of that county, and was well known as 
Judge Brown. He died here in 1835. 

Abirain McKinney came to English 
township in the fall of 1821, although 
he had come to the county a year ear- 
lier. He entered the southeast quarter 
of section 23, of this township, in Octo- 
ber, 1821, and resided there until the 
following year, when be removed to sec- 
tion 24, this same townsnip. He was a 
native of the state of Virginia. In 1818 
he came to Illinois, and made a tempor- 
ary sojourn in Madison county, when he 
came here, as above stated. He died 



while a resident of this county, in April, 
1840. He was the father of James, 
Joseph, Ann, Mrs. James Rowden, and 
Jacob, all of whom are deceased except 
Mrs. Rowden. 

Silas Grain made a settlement in this 
township during the year 1821. He en- 
tered IGO acres of land on section 15, on 
the 21st of January, of that year, and 
commenced to open it up. 

Silas Grain, Sr., was the father of 
John, James B. and Silas Crain, Jr. 
The wife of William Adair was another 
child of Silas Grain, Sr. Thomas Rob- 
erts' wife was another daughter, as is 
Mrs. Hester Vaughn. Silas Grain, Sr., 
was a well known and much respected 
gentleman, and lived to the age of 
nearly 100 years. He died about 1844 
or 1845. He is buried in the Lax cem- 
etery. He settled on the northeast 
quarter of section 15. 

Francis Golean, came to English 
township in 1822, and on the 2d of 
April, entered the west half of the 
southwest quarter of Sec. 13, in this 
township. He commenced to open it 
up and make a farm. Mr. Golean was 
of French and English descent, and 
was born at Cahokia, then in the terri- 
tory of Illinois, July 15, 1794. He was 
a soldier in the war of 1812-15, and was 
with (jeneral Jackson at the battle of 
New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815, and where 
he was slightly wounded. He was mar- 
ried in 1814, to Polly Cox. After the 
war he settled on the American Bottom, 
where he resided until coming to this 
county. On the breaking out of tlie 
Black Hawk war, he enlisted and took 
part in several campaigns of that early 
contest. A man of great cnerg}' and 
determination of character, he enjoyed 



340 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



the respect and esteem of all who knew 
him. He died at his residence, Nov. 
r.), 1846. He is buried, with his wife, 
in the old Jerseyville cemetery. 

Nelson Colean, (deceased), formerly a 
leading farmer of Jersey county, was 
born March 7, 1822, being a son of 
Francis Colean. Nov. 11, 1847, he was 
united in marriage with Sarah J. Wad- 
dle. They were the parents of six 
children — Sarah E., William N., Charles 
H., James R., Mary E. and John E. 
Of these, only three are now living — 
Sarah E., James R. and Mary E. Nel- 
son Colean died Aug. 9, 1880, aged 58 
years. He was a successful farmer, and 
on account of his sterling qualities, was 
highly esteemed in the community 
where he resided. He was a consistent 
njember of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Colean had been, for 15 years, prior to 
his decease, retired from active business. 

Among the early settlers of 1823, was 
John Vaughn, who located on section 
14, English township. He was quite a 
prominent man in the county, well 
known for his energy and enterprise. 
He was married to Hester Crain, a 
daughter of Silas Crain, Sr. They raised 
a family of 13 children, now nearly all 
deceased. Mrs. Vaughn is now living 
with members of her family. A son, 
Erastus, lives near Girard. Macoupin 
county, and a daughter-in-law lives near 
Litchfield, Montgomery county. Mr. 
Vaughn died at the old homestead, and 
is buried in the Lax cemetery. He was 
an active member of the Baptist church. 

Mathew Darr came west in 1801, and 
stopped at St. Louis. He afterwards 
came to Illinois and settled in Madison 
county, where he was married. He was 
born in 1785. He came to the county in 



1822, but settled, at first, in Richwoods 
township, but in 1824, came to English 
township, purchasing the John Thorn- 
ton place. He was a very successful 
farmer, and it is said that from his farm 
he was one of the first that had an over- 
plus of provisions to sell to new and 
needy settlers. He was the father of 16 
children, and a consistent member of 
the Baptist church. In 1853, he was 
called to his long home, and left a large 
circle of mourning friends. He was 
attached to the milling trade, and built 
two mills on Sugar creek. He also 
erected a horse-power mill in his yard. 

In 1827, Lewis Elliott, Sr., settled in 
what is known as the Lynn Bottom, in 
English township. He remained there 
one year, and then removed to Macoupin 
county, near the present site of Medora. 
From there he removed to Choteau's 
Island, Madison county, and thence to 
Ruyle township, this county, in 1848. 

In the fall of 1829 Samuel Erwin came 
to what is now Jersey county and lo- 
cated on Macoupin creek. 

Samuel Erwin, an old settler of this 
county, and a prominent citizen of Eng- 
lish township, was born in \\'ilson 
county, Tenn., June 19, 1811, his par- 
ents being Samuel and Agnes (^\'earj 
Erwin. The former is a native of South 
Carolina, and the latter, of Scotland. 
His early life was spent upon a farm, 
where he remained until 24 years old, 
with his parents. In 1828 the family 
came to Illinois and located in Jett'erson 
county, where they remained two years, 
then came to this county (then Greene) 
and located on Macoupin creek. There 
he remained seven years. Mr. Erwin 
was among the pioneers of the state, 
and ettected a settlement where every- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



341 



tiling was in a state of natural wildnoss, 
and endured the privations incident to 
such a life with a fortitude and determi- 
nation known to but few persons. He 
was married April 6, 1S3G, to Susanna 
Brown, a native of St. Louis county, 
Mo. They are the parents of eight 
cliildren, six of whom are now living — 
Thomas .J., Lucy \'., Laura, James M., 
Mary E., and Douglas. Those deceased 
were William H. and Hannah. His 
wife died May 24, 1879, and was buried 
in Tichanon cemetery. Mr. Erwin has 
2(X) acres of land. He has for 30 years 
been a member of the Lebanon Baptist 
church. 

J. D. Erwin is a Jersey county man, 
having been born here Aug. 3, 1853, 
liis parents being Samuel and Susanna 
(Brown) Erwin. The f(n'mer is a na- 
tive of Tennessee, and the latter of Mis- 
souri. The subject of this sketch was 
brought up on a farm, and has always 
been at home with his parents. His 
eilucation was obtained in this ccmnty, 
at the Jerseyville schools, two years, 
and afterwards tiiis in,-;lru<'tion was su])- 
picmcnted by a two year's course at 
Sburtletf college, Upper Alton. He 
was niarrie(l Oct. 23, 1879, to Rhoda 
liovvden, daughter of James and Eliza- 
lictli Uowden. They are the parents of 
three children — Jessie, Louie and Susie. 
Mr. Erwin is a member of the Lebanon 
Baptist church. He cultivates 2(KJ 
acres of land on section 14, is a good 
tanner and an enterprising young man. 

James Rusk came to what is now 
English township in 1829. He was 
born in South Carolina. 

Hugh Rusk, deceased, son of James 
and PriscilhUMcDowj Rusk, was of Irish 
descent, and was born in North Caro- 



lina, March 15, 181(i. When 8 years of 
age he came with his parents to Illinois, 
and located in what is now English 
township, where the greater portion of 
his life was spent. He followed the 
occupation of farming, having had a 
farm of 203 acres left him from his 
father's estate. He was married to 
Ellen Barr, Feb. 14, 1841. Five chil- 
dren where born to this nniou, of wliom 
two are living — John W. and Thomas 
J. Those dead are — Nancy E., wife of 
L. N. Bridges; Mary P., and Julia A., 
wife of J. Arter. Mrs. Rusk died in 
May, 1851. In Jan., 1853, I\[r. Husk 
was again married, to Martha Crain, 
daughter of Silas and Rhoda Crain. 
They had eight children born to them, 
four of whom are dead — James E., born 
Feb. 23, 1854, died in Oct., 185ti; Silas 
H., born March 3, 1855, died in Oct., 
1856; Zachariah, born in Dec, 18G1, 
died in Nov., 1863; Charlotte J., wife of 
J. Roberts, born Nov. 24, 1856, died 
May 30, 1875. Those living are — Emily 
C, born April 9, 1860; Ellen D., born 
May 10, 1863; Minnie N., and Francis 
O. They also brought up Charles H. 
Bridges, whom they adopted. Mr. 
Rusk's death occurred on the 1st day of 
Dec, 18S1. He was a kind and indul- 
gent husband and father, an upright, 
honest man, and a good citizen. His 
loss was deeply felt by bis family, and 
by all who knew him. ]Mrs. Rusk now 
owns 80 acres on section 18, where i?he 
resides. 

Moses JIartin, a native of North Car- 
olina, came to English township in the 
early part of 1829, and settled upon 
Sec. 26, where he lived for some time 
when he moved to Sec. 30 where he 
died. The latter event occurreil in 1S40. 



342 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



He is buried on the farm he lived on, 
on the "Black Oak" mound, south of 
the Ci^tholic church. He was known as 
one of the best citizens, and was much 
respected. He was a member of the 
Methodist church. H was twice mar- 
ried. His last wife was a Mrs. Beatty, 
of Cincinnati. His son, by his first 
marriage, named George, is now living 
west of Jersey ville, in English town- 
ship. 

George Martin, a respected citizen of 
English township, was born in St. Louis 
county. Mo., Dec. 5, 1819, being a son 
of Moses and Elizabeth (Carrico) Mar- 
tin, the former a native of North 
Carolina, who died in 1840, and the 
latter a native of Kentucky. In 1824, 
the family moved to what is now Jersey 
county, where George was reared upon 
a farm where he remained until he at- 
tained his majority. He followed mill- 
ing at Barnett's mill four years, then 
enlisted in the Mexican war and served 
one year, participating in the hard 
fought battle of Buena Vista. He re- 
turned from the army in 1847, locating 
then on Sec. 35, English township, 
Jersey county, where he had purchased 
4f) acres of land. This land was heavily 
timbered and he immediately set about 
clearing it. He now owns 1(X) acres on 
Sees. 35 and 26, which is all cleared 
and in a high state of cultivation. 
Mr. Martin was married Aug. 15, 1839, 
to Hannah Biggers, by whom he had 
four cliildren, only one of whom is now 
living, Gilbert. Leonard was killed at 
the battle of Shiloh; John died from 
sickness, near Vicksburg, while serving 
his country, and Moses died in infancy. 
Mrs. Martin died Jan. 2, 1847, aged 23 
years. Dec. 31, of the same year, Mr. 



Martin was married to PermeliaHinson 
Beggs, and by this marriage has five 
children — Letha J., born Oct. 2, 1848, 
now tlie wife of Henry Dabbs, of Eng- 
lish township; Vincent M., born Dec. 
11, 1852; Mary, born Feb. 23, 1855; 
Almenia, born in 1860, now the 
wife of George E. Henson, of Otter 
Creek township, and Elizabetli, born 
May 1, 1862. Mr. Martin has worked 
hard for what he possesses and is now 
enjoying the results of his past labor. 

Ezekiel Chance made a settlement 
within the limits of Jersey county in 
the fall of 1829. He was born in Wayne 
county, N. C, Dec. 10, 1798. In 1804, 
his father moved to Virginia. Ezekiel 
moved to Wayne county, Ky., in 1816, 
where about two years afterwards he 
was married to Mrs. Ruth Stuart nee 
Peters. In 1828, his wife dying, he dis- 
posed of his property in Kentucky, and 
came to Illinois, locating in Madison 
county, where he remained one year, 
then came here as above stated, and 
located on section 13, Otter Creek town- 
ship. In 1831 he settled on a farm on 
section 28, this township. In Dec, 
1831, he was married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Philip and Polly Grimes. 
They liad tluee children, all now de- 
ceased. He is now numbered with the 
dead. He was buried on the old home- 
stead, at hs own request. 

John Cope, also, settled in this town- 
ship in 1829. He remained at that loca- 
tion until 1846, when he removed within 
the present corporation limits of Jersey- 
ville, where he died in 1850. He was a 
Pennsylvanian by birth. He was a 
quiet citizen. 

Among the settlers of the year 1830, 
in this locality, was Uriel Grain, who 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



343 



locatod upon a farm on section 15. He 
lived on the southeast quarter of tliat 
section until about 18.S5, when he died. 
There was a store at what is called 
the Black Oak Mound, in 1834. George 
Smith ran it. He had been here some 
time before starting the store. He ran 
this place a few years, until the town of 
Saulsbury was started, in the western 
part of the count}', when he removed 
his stock over there. He remained there 
several years, and then went to the 
Platte Purchase, near St. Joseph, Mo., 
where he still engaged in merchandising, 
and became very wealthy. He died a, 
few years ago. 

EDrCATIOX.\I,. 

'I'lie first school in what is now Eng- 
lish townsliip was taught by (ialen Mc- 
Kinney, in a little log house on section 
2o, about 1823. Among the first schol- 
ars were: J. T. Grimes, James, Philip, 
Eleanor and Amanda Darr, Hester, 
Elizabeth and Lucinda Grimes, a daugh- 
ter and son of Harmon Hatfield, Harri- 
son and Eliza C'ulean, and Nathaniel 
Darneille. Galen McKinney, the 
teacher, went back to Tennessee, whence 
he had come. 

The first frame school building in dis- 
trict No. 1 was erected in 1850, by John 
Cowen & Son. The present school 
house was built in 18()4. It is 20x28 
feet in ground area. The average 
attendance is about 17. The district 
embraces sections 11, 12, 13, 14, andthe 
southeast quarter of section 1(1. 

The school liuiUling at i>resent used 
in district No. 2 was erected in 187V), at 
a cost of $550. It is 24.\">(; feet in size. 
The first teacher in this building was 
Jacob Tuscher. William Myers is the 
present pedagogue. The average at- 



tendance is about 22. This district 
embraces the west halves of sections 
5 and 8, and all of sections 6, 7, 17, 18, 
19 and 20. The first school house in 
this district was built of logs, and was 
called the Armstrong school house. It 
was built about 1832, on the southwest 
quarter of section 20. The ruins of 
that early building are still on the site. 
Its use was discontinued about 1849. 
School was then held in a snuiU house 
on Thomas Roberts' farm, on the north- 
east quarter of section 20. About two 
years later, a building was erected on 
the northeast quarter of section 8. This 
served until the present l)uilding was 
constructed. 

District No. 3 embraces sections 28, 
29, 30, 31, 32 and 33. The school build- 
ing is located on the northwest quarter 
of section 32. The first building was a 
log house, built about 1840, a little to 
the south of the present edifice. Among 
the first interested in this school were 
the families of Christopher and John 
Kirchner, F. Heitzig, a potter, and 
others. The present building was con- 
structed about 1860. 

Included in district No. 4, are all of 
sections 4 and 9; the west half and a 
part of the east half of section 3; east of 
sections 5 and 8, and the west half of the 
northeast quarter of section 10. 

District No. 5 embraces all of the 
south half, the northeast (juarter, and a 
part of the northwest quarter of section 
23; the west half of 24, all of 25, 2G, 27 
and 34, and the north half of 35 and 
3G. The first school in this district was 
held in a log house on the southeast 
quarter of section 25. John Sloan 
taught the first school here, about hS^JO. 
The next teacher was Thomas Richard- 



344 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



son. A log school house was built on 
the st)utheast (juarter of section 25. 
Thomas Richardson was the first teacher 
there. Sch ")ol was kept there until 1860, 
when a log building was erected on the 
northwest quarter of section 3(1. In 
1869 a building was erected on the 
northeast quarter of section 2G, which 
has since been remodeled and forms the 
present school house. 

The present school house in district 
No. 6 was erected in 1852, at a cost of 
about $30(). Piatt Schaffer was the con- 
tractor. The building is 18x24 feet in 
ground dimensions. An average attend- 
ance of 30 scholars is kept by this 
school. The district embraces all of 
sections 15, 16, 21 and 22, and a portion 
of the northwest ((uarter of 23. 

District No. 7 had its first school' 
building in 1856. It is 16x22 feet in 
size, and was constructed by Jesse 
\\'hite, at a cost of about $300. Its 
average attendance is 15 pupils. In- 
cluded in this district are sections 1 and 
2, and a part of 3. 

District No. 8 embraces the south half 
of sections 35 and 36. 

CEMETERIES. 

The first person buried in the Salem 
cemetery was James McGee, who died 
in the year 1854. 

In the Lax cemetery an interment was 
made in 1830, being the body of Silas 
Grain, Sr. 

Brown's cemetery was laid out by 
John Brown. It was for a time a pri- 
vate cemetery, used by the family. jMr. 
Brown afterwards deeded it to the 
county. One of his children was the 
first person buried there. 

Grimes' cemetery is the nanie of an- 
other burying place in English town- 



ship. A member of the Grimes family, 
a child, was the first one buried in this 
cemetery. That was in the year 1828. 
This cemetery is on section 23. 

St. Mary's cemeter}' is the burying 
ground connected with the Catholic 
church of the same name in English 
township. 

HISTORIC ITEMS. 

The first white child born in what is 
now English township, was J. T. 
Grimes, commonly known as "Tram" 
Grimes. He was born in January, 1820, 
and his father was Philip Grimes one of 
'the early settlers. 

The pioneer school of this township 
was taught by Galen McKinney. 

Rev. Jacob Rhodes, a Baptist divine 
preached the first sermon. 

The first justice of the peace was Cal- 
vin Pegee. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The building of the Lebanon Ba])tist 
church was erected in 1850. The first 
minister was Rev. Jacob Rhodes. 

St. Mary's Catholic church is located 
on section 30. 

Rev. Frank J. Reinhart, pastor of St. 
Mary's church (Catholic), near Fieldon, 
was born in Germany, April 20, 1834. 
He is a son of Lawrence and Frances 
Reinhart, also natives of Germany. 
Father Reinhart was reared in his native 
country and received a liberal educa- 
tion, becoming fitted for a priest. He 
began his life work in the old country, 
where he remained till 1864. In that 
year he immigrated to the United States. 
Landing at New York he proceeded 
westward to Alton, and thence to 
Quincy, where he had charge of the 
German Catholic church about 15 years. 
He now makes his home at Fieldon. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



345 



PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS. 

Among tho more enterprising and in- 
telligent citizens of the county, are 
many residents of this township. We 
notice the most of them in this connec- 
tion. 

iJiiyd T. English, a fanner of English 
townsliij), is a native of this county, 
and was born March <S, 1.S4S, being a 
son of .Jt)hn N. Sr,, and Elizabeth 
(IJelt) English. Tho former is a native 
of Kentucky, and the latter of Illinois. 
The suljject of this sketch was brought 
up on a farm, spending his youth in the 
various duties incident to such a life, 
anil in attending the common schools of 
the county, where he was mostly edu- 
cated. He was married April o, 187.'), 
to Sarah Iv (4oochnan, daughter of 
David and Rebecca (ioodnian. They 
arc the parents of two children — Lizzie 
and Robert C. His wife died Feb. ]."). 
18.S:5. Mr. English owns 2S() acres of 
land, all of which is under cultivation. 
His place is well imjjroved and bears 
evidence of the thrift and enterprise of 
its owner. He takes a ■ommendable 
interest in public affairs, and has been 
highway (■()nunissioner and is supervisor. 

Horatio N. Belt, Sr., was born in 
Maryland, in 179(). his father being 
Francis Thomas Belt. \Mien H. N. was 
but a child, his parents removed to Bed- 
ford county, Va., where our subject was 
principally reared. When 19 years of 
age, he entered the service of the 
T'nitcd States in the last war with (!reat 
Britain, and served under Jackson, in 
that war. lie returned to Virginia from 
the army, and shortly afterwards the 
lamily removed to the state of Tennes 
see. H. X. was married wdiile in that 
state to Miss Anderson. By that mar- 



riage there were two children — Francis 
T., who adopted steamboating as a pro^ 
fession, and run the first flatboat on the 
Hlinois river, and was blown up on the 
steamboat Saluda, at Lexington, Mo., 
with 300 others, he being captain of the 
boat. His remains were sent home and 
buried in the Lax cemetery, with his 
wife, where his son, George, erected a 
handsome monument over their remains. 
The other child died in infancy. From 
Tennessee the family moved to Hlinois, 
locating near Troy, Madison county, 
where the father of H. X. died. Thence 
H. X., with his family, removed to St. 
Louis, in 1831. Thence he removed to 
Calhoun county in Aug., 1833. In Sept., 
1833, he V)ought an improvement in Jer- 
sey county, on section 22, Rosedale 
township. There he remained till 18.3"), 
when he removed to section 15, English 
township, where he remained till 1854, 
when he removed to Fieldon, where he 
lived until his death, Jan. S, 1870. His 
second wife yet survives him. Her name 
was Mary J. West. She was also a 
native of Virginia. They were married 
in St. Clair county, in the spring of 
1821. By this marriage there were LI 
children — Elizabeth X., wife of J. X. 
English; Llo^'d T., living in Xew Or- 
leans, steamboating; John H., subject 
of a following sketch; Wm. Anderson, 
deceased; Mary Jane, deceased; ^'inson 
W., deceased, one of the firm of Belt it 
Bro., builders of ths fnion mill, in 
Fit Idon; he died in 1854, and is burieil 
at Salem cemetery: James H., ex-sberiif 
of the county, now living in liunker 
Hill; Martha Frances, deceased; H. X. 
Belt, Jr., now a banker in Bunker Hill, 
111.: George W., deceased in infancy; 
Virginia, wife of C. S. Olney, merchant 



346 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of Fieldon. H. N. Belt, Sr., is buried 
at the Salem cemetery, on section 16, 
Englisli tnwnship, on the farm of John 
H. Belt. 

John H.Beit, one of the early settlers 
of the comity, and a prominent citizen, 
was liorn in Madison county. 111., March 
10, 1827; his parents being Horatio N. 
and Mary (West) Belt, both of whom 
were native Virginians. The former 
died .Jan. 8, 1870, at his residence in 
Fieldon, and his mother yet lives at 
that place, at the advanced age of 80 
years. John H. was reared on a farm, 
and worked for his father until 19 years 
old. He then went to Calhoun county, 
and was there engaged in agricultural 
pursuits three years, then moved back 
to this county, where he purchased 160 
acres of land, and lived on the same. In 
1854 he moved to Fieldon, and huilt tlie 
Eugenie tlouring mill. In 1864 he 
moved back to his farm, bought 240 
acres more of land, which has since 
been his home. Soon after movingback 
he completed a fine two-story resi- 
dence, of brick construction, 22x44, 
with an L 18x82, having all the modern 
improvements, including a McPherson 
wrought iron furnace, heating the house 
by steam. He has a beautiful home, 
and is now in the enjoyment of a com- 
petency fairly won. He was married, 
Oct. 10, 1847, while a resident of Cal- 
houn county, to Matilda Bramlett, of 
Jersey county, daughter of Elkana and 
Sarah (Lofton) Bramlett. Her father 
was a native of Virginia, and her mother 
of Kentucky. They are the parents of 
eight cliildrcn, six of whom are living — 
William 0., Walter S., Floyd T., Hel- 
ena M., George W. and John H. Those 
deceased were — Helena, who died April 



12, 18.56, and Isadora, who died Aug. 15, 
1856. Mr. and Mrs. Belt are members 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church 
at Fieldon, of which society he is the 
present pastor. He owns 400 acres of 
land, and has considerable property. 
Mrs. Belt's mother, Sarah Bramlett, 
makes her home with tliem. She is 
now 82 years old, and has been a con- 
sistent member of the Cumlierland Pres- 
byterian cliurch for 50 years. Slie has 
been afflicted with blindness about eight 
years. Mr. Belt's father built one of 
the first houses at Jerseyville, in 1884, 
one of the first store buildings, and tlie 
first blacksmith shop. He has thus 
witnessed the development of this 
county, and been an important factor in 
transforming it from a state of natural 
wildness to a desiral)le, well settled 
country, teeming with wealth and pros- 
perity. 

Joseph B. Schroeder was born in 
Portsmouth, N. H., Dec. 24, 1821. He 
is the second child of a family of four 
children of Charles H. and Hannah 
Schroeder, who were both natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German and 
English descent. In 1888 xMr. S. re- 
moved with his family to St. Louis, and 
about 1845 his wife died in that city. 
He survived her death until 1847. Mr. 
Schroeder served in the war of 1812, 
and was for a considerable portion of 
the time clerk to the captain of the rev- 
enue cutter of the privateer service. 
His wife's father. Dr. H. Y. Carter, was 
a surgeon in the army during tlie Revo- 
tionary contest. Joseph B. was edu- 
cated principally in the schools of Del- 
aware county, Penna., where he laid 
the foundation of a knowledge of the 
rudiments of a common school educa- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



347 



tioii. When about 14 years of age he 
became an apprentice to learn the coach 
making trade. In the fall of 1840 he 
went to St. Louis, where he resided 
until Jan., 1841, after which he came to 
Illinois, landing at Grafton. After a 
stay in that place of a few days, he rode 
over to Otter Creek prairie, and there 
formed a partnership with William 
Montgomery, in wagon making. This 
j partnership lasted about nine months, 
when he carried on the business alone 
until 1844. On the 16th of May, of that 
year, he was united in marriage to 
Priscilla Patterson, daughter of Maj. 
Gershom Patterson, an old resident of 
this county, who was born in Kentucky 
in 1796, and came with his parents to 
Illinois the year following. They set- 
tled in what was then called the New 
Design, at which place liis father died. 
His mother was again married to Wil- 
liam Dennis, who was killed by the 
Indians, tiius leaving her with only the 
support of young Gershom. After he 
had grown to manhood, he went to 
Kentucky and l>rought back his cousin, 
Eleanor Cooper, to visit his mother, 
and in the year 1819 they were united 
in marriage. By this union he had five 
children, one of whom is yet living. In 
Marcli, 1820, he removed with his fam- 
ily to the present limits of Jer.sey 
county, and on the 5th of Jan., 1821, 
entered a body of land and immediately 
commenced to improve the same. On 
the breaking out of the Black Hawk 
war he enlisted, and was soon afterward 
elected captain. He proceeded with his 
men to join the army, stationed at 
Kock Island, and after the treaty was 
cSected and the army disbanded, he re- 
turned to his farm. He was a short 



time after commissioned major of 
militia by the governor of Illinois. 
]\Iaj. Patterson and wife were both 
'members of the M. E. Church. He was 
a man of the old style of hospitality, 
genial and courteous to all. As a far- 
mer he was successful, and at the time 
of his death owned about 1,8(X) acres of 
good land in Jersey and Montgomery 
counties. In politics he was a whig. 
Mrs. Patterson died at their home, Nov. 
10, 18.53, and on Jan. 24, 1856, the 
major was married to Mrs. Mary 
Mabee. Mr. Patterson died Jan. 30, 
1857, and his wife survived him until 
Jan. 20, 1870. Joseph B. Schroeder 
and wife have had five children, four of 
whom are yet living. Their eldest 
daughter Nellie, is the wife of L. L. 
Hereford. After his marriage 5Ir. S. 
settled on the fiirm where he now re- 
sides, living in a rude log cabin which 
was almost surrounded liy forest trees, 
and in tli;)t dreary solitude he com- 
menced to clear a farm. Few men of 
our day would have the jduck to go out 
and encounter those iiardships, but 
possessing industry and energy, he was 
successful in the accomplishment of his 
designs. At the age of !(> Joseph be- 
came a member of the Methodist Church, 
his wife being a member for many 
years, also. Mr. Schroeder's fii'st vote 
for president was cast for Henry Clay, 
and after the whig party was disorgan- 
ized he joined the ranks of the democ- 
racy, to which he has ever afterward 
strongly adhered. He is also a member 
of the Mystic tie. Quite a relic of the 
family is a set of candle sticks, snuffers 
and tray. They were handled down to 
Mr. Schroeder's grandfather, who was 
almost 100 years of age at the time t)f 



348 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



his death, and from him on down the 
line of human progress, until the year 
1845, they came into the possession of 
Mr. Schroeder, who is now residing on 
his farm, enjoj'ing the fruits of a well- 
spent life. 

John N. English, Jr., was l)orn in 
Jersey county, Feb. 1'.), 1852, his parents 
being John N. and Elizabeth (Belt) Eng- 
lish, the former a native of Kentucky 
and the latter of Illinois. He was 
lirouglit up on a farm, and remained 
with his parents until 24 years of age. 
He was married Jan. 27, 1876, t(j Fan- 
nie D. Henderson. Mr. and Mrs. Eng- 
lisli are meiiil>ers of the Methodist Epis- 
copal eluirch at Jerseyville. He now 
owns 180 acres of land all under cultiva- 
tion. He is an enterpi-ising young man 
takes a commendable interest in puljlic 
affairs and has been the township clerk 
for the past five years. 

Hubert Sauer, an old and highly res- 
pected citizens of English township, was 
born in Germany, Dec. 27, 1807, his par- 
ents being Mathias and Mary (Stickler) 
Sauer, also of Germany. Huliertgrew to 
manhood in his native country, and 
there, in his youth, learned the carpen- 
ter's trade. In December, 1851, he 
Ijade farewell to his Fatherland, taking 
passage at Havre, on a ship bound fjr 
New Orleans. Landing in that city, he 
proceeded to St. Louis; thence, to 
Alton, coming, soon after, to Jersey 
county. In 1852 he bought 80 acres of 
land in English township. upon which he 
lived about a year; then sold, and pur- 
chased another 80 acres in the same 
township, which has since been his 
home. Mr. Sauer has been three times 
married, first in 18o4, to Mary Ulillah, 
by whom he had four children — Hubert, 



Caroline, Magdaline and Mary U. Mrs. 
Sauer died in 1844, and Mr. Sauer was 
married to Tracy Mill, who died in 1875. 
By this union seven children were born 
— Joseph, married to Nettie Meisner, 
and now living in Montgomery county; 
August, Charles, Nettie, Edward, Fred- 
erick and George. Mr. Sauer was mar- 
ried the third time. He has been an 
energetic and hard-working man, and is 
now in comfortable circumstances. He 
is a memljer of the Catholic church. 

Peter Drainer was born in the city of 
Cologne, Germany, March 2.'5, 1823, and 
is a son of Peter and Mary Drainer, na- 
tives of (T(,'rmany. He grew to man- 
hood in his native country, and was 
there married Jan. 12, 1852, to Ursula 
Pit, daughter of George Pit. In 1854 
he decided to immigrate to America and 
took passage with his family, on board of 
a sailing vessel at Antwerp, on the 13tb 
of April. They landed in New Or- 
leans, where they remained about a year, 
then went to St. Louis where he workccl 
at brick mason work eight months. He 
had learned the mason's trade, and 
followed tlie same in Germany, previous 
to coming to this country. In the fall 
of 1855 he came to Jersey county and 
settled at Fieldon where he worked at 
his trade three years. At the expira- 
tion of that period he had succeeded in 
saving enough of his earnings to buy a 
small farm, and accordingl}' purchased 
80 acres of land on Sec. 19, of English 
township, to which he removed, and 
upon which he has ever since resided. 
He has added to his real estate until he 
at present owns 240 acres. In 1871 he 
erected a commodious two-story frame 
dwelling, at a cost of $2,800. It is sit- 
uated upon a slight elevation of land. 




1^ 





LAjhyfcA^X^ 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



351 



and everything about the premises in- 
dicates the thrift and enterprise of the 
owner. Mr. and Mrs. Drainer have had 
six cliildren born to them — Theresa 
Helene, now the wife of John Woke, of 
Fieldon; Mary Louisa, died in Ger- 
many; Peter, married to Anna Bunsy, 
and livinr; in English township; Hugo, 
Peah Desideria and Germanny Pru- 
denty. Mary died in Germany. Mr. 
Drainer and his family are members of 
the Catholic church. Mrs. Drainer died 
in 1869, and was laid to rest in St. 
Mary's cemetery. Mr. Drainer is a 
democrat politically, and has held the 
office of school director for nine years. 
John Hetzel, one of the most pros- 
perous and influential of the German 
citizens of English township, was born 
May 23, 1.S26, in German)', his parents 
being Conrad and Josephine (Schabel) 
Hetzel, also natives of Germany. In 
184'.) John Hetzel immigrated to the 
United States, taking passage on board 
a sailing vessel, the Graftstroom, at 
Rotterdam. He landed at Now York, 
and from there went to Milwaukee, 
Wis. He had, previous to coming to 
America, learned the machinist's trade, 
working upon locomotives and other 
machinery. He also did military ser- 
vice in that country two years. In 185") 
he came to Jersey county and settled on 
Otter creek, where he remained one 
year, then removed to section 18, Eng- 
lish township, where he purchased 40 
acres of land. He now owns 320 acres 
in this section, which is mostly under 
cultivation. In 1881 he erected a hand- 
sonii' and commodious resilience, costing 
8'5,<.M)IJ. His other improvements are of 
a corresponding description, and every- 
thing about the place indicates thrift 



and prosperity. Mr. Hetzel was mar- 
ried in March, 1851, to Henrietta Aus- 
pach, daughter of David and JIary 
(Reedy) Auspach. They are the parents 
of nine children — Josephine L., born 
Aug. 12, 1852; George F., borrt Sept. 4, 
1855; August P., born Aug. 13, 1857; 
Mary E.. born Sept, 18, 1861 ; Cather- 
ine E., born Oct. 12, 1861; William 
H., born Sept. 25, 1863; Antoinette H., 
born Feb. 20, 1868; Emily L., born 
March 21, 1870, and John E., born 
Feb. 6, 1873. Mr. Hetzel is politically 
a republican and has held the office of 
school director for some time. 

Frederick Becker, deceased, son of 
John and Christiana (Tulla) Becker, 
was born in Germany, Jan. 24, 1837. 
He resided in his native country until 
16 years of age; then in 1853, took pas- 
sage at Bremen on board a ship bound 
for the port of New Orleans, United 
States of America. Soon after his arri- 
val in that city he came up tlie river to 
St. Louis, and thence to Jersey county. 
He remained here for a short time work- 
ing at ditl'erent places, then went to 
Upper Alton where he worked four 
years in a pottery. In 1857 he returned 
to Germany on a business trip, and 
while there was taken ill and obliged to 
remain for about one year. In 1858 he 
came back to Jersey county and worked 
for several years, laying by his earnings 
until he had a sum sufficient to purchase 
80 acres of land, to which he then re- 
moved and which was his home until 
his decease, June 2, 1879. His remains 
were laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery. 
He was married April 12, 1864, to Wil- 
helmina Tonsor, daughter of Frank and 
Mary (Reesey) Tonsor. Seven children 
were born to them — Mary, John, 



352 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Charles, Theodore, Joseph, Frank and 
Henry. Mrs. Becker and htr family 
are members of the Catholic cliurch. 
She has 200 acres of land and a pleasant 
residence desirably located. 

Henry*Ijrockmeyer was born in Ger- 
uuiny, June 8, 1825, being a son of John 
F. and Elizabeth (Groppel) Brock- 
meyer, natives of Germany, where the 
latter died in 1838, and the former in 
1853. Henry immigrated to America 
the same j'ear in which his father died, 
landing in New Orleans. He went from 
thence to St. Louis, where he remained 
one year. In the fall of 1854, he came 
to Jersey county, and settled in Rich- 
woods township, purchasing 40 acres of 
land, on which he resided 10 years. 
He then sold out and bought 40 acres in 
English township, where he has ever 
since resided. His farm is located on 
section 32, and is in good cultivation. 
It now contains 290 acres. Mr. Brock- 
meyer was married in Oct., 1854, to 
Ann M. Lechtermann, and by this union 
has six children — Mary, now the wife of 
Otha Kirchner, of English township; 
John, married to Caroline Hausholter, 
and living in Otterville; Henry, Ann, 
Louisa and Otilda. Mr. Brockmeyer 
and his family are members of the Ger- 
man Lutheran church. 

S. G. Downey is a native of this 
county, and was born Sept. 24, 1835, 
his parents being Uriah and Mary (Gris- 
wold) Downey. He was brought up on 
a farm, remaining with his parents until 
their death. In 1874 he went to Den- 
ver, Ci)l., for his health, where he re- 
mained about three months. He then 
returned to the old homestead, where he 
has since lived. Mr. Downey has been 
twice married, first to Charlotte Crane, 



in 1870. By that union there were two 
children — Edwin and Pearl. His first 
wife died in 1874. He was again mar- 
ried, in 1875, to Elizabeth J. Miller, 
daughter of Christopher Miller. By 
this union there are five children — Syl- 
vester, James, Jessie, Rosetta, and an 
infant son, not yet named. Mr. Downey 
owns 120 acres of land, all under culti- 
vation, and is one of the most enter- 
prising of English township's citizens. 
Politically, he adheres to the Repub- 
lican party, and is a member of the A. 
F. & A. M. of Kane. 

Jolin F. Wegmann, teacher of the 
German and American school near 
Fieldon, is a son of Herman and Rosa 
(Wille) Wegmann, natives of Germany. 
He was born in Jefferson City, Mo., 
Oct. 14, 1849. He obtained his educa- 
tion at the Christian Brothers' College 
in St. Louis, graduating at that institu- 
tion in 1867. He learned the printer's 
trade in Jefl'erson City, and followed 
the same in that city three years. In 
1882 he came to Jersey county and set- 
tled near Fieldon, since which he has 
occupied his present position. He is 
well qualified for his duties and as a 
teacher is popular and successful. He 
was married, July 1, 1884, to Josephine 
Timpe, daughter of William and Theresa 
(Vahle) Timpe. Mr. and Mrs. Weg- 
mann have one daughter — Mary. 

Peter Mowen came to Jersey cou.ity 
about the year 1852. He was born in 
Ireland, Aug. 1, 1837, and is a son of 
Arthur and Alice Mowen, both of whom 
died when Peter was very young, he 
being left in the care of an uncle, with 
whom he lived eight years, and was 
brought up on a farm. In 1850 he came 
to America, setting sail from Liverpool, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



353 



an(l landing in New Orleans, where he 
remained about one and a half years. 
He then came to this county. Here he 
worked for different jtarties until 1863. 
In August of that year, he was married 
to Sarah Chance, widow of Andrew 
Chance, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
J. Hillman. They have six children — 
George, Robert, Delia, Walter, Cyrus 
and Freddy. ^Ir. Mowen owns a good 
farm, comprising 140 acres, and is en- 
gaged in general farming. Mrs. Mowen 
died in February, 1884. Mr. Mowen 
has been a very energetic and indus- 
trious man, and has succeeded in accu- 
mulating a c(/mfortable propert}\ 

Anton H(elker was born in Germany, 
Jan. 30, 1830, and is a son of Deitrich 
and Mary ( Haniost) Hadker. He re- 
sided in his native country until he 
arrived at the age of 30 years; then, in 
1860, emigrated to the United States, 
sailing from Bremen and landing in due 
time at New Orleans. He proceeded 
thence to St. Louis, and came soon after 
to Jersey county. For the first four 
years after his arrival here he worked 
out by the month, at farming, then 
rented a farm which he cultivated about 
five years. He then purchased a tract 
of 80 acres located on section 17, Ens- 
lish township), where he has ever since 
resided. Mr. Htelker has been twice 
married, first to Catherine Stark, who 
died in 1873, leaving three children — 
Albert, Anna, now the wife of John 
Keller of St. Louis, and Mary. Mr. 
Ha:'lker was again married. All of the 
family arc members of the Catholic 
church. He is an industrious and enter- 
prising fjirmer and a worthy citizen. 
Before coming to this country, Mr. 
H. served 7 years in the Prussian army. 



Charles Goetten was born April 20, 
1825, in Germany, being a son of An- 
thony and Christina (Ulrich) Goetten, 
also natives of Germany. The former 
died in that country, but the latter is 
yet living with her son, Charles, the 
subject of this sketch. She is now up- 
wards of 90 years of age. In 1854 
Charles bade farewell to his native 
land, and, accompanied by his mother, 
took passage on a sailing-vessel at Bre- 
men and came to America, landing at 
New Orleans; thence, proceeded to St. 
Louis, from whence he came soon after 
to Jerseyville. He hired out one fall 
and summer, then purchased 120 acres 
of land on sections 29 and 30, of Eng- 
lish township, where he has ever since 
resided. He was married on the Inth 
day of April, 1856, to Josephine Bert- 
man, daughter of Henry Bertman. They 
are the parents of four children, three 
of whom are living — Henry, Joseph 
and Charles. Frederick is deceased. 
Mr. Goetten and family are members of 
the Catholic church. His farm now 
contains 187 acres, and is in a high state 
of cultivation. He has accumulated his 
property by hard labor, and is an intel- 
ligent and worthy citizen. 

James Fleming was born in courity 
JIayo, Ireland, in the year 1838, lieing 
a son of Patrick and Julia (Clark) Flem- 
ing, natives of Ireland. James was 
reared in that country, to agricultural 
pursuits, and in his early manhood 
came to the Uniled States, taking pas- 
sage at Liverpool, on board the steamer 
Constitutit>n, which at that time brought 
880 passengers to the American shore. 
Mr. Fleming located first in Pennsyl- 
vania, where he remained one year, 
then removed to New York state, and 



354 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



soon after to Kentucky, thence to Ohio, 
thence to Indiana, coming from the lat- 
ter state to Jersey county, Illinois. He 
purchased, on his arrival here, 40 acres 
of land in English township, where he 
has ever since resided. In 1875 he 
built a large frame residence, costing 
$1,500. He also has other good im- 
provements. He was married in 1863, 
to Anna Price, but was previously mar- 
ried. By the latter union 10 children 
have been born — Julia, Patrick E., 
Anna, Bridget, Richard, Katie, Ella, 
James, John, and Winifred. Mr. Flem- 
ing's farm now contains 160 acres of 
land, and is located on section 34. He 
is an intelligent and thrifty farmer. All 
of the family are members of the Cath- 
olic church. 

Gates Hooper, deceased, was born in 
Germany in 1822. He grew to manhood 
in that country, there learning the 
the cooper's trade. In 1845 he came to 
America, and first stopped in St. Louis, 
where he remained a short time, then 
came to Jerseyville, where he followed 
the cooper's trade for a time. He then 
purchased 20 acres of land, to which he 
soon afterwards added 40acres. He re- 
m.oved to this land, residing upon the 
same until his death. He was married 
in 1842 to Dora Harkmaster, daughter 
of John Harkmaster. They had seven 
children, five of whom are living — 
Dora, George, Henry, Sophia and Frank. 
Mrs. Hooper is now married to Mr. 
Holla, and now resides in English town- 
ship, where she owns 60 acres of land. 
She is a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church of Fieldon. Her 
deceased husband was an energetic, 
hard-working man, and at his death left 
his family in comfortable circumstances. 



His loss was deeply felt by his family 
and by his neighbors. 

John H. Goeman, a prosperous citi- 
zen of this township, is a son of John 
H. and Margaret (Dougherty) Goeman, 
natives of Germany. The subject of 
this sketch was born in that country, 
April 4, 1829. In 1857 he came to 
Americain a sailing vessel, embarking 
at Bremen and landing in the city of 
New York, from whence he went to St. 
Louis. He remained there a short time 
then canre to Jersey county and bought 
80 acres of land in English township. 
An old log cabin was standing upon the 
place, but with that exception, it was 
unimproved. He now owns lUX) acres 
upon the same section (19), and has a 
fine farm with substantial improve- 
ments. He was married in Germany, 
in 1847, to Sophia Ollarking, daughter 
of Henry Ollarking. Mr. and Mrs. 
Goeman are the parents of four child- 
ren — Emma, now the wife of William 
Woods, of Jerseyville; Dena, wife of 
George Hooper, of English township; 
Sophia, wife of Edward Sauer, of Eng- 
lish township, and Henry. Mr. Goe- 
man is a man of intelligence and 
enterprise, and a useful member of 
society. He is, with his wife, a mem- 
ber of the German Lutheran church at 
Fieldon. 

John Garrels came to Jersey county 
in the summer of 1854, and located at 
Jerseyville, where he remained 11 years, 
engaged in working at the shoemaker's 
trade. In 1865 he purchased his present 
farm, which comprises 100 acres, located 
in English township. Mr. Garrels was 
born in Germany, May 3, 1834, his par- 
ents being John and Talka (Jordan) 
Garrels, natives of Germany. In 1853, 



MHU^M^^^ta^ 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



355 



he took passage on board a sailing ves- 
sel bound for America, and landed in 
New Orleans. He proceeded thence to 
Alton, where he remained a short time, 
then came to Jersey county, as before 
stated. He learned the shoemaker's 
trade in his native country, and followed 
the same there for 15 years. He was 
married Jan. 14, 1859, to Lizzie Fall, 
and by this union had one child — John, 
who died at the age of 22 years. Mrs. 
Garrels died in 1861, and Mr. Garrels 
was again married to Margaret Cooper, 
who died in 1864, having two children, 
one of whom is living — Charles. In 
18(j5 Mr. Garrels was married to Mary 
Arnoldi, by whom he has one son — 
Henry. Mr. Garrels is a prosperous 
and enterprising farmer, and a good 
citizen. 

Anthony Meisner is of German de- 
scent, being a son of Anthony and Cath- 
erine Meisner, both natives of Ger- 
many. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Jersey county, 111., Aug. 9, 
1858, and was brought up on his father's 
farm, receiving his education in the 
country schools. He has always fol- 
lowed farming, and now owns a well 
cultivated farm, lecated on section 30, 
English township, comprising lOt) acres. 
He is a member of the Catholic church, 
an enterprising farmer, and a good citi- 
zen. Anthony Meisner, Sr., died in 
1871. His widow, Mrs. Catharine Meis- 
ner, is yet living, and resides upon the 
homestead farm. 

James L. Scago, a farmer and promi- 
neiU citizen of English township, was 
born in Jersey county, 111., Jan. 7, 1837, 
his parents being John and Mary Ann 
(Campbell) Scago, natives of North Car- 
olina. His father died in Tennessee 



in 1869, and his mother in this township 
in 1879. He was brought up on a farm, 
assisting his father in the multifarious 
dirties incident to agricultural life until 
about 26 years old. In the fall of 1865 
he bought 40 acres of land on section 3, 
where he located and remained one 
year. He then purchased 80 acres on 
section 8, where he lived two years. In 
1871 he bought 60 acres of land on sec- 
tion 4, subsequently adding 20 acres, 
and moved on to it, and also purchased 
a saw-mill, which he operated eight 
years. In 1884 he built, a large, two- 
story frame residence costing S3, 000. 
He was married Sept. 17, 1863, to Ach- 
sah Carrico, daughter of John C. and 
^\'innie Ann Carrico. They are the 
parents of four children — Oscar, Win- 
nie, George and Charlie. Mr. Seago 
now owns 440 acres of land, mostly 
under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Seago 
are members of the Baptist church. He 
takes an interest in public affairs, and 
has held the office of township trustee. 
Joseph Hagen, son of John and 
Louisa (Hunt) Hagen, is a native of 
Germany, where he was born July 22, 
1843. His early life was spent in Ger- 
many. There, in his youth, he learned 
the cooper's and carpenter's trades and 
followed the same until 1867, when he 
left that country for America, taking 
passage at Bremen, on a sailing vessel 
and landing in the city of New Orleans. 
He went directly to St. Louis, thence to 
Alton, where he remained one year, dur- 
ing which he followed the cooper's 
trade. He then came to Jersey county, 
locating in English township. Here he 
bought 60 acres of land, upi)n which he 
built a house and has since made this 
his home. August 8, 1873, he was mar- 



356 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



ried to Catherine Meisner and by this 
union have five children — Louisa, Frank, 
Leniena, Joseph and Henry. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hagen are members of the Catho- 
lic church. He is an industrious and 
enterprising farmer and a good citizen. 

Sigel Schaaf, an enterprising young 
farmer of English township, is a son of 
Louis and Christina (Youngflood) 
Schaaf, natives of Germany. Sigel 
Schaaf was born on the 25th day of Oct., 
1863, in Jersey county, 111., and was 
here reared upon a farm, obtaining his 
education in the district schools. He 
resided with his parents until March 
28, 1885, when he was united in mar- 
riage with Sophia Harding, daughter of 
Michael and Mary H. Harding. Mr. 
Schaaf cultivates about 100 acres of 
land and is an intelligent and worthy 
citizen. 

John Holten, deceased, was born in 
Germany, Oct. 11, 1821. In 1857 he 
came to America, landing at New Or- 
leans, where he remained about one 
year. He then went to St. Louis. In 
I860 he purchased 67 acres of land in 
St. Clair county, 111., where he resided 
11 years. He died March 6, 1871. In 
April, 1856, he was married to Charlotte 
Ikum, daughter of Matz Ikum. Nine 
children were born to them, six of 
whom are now living— Henry, married to 
Josepliine Plongo, and living in French 
village St. Clair Co., 111.; Charles, Frank, 
Lizzie, Jule and Josepl^ (twins). After 
the death of her liusband, Mrs. Holten 
sold her home in St. Clair county, and 
removed to English township, Jersey 
county, where she purchased 80 acres of 
land on which she has since resided. 
She now owns 147 acres of land, 67 
acres of which lies in St. Clair county. 



Mrs. Holten and her family are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. 

William Rainey, son of William and 
Eliza (Tobrytha) Rainey, is a native of 
South Carolina, born Oct. 26, 1834. 
William Rainey, Sr., died Aug. 30, 
1870, in Tennessee. His widow is yet 
living, and resides in Hill county, Tex. 
The subject of this sketch was reared 
upon a farm, remaining with his parents 
until he attained his majority. He then 
went to Tippah county. Miss., where he 
resided three years, after which he went 
to Bethel, Tenn. During his residence 
there he enlisted in Co. 1, 11th 111. Cav., 
and served three years, participating in 
the battles of Corinth, Lexington, Vicks- 
burg, Tupelo, and Ft. Blakeley. Atthe 
close of his term of service, he came to 
this county, and located in English 
township, which has since been his 
home. In 1877 he took a trip to Texas, 
remaining in that state during one win- 
ter. Mr. Rainey was married, Nov. 25, 
1855, to Malinda C. Thompson, daugli- 
ter of Robert and Elizabeth A. Thomp- 
son. Seven children have been born to 
them, only one of whom is living — 
Sarah C. He is the owner of 42; acres 
of land on section 2. He is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and, with his 
wife and daughter, holds connection 
connection with the Methodist church. 

George C. Kirchner, deceased, settled 
in Jersey county at an early day, having 
come from Germany to America in 1835. 
He was born in Germany, Jan. 16, 
1816, and was 17 years old when he 
immigrated to this country. He landed 
in New Orleans, and immediately started 
for St. Louis, but on account of the river 
being frozen over, was six months in 
making the trip. He remained in St. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



357 



Louis for a time, then came to Jersey 
county, where he resided until his de- 
cease, Dec. 11, 1881. At the time of 
his death he owned 3()5 acres of land, 
anil was in prosperous circumstances. 
He was married June 27, 1823, to Eliza- 
beth Thurston, who died Sept. 13, 1865. 
Tliey had 12 children, eight of whom are 
now living — George B.. Gottfried, Wil- 
liam W., Charles R., Clarissa C, Valen- 
tine H., Otha 0., L. H., and Ulysses 
C. Nov. 1, 1871, Mr. Kirchner was 
married to Maria C. Becker, who sur- 
vives him. By this union there were 
four children — William H., Henry L., 
Anna and Emelia. Mrs. Kirchner now 
owns 85 acres of land, and assisted by 
her children, carries on farming. The 
family are all members of the German 
Lutheran church of Ficldon. 

Francis Middendorf, son of John H. 
and Mary E. (Meyer) Middendorf. was 
born in Germany on the 28th of April, 
1832. His parents were also natives of 
Germany. In 1855 Francis came to 
America, accompanied by his mt)ther. 
Landing at New Orleans they proceeded 
to St. Louis, and to St. Clair county, 
HI., where he remained about four 
months. He went from there to St. 
Charles county. Mo., following farming 
and working in a nursery six months, 
after which he returned to St. Louis. 
Six months later he returned to St. 
Charles county, and remained about 
one year, then again went to St. Clair 
county. In 1862 he came to Jersey 
county, and for four years worked out 
by the month. At tlie end of that time 
he rented a farm in English township, 
and lived upon the same seven years. 
He then purchased 120 acres of land on 
section 19, of the sametownship, where 



he has since lived. He was married 
Aug. 22, 186G, to Magdala Fairman, 
daughter of Deidrich Fairman. They 
are the parents of eiglit children, seven 
of whom are living — Louisa, Fritz, 
Katie, Mary A., Clara E., i\lary Mena, 
and Joseph F. One daughter, Mary, is 
deceased. Mrs. Middendorf is a member 
of the Catholic Church. He is an indus- 
trious nuin and has secured a comfort- 
able home. 

Peter Blaeser was born in Germany, 
Aug. 13, 1851, being a son of Henry and 
Agnes (Reichard) Blaeser, also natives 
of Germany. Peter grew to manhood 
in that country, and when quite young 
learned the carpenter's trade, which oc- 
cupation he has followed most of the 
time since. On attaining his majority 
he entered the Prussian army and served 
three years. In 1876 he bade farewell 
to the fatherland, and set sail for Amer- 
ica, eml)arking at Bremen, on board a 
steamer Ijound for Baltimore, where he 
landed in due time. He then came 
west to Illinois, settling in Putnam 
county, where he worked two years, 
after which he located in English town- 
ship, .lersey county, where he has since 
remained. Mr. Blaeser was married on 
the 14th of Jan., 1879, to Mary Schmci- 
der, daughter of John and Helena 
Schmeider. They have two cliildren — 
Mary and Charles J. Mr. and Mrs. 
Blaeser are moniltors of the Catholic 
cliurch. 

Milo Landon, a prominent resident of 
English township, was born in wliat is 
now Jersey county, March 16, 1838, his 
])arents being Norton and Sarah E. 
(Falkner) Landon, the former a native 
of New York and the latter of Pennsyl- 
vania. His father is now living in Kan- 



358 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



sas. His mother died in August, 1882. 
Milo was brought up on a farm and was 
employed in the various duties incident 
to an agricultural life on the old home- 
stead until he was 22 years old. He 
then located on what is now known as 
the Samuel Hinson farm. Subsequently 
he sought a location in Kansas and Mis- 
souri, but finding nothing better than 
•Jersey county, he returned and resumed 
faiming and has since been thus em- 
ployed. He was married May 20, 1860, 
to Huldah Hinson, daughter of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Cope) Hinson. They 
are the parents of 10 children, eight of 
whom are now living — Charles, who is 
married to Lizzie Reed and living at 
home; Sarah E., Clara, Edward, Fred- 
erick, Stella, Elsa and Frank. Those 
deceased were Orson, who died Jan. 3, 
1S62, and David who died Jan. 6. 1862. 
Mr. Landon owns 121 acres of land. He 
belongs to the A. F. & A. M., of Jersey- 
ville. With his wife he is a member of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian church at 
Otterville. 

Willis Whitlow, a farmer of English 
tdwnsliip, was born in Greene county, 
this state, Feb. 13, 1836, his parents 
being Daniel and Fannie Whitlow. He 
was brought up on a farm, remaining at 
home with his parents until about 21 
years old. He has traveled over con- 
siderable country since that time, hop- 
ing to find some place more agreeable 
to his tastes. He explored in Southern 
Kansas, was in Brown county, la., at- 
tended the World's Fair, at New Or- 
leans, and went down to the Gulf of 
Mexico. In September, 1859, he was 
married to Emeline Moran, daughter of 
John and Polly (Bush) Moran. They 
are the parents of six children, four of 



whom are now living — Hugh L., Eliza- 
beth, Luella, and Ida. His wife died 
Oct. 5, 1881, of lung disease. Mr. Whit- 
low now owns 198 acres of land, and is 
an intelligent, respected citizen of this 
township. 

Edward Allen, a citizen of English 
township, is a native of Ireland, and 
was born in 1849, his parents being 
Richard and Margaret (Sweeney) Allen, 
both of whom were also natives of the 
Emerald Isle. His parents both died 
in their native country. Edward immi- 
grated to this country in 1880. He took 
passage at Liverpool, Eng., and sailed 
to Castle Garden, New York, thence he 
came to Jerseyville and located in Eng- 
lish township. Here he made his home 
about two years, then went to Gage and 
Johnson counties, and for a time there 
followed farming. He then returned to 
his homestead in this county, which 
has since been his home. He was 
married May 12, 1885, to Mary Ryan. 
They are botli members of the Catholic 
church at Jerseyville. He cultivates 
about 30 acres of land. 

James P. Powel came to this county 
at the time of his birth, which occurred 
March 24, 18£6, his parents being O. P. 
and Sarah (Russell) Powel, native Ten- 
nesseans, and now residents of this 
county. The subject of this sketch was 
brought up on a farm, engaged in the 
various duties of such an accupation, 
and, thus employed, remained with his 
parents until 28 years old. He was ed- 
ucated in the common schools of the 
county, which instruction was subse- 
quently supplemented by two terms at 
the Jacksonville Business College. He 
was married June 18, 1885, to Kate 
Daniels, daughter of J. S. Daniels. He 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



359 



cultivates 200 acres of land on section 
13. Mr. Powel is a member of the Sec- 
ond Presbyterian church, and is an en- 
terprising young man. He is compe- 
tent to fill any position in society, and 
his honesty and ability cannot fail to be 
a])preciated by an intelligent commu- 
nity. 

C. D. Beach was born in Vermont, 
near Burlington, July 17, 1800, his par- 
ents l)eing Albert and Minerva (Corn- 
stock) Beach, also natives of Vermont. 
The subject of this sketch was brought up 
on a farm. When quite young, he started 
out for himself, and coming to this 
state, received his introduction by being 
put off a steamboat at the mouth of 
Macoupin slough. The fireman kindly 
threw him a firebrand, with which he 
built a camp fire, and there spent the 
niglit. I'nder such circumstances, es- 
pecially as he was obliged to keep a 
good fire to keep away the wolves, he 
could not sleep or secure much rest. 
His personal property consisted of a 
small bundle containing a few shirts. He 
was, however, an energetic youth and 
soon secured a position teaching school, 
which business he followed for about 15 
years. He then turned his attention 
exclusively to farming. In 1831 he built 
a steam saw-mill, which was among the 
first in the county. He operated the 
mill about one year, when he sold out 
to a man named Cory. He then pur- 
chased 150 acres of land in section 15, 
where he has since made his home. He 
was married in Aug., 1S49, to Charlotte 
Vaughn, daughter of John and Hester 
Vaughn. By that union there were three 
children— Clias. L., Helen and Chas. 
His wife died in 18G8. He was again 
married in Oct., 1877, to Harriet Miller. 



By this union there were three children 
— Don, Walter and Harry. Mr. Beach 
now owns 217 acres of land, and is among 
the old settlers of this county. 

Richard Jewsbury was born in Eng- 
land, May 31, 1S0(). He came to this 
country in 1836, and located near Jack- 
sonville, Morgan county. 

Ebenezer C. Jewsbury was born in 
Morgan county, March 8, 1838, his par- 
ents being Richard and Ann (Smith) 
Jewsbury, both of whom were from 
London, Eng. Ebenezer C. was brought 
up on a farm. His mother died in 1847, 
and he remained on the place until 21 
years old. He then started out for him- 
self, rented a farm, and followed agri- 
culture until 1862, when he enlisted in 
the army, in Co. K, 101st 111. Vol. Inf., 
and served three years. He i)articipated 
in many battles and skirmishes, among 
them the siege of Vicksburg, Resaca, 
siege of Savannah, Atlanta, Peach Tree 
creek, Bentonville, and was a member 
of the force that, under Sherman, made 
the great march tt) the sea. Returning 
from the service, he went again to tiie 
old homestead, in Morgan county, and 
remained two years. In 1868 he came 
to this county, and located t)n sections 
10 and 15, where he bought 146 acres of 
land. He was married, Jan. 12, 1870, 
to Martha J. Brown, daughter of Joseph 
R. and Harriet (Downes) Brown. They 
are the parents of five children — Joseph, 
R., Harriet A., Charles S., Maud M., and 
Harry C. Mr. .lewsbury now owns 166 
acres of land, mostly under cultivation, 
except 40 acres, which is timber. He 
belongs to the A. F. <t A. M., and, with 
his wife, is a member of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church. He has held 
the oilice of school director, trustee and 



360 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



assessor, and is prominently identified 
with the public matters of this township. 

Andrew J. Rice, a prominent farmer 
of English township, was born in 
Greene county, this state, March 27, 
1882, his parents being William R. and 
Cyntliia E. (Wood) Rice, both of whom 
were native Kentuckians. His father 
died in Jan., 1842, and his mother is 
yet living near Woodville, in Greene 
county. The subject of this sketch was 
brought up on a farm, and remained on 
the old homestead until 15 years old, 
then worked out by the month for about 
one year, when he abandoned farming 
and learned the trade of blacksmith, 
which business he followed for about 
nine years, working in dilTerent places. 
In 18(30 he purchased 80 acres of land 
on section 15, English township, which 
has since been his home. In 1869 he 
added materially to the improvement of 
his place by the erection, on a good loca- 
tion, of a substantial and commodious 
frame house, at a cost of about $2,000. 
He was married Sept. 23, 1858, to 
Mary E. Short, daughter of Alfred and 
Susanna Short. They are the parents 
of five children — Georgia, Joseph A., 
Harry H., William and James O. Mr. 
Rice now owns 140 acres of land, located 
on sections 10 and 15, where he is en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising. 

William Timpe is a native of Ger- 
many, and was born April 12, 1833, his 
parents being Barney and Anna (Muel- 
ler) Timpe, both of whom were also 
natives of that country. In 1853 he 
bade farewell to friends and fatherland, 
and took passage on a sailing vessel" at 
Bremen, bound for New Orleans, U. S. 
A., arriving in due season. He went to 
St. Louis and thence to Alton, where he 



remained four years, being engaged in 
farming. In 1861 he came to this 
county and located in English town- 
ship, where he bought 225 acres of land. 
He was married in Aug., 1855, to Tracy 
Fall, daughter of Toney Fall. They 
are the parents of 11 children — Joseph- 
ine, who is the wife of John Wagman, 
and living in this township; Lizzie, 
John, Tracy, Frank, Willie, Joseph, 
Peter, Anna, Laura and Charles. Mr. 
and Mrs. Timpe and family are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. Mr. 
Timpe is a thorough-going and success- 
ful farmer, everything about his place 
indicating the thrift and enterprise of 
the owner. He is politically a demo- 
crat. Mr. Timpe is now living with 
his second wife, who was formerly 
Mary Madaisie. 

William Falkner is a native of this 
state, and of Madison county. He was 
born Feb. 12, 1822, his parents being 
John and Sarah A. (Short) Falkner, 
both natives of Maryland. His father 
died March 25, 1825, and his mother 
March 23, 1853. He was brought up a 
farmer, and remained with his parents 
until 26 years old, and until their death. 
In 1846 he enlisted in the army, and 
served one year during the Mexican war. 
He participated in the noted battle of 
Buena Vista. In 1854 he purchased 60 
acres of land on section 31, where he 
located and has lived since. He was 
married Feb. 24, 1854, to Edna A. 
Cooper, daughter of Jonathan and 
Eleanor (English) Cooper. They are 
the parents of nine children, eight of 
whom are now (1885) living — Sarah, 
who was married to Thomas A. Price, 
deceased, now living at home; Caddie 
E., living in Jerseyville; Mary R., now 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



361 



the wife of Milo Cope, living near Ot- 
terville; Edna P., who was married to 
M'illiani Falkner, now living in Eng- 
lish township; John J., William L., 
Elizabeth S. and Charles N. The one 
deceased was Mary E., who was 
married to John Morris. Mr. Falkner 
owns 60 acres of land on section 86. 
He, with his wife, is a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian church at 
Otterville. He is a highly respected 
citizen of his township, and would be a 
valuable acquisition to any community. 
John G. Erwin, a farmer of English 
township^ was born in this county, Feb. 
1, 1841, his parents being William and 
Hannah (Brown) Erwin, the former a 
native of South Carolina and the latter 
of Missouri. His father was born in 
1S()8 and his mother in ISll, both of 
whom are still living in Girard, Macou- 
jiin county. The subject of this sketch 
was brought up on a farm, and received 
his education mainly in the schools of 
this county. He attended McKendree 
College, at Lebanon, one year, but, on 
account of sickness, did not there com- 
l)lete the intended course. He was 
married Nov. '27, 1866, to Mary Cock- 
rell, dauglitcr of George and Minerva 
(Darlington) Cockrell. They are the 
parents of four children — Walter E., 
Charles W., Hattic B. and Louis Elmer. 
He owns 80 acres of land, all under cul- 
tivation. He is a member of the A. F. 
and A. M. and R. A. M. Mr. and Mrs. 
Erwin arc members of the Baptist 
church. He takes a commendable in- 
terest in public affairs; was ai)pointed 
school treasurer in 1871, and has held 
that office ever since. In 187'.t-80-8l 
he was supervisor, and his interests 
seem closely identified with all public 



matters calculated to benefit his town- 
ship and community. 

Louis Vahle was born in Jersey 
county, Illinois, March 31, 1857, being 
a son of John M. and Mary (Harris) 
Vahle, the former a native of Germany 
and the latter of Illinois. He lived with 
his parents upon a farm until he attained 
his majority, being educated in the dis- 
tricts schools. On Nov. 21, 1878, he was 
united in marriage with Lena Gotten, 
daughter of Casper and Christiana Got- 
ten. They are the parents of three 
children — Mary, Christiana and Jose- 
phine. Mr. Vahle is engaged in farm- 
ing, cultivating 120 acres of land. He 
is an enterprising and thrifty farmer and 
a good citizen. 

Anthony Vahle, son of John M. and 
Mary (Harris) Vahle, was born in Jer- 
sey coimty, Jan. 23, 1860. He was 
reared upon a farm, and obtained his 
education in the district school, remain- 
ing with his parents until 23 years old. 
He then engaged in farming for himself, 
and now cultivates 120 acres of land. 
He is a member of the Catholic Church 
and a much respected and worthy 
young man. 

John Howell is a native of this 
county, where he was born July 24, 
1853. His parents, Uriah and Elsie 
(Nevius) Howell, were both born in New 
Jersey. The former died in April, 
1884, but the latter is still living, re- 
siding in Jerseyville. The subject of 
this sketch has spent the greater por- 
tion of his life in Jersey county. In 
his youth he learned the carpenter 
trade, and followed the same for 11 
years in this county. In 1873 he went 
to Nebraska and remained a year, dur- 
ing which he worked a part of the time, 



362 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY; 



at carpentering. He returned home in 
1874 and continued to work at his trade. 
In the winter of 1881 he purchased 80 
acres of land on section 24 of English 
township, which has been his residence 
since that time. December 12, 1876, he 
was married to Greta T. Snell, daugli- 
ter of Asa and Emeline Snell. Four 
children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Howell — Clarence, Russell, Min- 
nie and Frederick. Mr. Howell has 
his farm under cultivation and is an in- 
dustrious and enterprising farmer. 

David J. Roach was born in county 
Limerick, Ireland, in 1834, and is a son 
of Terrence and Margaret (Slyne) Roach, 
also natives of the "Emerald Isle." 
The former died in September, 1871, 
the latter is now living in Jerseyville. 
David was reared upon a farm, and re- 
mained with his parents until 21 years 
of age. In 1849 he left his native 
country, taking passage at Cork, on 
board a small steamer bound for Liver- 
pool, where he embarked for America. 
He landed in New York city, and went 
to Chester, Conn., where he resided 
about seven years, engaged in the liv- 
ery business, also worked in a tannery. 
In 1856 he went to East Windsor, Conn., 
and engaged in railroading five years. 
Nov. 20, 1858, he was married to Mary 
McGillicuddy, daughter of Cornelius 
and Nellie (Joy) McGillicuddy. After 
marriage he resided three years in Con- 
necticut, and in the fall of 1861, removed 
to Illinois, locating at Fidelity, Jersey 
county, where he remained until the 
spring of 1883. At that date he moved 
to English township, where he now re- 
sides. He owns a farm of 160 acres, 
located on sections 1 and 2, all of which 
is under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. 



Roach are the parents of nine children 
William T., Cornelius, Dennis, David 
P., Eugene, Mary E., Thomas F., Leon- 
ard, and Joseph A. Mr. Roach and his 
family are members of the Catholic 
church. He is independent in politics, 
and an intelligent and worthy citizen. 

Cornelius Decker came to Jersey 
county in 1863, locating in English 
township, where he purchased a small 
tract of land. He has continued to re- 
side here until the present, and now 
owns 48 acres, located on sections 26 
and 27. Mr. Decker was born in Hol- 
land in the year 1819, and is a son of 
Frederick and Ellen (Molan) Decker, 
also natives of Holland. In 1845 the 
family immigrated to America, landing 
at New York city. They settled in 
Union county, N. J., where Cornelius 
remained about IS years, then removed 
to this county, as before stated. Aug. 
10, 1841, he was married to Ellen 
Weirengan. They had eight children, six 
whom are living — Frederick, married 
to Anna Schneider, now living in New 
fcjersey; Hattie, wife of Ulysses Beck, 
also living in New Jersey; Philip, mar- 
ried to Emeline Copse, living in Eng- 
lish township; Harmon, in Missouri; 
William and John. Mrs. Decker died 
June 23, 1884. Mr. Decker and his 
family are members of the Methodist 
church. He is a worthy and much 
esteemed citizen. 

William B. Burgess was born in Mad- 
ison county, Tenn., on the 9th of June, 
1834. In 1836 he came to Illinois, ac- 
companying his parents, William B. 
and Matilda (Brown) Burgess. They 
made the journey, via the river, from 
Memphis to St. Louis; thence, to Belle- 
ville, 111., where they resided about 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



363 



12 years, removing then to Washington 
county. Three years later they moved 
to Madison county, where they lived 
till 1861. The subject of this sketch 
was reared to agricultural pursuits and 
staid with his parents until 19 years old. 
His niutliiT died in 1857 and his father 
in 1862. In 1860 he went to Colorado 
and spent four months, near Denver, 
after which he returned home, and en- 
listed -Feb. 22, 1862, in Co. I), of the 
61st 111. Inf. He participated in many 
of the most noted engagements of the 
war, and was honorably discharged at 
the expiration of his term of service. 
On returning from the army, Mr. Bur- 
gess came to Jersey county and settled 
in English township. He has been 
twice married, first to Susanna Dil- 
linger, who died May 5, 1857, leaving 
two children — Alonzo S. and James T. 
Mr. Burgess was again married Aug. 
11, 1861, to Olive J. Smith, and by this 
union has three children — William H., 
Charlotte S. and Peachy M. He is a 
member i)f the G. A. R. post of Elsah, 
and also of the M. E. church of Kane. 
John C. Bridges is a son of Enoch and 
Nancy (Rush) Bridges, and was born 
June lU, 18,j6. Enoch Bridges was born 
in Missouri, and died April 25, 1867. 
He was a Baj)tist minister, and by trade 
a mill-wrigbt, but followeil farm- 
ing most of his life. He took part 
in the Black Hawk war, during which 
be was commissioned colonel. His wife 
died April 20, 1858. John C. Bridges 
was reared upon a farm in Jersey county, 
where he was born, and resided with 
his parents until their decease. In 1860 
he went to Eastern Kansas in search of 
a location. In 1865 he went with a com- 
pany of others, to Arkansas, and there 



witnessed the burning of Salem, by 
bushwhackers. In 1871 he took another 
trip, visiting Nebraska, where he re- 
mained a short time. He was married, 
in 1860, to Emeline Rowden, daughter 
of James Rowden. They have had six 
children, five of whom are living — 
Henry W., John N., Mary E., James 
E. and Hettie E. Cora E. is deceased. 
In 1880 Mr. Bridges removed with liis 
family to Pierce City, Mo., but remained 
only a short time, returning to this 
county. In the fall of 1880 be went to 
Colorado, and engaged in mining four 
months, after which he returned home. 
He owns 75 acres of land, and is engaged 
in farming. He has held the office of 
county treasurer, also the township 
offices of constable and assessor, hold- 
ing the former eight years, and the lat- 
tor two terms. He was formerly a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church, and of the 

I. 0. O. F. 

John Power is of Irish descent, being 
a son of Michael and Bridget (Durney) 
Power, natives of Ireland. John was 
born June 1, 1860, in Jersey county, 
and here reared upon a farm, receiving 
his education in the district school. 
His father died May 22, 1880, but his 
mother is still living. Mr. Power is an 
industrious and thriving yoimg farmer. 
He owns a fine farm containing 220 
acres, located on sections 21 and 22. 
He is a member of the (Catholic church. 

Otha Kirehner was l)orn in Jersey 
county, Dec. 15, 1859, his parents being 
(ieorge C. and Elizabeth (Thurston) 
Kirclmer, the former a native of Ger- 
many, who died in this county, Dec. 

II, 1881. Mrs. Elizabeth Kirehner was 
born in Illinois, and died in Jersey 
county in 1866. The subject of this 



364 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



sketch remained with his parents until 
their decease. After the death of his 
father he worked out one year, then pur- 
chased 40 acres on section 35, of English 
townsliip, where he has since resided. 
He has all of his land in cultivation. 
He was married July 27, 1882, to Mary 
Dawm, daughter of Brocknier Dawm. 
They have one child of their own, and 
one child that they have taken to raise. 
Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner are members of 
the German Lutheran church. 

Joseph Lenz came to Jersey county 
in 1857, since which time he has been a 
resident of English township. He was 
born in Germany, July 10, 1831. He 
was reared in his native country, and 
tliere, in his youth, learned the stone 
mason's trade. He followed it, in Ger- 
many, two years. In 1852 became, with 
his father to America, embarking at 
Bremen and landing at New Orleans, 
where he stopj)ed a short time, then 
proceeded to St. Louis, thence to Alton, 
where he located permanently, and re- 
mained five years, following his trade. 
He removed from Alton to tliis county 
in 1857. He purchased at that time 80 
acres of land, to which he has since 
added until he now has 128 acres. He 
also owns a lime kiln which produces 
lime of the best quality. He was mar- 
ried April 30, 1865, to Mary Olbert, 
daughter of Michael and Catherine 
Olbert. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz are the 
parents of ten children, eight of whom 
are living — Catherine, Anna, Lizzie, 
Christiana, Caroline, Rosa, Lena and 
Josephine. Those deceased are — Mary, 
who died Nov. 3, 1867, and Joseph, 
who died Feb. 4, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lenz are members of the Catholic 
church. He is a democrat, politically. 



.\nthony O'Maley is a native of the 
Emerald Isle, born in county Mayo, in 
the year 1823. His parents, John and 
Bridget (Hines) O'Maley were also 
natives of Ireland. Anthony was reared 
on a farm in liis native country where 
he remained until 1851. In that year 
he came to the United States, taking 
passage on board a sailing vessel at 
Liverpool and landing in New York. 
He went from there west to St. Louis, 
thence to Alton, where he stopped a 
short time, then rented land in Madison 
county, on which he resided 11 years. 
In 1865 he came to Jersey county and 
purchased 50 acres of land in English 
township, his present home. He was 
married the same year, to Bridget Ball 
They have five children — Mary, married 
to Micliael Haggerty, of Greene county; 
John, Margaret, Martin and Katie. 
Mr. O'Maley and all of his family are 
members of tlie Catholic church. 

Henry C. Harmon was born in Greene 
county, 111., March 27, 18.50, his par- 
ents being John B. and Abigail (Bagby) 
Harmon, the former a native of Maine, 
and the latter of Virginia. He was 
brought up on a farm and remained 
with his father until 21 years old. In 
1876 be bought 50 acres of land on sec- 
tion 9, English township. He was 
married Oct. 17, 1871, to Mary Red- 
dish, daughter of Jacob and Hannah 
Reddish. They are the parents of five 
children — Louisa, Henrietta, Stella, 
Nannie, and an infant. Mr. Harmon 
now owns 437 acres of land mostly 
under cultivation. He is a member of 
the A.F. & A.M. lodge No. 592, Fieldon. 
He is a young enterprising citizen and 
a valuable aC(iuisition to any commu- 
nity. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



365 



John Madden has been a resident of 
Jersey county since July, 1860, having 
come here at that date from St. Louis. 
He purchased, then, 25 acres of land on 
section 35, English township, where he 
has since made his home. He now owns 
80 acres, .situated on sections 34 and 35. 
Mr. Madden is a native of Europe, born 
in June, 1S40, and a son of Thomas and 
Catherine ( Kni^lit ) Madden. He was 
reared on a farm in his native state. In 
1851 he took passage on board a sailing 
vessel at Liverpot)l, and came to Amer- 
ica, landing at New Orleans. He went 
fiom that city to Hollidaysburgh, Penn- 
.sylvania, where he remained 18 months, 
then went south and worked on the 
levees about three years, after which he 
went to Cincinnati, O., then to Wheel- 
ing, W. Va., thence to Kentucky, where 
he worked one summer. He then went 
to Hannibal, Mo., and was employed 
one season on the Hannibal & St. Joe 
railroad, going from there to St. Louis, 
and there working at any employment 
he could olitain until the date of his 
coming to this county. He was married 
in 1858 to Ellen Sheridan, daughter of 
Thomas Sheridan. Mr and Mrs. Mad- 
den are members of the Catholic 
church. 

Douglas Seago is a native of this 
county, and was born Sept. 9, 1857, his 
parents being John an<l Mary Ann 
((;amj)bell) Seago. Dougbis was reared 
on a farui, remaining with his parents 



until he was about 18 years old. He 
then worked on the farm for various 
persons, by the month. In 1880 he 
went to Dallas county, Tex., and re- 
mained about six months. He then re- 
turned to Illinois, and located in Greene 
county, where he remained about seven 
months, and then came to this county 
and purchased 40 acres of land on sec- 
tion 4, English township, where he re- 
mained two years, and then sold out. 
He now cultivates 40 acres of land on 
section 10. He is married, his wife lie- 
ing Hester Ann Roddisli. They have 
been blessed with three children — 
Tliomas J., Harry E. and Herbert. 

John S< hreiber, upon section 27, En- 
glish township, is a native of Germany, 
born Feb. 5, 1835, being a son of John 
and Mary (Schlick) Sehreiber, also na- 
tives of Germany. He resided in the 
land of his birth until 1874. In that 
year he came to America, landing at 
Baltimore, and came immediately west 
to Illinois, and to Jersey county by way 
of Alton. He stopped first at Jersej'- 
ville, but soon after purchased and re- 
moved to his present place. He has 
41 acres of land, and is an industrious 
and thrifty farmer. Mr. Sehreiber was 
married, first, to a Miss Begert, who 
died in 1875 leaving, one child— Lizzie . 
He was married the second time to 
Louisa Kerchler. He is a member of 
the Catholic church, and a demi crat 
politically. 



366 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



OHAPO^EIR XXII. 



RICHWOODS TOWNSHIP. 



This township is by far the most ir- 
regular in shape of any in the county, 
its northern boundary being formed by 
the Macoupin creek, and the western 
boundary by the same stream and the 
Illinois river. On the east lies Eng- 
lish township, and on the south Rose- 
dale. Richwoods is the most north- 
westerly township, Greene county ad- 
joining it on the north and northwest, 
and Calhoun county on the west. Though 
the surface of the country is much 
broken, and there is considerable tim- 
ber land, yet there are many fine farms 
in this township, and some of the best 
citizens in the county among its agri- 
culturists. Besifles those mentioned 
as forming portions of the boundary, 
there are no water-courses in the town- 
ship, save an occasional rivulet, and a 
few gullies which contain running 
water only in seasons of rain. In the 
southwestern portion of the township 
is McFain's lake, which is ^f quite re- 
spectable proportion. It lies mainly in 
sections 20, 29, 30 and 32, with a pro- 
jecting arm into sections 17 and 8. A 
small portion also lies in section 19. 
Long Pond is a small body of water, too 
small to be classed as a lake, which lies 
in section 18 and 19. There is also a 
small lake on section 5. The blutf in 
the west part of the township presents 
in summer a fine appearance, with its 
mossy eminences, and tree-clad acclivi- 
ties. It is rather a succession of blufi's, 



than a single bluff, which extend the 
full length of the township from north 
to south, in a generally straight direc- 
tion. There is not much improved 
land west of the bluff, save that closely 
adjoining. The town of Fieldon lies in 
the southeastern part of the township. 
It affords a market for many of the 
products of the people. Owing to the 
nature of the soil, the excellent drain- 
age facilities afibrded by nature, and 
the thrift and enterprise of a large ma- 
jority of the citizens of Richwoods 
township, there has never been a com- 
plete failure in crops here, and it is but 
seldom that they do not rank with the 
best in this part of the state. 

E.\RLY SETTLEMENT. 

Daniel McFain came in 1819, and 
settled about 3i miles west of Fieldon. 
McFain's lake received its name from 
him, he settling in its vicinity. He 
came from Virginia, but was a Pennsj'l. 
vanian by birth, and lived here until his 
death, which occurred about the year 
1830. 

John Gunterman, Sr., came in the 
spring of 1819, and located on section 5. 
He was born in New Jersey, about 1752, 
and emigrated to Hardin county, Ky., 
shortly after the Revolutionary war. 
There his son John, Jr., who long 
lived in this township, was born, in 
1799. In the fall of 1818, the family 
removed to Madison county, and from 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



367 



there to what is now Jersey county in 
the following spring, locating on section 
5, Richwoods township, as aforesaid, 
where they built a log eabin. John, 
Sr., (lied in lSo2, his wife having pre- 
ceded him in death. One of his 
danghti>rs married Uriah Miller, an- 
otV'r early settler of the township. 
The place where Mr. (iunterman set- 
tled is now owned by Jacob Reddish. 

John Smith settled on section 8, in 
1820 or earlier. In 1823, he removed to 
Greene county, where he afterward 
died. He had two daughters, one of 
whom, Druzilla, married John Gunter- 
man, Jr. 

Luther Calvin made a settlement in 
the vicinity of John Smith, during 1820. 

Joseph and William Buck, relatives 
of John Smith, came at the same time 
as the latter, and settled in the north- 
western part of the township. They did 
not remain long on any one piece of 
land, but were constantly on the move. 
They both had families. In 1823 they 
removed to Greene count j^, where they 
died. 

John Medford, a native of England, 
made a settlement in this township, in 
1820, on the southeast quarter of section 
8, where he resided for many years. He 
entered this piece of land in Feb., 1821. 
He came here from Cape Girardeau, JIo. 
He died in this township in 1825. He 
was married in Maryland to Mary Dean, 
by whom he had 12 children — Betsy, 
Mary, Margaret, James, Gibson, Ed- 
mund, Sophia, Robert and Marian. 
Sophia, now Mrs. Zed. Reddish, is the 
only one now living. 

John Stall S(!ttled on section 3, in the 
fall of 1820, and built a cabin of logs. 
He intended to make some farming im- 



provements here, but becoming sick and 
discouraged, he went over on to the 
banks of the Macoupin, where he en- 
gaged in cutting logs, and rafting them 
down stream to St. Louis. The cabin 
which he vacated, on section 3, was 
taken possession of l)y the Ward family, 
in the summer of 1821. 

Moses Leeds settled on section 17, in 
1S20, and entered the land on the 18th 
of January, 1821. He resided here 
until 1825, when he sold out and removed 
to the American Bottom. 

Abirim McKinney, a native of Virginia 
settled on the Illinois river bottom, in 
this township, in 1820. He remained 
here until 1822, when he removed to 
section 24, where he had entered land, 
and where he lived until the day of his 
death, in 1840. Mr. McKinney came to 
Illinois in 1818, and resided in Madison 
county for two years prior to coining 
here. 

Samuel Gates settled the Watson farm, 
on section 9, about the year 1820. He 
came from New York, of which state ho 
was a native, his wife being a native of 
Ohio. In 1827 he removed to Greene 
county, locating in the vicinity of Bluff- 
dale, where he purchased a farm from 
a man named Brush. His wife died 
about the year 1828, and he followi>d her 
in the long sleep, in 1842. 

Jesse Ward settled on section 3 on 
the 28th day of July, 1821. He took 
for a home a log cabin on section 3, 
which had been occupied by John Stall. 
Ward was born in North Carolina in 
1769, and was a son of Michael and 
Patsey (Terrill) Ward. He was mar- 
ried June 23, 1813, to Cynthia Springs- 
ton. They were the parents of 20 chil- 
dren, all of whom are dead except 



Moses, who now lives at Fieldon. He 
had been before married, to Elizabeth 
McDanicl, and was the father of three 
children by that marriage, all of whom 
are dead. His last wife .died in 1843. 
He removed from North Carolina to 
Spencer county, Ind., at an early day. 
Thence lie came to this county, as 
aforesaid, in 1821, leaving Spencer 
county, Ind., on the 14th of July. He 
lived at his first location,, on section 8, 
about a year, and then removed over 
near the Macoupin creek, on section 5 
of the same township. A year or more 
after this removal he was compelled to 
again change his location, by the rising 
of the waters, to his first location on 
the bluffs. He staid there about a year, 
and then rented a mill in Greene 
county, on the Macoupin creek. About 
a year afterward he removed to Carroll- 
ton, where he kept hotel. In 1826 he 
settled on the place where Jerome 
Campbell now resides, in this township. 
In 1829 he removed to Greene county, 
and in 1833 purchased a farm there. 
He afterward returned to Richwoods 
township, this countv, where he died, 
May 29, 1847. 

Moses Ward came with his parents 
to Richwoods township, in 1821. He 
was born in Spencer county, Ind., 
March 24, 1814. He has spent most of 
his life in this township, and is now a 
resident of Fieldon. He was married 
Nov. 5, 1846, to Nancy Eaton, a widow, 
and daughter of Thomas Van Meter, 
born Oct. 14, 1821. They are the par- 
ents of five children — Melvina, wife of 
Benjamin F. Scroggins, of this town- 
ship; Delilah E., widow of William H. 
Scroggins; John H., deceased; Luther 
A., deceased; Sarah J., wife of Edman 



Cope. Mr. Ward, though advanced in 
age, is in good health, and has a mem- 
ory very retentive of early incidents in 
the county's history. 

Jesse Watson made a settlement in 
the township in 1822, on the Illinois 
River bottom. He was a Pcnnsylvanian 
by birtli, but when ho was 13 years of 
age his parents moved to A'irginia. In 
1816 Mr. Watson came to Illinois, set- 
tling for the time in Wayne county, but 
in 1822 came to this county. He resided 
here until January, 1838, the date of 
his death; his wife had preceded him 
about eight years. Mr. Watson had 
been a soldier in the war of 1812, and 
in the Black Hawk war. With him 
came his son, Sebastian, then a child 
of five years. 

Mathew Darr came to this county in 
1822, and having entered some land on 
section 14, of this township, settled 
there. He remained here only a short 
time, when he returned to the Illinois 
River bottom, east of McFain's Lake, 
but in 1824 he purchased the land 
owned by John Thornton, in English 
township, whither he removed. Here, 
by industry and good management, he 
accumulated considerable property. He 
died while a resident of the county. 

Uriah Miller came to this township 
with his family in 1828, and lived here 
until he died, about 1838. He had set- 
tled in Greene county, in the township 
adjoining Richwoods, in 1821, with his 
father, John A. Miller, who died there 
about 1842. 

Among the other old settlers of this 
part of the township, who came to this 
county prior to 1830, were Thomas En- 
glish, James Price, James Welden, 
Thomas Ferguson, Stephen Evelyn, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



369 



V. A. Gil)bs, Jared Cox, Thomas and 
James Turm-r, Jacob Borer, Mason 
Cockrell and Sanford Beck. The exact 
date of the coming of many of these is 
not obtainable. 

OTHERS WORTHY OF MENTION. 

Many people, inhabitants of this sec- 
tion of the country, are worthy of men- 
tion in this connection, as representa- 
tives of that intelligent class who are 
making Jersey county one of the best in 
this portion of the state. 

Benjamin Franklin Campbell was born 
in Riehwoods townshij), Jersey coimty, 
on the 20th day of December, 1838, his 
parents being James and Elizabeth 
(Pace) Campbell. His father, James 
Cami)bo!l, was born in Knox county, 
Tenn., ;inil was there reared to man- 
hood. About 1828 he came to this 
state, and located finally on section 3, 
in what is now Riehwoods township. 
He had ])reviously farmed on Jerseyville 
prairie about a year, from where he 
moved to the place above mentioned, 
living there until his death, on tiie 2!)th 
of February, 1842. He was married in 
Tennessee to Elizabeth Pace, a native 
of North Carolina. She died in Febru- 
ary, 1805, and was buried in the Red- 
dish cemetery, as was also Mr. Camp- 
bell. They were the parents of twelve 
children, nine of whom are dead. They 
are — Mary, William, Nancy Emeline, 
Nathan, James, James Elihu, John Wil- 
son, Phclinda Jane, and Perry Oliver. 
Those living are — Thomas Jefferson, 
Elizabeth Ann, and Benjamin Franklin, 
tlie subject of this sketch. Mr. B. F. 
Campbell was married, Sept. 22, 18(>3, 
to Sarah Jane Bacon, a native of Mis- 
souri, and daugliter of John Bacon. 



They are the parents of eight children, 
six of whom are living — Charles Eil- 
ward, Nettie Elizabeth, Levi, Hester, 
Lawrence and Dorson. Those deceased 
are — Sophronia, died Oct. 26, 1875, aged 
li years; Oscar, died Sept. 20, 1871, 
aged nearly three years. Mr. Camjibell 
has 50 acres of land on sections 3 and 4. 
He has been commissioner of highways 
for three years, and is now school di- 
rector in his district. He has been 
identified with the township and county 
for nearly half a century, and is one of 
its most respected citizens. 

Thomas Jefferson (Campbell, a wealthy 
and enterprising mendier of this com- 
munity, was born on the 3d day of April, 
1833, in what is now Riehwoods town- 
ship, Jersey county, it then being in- 
cluded in Greene county. His parents 
were James and Elizabeth (Pace) Camp- 
bell, his father a native of Rowan county, 
N. C, and his mother of Tennessee, 
being born near Murfreesliorough. His 
father was married to. Elizabeth Pace, 
in Tennessee, and they moved to South 
Carolina. In the year 1830 they came 
to Illinois, and first located at Dyers, 
Jersey county, in what is now English 
township. The first land they purchased 
was 200 acres on section 34. On the 
29th of Jan., in the year 1843, his father 
died. His nK)ther died in the year 1863. 
Thomas worked on his father's farm 
until lie was 21 years of age, when he 
bought 130 acres of land on sections 5, 
8 and 13, where he farmed and speculated 
together, buying and selling stock. He 
was thus engaged for about four years, 
when he went to Pike's Peak, Idaho, 
but so many were returning from that 
territory that he concluded to turn back. 
This he did, and came to Jersey county. 



370 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



where he bought 80 acres of land on the 
same sections named before. He was 
married on the 8th of Nov., 1859, to 
Drusilla Knott, daiigliter of Samuel 
B. and Susan Knott, natives of Ohio. 
Mr. Campbell has been twice married, 
his present wife being Louisa Ann 
(Parker) Dunham. Both are members 
of the Christian church. He is a mem- 
ber of the A. F. & A. M, of Fieldon, and 
was school director for a number of 
years. Mr. Campbell has, by his enter- 
prise, accumulated a vast amount of 
property. He now owns 1,200 acres of 
land, 350 acres of which lies in the 
southwest corner of Greene county, and 
is all well improved. He is one of the 
most enterprising citizens of Richwood 
township, and is much respected b\' all. 
Jerome Campbell was born on the 
9th of Dec, in the year 1861, in Rich- 
woods township, on section 3. He 
is the son of James E. and Elizabeth 
(Milton) Campbell. His father was 
born on the 21st of Dec, 1828, in Rowan 
county, N. C. He came to this state 
with his parents when small, and set- 
tled on the place now owned by Jerome. 
He died Feb. 26, 1864. Elizabeth 
was born in Tennessee, July 18, 1836, 
being now 49 years old, and resides in 
Jerseyville. Jerome was raised on a 
farm until he was 17 years of age. He 
then entered the Jerseyville high school 
which he attended for three years. In 
1881 he learned the butcher's trade in 
Jerseyville, which business he followed 
for two years, except during the winter 
months, which he spent in attending 
school. In 1883 he returned to the 
farm, where his time has been since 
occupied. Mr. Campbell now owns a 
farm of 320 acres of good land, most of 



which is under cultivation, and all of it 
well fenced and in good condition. 
During the present year, 1885, he was 
elected assessor of this township. Mr. 
Campbell is an enterprising citizen of 
his township, and is well liked by all 
who know him. 

Benjamin Dunham was born in Berke- 
ley county, Va., on the 30th day of Oct., 
in the year 1822. He is the son of Da- 
vid and Catherine (Burkhammer) Dun- 
ham. His father was born and raised 
in the state of Virginia, and his mother 
was a native of Pennsylvania. Benja- 
min was the youngest of a family of 10 
children. When he was four years of 
age his parents removed to Hamilton 
county, Ohio, locating about 18 miles 
from Cincinnati. After they had lived 
there about eight years, his father died. 
They lived in Ohio 10 years, and then 
came by wagon to Illinois, in the month 
of October, 1836, and located in Macou- 
pin county, northeast of Greenfield. 
While living there, his oldest brother, 
Samuel, who had consumption, died 
during that winter. Benjamin and his 
mother remained in that comity one 
year, and then moved to English town- 
ship, Jersey county, and raised one 
crop on the farm now owned by 
John Garrel. From here, Benjamin and 
his mother moved in with his next older 
brother, Amos Dunham, and lived with 
him until Benjamin purchased 40 acres 
of land from Mr. Eastwood, about the 
year 1844, where his present residence 
now is. Benjamin's mother lived here 
with him until her death, which occur- 
red in the year 1853. She is buried in 
what is called Armstrong cemetery, in 
English township. Benjamin was mar- 
ried on the 30th dav of Oct., in the 



HISTORY GF JERSEY COUNTY. 



371 



year 1850, to Ann ElizJa Reddish, born 
Jan. 10. ISol, in what is how Jersey 
county. She is tlie daughter of Stepheh' 
and Sallie Reddish, a complete history 
of whom will appear in connection with 
the history of this township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunham have been the parents of 
14 children, 11 of whom are living — 
Henry C, born Aug. 30, 18ol; John, 
born May 8, 1863, died March 18, 1873; 
Walker, born Aug. 2, 1854; Juliette, 
born Feb. 28, 1856; Virginia Ann, born 
April 22, 1857, died June 24, 1869; Ste- 
phen A. Douglas, born June 11, 1858; 
Emmer, born Dec. 3. 1859; Lloyd, born 
March 30, 1861; an infant, unnamed, 
born Sept. 25, 1862, died May 3, 1863; 
Benjamin F., born Jan. 20, 1864; Charles 
H., born Feb. 6, 1866; Oscar, born Oct. 
16, 1867; Oliver P., born Nov. 18, 1869; 
Hattie Belle, born Sept. 8, 1871. Mr. 
Dunham's farm at first contained 40 
acres, but he has added to this until it 
now contains 213 acres, and on this he 
built a new residence in the year 1884. 
He raises stock, as well as grain. The 
extent of improvements on his and 
neighboring farms may be seen by com- 
paring the present condition with what 
it was when he first located there. It 
was then a wild country, with deer and 
wild game to be found in abundance. 
He has seen as many as 15 deer at one 
time, and has killed numbers of them. 
The last one killed in this neighborhood 
was shot by him, it being in among the 
sheep. He has also killed great num- 
ber of wild turkeys and other choice 
species of game, which were then more 
plentiful than the most common kinds 
now are. It is difficult to imagine the 
changes that have taken place in that 
time, but Mr. Dunham, in the half-cen- 



tury that he has spent here, has wit- 
nessed its transformation from a wilder- 
ness to a continued series of cultivated 
fields and the homes of hundreds. In 
those early days, like the other pio- 
neers, he had to haul his grain to mill 
and grind it himself, with his own 
team . 

Elisba Green, deceased, was born in 
the state of Pennsylvania, on Feb. 
22, in the year 1802. He came to Il- 
linois in the year 1834, first locating in 
Woodford county. In the year 1853, on 
the 3d day of July, he was married to 
Hester Ann Shaw, and he located on her 
farm of 120 acres. He came to Jersey 
county in the year 1854, locating on 
section 20. On the 13tli daj* of March, 
in the year 1878, Mr. Green died, leav- 
ing a widow and seven children to 
mourn his loss. The children are — 
Eveline, married to Henry Arkebauer, 
now living in Texas; Nancy, married to 
Philip Snell, now living in Scott county, 
111.; Ellen, wife of James Wedding, 
now living in Rosedalo township; Jen- 
nie, wife of Henry East, living in 
Texd!s; Kate, Perry, and Laura, wife of 
John East, living in Jersey county. 
Mrs. Green owns 80 acres of land 
where she resides, most of which is 
under cultivation. 

William Briggs was born April 2, 
1839, in township 9, Lincoln precinct, 
Greene county, Illinois. His parents 
were Asa B. andPhelinda(Nott) Briggs. 
His father was a native of New York, 
and his mother of Ohio. They were 
married in Muskingum county, Ohio, 
where they lived a number of years be- 
fore coming to Illinois. William was 
the 15th in a family of 16 children. 
When he had reached the age of five 



^72 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



years his parents removed from Greene 
county to St. Louis, where they lived 
until their death, his father dying in 
1849, his mother in 1852. At the age 
(if 10 years, William left home and went 
to Morgan county, where he engaged in 
farming with an older brother, Tiffin 
Briggs, until 1855, when he came to Jer- 
sey county and located on section 8, 
in Richwoods township, where he now 
resides on a farm of 90 acres. He was 
among the earliest ones to enlist in the 
service of his country, under the union 
banners, at the breaking out of the civil 
war. A company was formed composed 
of men from Greene, Jersey and Cal- 
houn counties, but their services were 
not accepted by the government, as it 
was thought that no more assistance 
would be needed. They were deter- 
mined to enter the service, and enlisted 
as a bod\' in the 6th Missouri regiment, 
under Col. Bland, at St. Louis. They 
begun service in Missouri and their first 
fighting was done at Pilot Knob. Froni 
there they went up the Missouri river to 
Jefferson City, thence to Tipton, and 
were in the famous forced march of Gen. 
Fremont from Tipton to Springfield. 
After finishing service there, they went 
to Shiloh, and then to Corinth, which 
tliey captured. From there they went 
to Memphis, Tennessee, then to Chick- 
asaw Bayou, where the regiment lost 85 
men in 10 minutes; then to Arkansas 
Post, and then settled down to the siege 
of Vicksburg, where our subject assisted 
in making the famous canal, while in 
charge of a fatigue squad. He was in 
the whole siege there and participated 
in the capture of the city. He was left 
in charge of the sick of his regiment for 
awhile and joined it later at Camp Sher- 



man, on Black river. They came up the 
river to Memphis and marched to Chat- 
tanooga, where they participated in tiie 
celebrated crossing of the river on pon- 
toons, then went to Knoxville to relieve 
General Burnside. They wintered at 
Bridgeport, Alabama, and in the spring 
of 1864, Mr. Briggs re-enlisted and came 
home on a veteran furlough. After 60 
days he joined Sherman at Dalton, 
Georgia, and from that point was with 
him on his world-renowned march to the 
sea, participating in all the engagements. 
His regiment went with Shernran up 
througli the Carolinas to Washington, 
and participated in the last grand re- 
view of Sherman's army at the National 
Capitol. His regiment then went to 
Louisvillei, Ky., thence to Little Rock, 
Ark., where they were discharged, and 
afterwards they were mustered out at 
St. Louis, onl}' 30 men being left, out of 
the 110 who enlisted. Mr. Briggs was 
1st lieutenant of Co. E, 6th regiment of 
Missouri, when mustered out. He had 
been orderly sergeant froTn the end of 
his first year's service until the time of 
his promotion. At the close of the war 
he came home, and in 1867 was married 
to Emily Dunham, daughter of Amos 
and Mary (Barr) Dunham, whose his- 
tory will be found elsewhere. Mr. and 
Mrs. Briggs have five children — Tiffin, 
Cora, Jerome, Jefferson and Alma. 

James M. Walsh was born in Calhoun 
county, 111., on the 15th day of Decem- 
ber, 1858. He is a son of James and 
Mary Ann (Smith) Walsh. His father 
is a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and is at 
present living at Fieldon. His mother 
was born in Calhoun county. She died 
on the 3d day of October, in the year 
1868, and was buried at the McDonald 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



373 



graveyard, in Calhoun county. Whert 
James M. was about six years old, he 
came with his parents to wliat is now 
called Rosedale township. Several years 
of his youth were spent there, and in 
May, 187U, he went with his father and 
one brother to Buffalo, N. Y., and re- 
sided there about four years. While 
there he partially learned the machin- 
ist's trade, but in 1874 he came back to 
this state, and he has resided in Rich- 
woods township, Jersey county, ever 
since that time. He was married, on 
the 6th day of March, 1883, to Louie 
Reddish, daughter of John and Mary 
Reddish. They have one child, named 
Gertie. There are 160 acres in the farm, 
of which our subject is the manager, 
and proves to be a very efficient one. 

William Baum was born in the village 
of Destel, in Minden province, Prussia, 
in the year 1832. He came to America 
when a young man of 20, first locating 
in St. Louis. In the spring of 1857, he 
was married to Annie M. Knost, and in 
the year 1860 they moved to the Illinois 
bottom and l)egan farming. lie lived 
here a short while, when, becoming dis- 
satisfied with that part of Illinois, he 
moved witli his wife and two children to 
Jersey county, in the fall of 1S61. Here 
he began the laborious task of making a 
home for himself under the bluffs, four 
miles west of Fieldon. He bought 80 
acres of land, and built a log cabin on 
it, clearing and tilling the soil with one 
yoke of oxen. In the winter of 1870 
his wife died, leaving him with a family 
of five ciiildrcn, the youngest being but 
tliree years old. In the year 1.S71 Mr. 
BauMi was again united in marriage to 
Elizabeth Osthnes, of St. Louis, who 
survives him. She is the daughter of 



Frank and Katie (Gollembach) Osthnes. 
On the 23d of Nov., in the year 1884, 
William Baum died at his residence, 
four miles west of Fieldon, being in the 
52d year of his age. He left a wife and 
four children — William, Louis, Fred 
and Lizzie, all living at home, to mourn 
the loss of a kind husband and loving 
father. Mr. Baum was a faithful, ener- 
getic man, and by industr\', honesty and 
economy had added acre by acre, until 
at the time of his deatli he was the 
owner of 540 acres of land, and a large 
and commodious residence had taken 
place of the log cabin, and everything 
around showed happiness and prosper- 
ity. No one could be more accommo- 
dating or hospitable to his friends than 
he, and the genial and familiar face of 
"Billy" Baum, as he was called, has 
been sadly missed by friends and 
neighbors. 

William Butt, a native of Prussia, 
was born on the 29th day of Jan., in 
the j'ear 1834. His parents were Frank 
and Mary Maria Butt, natives of Ger- 
many. William was reared on a farm, 
in his native country, working around 
until he was 20 years of age. In the 
year 1853 he decided to leave his 
fatherland, and after bidding farewell 
to friends, took passage on a vessel 
bound for this country. He landed at 
Galveston, Tex., where he remained a 
short time, then came to New Orleans, 
and thence to St. Louis, where he 
worked on a railroad about three 
months. In the spring of 1857 he came 
to Jersey county. 111., locating on Otter 
creek, where he lived four years. On 
the 14th of Aug., in the year 1862, he 
enlisted in Co. C, 122d 111. Inf. He 
was in all the principal l^attles in which 



P.74 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



tliat regiment engaged. He was wound- 
ed at Nashville, Tenn., on the 16th of 
Dec, 1864, and was taken to the Nash- 
ville hospital, and from there to Jeffer- 
sonville, Ind., where he lay an invalid 
about three months. He was mustered 
out on the 20th of Aug., 18(i.5, and re- 
turned home, and on the '28th of .Jan., 
186G, was married to Lizzie Nappert, 
daughter of Caspar and Margaret Nap- 
jiert. Two children were born to 
them — Emma M. and William A. Mr. 
Butt has been twice married; the second 
time to Selma Berger, daughter of 
August Berger. By this union they 
have three children — Paul, Emilie F. 
and Olga M. In 1877 Mr. Butt pur- 
chased 4U acres of land in Rosedale 
township, on section 1, and afterwards 
added 40 more to it. He now owns 160 
acres, having bought 80 acres in Rich- 
wood township, section 36, upon which 
he resides. Mr. Butt belongs to the G. 
A. R. of Kane. He is well respected 
by all liis neighbors. 

Nicholas Heiderscheid was born in 
the province of Folschet, Luxemburg, 
on the 21st day of Dec, in the year 
1836, his parents being John and Kath- 
erine (Weber) Heiderscheid. His 
father died in 1845, his mother in 1857, 
two j'ears after her son's departure 
from home. Nicholas spent nearly 20 
years of his early life in his native 
country, working mostly on a farm, and 
about six months at the shoemaker's 
trade. In 1855, he bade farewell to 
friends and relatives in the old country, 
and taking passage on a sailing vessel 
at Antwerp, was soon on his way to the 
New World. After an ocean voyage of 
40 days, he arrived at New York, and 
after remaining there one day he set out 



for Chicago. On arriving there he re- 
mained six months, farming in the 
vicinity of that city. From there he 
went to Calhoun county, where he en- 
gaged in farming for about three years, 
then came to Greene county, where he 
remained one year, and finally came to 
Jersey county, locating in Richwoods 
township, where he has since remained. 
In 1876 he bought 40 acres on section 15, 
and the next year bought 40 more on 
section 16. He was married on the 24th 
day of Aug., in the year 1862, to Laura 
Thurston, a native of Calhoun county, 
and daugliter of James and Annie (Col- 
lard) Thurston. Her father died in the 
spring of 1851. Her mother now lives 
two miles east of Jerseyville. Mr. and 
Mrs. Heiderscheid are the parents of 
nine children, seven of whom are liv- 
ing — Henry, Ida A., John, Carrie, 
Mary Jane, Clarence, and Jessie Vic- 
tor, an infant. Elizabeth died Aug. 1, 
1878, aged 13 vears; Nicholas, an in- 
fant, died Dee. 28, 1877. Mr. Heider- 
scheid is a member of the Catholic 
church, in which religion he was raised 
from infancy. 

James Cannon, a native of Ohio, was 
born on the 13th of March, 1820. His 
parents were Richard and Nancy 
(Thompson) Cannon, his father being a 
native of Maryland, his mother of Penn- 
sylvania. James was reared on a farm, 
working for his father until he was 26 
years of age. He came to this state 
with his parents in the fall of 1831, 
they locating in Peoria county. He 
lived in that county until the year 1848, 
when he came to Jersey county, and. 
purchased some small pieces of land on 
section 4, which he cultivated until the 
year 1868, when he sold out that land, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



37.5 



and moved on another place that he had 
honfjlit. (.)n Nov. 20, 1845, he was niar- 
ried to Mary F. Pratt, daughter of John 
and Rebecca (Woodrard) Pratt. One 
child was born to thein — Lueinda, who 
married William Halsey, and lives in 
Clinton, la. Mrs. Cannon died in 1872, 
and was buried at Lacon, Marshall 
county. 111. Mr. Cannon has held sev- 
eral dirt'erent offices in this township, 
and is an old and well respected citizen 
of this community. 

William Krueger, a wealthy farmer 
in this township, was burn in Prussia, 
on the 12th day of June, 1833. His par- 
ents were Charles and ]\Iary (Owens) 
Krueger. His father dii'd in Germany, 
in the year 1845, at the age of about 51 
years. His mother came to tliis country, 
al)out four years after her son, William, 
came. She lived near Chicago about 
two years witli her son, Charles. He 
then moved to Minnesota, and she went 
with him, and resided there until her 
death, in tlie spring of 1871, at the age 
of 80 years. In the year 1854, our sub- 
ject took passage in a vessel bound for 
Canada, and after a voyage of four 
weeks, he landed at (iuebec. He re- 
mained there three daj^s, then went to 
Montreal, \\4iere he worked on the canal 
fur about a month, and then went on to 
Chicago, wliere he went to work for the 
Illinois Central railroad company about, 
15 miles from the city. He worked there 
seven weeks, and then went to making 
plank fence along the railroad, near 
Kankakee, where he worked a couple of 
months. He then went to work on the 
canal again, during tlie summer, alumt 
22 miles from Chicago, and in the win- 
ter he clio]iped wood. He was thus em- 
ployed for nearly four years, and tlien 



came down to Grafton, with a yoke of 
cattle, and commenced farming and 
hauling cord wood. He remained there 
over five years, and then came to Rich- 
woods township, where he had bought 
land about a month before that. He 
located on 200 acres which he had bought 
on sections 14 and 15, his house being 
on section 14, and on this place he still 
lives. He has added to this until now 
he has a splendid farm of 770 acres. 
His time is devoted not only to the 
raising of grain, but also to stock-raising, 
in which he is very successful. He was 
married in Chicago, on the 20th of June, 
1857, to Dora Pracll, a native of Mech- 
lenburg, Germany. Nine children were 
born to them, six of whom are now liv- 
ing — George, Charles, married to Lizzie 
Krouse, and living in Richwood town- 
ship; William, Henry, Louis and Ma- 
tilda; Emma died at the age of one and 
a half years, the other two died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Kreuger and wife are both 
members of the Lutheran church at 
Fieldon. He has held the office of road 
commissioner three years, and that of 
school director several t(!rms. Mr. 
Kreuger has been very successful since 
coming to this country, and by his in- 
dustry has succeeded in placing his fam- 
ily in a most comfortable situation. 

Allen W. Milem was born in Lee 
county, Va., on the 29th day of July, 
1846, his jiarents being William W. and 
Barbara (Warren) Milem, natives of 
Virginia. They lived on a farm there, 
and wlu'U Allen was <iuite young, they 
moved to Indiana, locating near Coats- 
ville, wdiere they farmed about four 
years. They th<Mi bought jiroperty in 
the village of Coatsville, and removed 
there. When Allen was 18 years of 



"• -- -' — - 



376 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



age, he came to Jersey county, 111., 
where he worked on a farm near Elsah 
about two j'ears. His parents then re- 
moved to this state, near Jerseyville, 
and he went to live with them, working 
part of the time for his father and part 
for himself. In 1<S76 he located on sec- 
tion 20, Richwoods township, where he 
rented a place, and farmed for awhile. 
In the fall of 1884 he purchased 40 acres 
of land on section 20. It is well culti- 
vated, and everything in good condition. 
In 1868 he was married to Mary Cope, 
daughter of George and Lucinda Cope. 
They have five children — Laura M., 
Charles H., William, Carrie A., and 
Albert M. Mrs. Milem is a member of 
the Christian church. Mr. Milem is a 
member of Fieldon lodge No. 592, A. F. 
& A. M. He is at present holding the 
office of school director. He is an in- 
dustrious and enterprising man, and is 
one of the township's most respected 
citizens. 

George Krueger was born near Graf- 
ton, Jersey county. 111., on the 19th day 
of Feb., in the year 1860. He is a son 
of William and Dora (Prill) Krueger, 
natives of the old country, and a sketch 
of whom will be found in the history of 
this township. When George was four 
years of age his parents moved to 
Richwoods township, where they lo- 
cated and purchased land in the year 
1864. He received his education in the 
country schools of this township, and 
has employed his time in the occupa- 
tion of farming from the time he was 
able to follow a plow, up to the present 
time. 

Mathias Metzdorf, a native of Prussia, 
was born on the 23d day of Nov., in the 
year 1826. His parents were Anthony 



and Mary (Burgch) Metzdorf, both na- 
tives of Prussia. Mathias remained 
with his father, with whom he farmed, 
until he was 26 years old. In the year 
1854, after bidding farewell to home 
and friends, he took passage at Ant- 
werp, on a vessel bound for America. 
In due time he landed at New York, 
and from there came to Chicago, where 
he remained a few days and then went 
to the state of Michigan, where he 
worked in the pineries about three 
years. From there he came to Alton, 
and then went to Grafton, wiiere he 
staid three years working at first one 
thing and then another. In tlie year 
1861, lie enlisted in Co. D, 24th 111. Inf., 
and served three years. He was then 
employed by the government about six 
months, drawing his pay at St. Louis. 
From that city he came to Jersey coun- 
ty, where he bought 120 acres of land, 
which he now owns. In the year 1868 
he was married to Sophia Backhouse, 
daughter of William Backhouse, Sr. 
To this union six children were born — 
George, born May 23, 1869, died Nov. 
23, 1871; Anton, born Nov. 9, 1871; 
Anna, born Jan. 23, 1873, and died 
June 23, 1876; Caroline, born Jan. 11, 
1876; Kate, born April 8, 1879, and 
Prudy, born June 15, 1882. Mr. Metz- 
dorf is among the well-respected citizens 
of this township. 

Frank Kallal, Sr., was born in Aus- 
tria, in the month of Aug. 1814. Nearly 
40 years of his life were spent in his 
native country, and he there learned 
the shoemaker's trade. In the year 
1853 he came to America, sailing in a 
vessel bound for New Orleans. On ar- 
riving at that city he came up the river 
to St. Louis, where he worked at his 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



377 



trade until coming to Jersey county, 
which was in the month of March, 1856. 
lie h)catcd t)n section "23, in Riclnvoods 
townsliip, wliere he engaged in farm- 
ing. W'iiih' living in Austria, in the 
year 1.S42, he was married to Fritnees 
Kasemor, a native of Austria. Tliey 
were the parents of 10 children, seven 
of whom are living — Joseph, married to 
Mary Jillich, living in English town- 
ship; Frances, wife of Michael Parkos, 
living in Valley county, Neh.; Mary, 
wife of Joseph Horst, living in St. 
Louis; Annie, wife of John Duban, 
living in Valley county. Neb.; Frank, 
who lives here and attends to the man- 
agement of the farm; Louisa, wife of 
Benjamin Beover, residing in St. Louis; 
John C, living with his mother in St. 
Louis. Frances, a daughter, died in 
Austria, when but a child. Katie and 
Lizzie died at the residence in this town- 
ship. Mr. Kallal lived on his farm 
here until the time of his death, which 
occurred on the 'IGth day of Nov., in 
the year 18(50. He was buried at the 
Catholic cemetery in English township. 
The family are all members of the 
Catholic church. After Mr. KallaFs 
death, his widow thought to retire from 
farm life, and in the nemth of May, 1880 
moved to St. Louis, where she now re- 
rides with her son John. Frank Kallal, 
Jr., was born on the 4th day of Nov., 
in the year 1858, on the place where liis 
parents located when coming to this 
county. He received his education 
partly in the district schools here, and 
jiartly at St. John's Bohemian school, 
in St. Louis. He now lives here and 
has the management of the family 
jiroperty, including the farm of 320 
acres in Richwood's township. 



George Ottenhausen has been a resi- 
dent of Jersey county since the year 
1874, having removed here from St. 
Louis at that date, and located near 
Ficldon, in lii('hwoods township, where 
he now lives. Mr. Ottenhausen was 
born in (iermany, on the 10th of Sept., 
18o0. In his youth he learned the 
miller's trade, which he followed in the 
old country until LSdO. In that year he 
came to the United States, setting sail 
at Hamburg and landing in New Or- 
leans. He then went to St. Louis, 
residing in that city 14 years, at the ex- 
piration of which he came to this 
county. He was married in 1860 to 
Augusta Bochman, daughter of Henry 
Bochman. Eight children have been 
born to them, three of whom are now 
living — Julia, Augusta and Lizzie. 

John L. Lofton was born on the 17th 
day of May, in the year 1826, in Gal- 
latin count}-, 111. lie is the st)n of John 
W. and Mary (Baldwin) Lofton. His 
father was a native of Georgia, his 
mother of Kentucky. His father died 
on the 15th day of Jan., 1877, and his 
mother on the 9th day of Aug., 1870. 
Jolm L. was raised on a farm, wliere he 
worked for his father until 21 years of 
age. He tlien worked around from 
place to place for about fi)ur years. In 
the year 1S52 he went to Volcano, Cal., 
where he worked in the gold mines an- 
other four years. He then returned 
home and staid with his father until 
about the year 1860. On the 1st day of 
April, 1866, he was married to Mary 
Jane (Bentley) Bivcns. He and his 
wife then went to Lynn county, Kan., 
where they resided three years, and 
then moved to Crawford county, in tlie 
same state, and remained there five 



378 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



years, his wife dying there on the 30th 
day of Oct., in the year 1874. He then 
returned home and staid with his father 
until the hitter's death, in 1877. Mr. 
Lofton is the father of five children — ■ 
Elizabeth, Emily, Charles W. and John 
T. (twins), and Mary Jane. His wife's 
children by her first husband are — Lucy 
Ann and Henrietta. Mr. Lofton owns 
40 acres of land on section 36, Rich- 
woods township, and is an old and res- 
pected citizen. He is a member of the 
A. F. and A. M., and is also a member 
of the M. E. church. 

Mathias D. Fondel was born in Prussia 
on the 8th day of September, 1823, his 
parents being Frank and Margaret 
(Schmatz) Fondel, natives of Prussia, 
where both have since died. Mathias 
was reared there to farm life. At the 
age of 30 years, he made up his mind to 
leave his native country, so he bade 
farewell to relatives and friends, and 
taking passage at Antwerp, was soon on 
his way to the New World, and arrived 
at the port of New Orleans after an 
ocean voyage of eight weeks. He staid 
in that city and vicinity for about two 
months, and then took a boat for St. 
Louis, where he remained several weeks, 
and then came up to Edwardsville, Mad- 
ison county. 111., between which point 
and St. Louis he was engaged in team- 
ing for four months. Pie then came to 
Jersey county, and located on Coon 
creek, remaining there three years, 
when he bought 40 acres on section 15, 
and commenced farming for himself. 
Since that time he has added 40 acres to 
his farm. Mr. Fondel was married in 
this county, in December, 1863, to Maria 
Wilson, widow of William Wilson, and 
daughter of Noah and Lucinda Willis. 



She was born in Lincoln county, Mo., 
where her father died April 16, 1858, 
and where her mother still resides. By 
this marriage there are four children — 
Margaret; Lucy Ann, wife of John 
Shaw, who lives in this township; Mary 
and Elizabeth. Mrs. Fondel was the 
mother of one child by her first mar- 
riage — Emily Jane, wife of Joseph 
Welch, who lives in Lincoln county, 
Mo. Mr. Fondel is a member of the 
Catholic church, while his wife and 
her daughter Mary are members of the 
Christian church. 

Edman Cope was born in Jersey 
county. 111., on the 25th day of Nov., in 
the year 1846. His parents were Joseph 
and Martha (Bullard) Cope, his father 
being a natiVe of Ohio, and his mother 
anative of Kentucky. Joseph died on the 
9th day of March, in the year 1874; Mar- 
tha died on the 28th day of June, in the 
year 1862. Edman was raised on a farm 
and the first jjlace he located was on 
the old Patterson farm. In the year 
1873 he came to Richwoods township, 
and located on section 36, where he has 
since resided. On the 29th day of May, 
in the year 1876, he was married to 
Sarah Ward, daughter of Moses and 
Nancy (Eaton) Ward. A family of 
five children have been born to them — 
Arwilda, Oracle, Martha, Jerry and 
Mardie. 

William Hinson was born in Jersey 
county, 111., on the 25th day of Oct., in 
the year 1838. His parents were Joel 
and Millie (Chillis) Hinson, both being 
natives of Virginia. William was raised 
on a farm, his father being a farmer, 
and with him he worked until he was 
30 years of age. Mr. Hinson has been 
twice married, his first wife having 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



379 



been Laura Landdom. In the year 
1869 he was married to Catherine Falk- 
ner, daughter of Joseph and Jane 
Falkner. Two children were horn to 
this union — Jackson and Nellie. In 
the year 1873, Mr. Hinson purchased 
40 acres of land in Richwood township, 
on section 21, and started farming for 
himself, whore he has since continued 
an industrious and respected citizen. 

James Allen Spencer was born on the 
30th day of January, in the year 1834, 
in what was then (ireene county, but is 
now Jersey county. He was the son of 
of Reuben and Mary ( Lofton) Spencer, 
both deceased. His father was a native 
of Virginia and died here in the fall of 
1844. His mother was a native of Ken- 
tucky, she died here, also, in the sum- 
mer of 1851. James was the fifth in a 
family of eight children. He lived with 
his {)arents on a farm, until their death, 
after which he worked around at one 
place and another until the year 18.'i.5, 
when he and his brother-in-law bought 
80 acres of land together, on section 25. 
About one year later he sold out there 
and bought 40 acres on section 14, and 
moved to that i)lace. On tbeotb day of 
April, in the yi",ir 1855, he was united 
in marriage with Sarah Rowden, 
daughter of William and Mary (Pruitt) 
Rowden. They are tlie parents of nine 
children, seven of whom are living — 
Marj', wife of George Seago, now living 
in English tovvnshij); Ellen, wife of 
William Beaman, living in Kansas; 
William; Frank and Kate, twins; Lucy 
and Nellie, twins. Those dead are — 
Jeanette and Mariette. Mr. Spencer 
participated in the civil war, having en- 
listed in Co. C, 122d 111. Inf. He served 
three years, going tlirougli several hc.rd 



battles. He was mustered out in the 
month of June, 1865, at Mobile, Ala. 

L. W. Calame is a native of Switzer- 
land, and was born on the 1st day of 
Dee., in the year 1835, his parents being 
Lewis F. and Eliza (Parel) Calame. 
They are natives of Switzerland, and 
are now living near Alton, Madison 
county. 111. When our subject was 10 
years of age he came with his parents 
to tliis country, where they located as 
above stated. His father was a watch- 
maker, and under him he learned the 
jewelry business, and stayed witli bis 
father imtil he was 21 years of age. On 
starting to this country in the year 1848, 
they had sailed from Havre de (jraee, 
and landed at New Orleans, from where 
they came up the Mississippi to Alton. 
In the year 1861 Mr. Calame enlisted in 
Co. D, of the 27th 111. Inf. The first 
battle be engaged in was at Belmont, 
and he was then in all the principal 
battles during the service. He was 
mustered out at Springfield, 111., Sept. 
1864. He then went home to Alton, 
where he remained one year. While in 
the army he was wounded l)y a fragment 
of a shell, at Farmington, Miss., and is 
now drawing a pension. On the 25th of 
Dec, 1866, he was united in marriage to 
Sarah Cole, daughter of William and 
Lydia (Wiseman) Cole. They are the 
parents of seven children — Lydia E., 
Lizzie, William F., Nora, Charles E., 
Artluir B., and Elmer. Mr. Calame 
came to Richwoods township in 1867, 
and ]nirchased 40 acres of land on sec- 
tion 27, where he has since resided. 

Isaac M. Moore was born on tlie 2d 
day of Feb., in the year 1842, near 
Waverly, Pike county, 0., his parents 
being Newton S. and Elizabeth (Brown) 



380 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Moore. Both were natives of Ohio. 
His mother died there in the j'ear 1877, 
his father in 1883, in the same state. 
Isaac M. was raised in his native place, 
and worked on his father's farm up to 
the time he came to this state. He left 
Ohio in the year 1.S76, and came to 
Jersey county, where he bought 320 
acres of land on section 8, on which he 
located. Mr. Moore has so prospered 
that he has been enabled to increase his 
farm until it now contains 460 acres, 
one-half of which is under cultivation, 
the balance being in tiniljer. Mr. Moore 
is one of Richwoods township's most 
enterprising citizens, and by his in- 
dustry and integrity has been thus far 
successful in life. 

Herman Groppel, a native of Prussia, 
was born on the 13th day of April, 1827. 
He is the son of Herman and Charlot- 
ta (Speckman) Groppel. In fall of 1840 
liis father died, and his mother four 
years later. Herman was the third in 
a family of seven children, consisting 
of three boys and four girls. He spent 
his youth on a farm in his native coun- 
try. He served in the Prussian army 
one year, and then returned to farm 
life. In the year 1853 Herman took 
passage on a vessel bound from Bremen 
to New Orleans, where he arrived after 
a voyage of nine weeks. From there 
he came up the Mississippi river to St. 
Louis, staying there until May of the 
following 3'ear, when he went up the 
Missouri river to Lexington and engaged 
in Avrming for two years. From there 
he came to Jersey county, 111., and 
bought 40 acres of land on section 22, 
in Richwoods township, on which he 
moved. On the 10th of April, in the 
vear 1858, he was married to Augusta 



Rudolph, a native of Prussia, and 
daughter of Daniel and Francisca 
(Lohmueller) Rudolidi. Seven children 
were born to them — Fred, married to 
Lena Arbogast, and living near Otter- 
ville; Edward, married to Lena EgelhofT, 
also living near Otterville; Lena, Henry, 
Willie, Theodore and Louis. Mr. 
Groppel and family arc members of the 
Lutheran church. He lias been an in- 
dustrious and energetic worker, and 
hence has been able to increase his 
original farm of 40 acres to 16(J acres at 
his liomr place in Richwoods townshi]), 
and 143!- acres near Otterville, where 
his sons reside. 

-James Dunbar was born in Pei'ry 
count}'. Mo., on the 18th day of March, 
1842. His parents were John and 
Nancy (Porter) Dunbar, his father being 
a native of Ninth Carolina, his mother 
a native of Kentucky. His father died 
in the year 1852. James remained at 
home until his father's death, when he 
was put out to work for a man named 
William Ringenton, but was treated so 
cruelly that he ran away from him and 
came to Randolph county, 111., where 
he worked for a man named James 
Guinn for about eight years. When he 
arrived at the age of 18, he volunteered 
in the 10th 111. Inf. He was mustered 
in at Cairo, in Co. I, and his regiment 
movecl to Fort Pillow. From there 
they were ordered to draw otf and re- 
inforce Cirant at the battle of Shiloh. 
James was in the siege of Corinth, 
skirmishing, about six months. On the 
9th of Oct., 1865, he was mustered out, 
when he went to St. Charles county, 
where he remained until 1870. He then 
went to Callaway county. Mo., remain- 
ing there until 1878, when he came to 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY 



381 



Jersey county and located on section 20, 
whore he owns a farm of 80 acres. On 
the 24th of Feb., in the year 1879, Mr. 
Dunbar was united in niarriaire to Mar- 
tha Jane Thompson, daughter of Win., 
and Martha J. Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dunbar are the parents of two children, 
only one of whom is living — George W. 
Tile one deceased was named John W. 
Mr. Dunbar and wife are members of 
the Christian church. 

M'illiam F. H. Gerson was born near 
Tribinc, Cierniany, on the 10th day of 
July, in the j'ear 1842, his parents being 
Fred and Charlotte (Miller) Gerson, 
natives of Germany. His father died 
on the 28th of March, in the year, 1882. 
His mother is still living, and resides 
on section oH, in Richwoods township. 
In the year lS(j8,^Mlliam left Germany, 
taking jjassage at Hamburg, and sailed 
for New York, where he landed after 
about a two weeks' voyage. From there 
he came to Chicago, where he reniained 
two years, working on the Chicago & 
Vincenncs railroad. He then went to 
Danville, Ind., and worked for three 
months, going from there to Montgomery 
county, in the same .state, where he 
staid about six months. He then went 
to the state of Missouri, and after being 
there a year, returned to Illinois, locat- 
ing in Jersey county, where he now 
owns 80 acres of land on section 28. On 
the 6th day of March, in the year ISTi). 
he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie 
Luft, daughter of John I.uft, a native of 
(icrinany. Mr. and Mrs. Gerson are 
botli members of the German Lutheran 
i-hurch. 

Carl Prill was born in Prussia on the 
•2(;th day of November, in tlie year 1843. 
He is the son of Joliii and Dora (Dor- 



mand) Prill, both natives of Germany. 
Carl staid at home witli his parents 
until he was 16 years of age, or until the 
death of his father, which occurred in 
the year 1860. He then went to work 
out by the month, which he continued 
doing until he was 26 years of age. In 
Oct., 1869, he decided to leave his fath- 
erland, and bidding farewell to home 
and friends, took passage at Hamburg 
on the steamer "Alamanar," bound for 
New York. He landed tliere, and im- 
mediately started west by railroad, trav- 
eling until he reached Illinois, when he 
came to Jerseyville, reaching there on 
the 7th of Nov., 1869. Kc worked by 
the month for about five years, and then 
rented a farm of 120 acres, and went to 
farming ft)r liimself. Feb. 28, 187o, he 
was married to Caroline Coel. They 
are the parents of five children — Mary, 
Lizzie, Emma, ('arolinc and Eda. Mr. 
Prill and wife are members of the Ger- 
man Lutheran church at Fieldon. He 
is an intelligent and industrious farmer, 
and consequently a successful one. 

John H. Sapp was born on the 10th 
day of May, 1857, in Richwoods town- 
ship, Jersey coiinty, 111. He is the son 
of James and Mary (Smothers) Sapp, 
who are natives of Bullitt count}', Ky. 
They cmigratcul to this part of the 
country in the year ISoO. Wlicn quite 
a small boy, John H. started out in the 
world to do for hims(df, and hired to 
Mr. Clark witli whom he staid about two 
years. He got tired of that place, and 
taking a notion to leave, ran off from 
Mr. Clark's, and went to Carrollton, 
wlierc he went to work for a living, 
staying about a year. He is now living 
on section '■'>■") in this townsliip. On the 
IDtli day of Feb., 1880, Mr. Sapp was 



382 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



married to Mary Burch, a native of 
this county, and daughter of George and 
Jane (Haruel) Burch. Two children 
have been born to them, only one of 
whom is now living — James Henry. 
The one that died was named Fillmore. 

George \V. Edwards was born in Jer- 
sey ville, Jersey county, on the 25th day 
of May, 1861. He is a son of William 
B. and Mary E. (Allen) Edwards. His 
father was born in the state of New Jer- 
sey, and his mother in New York. 
George W. was the eighth in a family 
of VS children. When he was tliree years 
ofage, his parents moved to Richwoods 
township, and located on section 35, 
where the family has since resided. 
George has followed the occupation of 
fanning ever since he was large enough 
to follow the plow. His education, 
which was very limited, was received in 
the schools of his district. On the 21st 
day of Sept., 1881, he was united in 
marriage with Annie Dcuening, the 
daughter of Fred and Mary (Thurston) 
Deuening. She was born in Calhoun 
county, but came with her parents to 
this county, when an infant. Two 
children have been born to this union. 
They are George P. and Lloyd Augustus. 

Henry Wieghard was born in the 
kingdom of Hanover, now in the empire 
of Germany, on the 28th day Jan., 1823. 
He was reared in Brunswick, learning 
at first the brewer's trade, and after- 
wards conducting a wholesale manufac- 
turing business, for another party, for 
about seven years. His father died 
when he was about 8 j'ears old, and his 
mother the year following. About two 
years before Mr. Wieghard came to 
America, the partner of the gentleman 
by whom he was employed had come to 



this country, and had been persuading 
him to come also. Accordingly, in 
1851, betook passage in a. sailing vessel, 
and after a voyage of nine weeks, which 
was the time then required -to cross the 
ocean, he landed at New Orleans. The 
water in the Mississippi river was then 
very low, so that he had to stay there 
until the following spring before he 
could come up to St. Louis. He went 
from there to Marinetown, where his 
friend was staying, and after remaining 
there a little over a year, he went to 
Edwardsville, where he engaged in 
farming for two years. He then came 
to Fieldon, Jersey county, in the fall of 
1S5G; remained there nearly three years, 
and then bought 80 acres of land on 
section 23, in Richwoods township, on 
which he moved. By enterprise and 
good management, he has been enabled 
to add to it fi'om time to time, so that 
now he has a farm of 320 acres. He 
was married in Edwardsville, on the 
25th day of July, 1853, to Margaret 
Kroeder, a native of Germany. They 
have had six children, five of whom are 
now living — #. K., married Charlotte 
Siemers, lives in Fieldon; William, 
married Emma Meyer, April 17, 1884, 
lives on his father's place; Henry, Jr., 
Albert and Otilda, at home. Edward 
died Dec. 25, 1883, aged 21 years. He 
was very intelligent, bright boy, and 
his loss was keenly felt by his parents, 
He was self-educated to quite a high 
degree. Mr. and Mrs. Wieghard are 
members of the Lutheran church. He 
has held the office of school director 
several terms. The farm and its sur- 
roundings show him to be an indus- 
trious, thoughtful farmer, who has by 
so being, succeeded well. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



38.3 



Thomas Johnson was horn on the '24th 
of July, 1847, in Richwoods township, 
Jersey county. 111. His parents were 
John and Sarah Jolmson. His father 
was a native of Kentucky, but removed 
from that state to Missouri, where he 
was married. Thomas was the third in 
a faiiiih' of eight children. When he 
was two years old, they moved to Wright 
county, Mo., and lived there two years. 
They then moved to Richwoods town- 
ship, this county, where our subject has 
since resided, and where his father died, 
Jan. 14, 1871. His mother died there 
also in the month of Nov., 1869. Thomas 
was married, July 25, 1869, to Sarah 
Cannon. She died in March, 1873. He 
was again married, March 18, 1879, to 
Levica Callahan, daughter of George 
and Harriet Callahan. Two children 
have been born to them — George Henry 
and Hattie Jane. Mr. Johnson is a res- 
ident of section 28, and has been identi- 
fied with this county for over a third of 
a century. He is now holding the office 
of school director. 

John Fulks, a prosj)erons farmer of 
this township, was horn in Rutherford 
county, Tenn., en the lUth day of July, 
1810. He is a son of Samuel and Levia 
(Tennyson) Fulks, who lived in Tennes- 
see up to the time of their death. Our 
suhjeet spent all of his youth in that 
state, but in 18.'>9 he left there and came 
to Illinois, locating in Greene county 
near M'hiteliall. He remained there six 
years and then removed to the place 
wliere he now resides, in Richwoods 
township, Jersey county. While living 
in Tennessee, in 1881, he was married 
to Zona Pace. She died at his resi- 
dence in this county. Four of the 
children that were born to this union 



are now living — Martha, married Wil- 
liam Pritchard, now living in Kansas; 
Elihu Samuel, married Laura Harvel, 
(now deadj, resides in Greene county: 
Eliza, married William Edwards, and 
lives in Richwoods township; Lizzie, 
married Joseph Clark, and resides at 
Carrollton; Zerilda, who married Will- 
iam Davis, died in 1884. On the 8th day 
of Jan., 1873, Mr. Fulks was again mar- 
ried to Lydia Cole, widow of William 
Cole, and daughter of William and 
Charity Wiseman He has 240 acres of 
land and it is among the finest on Ma- 
coupin creek. It is very choice rolling 
and undulating land, there being none 
better for raising wheat, to be found in 
the state. It is all of the best quality 
for either wheat or corn, or for stock 
range. About 150 acres is under culti- 
vation and about 40 more can be easily 
cleared. It is well drained by small 
branches of the Macoupin creek, and no 
backwater stands on the place at any 
time even during the wettest season. 
The water supplj' is good, and when 
neighboring farmers are without it, they 
can always obtain it there. There are 
two apple orchards, one being of winter 
apples. Any one in search of a fine 
piece of farm property could not do 
better than at Mr. Fulk's. 

M'illiara B. Edwards was born in 
Monmouth county, N. J., on the 21st of 
April, in the year 1824. His parents 
were Benjamin and Ann (Bailey) Ed- 
wards. They were both l)orn and 
raised in New Jersey. His great grand- 
father, William Bailey, was the well- 
known (ieneral Bailey, of the Revolu- 
tionary war; while his grandfather, 
whose name was also William Bailey, 
was a captain of the patriot army that 



386 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



fought to give freedom to America. 
William B. spent the first part of his 
life in his native state, engaging in 
farming and in bu3'ing and selling 
horses and mules on the New York 
market. In the year 1854, he removed 
from New Jersey to Warren county, 0., 
where be remained six months and then 
came to Jerseyville. He resided there 
ten years, engaging in teaming between 
there and Alton. He removed from 
there to his present location, on section 
o5, in the northern part of Richwoods 
township. He was married in Mercer 
county, N. J., on the 14th of March, 
1848, to Mary Emer Allen, a native of 
New York state, and daughter of John 
Allen. They have had 13 children, 
eight of whom are living — William H., 
married Eliza Fultz, and lives in Greene 
county; Mary Ann, married William 
R. Mulligan, and lives in Richwoods 
township; John Edward married Atlanta 
Cage, and lives in Crawford county, 
Kan.; Charles; Ellen married Jules 
King, and now lives in this township; 
George married Annie Devling, and 
lives in this township; Katie and Lewis. 
Five are dead — Eddie, Emeline, and 
three others that died in infancy. Mr. 
Edwards' father died ten years after his 
son came out here. There are 80 acres 
of land in the farm, all in a prosperous 
condition. 

Bernhardt Wiist was born in the 
kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, on 
the 11th day of May, 1826, his parents 
being Crispin and Mary (Meyer) Wiist. 
His mother died on the 24th of June, 
1845. At the age of 14 he commenced 
learning tlie mason's trade, at which he 
worked about six years, and then served 
in the army about five vears. After 



learning his trade, he traveled through 
Germany and France, working in the 
latter country five summers. After com- 
pleting his service in the army, he took 
passage at Havre, on a vessel bound for 
New Orleans, and after being on the 
ocean nine weeks, arrived at the Cres- 
cent city on the 15th day of April, 1854. 
He proceeded up the Mississippi river 
at once, stopping at Alton, where he 
remained a year, working at his trade. 
He then went to Grafton and worked at' 
his trade nine years, then came to Rich- 
wood township, living one year at the 
Catholic parsonage near Fieldon, when 
he bought 80 acres of land on section 14. 
He cleared this land, at the same time 
working at his trade, which he continued 
doing until about 1869, when he gave it 
up altogether, and has ever since given 
his attention to farming. An industrious 
and thrift}^ farmer, Mr. Wiist has accu- 
mulated, until he now has a farm of 240 
acres, and it is a fine piece of property, 
surrounded with all good improvements. 
He not only raises grain, but also some 
stock. He was married on the 22d of 
June, 1857, to Johanna Hartman, a 
native of Wurtemburg, Germany, and 
daughter of Ambrose Hartman. There 
has been 11 children born to them, but 
only four are now living — Bernhard, 
married Sophia Walter, lives in this 
township; Michael, Josephine and Wil- 
liam. Those dead are — an infant, that 
died in Germany; Joseph, Peter, Charles, 
Mary, Mary and Kate. Mr. Wiist and 
family are members of the Catholic 
church. 

Zeddock Reddish is a native of Ken- 
tucky, being born Sept. 14, 1817. His 
father, Joseph Reddish, was a native of 
Virginia, and his mi.ither of Kentucky. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



387 



Joseph died, and his widow removed to 
Richwoods township, Jersey county, 
111., in 1827. Zed. is now a resident of 
the township. His wife's father, John 
Medford, was one of the early settlers 
of the county. 

EDUC.\TIONAL. 

The first school in Richwoods town- 
ship was taught by John Darneille in 
Aug., 1821, at a log cabin which stood 
in the hollow above the present resi- 
dence of Allen Cope, on section 8. This 
cabin was erected for school purposes, 
and was in close proximity to a living 
spring (if (Vater. It had a dirt floor, 
bark-seated benches, constructed on 
legs, etc. Among the first scholars were: 
Moses Ward, four children of John 
Medford, named James, Garrison, Ed- 
ward and Sophia (the latter now the 
wife of Zeddock Reddish); Harriet, 
Eunice, Phoebe and Susan Gates, chil- 
dren of Samuel Gates; Samuel Wads- 
worth, an adopted child; John and Eftie 
McFain, children of Daniel McFain; 
Mary Smith, daughter of John Smith; 
Elizabeth M., daughter of John Gunter- 
man,Sr.; and Chesley, Jonathan, Uriah 
and Lucinda BorrufF. Moses Ward and 
Mrs. Sophia Reddish are probably the 
only surviving scholars of this school. 

District No. 1. — The building in this 
district was erected in 1873, at a cost of 
about 82,(XX). M. E. Ellenwood taught 
the first term of school therein. 

District No. 8. — The school bouse in 
this district was built by Alfred Childs 
and William (losborn, at a cost of StiOO. 

District No. 4.— In 1879, anew school 
house was erected in this district at a 
cost of867U. 

District No. 5. — This school house 



was erected in 1876 at a cost of $70(1. 
The first term of school in this building 
was taught by Henry Dunham. The 
lot in this district, which consists of half 
an acre, was donated by Henry Wieg- 
hard. The present directors are Jolin 
Bland, William Goshorn and Nicholas 
Heiderscheid. 

District No. 6. — A new school build- 
ing was erected in this district in 187U, 
at a cost of about $500. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

John Gunterman, Jr., and Dnizilla 
Smith were the first couple married in 
what is now Richwoods township. 
Their marriage occurred in 1820, 'Squire 
Mitchell, of Greene county, officiating. 
The second was that of John Medford, 
Jr., and Rachel Little, which took place 
Sept. 6, 1821. 

John (iunterman, Jr., plowed the first 
ground, in 1820, and also planted the 
first corn that year. 

The first religious services in the 
township were held at the house of 
John Medford. Sr., on section 8, in 1821, 
by Rev. Isaac N. Pickett. 

VILLAGE OF FIELDON. 

This place is surrounded by a fine 
scope of farming country, and although 
it has no railroad outlet, enjoys consid- 
erable trade. 

The town was laid out by Robert 
Terry on the 14th of Aug., 1837, and 
the plat filed for record just one week 
later. The tt)wn is, therefore, an old 
one, comparatively speaking. 

The town site is level, varied by 
slightly swelling land, and the town 
presents a quiet neat appearance. 

In the line of manufactures, there 



388 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



are two well equipped flouring mills, 
only one of which, however, is running 
at present. There is a harness shop, 
tailor sliop, wood-working establish- 
ment, blacksmith and wagon shops, 
several good general stores, a drug 
store, bank, and, in fact, every trade 
and facility necessary to supply the or- 
dinary wants and conveniences of the 
people of the surrounding country, is 
found in Fieldon. The spiritual wants 
of the inhabitants are also well supplied 
by churches. 

Pollard Kirkland was the first mer- 
chant in Fieldon, engaging in business 
just east of where Hagen's harness shop 
now stands about the year 1835. He 
carried a small stock of groceries at 
first, but afterward added a general 
stock. He came from Pennsylvania, 
and about the time of the commence- 
ment of the Mexican war, sold out to 
William Felter and removed to Texas. 
Felter ran the store, until it was des- 
troyed by fire a few years afterward. 

The next merchant was John L. 
Terry, who opened a store just across 
the street south from Kronsbin's store. 
He was a tailor by trade, and first started 
a tailor shop, but soon afterward put in 
a stock of dry goods and groceries. 
When the gold excitement began to 
rage in California he went to tliat state, 
where he remained until the winter of 
1881-2, when he returned to Fieldon. 
The following spring, accompanied by 
his eldest son, he went to Leadville, 
Col., where he subsequently died. 

Guy Spencer was the next merchant. 
He erected the building now occupied 
by Mr. Johnessee, and started a gen- 
eral store, about 1858 

James A. Eads put in a general stock 



in June, 1858, in a building now owned 
by Mr. S. W. Sexton and which was 
erected by Mr. Eads. 

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

C. S. Olney, dealer in general mer- 
chandise, commenced business in 1871, 
under the firm name of C. S. Olney & 
Co., the "Co." consisting of H. N. and 
J. H. Belt. During that year the build- 
ing now used by Olney was erected. It 
is a frame structure 24x60 feet, two sto- 
ries high. May 1, 1874, Mr. Olney pur- 
chased the entire business, and has 
since continued the same alone. He 
carries a complete stock of dry goods, 
clothing, groceries, queensware, etc. 

C. S. Olney, born on the 13th of April, 
1832, is a native of Washington county, 
Ohio. His parents were Cogswell and 
Matilda P. (Smith) Olney, the former a 
native of Nova Scotia, and the latter of 
Ohio. C. S. received his education in 
the vicinity of his birthplace, where he 
lived until coming to Jersey county, in 
the year 1859. He first located in Jersey 
township, and engaged in teaching 
school there, but the following year he 
removed to Fieldon, where he taught 
school, and afterwards taught in Jersey- 
ville. He was engaged in that occupa- 
tion until 1S64, when he commenced 
as a clerk in the store of James A. Eads, 
with whom he was employed about two 
years. He was engaged in various occu- 
pations for several years, when he was 
appointed deputy sheriff", in the fall of 
18(58, and was honored with that position 
two years. The firm of C. S. Olney cfe 
Co. was then established, in 1871, of 
which Mr. Olney afterwards assinned 
the entire control, May 1, 1874, and has 
since'Tconducted the business falone. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



3S9 



He was married in Fieldoh, Sept. 10, 
1868, to Virginia F. Belt, dangViter of 
Horatio N. and Mary J. Belt. They have 
three children — Clara E., Mark P. and 
Lee S. Mr. Olney is a prominent man 
of Fieldon, and is honored and respected 
hy his numerous friends. 

The general merchandise husiness of 
Augu,-^t J. Kronsbin was established by 
Z. Reddish, who was succeeded by Ter- 
ry & Buzby. Terry & Goetten were the 
next i)roprietors, and were succeeded 
by Goetten & Wieghard. Mr. Goetten 
afterward died, after which Mr. Wieg- 
hard ran the business until June, 1883, 
when Mr. Kronsbin bought the store 
and has since continued the business. 
The building is 3UxyO; constructed of 
brick and two stories high. He carries 
a full stock of dry goods, clothing, 
boots and shoes, coffins, machinery, 
etc., the coffin department occupying 
the second iioor. There is. a machinery 
warehouse in the rear of the store 
building, 30x50 feet in size. 

August J. Kronsbin, a son of H. F. 
and Elizabeth Kronsbin, was born Jan. 
14, 1852, in St. Louis, Mo. He was 
educated in the common schools of St. 
Louis and in the Washington University. 
IIi.« tirst occupation after leaving school 
was on the streets of St. Louis, black- 
ing boots and selling papers, but seek- 
ing for a higher position, and one of 
more esteem, he soon secured a situa- 
tion in a bookstore, and remained in 
that business some time. He after this 
learned the carpenter trade, with his 
father, who was a contractor and 
builder. After a time August entered 
the employ of a wholesale dry goods 
firm, where he remained until the house 
failed, and he was again thrown out of 



employment. He persevered and was 
soon engaged by Haydcn & Allen, 
a hardware firm, as salesman, and by 
economy and good management, he 
was soon enabled to start in the grocery 
business for himself in St. Louis, which 
he afterwards sold. He then went to 
Saxton, Mo., where he was engaged in 
the saw-mill business. He remained 
there some nine months, and the mill 
being flooded out by high water and he 
losing some $8,000, was obliged to re- 
turn to St. Louis. He was there mar- 
ried, Oct. 5, 1882, to Julia Wiederhoff, 
also a native of Sf. Louis. They were 
the parents of twins, born in Oct., 1883, 
and both of whom died Jan. 1, 1884. 
Mr. Kronsbin was a freight clerk of the 
I. & St. L. railroad for a while, and was 
so employed until coming to Fieldon, 
where he has since been engaged in 
business. He is a member of the Red 
Cross lodge, No. 54, K. ofF., St. Louis. 
Mr. Kronsbin is one of the go-ahead 
merchants of Jersey county, and is do- 
ing a large and lucrative business. By 
fair and honest dealing, strict integrity 
of purpose, and eflicient management, 
he is rapidly getting to the front, and 
bids fair to be numbered among the 
wealthy men of this section of countr}'. 
W. Park & Sons engaged in the drug 
business in 1875. Mr. Park had laid 
the foundation for a store building in 
the fall of 1874, but it was not completed 
until the following spring. No change 
has occurred in the firm since the busi- 
ness was established. As Mr. Park is a 
registered pharmacist, he attends to the 
prescription case in person. The build- 
ing was originally 22x40 feet in size, but 
when the bank was established, an ad- 
dition 16x22 feet was erected. A sketch 



390 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of the diM'tor will be found in the Medi- 
C;d cliapter. 

The blaeksnuth Inisiness is repre- 
sciilcil liy S. W. Sexton, who erected 
his shop and estalilished the business in 
1875. Prior to Mr. Sexton the business 
was carried on by William Miller and 
N. P. Johnessee for some 15 or 16 years. 

Samuel B. Johnessee established his 
wagon shop in 1860, and has continued 
the same ever since. 

John Hagen, harness-maker, com- 
menced business in 1874, after erecting 
his present building, which is a frame 
structure, 18x32 feet in dimensions. He 
carries a complete stock of goods usu- 
ally found in his line, and has the only 
shop in the place. 

John Horn, mercliant tailor, com- 
menced business in April, 1881. He 
does all kinds of work in his line, and 
is the only representative of this branch 
of business in Fieldon. 

John Horn was born on the 29th day 
of January, in 1850, in the Empire of 
(tcrmany. His parents were Philip 
and Gerdraud (Myer) Horn, natives of 
Germany. His father died in Germany 
at the age of 63. His mother is still 
living, at Ardon, Madison county, 111., 
being now 53 years old. At the age of 
13 years John began to learn the tailor's 
trade with his father, with whom he 
worked seven years. He then started 
to this country, taking passage on the 
steamer at Hamburg, and landing at 
New York after being on the water 14 
days. He came from New York, by rail, 
to St. Louis, and from there went to 
Sparta, Randolph county. 111., where he 
worked at his trade two months ; from 
there he went toEvansville, Ind., work- 
ing at his trade about nine months, and 



then he went back to St. I>ouis and 
worked one year. In the spring of 
1872 lie went to Salem, 111., where he 
worked two years, and from thence 
went to Evansville, Ind., and went into 
business for himself. Not being suc- 
cessful there, he returned to St. Louis, 
staid there about one year, and in the 
fall of 1875 went to Atchison, Kan., 
where he worked several months, and 
again returned to St. Louis, where he 
remained six months. In the month of 
July, 1876, he started for the old coun- 
try by way of New York, on the steamer 
Otter, sailing for Bremen. He arrived 
there about the 1st of August, and re- 
mained there four years, during all of 
which time he worked at his trade. In 
the niontli of March, 1881, he returned 
to this country and located at Fieldon, 
where he has since resided. Mr. Horn 
has been twice married ; first, to Mar- 
garet Hagen, a native of Germany, to 
whom two children were born — Willie, 
and one that died. His present wife 
was Matilda Kessler, daughter of George 
Kessler. By this marriage there is one 
child — Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Horn are 
members of the German Lutheran 
church. Mr. Horn has a tailor shop in 
Fieldon, where he carries on his busi- 
nees and is doing well. 

The meat business is represented by 
John Hagen, who established the first 
regular market in Fieldon, in 1880. 

C. G. Buffington, physician and sur- 
geon, came to Fieldon in 1882, and com- 
menced his first practice at this point. 
In 1883, he was elected county physi- 
cian. He has a large and lucrative prac- 
tice in the village aud surrounding 
country. A sketch of this gentleman 
will be found in the Medical chapter. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



391 



Tlu' lirst millinery store in Fieldon 
was established in 1877, by Lydia Arke- 
bauer. 8hc conducted the business un- 
til ISSo, when Tilla Arkebauer assumed 
charge. It is now owned by Lydia and 
Mary Arkebauer. 

B.\NK. 

In 1S76 W. Park & Sons established 
a bauk at Fieldon. They do a general 
banking business, dealing largely in 
loans on personal security. Their safe 
is of the Mosler, Bakniann & Go's man- 
ufacture. The Sons part of the firm is 
composed of George C. and Arthur F. 
Park. 

HOTEL. 

The Gity hotel was built in 1S76 by 
Harvey Alford, at a cost of about $2,200, 
who ran it a while and then rented it. 
It clianged hands several times, and was 
finally taken charge of by Mr. Alford, 
who operated it successfully until the 
time of his death, which occurred May 
19, 1880. William H. H. West then 
became landlord, and managed the 
house about two years, since which time 
L. G. Million has had charge of it. 

MUNICIPAL. 

Fieldon was organized in accordance 
with an act of the legislature for that 
j>ur])ose, which was approved Feb. 7, 

1857. At the first election the following 
trustees were elected: Zeddock Reddish, 
Asa Hriggs, F. A. Wade, J. G. Arke- 
bauer and William W. Felter. The first 
meeting of the board occurred March 25, 

1858, and was organized with the follow- 
ing officers: Zeddock Reddish, pres.; 
William W. Felter, clerk and treas.; 
H. C. Turner, constable; John Piper, 
collector; I). M. Tucker, street commis- 
sioner; John J. Glose, assessor. At an 



election held June 12, 1883, the question 
of organizing as a village, under the 
general law, w^as voted upon and was 
carried by a vote of 31 to 1. The follow- 
ing are the present officers. Z. Reddish, 
Jacob Strausser, ^\'illiam Lawler, Jacob 
Reddish, E. F. Brown, and L. T. Belt, 
trustees; L. G. Million, clerk; E. F. 
Bruwn, president. 

MILLS. 

The Eugenie mills were built by Belt 
Brothers, about the year 1854. The 
main building is 24xG2, three stories 
high, and an engine room in addition, 
24x62 feet and one story high, with 
foundations of stone. The engine is (iO 
horse power and was manufactured by 
the Western Foundry of St. Louis. The 
mill is furnished with four run of buhrs, 
set in an iron frame, and also one set of 
rolls. It was operated by Belt Brothers 
under the old process until 1873, when 
G. G. Buzby purchased the institution. 
He remodelea it in 1879, putting in new 
machinery at a cost of between S8,000 
and $9,000. The capacity is 150 barrels 
per 24 hours. On account of the failure 
of the wheat crop for the past two or 
three seasons, the mill is idle at pres- 
ent, but it is finely eijuipped and is cer- 
tainly a credit to its owner, Mr. Buzliy. 
Originally, there was a saw-mill con- 
nected with this mill for several years, 
which was afterward removed to some 
land belonging to 0. P. Powel, who 
afterward sold it to William H. II. 
West. He disposed of it to the present 
owner, Rollin Glark. 

The Union mills were built l)y the 
Union Mill Go. The company consisted 
of Dr. W. Park, T. K. Phipps, J. II. 
Belt, Peter Dranery, William Krueger, 
Asa Briggs, Frank Brown, Charles Mc- 



392 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Daniels, John Terry, Z. Reddish and 
others. After completion the mill was 
leased to J. H. Belt, who operated it 
one year for the company, and after- 
wards ran it a year for himself. Stephen 
Reddish then conducted the business 
one year, and was succeeded by T. K. 
Phipps and Leonard RadclifF. William 
H. H. West then took the mill and ran 
it two years, when J. H. Belt went into 
partnership with him. In Nov., 1881, 
L. T. Belt purchased a half interest in 
the concern, and the business was con- 
tinued by Powel & Belt. In May, 
188.5, Mr. Park purchased Mr. Powel's 
interest, and it is now owned and oper- 
ated by Park & Belt. Their business is 
mostly custom, but their trade extends 
over a radius of 12 or 15 miles in some 
directions. 

L. T. Belt, one of the firm of the 
Union Mills, was born in Fieldon, on 
the 31st of Jan., 1857. He is the son 
of J. H. and Matilda Belt, both old 
residents of the county. L. T. was 
reared in Fieldon, and received acorn- 
mon school education in the schools of 
that place. His father was engaged in 
building the Eugenie mills, and L. T. 
liking the occupation, began the milling 
business in Nov. 1881, in partnership 
with W. R. Powel, but is now associ- 
ated with Mr. Park in that enterprise. 
Mr. Belt is one of the board of trus- 
tees in his township, having held that 
position two terms. He was united in 
marriage with Lizzie Rowden, daughter 
of James Rowden, on Oct. 2, 1882. 
They have been blessed with one child 
— Horace Cleveland, born July 12, 1883. 

The saw' mill owned by William H. 
H. West, was erected by that gentleman 
in 1881-2. It is two stories high, the 



main Imilding being 16x48 feet in ground 
area, with a shed on each side, one of 
which is 70 feet in length, and the other 
12x48 feet. The engine is about 40-horse 
power, and was manufactured by the 
Broadway foundry, St. Louis. The mill 
has been in operation constantly since 
its erection. Mr. West manufactures 
wagons, sleds, cradles, etc., and does 
general work in that line. 

W. H. H. West was born in Jersey 
county, 111., in 1841. His parents were 
Vincent and Eady (Wright) West, both 
l)eing now dead. His father was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and his mother of North 
Carolina. His father died in Belleville, 
111., at the age of 55 years. Our subject 
received his early education, which was 
very limited, in the common schools of 
this county. At the age of 14, he began 
to learn engineering with John Belt, who 
was then running a saw mill, three and 
a half miles north of Fieldon, and re- 
mained with him about four years. In 
ISoD he went to Harrison county. Mo., 
and followed the same business, until 
the war broke out in 1860, when he 
entered the service under Jackson's call, 
commanded by Price. He was in the 
state's service three months, when he 
volunteered in the confederate "service 
at Springfield, Mo., in the 1st Mo. Reg., 
commanded by Col. Gates. He was in 
the battles of Lexington, Elkhorn, 
luka and Corinth. He was taken 
prisoner at Corinth, and was taken to 
Cairo, and put on a boat to be taken to 
Vicksburg, to be exchanged. When he 
was getting otf the boat, he met a friend 
with whom he exchanged clothes, and 
getting aboard the boat again came back 
to Cairo, but as he stepped oft' the boat 
he was re-captured and put in prison 



with some others. The prison was a 
building 16x26 feet, where he hardly had 
room to lie down. He was paroled out 
of prison, one Friday night about 12 
o'clock, and he then came to the home 
of his uncle, who resided in Madison 
county, 111. He run a saw-mill there 
fur a year, for a man named Blackburn. 
In the latter part of ISoS, he came to 
Fieldon, and was employed by Belt 
Bros. He was married to Marj- Jane 
Richey, July 9, 1S64, and a short time 
afterwards, he was drafted into tlie Union 
army, but reporting at headquarters 
was told to go home. There is a family 
of six children three boys and thred 
girls — ^\'illiam H. H., Clarence W., 
Emma, Charles, Lulu and Fannie. Mr. 
West and wife belongs to the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church. He has held 
the office of justice of the peace, and 
township clerk for one year. Mr. West 
owns property in the village of Fieldon, 
and has been very successful in his 
business. 

SOCIKTIES. 

Fieldon Lodge, No. 592, Ancient Free 
and Accepted Masons was organized in 
1S6S. Its charter bears the date of Oct. 
6, of tliat year. The original members 
were: Sylvester Iledfield, Edward Ar- 
kcbauer, Henry Wieghard, James Eads, 
Wesley Park, H. N. Belt, J. H. Far- 
row, T. K. Phipps, F. Sweet, Solomon 
Phillips, S. P. Dinsmore, N. D. Hadley 
and C. E. A. M inter. The first meet- 
ing of the above petitioners occurred 
Feb., 1, 1868, and a lodge was opened 
in due form, with the following ofKcers, 
appointed under dispensation : Sylves- 
ter Redfield, W.M.; Wesley Park, S. W.; 
James Eads, Jr., J.W.; Edward Arke 
bauer, S.; H. N. Belt, Jr., S.U.; S. P. 



Dinsmore, J.D.; J. H. Farrow, T. The 
following were the first officers regu- 
larly elected: Sylvester Redfield, W.M.; 
W. Park, S.W.; James Eads, J.W.; 
James H. Farrow, T.; E. Arkebauer, S.; 
H.N.Beit, S.D.; E. F. Brown, J.D.; 
T. K. Phipps, T. The present officers 
are: William Eads,W.M.; E.F.Brown, 
S.W.; B. F. Campbell, J.W. ; Allen 
Milem, S.D.; S. B. Johnessee, J.D.; 
C. C. Buzby, T; W. L. West, S.; Philip 
Lancrey, tyler. The membership num- 
bers about 81. Tliere have been several 
deaths in the lodge, among whom was 
Sylvester Redfield, the finst W. M. - The 
building in which the hall is located is 
owned by C. C. Buzby, and is well fur- 
nished. The condition of the lodge at 
present is not what it should be, quite a 
number of the leading members having 
moved away. At one time it was one of 
the most successful secret organizations 
in the county. 

Formerly a lodge of I. O. 0. F. existed 
in Fieldon, which held its meetings in 
the hall over W. Park's drug store. It 
was removed to Kemper in 1880, and a 
sketch of this lodge may be found in 
connection with the history of that town, 
in this volume. 

EUl'CATION.\I,. 

The {)ioneer school house of Fieldon 
was built in 18.']9. James Ri)bbins 
taught the first term of school therein. 
This house served the town for edma- 
ti(mal purposes until 1878, when a new- 
building was constructed at a cost of 
S2,(KX). The first teacher in this build- 
ing was JI. E. Ellenvvood. Tiie corps 
of teachers employed for the school 
year, ending June 30, 1885, was com- 
posed of Mr. Roach, principal, anil 
Luella Cutler, assistant. 



394 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



RELIGIOUS. 

The Fieldon M. E. church was 
organized in Dec, 1884. 

There is a fluurishing society of the 
Evangelical German Lutheran church, 
located at this place, of which Rev. 
Herman Taeger is pastor. 

Rev. Herman Taeger, the present 
minister of the German Lutheran 
church, at Fieldon, was born May 24, 
1839, in Germany, and is a son of 
Leopold and Magdalena (Uluch) Taeger, 
both natives of Germany. He was 
reared in that country, receiving a lib- 
eral education, and tliere became fitted 
for the ministry. He attended school 
12 years in Halle, Prussia. In 1865 he 
sailed from Bremen in a sailing vessel 
bound for .\merica, landed at Baltimore, 
and went directly to St. Louis, where 
he remained eight months. At the ex- 
piration of that time he went to Madison 
county, where he remained 12'. years, 
then to Jersey county, where he has 
since been a resident. In addition to 
his ministerial labors, Mr. Taeger lias 
for the past eight years taught the 
German school at Fieldon. As a 
preacher he is well liked, his labors 
being blessed with abundant success. 
He is also peculiarly fitted for his posi- 
tion as teacher, and in that capacity is 
highly popular. October 17, 1867, Mr. 
Taeger was married to Frederiea Beims, 
daughter of Henry Beims. Tliey are 
the parents of five children — Hubert, 
Leopold, Richard, Edgar and Alfred. 
Mr. Taeger is a fine musician and a 
professor of music. 

OTHER CITIZENS. 

William L. West was born Aug. 31, 
1815, in Warren county, Ky. His par- 



ents were David L. and Mltry (Arm- 
strong) West, who came to Illinois in 
1817, and settled in St. Clair county, 
where they remained until their deaths, 
his mother dying in 1820, and his father 
in 1837. William L. remained on the 
oldhomestead until Nov., 1837, when he 
traveled on horseback in Missouri and 
Arkansas, to Fulton, on the Red river, 
thence by canoe down Red river to 
Shreveport, La., thence to New Orleans, 
and returned to St. Louis, June 9, 1838. 
He returned to the old homestead, and 
remained until Sept. 1838, when he 
came to Greene — now Jersey — county, 
and remained with H. N. Belt and oth- 
ers, teaching school part of the time. 
On the loth of Dec. 1842, he was united 
in marriage with Abigail Dunsworth, of 
Greene county, and by tliis union had 
seven children, four of whom are now 
living — William H., George D., Eliza- 
beth E., and Thompson. Mrs. Abigail 
West died at Harrisburg, Saline county, 
111., Nov., 1863. In the year 1869, 
Wm. L. located in the village of Fieldon, 
where he has since resided. In 1870 he 
was again married, to Mrs. Emma A. 
Mitchell, a native of Mississippi. Mr. 
West has held the office of justice of the 
peace seven terms, and the office of" 
county surveyor several times. He is a 
member of Fieldon lodge, No. 592, A. 
F. & A. M., and also a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian church. 

Edward R. Brigham, a native of Che- 
shire county, N. H., was born on July 
2, 1823, his parents being Aaron and 
Hannah (Reed) Brigham, both natives 
of Massachusetts. Edward was reared 
in his native county, and there grew to 
manhood. In 1846 he entered the ser- 
vice of the United States in the Mexican 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



395 



war, in the 1st Reg. of the New York 
vohinteers. At the expiration of the 
war, Mr. Hrighani wont to California, 
and was enj^aged in tiie mines for some 
months, lie then went back to New 
Hainjishire, wliere he made his Imme 
until 1&5U, when he returned to Califor- 
nia to again engage in the mines. After 
some time he again went to New Ilamp- j 
shire, but soon after moved to Jlart^hall, 
Mich., from which place he again 
started for the mining districts of Cali- 
fornia, overland. In 18-55 he came back 
and located in Chicago, where he staid 
some months and then located in Jer- 
sey county to make his future home. He 
settled in Richwoods township, where 
he has since resided and has made his 
place of abode. He moved to Fieldon 
in the fall of 1870, and in the same year 
he was appointed postmaster, which po- 
sition he has held with credit ever since. 
He was also elected justice of the peace, 
which position he has ever since con- 
tinued to hold, through the suffrages of 
his fellow citizens. Mr. Hrigliam was 
united in marriage in Fieldon in 1873, 
to Jane Skiff", a native of this state. He 
is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and 
was treasurer (jf the local lodge for 
about 1 1 vt'ars. 

CI.ICXDEXNEX. 

In the northwest part of Richwoods 
township, there is a cluster of small 
buildings, wliich has actjuired the name 



of Clendennen, but is more commonly 
known as '•Spankey." It is situated in 
a cozy nook, "under the bluff." 

Bud Nelson started a store here about 
1876, and a short time afterward a black- 
smith shop. There is no postoffice 
here, and the inhabitants of the sur- 
rounding country generally receive their 
their mail at Fieldon. The store build- 
ing mentioned is now owned by ^\'illiam 
Spaulding, the business belonging to his 
brother, B. M. Spaulding. The black- 
smithing business is conducted by J. B. 
Gibson. 

Bud Nelson, who started the general 
store in 187(J, afterwards sold out to 
James Ellis. He ran the business until 
Nov., 1883, when the property was pur- 
chased by William Spaulding, and the 
stock by M. B. Spaulding. The pro- 
prietorship has not changed since that 
time. 

William H. Spaulding, the owner of 
the building in which his brother carries 
on business, was born in Jersey county, 
on the 15th day of Feb., 185(5. His 
parents are William and Martha (Gram- 
mar) Spaulding, and are now living two 
miles west of Kane, in Greene county, 
where his father is engaged in farming. 
Our subject was reared in Jersey county, 
where he received his education. In 
the month of Nov., 1883, he removed to 
Clendennen, where he has since re- 
sided. 



396 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



OHAP^TEIR XXIII. 



ROSEDALE 

This township embraces all of con- 
gressional township 7 north, range 13 
west, except the west row of sections. 
Of the latter row, parts of sections 6, 7 
and 18 are also embraced in the terri- 
tory of Rosedale township. It is 
bounded on the north by Richwoods, on 
the east by Otter Creek, on the south 
by Quarry, and on the west by the Illi- 
nois river. The township is well wat- 
ered, having the Illinois river on the 
west, besides Otter creek. Coon creek. 
Fowler's lake, Long lake, Deep lake. 
Coon lake, and Horse Shoe lake. Otter 
creek comes in from the east on the line 
between sections 1 and 12, and with 
many turns, flows in a generally west- 
ward direction, until its waters unite 
with those of an arm of the Illinois, on 
section 6. Coon creek comes in from 
Quarry township at the south line of 
section 35, and runs northwest, empty- 
ing into the Illinois on section 20. Coon 
lake is situated on sections 7, 8, 17 and 
18. It is the largest lake in the town- 
ship. Fowler's lake is long and 
narrow, and lies in sections 20 and 
29. It is connected with Long lake, at 
at the north end of the latter, which 
extends through the remainder of sec- 
tion 29, through all of 32, and projects 
slightly into Quarry township, and from 
there is connected with the Illinois river 
by a narrow channel. Deep lake lies 
right alongside the river, on sections 29 
and 32, its foot being in Quarry. Horse 



TOWNSHIP. 

Shoe lake is almost entirely on sections 
3 and 4. It is not, strictly speaking, a 
lake, being merely a projecting arm of 
Otter creek, which lies in the shape of a 
coil, whence its name — Horse Shoe — is 
derived. 

In the western portion of the town- 
ship, at an average distance of about a 
mile and a quarter from the river, are 
the bluffs of the Illinois, which present 
quite a picturesque appearance. 

Rosedale township has considerable 
rough land, and certainly has no dearth 
of water-courses. There is also a large 
amount of timber, more or less heavily 
wooded. Notwithstanding these things, 
i by far the larger portion of its soil has 
j been compelled to succumb to the 
I power of thrift and energetic labor, ju- 
j diciously applied on its surface, so that 
1 there are a large number of as fine farms 
I as can be found any place in the county. 
The inhabitants do not lack energy, and 
good use has generally been made of all 
the advantages afforded by nature. 
Jones' Ferry affords facilities to the in- 
habitants for crossing the Illinois river. 
The Jersey county side is on the west 
line of section 20. Taken all in all, 
while the surface of the country is rather 
broken in this township, there are many 
compensating advantages, which all aid 
in producing the general prosperity of 
its people. 

In 1868, a company commenced bor- 
ing for oil on section 4, Rosedale town- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



397 



ship. After the work had proceeded to 
the depth of 825 feet, the rope broke, 
causing them to lose all their tools, 
making it necessary to abandon the 
work. A good mineral spring was de- 
veloped by the boring. 

KARLY SETTLKRS. 

Williiini Larue was most probably 
the pioneer settler of this township, lo- 
cating here as early as 1818. He made 
a clearing and erected a cabin on section 
8. where lie lived for many years. In 1S,S7 
or '.'>8, he sold out and removed to 
(irecne county, where he subsecjuentlv 
died. 

In ISr.t, Walter Cresswell located in 
this township, and the following year 
received the app<iintmcnt of justice of 
the peace, the first in the county. 

Among the earliest settlers of Rose- 
dale township was John (iill worth, 
who, in 1820, built a cabin on the banks 
of Otter Creek, where it passes through 
the bluffs of the Illinois river. In 1880 
he removed to what is now Ruyle town- 
ship, and subsequently to the county of 
Greene, louring the days of the war 
he purchased property in Jersey ville, 
and returning to this county, resided in 
the county seat until 1871, when he died. 

Elisha Fowler was one of the first set- 
tlers in Uosedale townshi|). He located 
on section 21, and was one of the first to 
make a clearing, in the township. He 
settled here in 1,S20 or 1821. 

Tbnnias, Samuel and \\'i]]i;ini Cress- 
well !iiade settlements here during the 
year 1.S20. Thomas settled upon the 
southeast quarter of section 9, which 
land he entered at the land office, in 
May, 1829. Samuel'settled on section 4. 

Jolin Cilbert and A. P. Scott, in 1.S24 



or 1825, settled in the timber in Rose- 
dale township, where they lived for 
man}' years. 

Silas Crain came to what is now Rose- 
dale township in about 1825. He was a 
Methodist minister, and held meetings 
around at different houses. He settled 
on section 4, where he lived for some 
12 or 14 years, when he removed to 
Richwoods township, where he subse- 
quently died. 

The year 1828 witnessed the advent 
into this county of Jolm Stafford. On 
coming here he located in Rosedale 
township. 

Lewis and Amos Lynn and Enocli 
Spaulding made settlements in this 
township during the year 1828. The 
Lynns were first-clas's chairmakers, and 
often with the rudest machinery would 
turn out such snlistantial evidences of 
their handwork, tliat it is said of them 
that they never made a diair that wmild 
wear out. 

Early in the year 1829, several i)arties 
by the name of Ennis, made a settle- 
ment upon section Ki, near a spring of 
water. The father and mother both 
died in 183o. They were Tennesseans. 

William Starr, — Perry, R. C. Bangle 
and Coe Edsall, were among the settlers 
of 1829, locating in this township. 

John Dal)bs made a settlement in 
1831, on section 24, which he purchased 
of the government the year following. 
He was a resident here for years. 

James Naron, probably one of the 
strongest men in this region of country, 
settled on section 17, in 1832. He 
afterward removed to Calhoun county, 
where he died. 

Thomas Wedding located in Rosedale 
township in 1835. 



398 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in Rosedale township 
was in lS;j3, in a little log cabin which 
stood on the northeast corner of section 
•21. It was taught by Moses E. Morrill, 
who had been a sea captain and was a 
very well-informed man. Among the 
first scholars were Lloyd T., John H. 
and Elizabeth A. Belt; two or three 
children of Levi Larrison, Wm. Ennis' 
children, and children of Amos and 
Lewis Lynn. Morrill taught school six 
months there. 

The second school was taught by Coe 
Edsall, in a shanty made of posts set in 
the ground and boarded up, on section 
32. This was during the summer of 
1835. 

The first school house in district No. 
1 was built in 1S56, by Richard Whit- 
en, contractor. The last teacher in 
that building was Florence Houghtlin. 
A new school edifice was erected in this 
district in 1884, by N. F. Smith, Jr. 
Jolm (lavin taught the first term of 
school in this house, being the winter 
term, 18S4-5. 

District No. 4 has a neat and substan- 
tial frame school house, built in 1883, 
by William Willis, contractor. Emma 
Leggate taught the first term in this 
house, in 1884. The building before 
used had burned down. It was con- 
structed of logs, and was located in what 
is known as Good Hollow. 

The first school house in No. 5, or 
Plea-^ant Cove district, was built in ISfifi. 
The peoi)le of the neighborhood turned 
out and raised the logs themselves, so 
that the expense was light. The name 
of the first teacher was Miller. Lowery 
Pattison, taught the the last term in 
in that building. In 1883, the present. 



structure was erected, by John Powell, 
contractor. It is 24x28 feet in size, and 
cost $1,200. It is the best school house 
in the township. 

MILLS. 

About the year 1340, Thomas Barnett 
started a gristmill on the north side of 
Otter creek, on section 1. It stood a 
little over a mile down the creek from 
McDaniels' mill, on land which now 
belongs to Henry Schaff. It was a stone 
mill when built, but had not been long 
constructed ere it was washed away by 
a rise in the creek. He then put up a 
frame mill. The mill had two run of 
Ijuhrs, and did considerable grinding 
being a very good mill for that day. 
The mill has gone to decay, and no 
trace of it now remains. The mill.stones 
were afterwards used at Demphey's dis- 
tillery at Grafton. 

The saw mill that is now known as 
Preble's mill, was constructed by W. 
H. H. West. He afterwards sold it to 
Scjuires & Payran, who ran the mill 
awhile then sold to James F. Seago and 
two others. The mill was burned down 
while in these hands, but was rebuilt. 
The property was afterward sold to 
Preble & Grandstaff, the firm consisting 
of James F. Seago and H. D. Preble. 
They continued the business about four 
years, when Preble purchased Grand- 
staff's interests, and has since conducted 
the business himself. The mill has a 
capacity for sawing (3,000 feet of white 
oak lumber, daily, with one saw. Three 
hands are employed in the work. A new 
boib-r has been lately added, and the 
mill is capable of doing good work. 

H. D. Preble was born in Preble 
county, O., Aug. 29, 1846. When about 
11 years of age, he moved with his 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



399 



parents to Boone county, Mo. In the 
spring of 1862, he removed to Madison 
county, 111., and seven years later, to 
Macoupin county, where he resided un- 
til 1878. He then removed to Greene 
county, and in 1879 came to .Jersej- 
county, and purchased a saw-mill, which 
he has operated since that time. He is 
a member of the Odd Fellows' frater- 
nity. 

A saw-mill was constructed on the 
lianks of Otter creek, on section 11, on 
land now belonging to Henry Belt. 
.James Bryce was the proprietor, and 
his mill was erected in 1833. The mill 
is now gone, as well as all trace of its 
having been there. Bryce sold oiit, 
and went to Missouri, where he erected 
another iviill. 

Pleasant t'ove grist mill was built in 
1883, by T. K. Phipps. This mill is 
equipped with one corn buhr, and has a 
capacity for grinding 1-50 bushels of 
meal per day. It is run by a steam en- 
gine, which is used, during the season, 
for running a threshing machine. Mv. 
Phipps threshes from :!2,(KA) to -10, (XM) 
bushels of grain per year. 

CKMETERIKS. 

Ill tiie I'liion cemetery, the first bur- 
ials occurred about the year 183-5, being 
those of an aged couple named Ennis. 
.James H. Wedding was i)uried tliere in 
Aug., 1837, and Nancy Wedding, in 
Aug., 1841. 

l>illie Belle Ratclifi', a little girl, was 
the first person buried in Meadow 
Branch cemetery. That was in 1871. 

TEXERIFFE. 

This village of the past was laiil out 
in 1836, by Joseph Hawkins, who came 



from Tenne.ssee, on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 4. 

Silas Grain opened the first store, in 
the same year that the town was laid 
out. His stock consisted of an assort- 
ment of what is generally ke[it in a gen- 
eral merchandise store. 

Aaron Ricketts started a grocery 
store immediately after tiie opening of 
Grain's. 

In 18;;7, the stock of both these stores 
were closed out, and their business dis- 
continued. 

Jacob .Smith afterwards opened a gen- 
eral store, in which he did business for 
two or three years, when he, too, closed 
out. 

Since Smith's failure to make a store 
pay here, there has been no further at- 
tempt made to establish any business at 
Tennerifle, and at present there is not 
even a landmark to designate the spot 
where the town was laid out, and where 
these early mercantile attempts were 
made. The buildings have rotted away, 
and the town site is now usecl for fai'in- 
ing purposes. 

UOSKDALE roSTOFFICK. 

This is the only postoffice within the 
limits of Rosedale township. 

No town has ever been laid out here, 
but some trading is done at this point, 
while many of the inhabitants of this 
township receive their mail lim'e. 

Tiie cluster of buildings which mark 
the location, is situated on section 111. 

The postoffice was established about 
1870, James Donald Sinclair being the 
first postmaster. W. C. Gleason at 
present holds that position. 

There is a general store at this point 
which was established bv James Donald 






400 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Sinclair, at the time of the location of 
the postoffice here. He ran the busi- 
ness about two years, and then sold to 
J. G. Reed. The latter remained but a 
short time, selling the business to W. 
C. (ileason, the present proprietor. 

About the year 1S75, Jesse Shoop 
started a small general store, which he 
operated a little over a year, when the 
stock was purchased by W. C. Gleason, 
who consolidated it with his own. 

Mr. Gleason carried a varied assort- 
ment of such goods as are usually 
handled in general merchandise store. 

William Cleveland Gleason was born 
in Gallia county, O., May 17, 1825. His 
early life was spent with his parents in 
his native county, where he received a 
good education. AVhen 17 years old he 
went to Lawrence county, O., and tliere 
engaged in teaching school. He resided 
in that state until he was 25 years of age, 
then went to ^'irginia, where he followed 
teaching. He afterwards returned to 
Ohio, and taught two years, after which 
he came to Galena, 111., where he en- 
gaged in the same occupation. From 
there he again returned to Ohio and 
taught school and ran a store and post- 
office at Hamden, Vinton county. He 
next went to Iowa, and engaged in mer- 
chandising, and also kept pustofiice one 
year, thence he went to Illinois, where 
he taught school, thence to Ohio again. 
He was married in that state in 1860, to 
Cassandra Thornton. His next move 
was to Clay county. 111., where he fol- 
lowed farming, and from there he re- 
moved to Rosedale township, Jersey 
county, which is now his home. Since 
that time he has spent two years in Kan- 
sas. On his return from that state he 
engaged in general merchandising at 



Rosedale, which he still continues, also 
keeps the postoffice. Jan. 29, 1880, Mrs. 
Gleason died at the age of 3S years. Mr. 
Gleason is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and has taken th« Royal 
Arch degree. 

Shortly after the Rosedale postoffice 
was established, a blacksmith shop was 
opened, which is still in operation. 
William H. Newell is the present pro- 
prietor. 

Those mentioned are the only busi- 
ness or trade interests that have ever 
been attempted at Rosedale. 

James Donald Sinclair was born in 
the Highlands of Scotland, May 27, 
1829. When 11 j^ears of age, he went 
to sea, shipping at London as midship- 
man on board a barque called the "Der- 
went," which was engaged in the Aus- 
tralian trade, that being the time when 
gold had been recently discovered in 
Australia. In 1847, while on a home- 
ward voyage, the vessel encountered a 
terrific storm, and was driven to the far 
south, where their progress was ob- 
structed by ice, and the days were so 
short tliat the sun was visible for only 
2o minutes. After a tedious voyage of 
13o days, they arrived in London. Here 
he again shipped as chief officer on 
board a ship called the "Minerva," 
bound for Riga, in Russia. On the pas- 
sage home the vessel encountered severe 
storms, and was detained on the coast 
of Norway, for three months. After 
his return to London, he went to Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, and attended school a 
short time, then went to Liverpool, and 
there shipped as seaman on l>oard a 
Scotch ship called "St. Andrews," 
bound for Canada. On the passage, the 
ship ran into the ice on the banks of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



401 



Newfoundland, and was detained 21 
days, during wliich, supplies running 
low, his allowance was reduced to one 
spoonful of boiled rice, and one of mo- 
lasses, per day. When they finally 
reached Montreal, all hands deserted 
the ship, one-lialf the crew going to 
Quebec, and tlio other half to the lakes. 
He i<iii])ped on board a lake schooner 
called the "Henry Clay," and w'ent to 
Cleveland, 0. Here he ship])ed as chief 
mate on board the same boat, of which 
two years later, he became captain, and 
sailed as such three years. He then 
went to Michigan, thence again to 
Cleveland, where he superintended the 
building of a barque called tlie Ocean 
Wave. This was in 185'2^^. He was 
captain of that boat one year, after 
which he commanded different vessels 
"until 1858, when he abandoned a sailor's 
life, and for one year followed the busi- 
ness of ship chandler, then went into 
the shijiping and commission business. 
In 18t)2 he enlisted in the navy and was 
ordered for duty on board the Clara 
Dolson, as executive oflicer. He was 
executive oflicer ami captain of difl'er- 
ent gunboats, and run all the blockades 
on the Mississippi river, and did gal- 
lant service until the close of the war. 
He then did business for a time in the 
south, engaged in the cotton trade, and 
was captured by .Jesse James, losing 
$2o,tMHj; then went to Chicago and fol- 
lowed the manufacture of tobacco, after 
which he commanded a steamboat on 
the Illinois river two years. He then 
purchased a steamboat and engaged in 
the gnutbern trade. This boat was 
burned, in consequence of which lie 
lost considerable money. He then 
came to Coou creek, Jersey county, 



purchased an acre of woodland, upon 
which, after clearing it, he Vjuilt a store- 
house and a blacksmith shop. He kept 
the first postofhce in Rosedalc. He 
was for a number of years in the stone 
business, which he sold out to (iilbert 
Reed. He then returned to his native 
country, sailing from New York the 
5th day of June, 1875. He spent about 
nine niDnths in visiting the principal 
cities of Great Britain and points of in- 
terest in northern Europe. He return- 
ed to Rosedale, where he has since fol- 
lowed farming. Mr. Sinclair is tlie 
founder of the town of Rosedale, and 
has always been prominently identified 
with its interests. He taught writing 
school in Buffalo, N. Y., during the 
winter of 1849-50, having among his 
pupils two sons of President Fillmore. 
He has circumnavigated the globe three 
times, and has sailed as far south as 
the ice would permit, once being chased 
by a pirate ship off Cape Horn. Three 
glasses of water per day was his allow- 
ance for 135 days during one of these 
trips. He has saved 17 lives by swim- 
ming. He is a' man of good education, 
and possessed of a great amount of gen- 
eral information. As a citizen he is 
esteemed by all. 

DESERVING OF MENTION, 

Are the following gentlemen, most of 
them the enterprising, intelligent men 
of the townshij). 

John L. Reed was born in Adams 
county, Ohio, Jan. 18, 18o2. His par- 
ents, (leorge and Lourana Reed, emi- 
grated from Virginia, in 1825. They 
had born to them six boys and three 
girls, of which only three are now liv- 
ing. Energy, perseverance and integ- 



402 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



rity are leading traits of the Reed 
family, who are ever on the side of good 
order and morality. Generous and 
hospitable, their latch-string has ever 
been out from the days of the log cabin, 
to those of the present noble residences, 
and they have been ready to feed the 
hungry, uphold the down-trodden and 
unfortunate. John L. was raised on a 
farm until 16 years old, when he was 
sent to Greenfield, 0., to a seminary, 
and after, to Hanover College, Ind.; 
remained one year, then attended the 
Weslyan University, at Delaware, 0., 
one year. His father then bought for 
him one-half interest in a general mer- 
chandise store in Cynthiana, Pike 
county, 0., in partnership with his 
brother. They run this two years, 
when he 'sold out to his brother, and 
bought a store in partnership with his 
brother J. G., in Jasper, on the Ohio 
canal. He remained one j'ear and sold 
out on account of sickness, and bought 
400 acres of land on the Ohio river, be- 
low Portsmouth, which he greatly im- 
proved, and after holding it two years 
sold. He now bought a store in Berlin, 
0. He continued this 18 months, and up 
to this time had been very successful, 
and although very j'oung had made con- 
siderable money. He bought an iron 
furnace, run it one year individually, 
but he was unfortunate as to lose every 
dollar he had, and returned to Ports- 
mouth. It was owing to the unprece- 
dented depression of the iron market 
that the loss came. Older and more 
experienced men fared likewise. He 
attended a commercial college in Ports- 
mouth, and after taking a thorough 
course, he went to Jasper to keep books 
for an establishment there, and re- 



mained in this position until July, 1863, 
when the Morgan raid suddenly stopped 
the business. He says, he very sud- 
denly came to the conclusion that he 
could advance the interests of the firm, 
and more especially his own safety, by 
taking to the woods, and with all the 
money of the store, over $2,000, (which 
he hid under a rock in the woods,) he 
retired in as good order as he thought 
his safety would warrant. The store 
was completely carried otf, consequently 
his services were no longer necessary. 
He was then appointed clerk on a com- 
mission to take account of the loss for 
Pike county. Again he went into the 
mercantile and lumber trade in Jasper, 
but soon sold out and came west, think- 
ing a change would be beneficial. 
While in Iowa he put every dollar he 
could raise into land. After spending 
the summer he returned and accepted a 
situation as commercial agent. March 
21, 1870, he was married to Ursulie 
Sharp. Dec. 16, 1872, was born to them 
a child — Louie. In Feb., 1874, after 
eight years service as traveler, he re- 
signed, and with his wife and child, 
came to his present place of residence 
and embarked in farming. The farm is 
situated one and one-half miles south of 
Rosedale, and contains 536 acres. 250 of 
which is in cultivation, about 60 in pas- 
ture, and has a fine house, barn, granary, 
out-buildings, fruit, etc. On the last of 
Sept., 1874, their bright intelligent child 
died. June 21, 1875, Gussie was born. 
On March 29, 1885, death's relentless, 
cruel hand cast a gloom over parent and 
child and left them homeless, in a 
dreary world, without the influence and 
companionship of a mother and wife. 
She, with her little Louie, is on the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



403 



peaceful side of the dark river, wliile 
he and Gussie are left to meet life's 
cares, and heart-aches alone. After the 
deatli of his wife he sold his farm to 
parties in 8t. Louis, for $17,000 dollars, 
and now expects to take Gussie to Jer- 
seyville, where she will have the ad- 
vantages of good schools and society. 
AVhen the county adopted township or- 
ganization, he was elected the two first 
years, to represent his township in the 
county court, as supervisor, and again 
he was elected this present year to the 
same office, although this township is 
largely democratic. 

David D. Gleason was born in Gallia 
county, 0., Nov. 8, 1820. He resided 
there until 20 years of age, receiving a 
good education. He began teaching, 
which he continued a number of terms 
in Ohio, then went to what is known as 
Kanawha Salt Works, W. Va., where 
he taught school two years, after which 
he returned to Ohio and remained a 
year, during which he followed teach- 
ing. In 1844 he went to the state of 
Mississipi)i, and a year later to West 
Virginia, where he again taught school, 
remaining there during tlie cliolera epi- 
demic of 184it. Nov. 9, 1850, he was 
married to Emma Downward, a native 
of Philadelphia. After marriage he re- 
sided in Virginia one year, then removed 
to Ohio, and spent three years in Scioto 
and Jackson counties, engaged in teach- 
ing. In the spring of 1857 he immi- 
grated to Iowa, locating near Ottumwa, 
where he lived eight years, teaching 
scliool during the time. In 1S(;5 he 

ved to flay county, 111., thence in 

18(;B, to St. Louis. He was engaged in 
that city, as princi])al of the Lowell 
school, 10 years, tlien on account of 



failing health, resigned his position, and 
came to Jersey county, 111., which has 
since been his residence'. Since coming 
here he has followed teaching during 
the winter season only. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gleason have four children living — 
Alice, born in Virginia, Sept. 19, 1851, 
now married and living in St. Louis; 
Mary Ellen, born in Ohio, Sept. 23, 
1853, now married and living in Texas; 
Ada Elizabeth, born in Iowa, April 19, 
1861, and died March 31, 18G2; Etta 
Florence, born in Iowa, Oct. 21, 1864, 
married and living in Texas, and Birdie 
Emma, born in St. Louis. Dec. 6, 1870. 
Mr. Gleason keeps an apiary aad now 
has 70 stands of bees. He is a demo- 
crat politically, and has held the office 
of collector. He is at present school 
treasurer. 

John P. Stafford, a son of Brook and 
Nancy (Parker) Stafford, a native of 
Grafton, Jersey county. 111., born in 
the year 1862. He was reared in his 
native town, enjoying the excellent 
privileges and obtaining his education 
at the peerless public schools of that 
romantic little burg. His father, being 
a man of means, spared no pains to fit 
him for life's struggle. In the fall of 
the year, 1881, feeling the truth of the 
injunction that "it is not well for man 
to dwell alone" he was united in mar- 
riage with Abigail Robinson, also a 
native of Jersey county. By this union 
there have been two interesting children 
Mabel May and Lottie Amelia. Al- 
though a young man, Mr. Stafford mani- 
fests a considcralile ability, and is l)ouiiil 
to succeed in the affairs of this life, and 
to achieve prominence in the affiiirs of 
the county. Being imlustrious anil 
economical, and blessed with a good 



404 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



wife, each year sees him further ad- 
vanced on the road to wealth and honor. 
Thomas K. Phipps came to this 
county in 1848, and purchased then 
forty acres of land in the western por- 
tion of the county. Three years later 
he sold this land and bought another 
40, to which, in 1855, he added 120 
acres. In 1857 bought 200 acres more, 
and divided his estate among his chil- 
dren, reserving 200 acres for himself. 
Mr. Phipps cleared nearly all of his 
land, which was covered with bushes 
and small timber. He has been an en- 
terprising and successful farmer. In 
1878 he rented his farm to one of his 
sons and moved to Rosedale, where he 
built a dwelling house and also a store 
building, and engaged in merchandis- 
ing, purchasing a general stock of goods, 
to the value of about one thousand dol- 
lars. He continued in business there 
four years, then on account of the death 
of his son, who was accidentally killed, 
he returned to his farm where he now 
lives. He built a store room near his 
residence, and now sells general mer- 
chandise. Thomas K. Phipps was born 
in Virginia, Dec. 17, 1819. He remain- 
ed in that state until 17 years old, then 
came west, and visited Kansas, Mis- 
souri and Iowa, after which he went 
south to Lousiana and Mississippi. He 
was married in the latter state to 
Martha Ruy, who was born May 9, 
1829. In 1847 he removed to Illinois, 
and three years later, to this county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have had four 
children — Lewis, born June 1, 1855, 
died Feb. 2, 1882; John, born May 23, 
1857; Mary J., born in 1859, and died- 
in infancy, and Isabel, born Feb. 10, 
1861, now married^to Leonard^^Ratclift'. 



Mr. Phipps is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and a republican politically. 
He has held all of the township offices, 
including justice of the peace, and is 
one of the leading citizens of Rosedale 
township. 

T. S. HighfiU, a prosperous farmer of 
Rosedale township, was born in Harri- 
son county, Ind., Sept. 8, 1828. When 
18 years old he left his native county 
and went to Alton, 111., and remained 12 
years. He was married there in Febru- 
ary, 1855, to Fanny Kipps. In 1858 he 
removed to Jersey county and purchased 
120 acres of land in Rosedale township. 
To this he has since added 80 acres, 
making 200 acres, upon which he now 
lives. His wife died in 1864. He was 
again married July 21, 1867, to Mrs. 
Amanda C. Sweet. By his first mar- 
riage Mr. Highfill had six children — 
Alfred B., born Dec. 21, 1855, died March 
16, 1878; Thomas B., born June, 1857; 
Kate Bell, born Dec. 26, 1858; Lyman 
H., born Nov. 28, 1860, and died March 
9, 1861; Edward M., born Feb. 2, 1862, 
and Fannie, born March 22, 1864. By 
the second marriage there were seven 
children — James M., born Sept. 12, 
1868; Mary Ann, born March 3, 1870; 
Charles B., born Oct. 8, 1872; Harry C, 
born June 12, 1874; John W., born July 
12, 1876; Hattie A., born May 22, 1878, 
and died August 5 of the" same year; and 
Clara B., born Oct. 25, 1882. Mr. High- 
fill has been justice of the peace eight 
years. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist church and, also, of the Masonic 
fraternity. He is, politically, a demo- 
crat. 

William Davis came to Jersey county 
in 1853. He was born in Coles county, 
111., in 1843, and is a son of Barney and 



'"^''~'--^~^' ■ ■-''- -'- ^--^»^^--^^-°-'--^-'--»-- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



405 



Sallie (Brazee) Davis. They settled in 
Otter Creek township in 1853, where 
William remained until 1862. He then 
enlisted in the 97th 111. Inf., and served 
three years. He was a gallant soldier, 
participating in many battles, among 
which were those of Vicksburg, Champ- 
pion Hills, Black River Bridge, second 
battle of Vicksburg, Jackson, Fort 
Blakeley and others. He was under 
General Grant in all the campaigns of 
the western Mississippi de-partment, 
and under General Banks in those of 
the last 12 months. He was mustered 
out of the service July 29, 1865. Mr. 
Davis was married in 1867, to Mary E. 
Myers, a native of Missouri. Kiue chil- 
dren have been born to them — William, 
Perry B. (deceased), Charles, Franklin, 
Laura Nevada, Luther F. (deceased), 
^'iola Eliza, Mary A., and Olivia Flor- 
ence. 

William Larabee, of Rosedale tow'n- 
ship, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., 
March 13, 1836. When he was six years 
old, his father removed with his family 
to Ohio, and, two years later, to Pilot 
Knob, Mo. He lived there also two 
years, after which he went to Monroe 
county. 111., and in 1855 came to Jersey 
county, and settled at Newbern. Wil- 
liam remained here until 1861, when he 
enlisted and served three years in the 
army, returning home in 1865. He was 
married in Newbern in 1867, to Mary E. 
Lamb. After marriage he remained 
here four years, then moved to Kansas, 
where he resided two and a half years. 
At tlic expiration of that time he re- 
turned to Jersey county, and lived at 
Newbern two years, then moved to 
Rosedale, where he has since lived, pur- 
chasing at that time 40 acres of land, on 



section 23. Mr. and Mrs. Larabee have 
two children — a son, born Dec. 19, 1867, 
and a daughter, born Sept. 2, 1869. Mr. 
Larabee has been school director three 
years. 

\\'illiam Johnson is a son of Thomas 
Johnson, and was born in Madison 
county. 111., in 1821. When he was 
fourteen years of age, his father settled 
in Jersey, then known as Greene coun- 
ty, where he entered eighty acres, on 
Coon creek. William afterward entered 
eighty acres, forty at one time and forty 
at another, making, with the tract en- 
tered by his father, one hundred and 
sixty acres. He has about twenty-five 
acres under cultivation and the remain- 
der in pasture and timber land. Mr. 
Johnson was married in Aug., 1846, to 
Nancy Elizabeth Mise, who was born 
April 13, 1830. They have seven chil- 
dren living and two dead. Those living 
are, Thomas, born May 18, 1848; Lu- 
vina, born Nov. 14, 1851; Martha Ann, 
born April 27, 1856; Larkin M., born 
July 17, 1859; William Allen; born 
Oct. 30, 1866; Luther Melvin, born 
Sept. 16, 1868, and Mary Elizabeth, born 
June 16, 1870. Mr. Johnson is polit- 
ically, a reijublican. 

D. M. Hightill, son of Thomas High- 
fill, was born in Harrison county, Ind., 
Feb. 18, 1822. When he was 12 years 
old his father died, and three years 
later, his motlier, Mrs. Nancy Highfill, 
also died. He remained in Harrison 
county until 1846. March 21, of that 
year, he was married to Mary Jane 
Chappell, wiio was born Oct. 18, 1826. 
After his marriage, he removed to Alton, 
111., where he worked at the cooper's 
trade. He came from Alton to Rosedale 
township, Jersey county, and bought 40 



406 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



acres of land, to which he has since 
added, until he owns at the present 
time, 160 acres. His farm is a good one 
and well improved. He has made all 
of the improvements, clearing the land, 
building, etc. He carries on general 
farming. Mr. and Mrs. Highfill have 
had three children — George Thomas, 
born Aug. 13, 1848; Francis, born Nov. 
12, 1850, died Jan. 17, 1875, and Sarah 
Cornelia, born Nov. 5, 1853. George T. 
is now married to Parmela Walden, and 
lives on a farm of 240 acres, which he 
owns, jiear his father. Sarah Cornelia 
is the wife of James Adkinson,of Jersey- 
ville. Mr. Highfill has been justice of 
the peace IB years, and for several years 
past, has held the office of township as- 
sessor. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

James E. Suddeth, son of Henry and 
Panielia Suddeth, was born in Henry 
county, Ky., June 26, 1824. When 
James was two years of age his father 
died, leaving a wife and three sons — 
Henry, William and James. The sub- 
ject of this sketch resided with his 
mother until his marriage to Amanda 
Dawkins, who was born in February, 
1832. After his marriage he removed 
to Lincoln county, Mo., and there fol- 
lowed the trade of wagon-making ten 
years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mex- 
ican war, in a cavalry regiment com- 
manded by Colonel Marshall. He took 
part in the battle of Buena Vista, after 
which Marshall's men were discharged. 
He then volunteered under Cien. John 
S. Williams, and participated in en- 
gagements at Cerro Gordo and the Cit\ 
of Mexico. At the breaking out of the 
Rebellion he enlisted in the 2d Missouri 
Reg., and served four years. He took 



part in the battles of Farmington and 
luka, in Mississippi; Drywood, Wil- 
son's Creek, Elkhorn and Lexington, 
in Missouri, battles of the Wilderness, 
Petersburg and Richmond, where he 
witnessed the surrender of Lee. Mr. 
anil Mrs. Suddeth have eight children. 
He owns 30 acres of land, which is 
mostly tillable. He is, in politics, a 
democrat. 

William Harrison Willis is a native 
of Arkansas, born May 25, 1841. His 
parents removed to Union county. 111., 
when he was an infant, and there lived 
until he had reached the age of about 10 
years. They removed to Madison 
county, Mo., in 1851, and in 1858 to 
Stoddard county, in the same state. In 
1855 they removed to Reynolds county, 
Mo., and in 1861 came to Monroe county, 
111., locating near Harrisonville, in the 
American Bottom. There, in 1862, our 
subject's mother died. From there, 
with his father, he removed to Jersey 
county in 1863, and first located in Cam- 
den Hollow, near the mouth of the Illi- 
nois river, and wintered there. In the 
spring of 1864 he rented the place known 
as the "Tucker Knob" and in the same 
year enlisted in Co. H, 144th 111. Inf., 
and was stationed at St. Louis, where 
he did guard duty. When discharged, 
he returned to this county, and in 1865 
rented the farm of George Simmons, on 
which he lived two years. He then 
bought 40 acres of land from J. L. Beirn, 
and lived on the same one year, when 
he purchased the farm where he now 
lives, which contains 99 acres. One 
acre was deeded to the M. E. church. 
He was married, in 1867, to Nancy Leg- 
ate, who was born Feb. 27, 1851. Five 
children, three sons and two daughters, 



4 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



407 



have been born to them — Mary Eleanor, 
born Jan. 6, 1872; Charles Leander, 
born Sept. 3, 1874; Frederic Harrison, 
horn April 7, 1877; Emma Jane, born 
March 29, 1880; John Edmund, born 
June 15, 1884. He has been connected 
with the M. E. church at Meadow Branch 
since 1867. He is one of the trustees of 
the church, has been class-leader since 
1869, and has been superintendent of 
the Sunday school several terms. He 
has held the office of township assessor, 
and is a republican politically. Mr. 
Willis commenced with a capital of 
$200, and now values his property at 
about $3,000. The land had no house 
or improvements of any kind on it, but 
now he has a comfortable two-story 
dwelling, and good out-buildings. He 
has 55 acres under cultivation, and is 
prosperous. 

William J. Carroll was born in Galla- 
tin county. 111., on the 29th day of July 
in the year 1846. His parents were 
George and Hester Ann (Lane) Carroll, 
natives of Virginia. His father died in 
the year 1848, his mother following 
shortly afterward, thus leaving William 
an orphan when only two years old. 
He was then taken by his grandmother, 
to raise, and he remained with herui\til 
he was 21 years of age. They lived in 
the village of Fieldon then, and most of 
his time was spent in going to school. 
On the 29th day of Jan., in the year 
1869, he was married to Emily J. Orm, 
widow of John M. Orm. Six children 
were born to this union, four of whom 
are now living. They are William C, 
Hester Rebecca, Alvira J., and Mary 
Ann Lucy. 

William Grandstatf, one of the prom- 
inent agriculturists of Rosedale town- 



ship, is a native of the state of Missouri, 
having been born there on the 20th day 
of Oct., 1835. He is a son of Alexander 
Grandstaff, with whom he lived uj) to 
the time of his death, which occurred 
June 15, 1851. In the year 1860, Wil- 
liam was united in marriage, in St. 
Louis, with Clemency J. Preble. He 
removed to Alton, 111., in 1860, where 
he remained until after the close of the 
war. While there, he served as a guard 
for one year. In 1867, he removed to 
Macoupin county, and in 1878, to Greene 
county. He remained in the latter 
place until 1880, when he came to his 
present quarters, in Jersey county, and 
bought 200 acres of timber land on sec- 
tion 13, which was mostly white oak. 
At one time he owned a half interest in 
a saw-mill, which he afterwards sold to 
his partner, Mr. Preble, who still con- 
tinues to run the same. After disposing 
of his interest in the mill, Mr. Grand- 
staff' turned his attention to agricultural 
pursuits, which he still continues. He 
is a meniber in good standing of the 
I. 0. 0. F. 

Andrew Jackson Thompson was born 
in Lawrence county, Ind., Feb. '■], 1842. 
At the age of two years he went with 
his parents to Madison county, 111., 
where his early life was spent. On at- 
taining his majority, he went to work 
as a farm laborer in ^ladison county. 
In 1867 he was married to Elizabeth 
Smith, and by this union has had seven 
children, six of whom are living — Prior 
Brooker, born Dec. 28, 1868; William 
Henry, born Oct. 30, 1871; Joseph 
Park, born March 17, 1874; Grant, born 
Sept. 12, 1877; Daisy, born Feb. 
26, 1881, and Delia, born June 22, 1885. 
Their eldest child, Marietta, was born 



408 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Nov. 10, 1867, and died Feb. 7, 1868. 
Mr. Thompson owns a farm comprising 
ISO acres, the greater portion of which 
is bottom land. He raises principally 
corn and wheat, and is a successful 
farmer. For the past two years he has 
held the office of town supervisor. He 
is a member of the A. F. & A. M. 

John Arbogast is a native of Alsace, 
Germany, l)orn April 22, 1828. Wlien 
he was 12 years of age, his father 
immigrated with his family to America, 
and settled in Tuscarawas county, O. 
John remained tliere until Feb., 1858, 
when he went to northern Illinois. 
Seven montli later he came to Jersey 
county and bought 120 acr«s on Sec. 24, 
Rosedale township, where he has since 
lived. His farm now compris.ps 200 
acres of valuable and well improved 
hind. Mr. Arbogast was married June 
1"), 1853, to Elizabeth Baumgartner, who 
was born Oct. 8, 1836; 16 children have 
been born to them, of whom 13 are now 
living — Christian, born Oct. 10, 1856, 
now living in Dakota; Sueza, born Sept. 
15, 1857; Rosa, born March 17, 1858; 
Jacob, born May 27, 1859, and died Oct. 
10, 1864; John F., born Aug. 19, 1862; 
Lena, born April 2, 1864; Margaret, 
born May 22, 1866; Louise, born Aug. 
23, 1867; Caroline, born Sept. 7, 1869; 
Lizzie, born June 14, 1871; Henry, 
born Oct. 4, 1873; Fritz, born Oct. 4, 
1875; Lucinda, born Feb. 23, 1877; 
Charlie, born July 5, 1879; Ella, born 
Feb. 13, 1882, and Eddie, born March 
9, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast are 
members of the Lutheran church. He 
belongs to the I. O. 0. F. lodge, No. 
449, of Grafton, and is a democrat. 

Henry Leander Legate, deceased, was 
born in Henderson county, Ky., Jan. 



27, 1818. When he was quite small bis 
parents moved to Stoddard county, Mo., 
thence to Cape Girardeau county, from 
whence they moved to Jackson county, 
111. Henry lived in that county till 
1844, when the floods washed away the 
farm and house where he lived. He 
was married in that year to Mary Ann 
Skidmore, who was born Aug. ?, 1828. 
He then removed to Reynolds county, 
Mo., where he remained a resident till 
1863. In that year he moved to Madi- 
son county, 111., and was there employ- 
ed as manager of a coal yard, loading 
boats and selling coal, employing a 
number of men. He continued in that 
business three years, then came to Jer- 
sey county and purchased a farm of 
4(X) acres, which is now known as the 
"Legate farm." He resided here, en- 
gaged in farming, until the time of his 
death, which occurred Feb. 14, 1881. 
He left a widow and nine children to 
mourn his loss. In 1846 both he and 
his wife made a public profession of 
religion, since which time they lived 
devoted christian lives. He endeavored 
to bring up his family in the fear of 
God, teaching them to make the Gol- 
den Rule their guide through life. His 
loss was deeply felt, not only by his 
family, but throughout the community 
where he lived. He was a member of 
the Masonic fraternity. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Legate are — Edmund 
Kirby, born Sept. 12, 1846; Marshall 
Boles, born March 10, 1849; Nancy, 
born Feb. 27, 1851; James Franklin, 
deceased, born Feb. 15, 1853; Samuel, 
born April 11, 1855; Elijah Burchard, 
born July 13, 1858; Mary Evaline, de- 
ceased, born Jan. 14, 1860; Emily Ann, 
born Oct. 30, 1862; William Henry, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



409 



1)01-11 Nov. 18, 1865; George, born July 
3, 18BS; and Joseph Benjamin, born 
June 18, 1870. James Franklin was 
killed by a runaway team, May 20, 
1870; Mary Evaline died June 26, 1866. 
The oldest son, Edmund Kirliy, resides 
in Nebraska; the remainder of the fam- 
ily in Jersey county. 111. The widow 
of Henry L. Legate survives him, and 
is now residing in Jerseyville. 

Marshall Boles Legate was born in 
Reynolds c(ninty. Mo., and was eight 
years of age when his parents moved to 
Madison county. 111. He came with 
the family to Jersey county in 1865. He 
was married in October, 1873, to Lizzie 
T>. Holmes, of Woodford county. 111. 
He owns a farm containing 120 acres, 
located on section 36, of this township. 
He is a member of the I. O. 0. F., Win- 
chester lodge No. 70, and is a republican 
in politics. 

E. B. Legate, son of Henry Legate, 
was born in Reynolds county, Mo. He 
came with his father's family to Illi- 
nois, and settled in Madison county in 
1868, he being then four years of age. 
He came to Jersey county three years 
later and Avas here reared uj)on a farm. 
He taught school three terms in Meadow 
Branch district. He held the office of 
assessor during the year 1SS3, and is 
now engaged in farming with his brother, 
M. 15. Legate, in Rosedale township. 
He is a republican politically. The 
Legate brothers are higlily esteemed in 
their township and throughout the 
county, and are justly deserving of the 
rci)utati(m wliich tliey enjoy, of being 
uiirij^ht, honest christian gentlemen. 

William Nevlin was born in Germany, 
June 15, 1834. At the age of 10 years 
he came to America with his parents, 



Nieliolas and Mary A. Nevlin, who were 
also natives of Germany. Landing at 
New Orleans, they proceeded thence to 
St. Louis, where in 1848, the parents 
both died with cholera. William re- 
mained in that city until the fall of 1851, 
when he came to Jersey county and 
located on Macoupin Island. In 1865 
he purchased 300 acres of land on the 
Illinois river bottom, and lived upon 
the same three j'ears, after which he 
engaged in a general merchandise busi- 
ness, which he continued about eight 
years. He then jjurchased 40 acres of 
land on section 8, Rosedale township, 
where he has since resided. He now 
owns 340 acres of land, also a ferry 
across the Illinois river, known as Nev- 
lin's ferry, also a warehouse for the 
reception of freight. In October, 1860, 
Mr. Nevlin was married to Millia Ba- 
con, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Bacon. Eight children have been born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Nevlin, four of whom 
are living — John, Sarah, Ilattie and 
Charlie. Mr. Nevlin has been running 
the ferry aljoiit five years. He is a gen- 
tleman of intelligence and enterprise, 
and a successful business man. 

William Sherman Brown was born in 
the town of Marion, Wayne county, 111., 
March 16, 1822. He lived in his native 
county until 16 years of age, then, re- 
moved vvitli his father, John Brown, to 
Coles county. In 1843 they moved to 
Hancock county, and one year later to 
DuPage county. He was niarriid in 
Kane county, in 1847, to Amauda 
Durand. In 1854 lie removed to Jersey 
county, and settled in Grafton, from 
whence he moved to his present loca- 
tion in Rosedale township. He is 
engaged in raising grain and stock and 



410 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



carries on general farming. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brown have four children living — 
Spalding E., Laura F., William M. and 
Mary H. He is a member of the Bap- 
tist church, and has held the office of 
road commissioner, but is no seeker of 
office. 

George W. Ratcliff, the owner of a 
large farm in Rosedale township, is a 
son of James L. and Mary A. (Howard) 
Ratcliff. He was l)orn in Virginia in 
1832, and brought up on a farm, where 
he remained until 22 years of age. He 
then went to Alton, 111., and there 
learned the trade of cigar making. 
He resided in that city until 1871, at 
which time he came to Jersey county 
and purchased a farm of 181 acres, 
located in Rosedale township. Mr. 
Ratcliff was married June 16, 1858, to 
Serena A. Smith, who was born in Ohio. 
They are the parents of seven children 
— Leonard R., living at Rosedale; 
George W., Susan, Lewis J., Elvira, 
Edward and Charles, living with their 
father. Mrs. Ratcliff died March 21, 
1882, and is buried in Meadow Branch 
cemetery. Mr. Ratcliff's farm com- 
prises 230 acres of land in a good state 
of cultivation. During the war of the 
Rebellion he served lU months in the 
144th 111. Inf., as a drummer. He is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of 
(rrafton. James L. Ratcliff died in Alton 
in 1883, and his wife, Mrs. Mary A., in 
St. Louis, in 1881. 

William G. Thompson, one of the 
leading farmers of Rosedale township, 
is a native of Tennessee, born May 14, 
1819. He remained with his parents in 
Tennessee until 1836, then removed 
with them to Indiana, where he lived 
seven years, then in 1842, came to Rose- 



dale township and worked out as a farm 
hand until 1847. In that year he 
bought 37 acres of land and went to 
work for himself. In 1849, he purchased 
2CX) acres more, and has continued to 
add to his farm until he now owns 1,300 
acres, most of which is bottom land. 
He has 700 acres under good cultivation, 
and raises large quantities of grain and 
stock. He was united in marriage in 
1849. with Nancy Ann Smith, who died 
in 1851. He was married again Aug. 
24, 1854, to Mary Ann McCauley. She 
died Jan. 14, 1874. April 9, 1875, Mr. 
Thompson was married to Lela Ann 
Duncan. He has 10 children, four sons 
and six daughters. He has held the 
offices of school trustee and director 
for several years, although lie has never 
sought office. He is a Free Mason, and 
with his wife, a member of the M. E. 
church. 

Isom Matthews was born in Boone 
county, Mo., July 28, 1825. When he 
was five years of age his father removed 
to Calhoun county, 111., where the sub- 
ject of this sketch resided until 1837. 
Since that time he has been, a portion 
of the time, a residentof Rosedale town- 
ship, Jersey county. He owned 365 
acres of land in Calhoun county, which 
he sold in 1861, at which date he owned 
80 acres here. He has since added to 
his farm, which now contains 520 acres. 
In early life lie ran upon the river nine 
years, first as cabin boy, on board a 
steamboat, and afterwards as cook. In 
1851, about a year after he left the river, 
he was married to Mary Ann Smith, 
who was born Nov. 1, 1822. Mr. 
Matthews' farm is in a high state of cul- 
tivation. He is the owner of the oldest 
ferry on the Illinois river, known as 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



411 



Jones' ferry, which is in the best run- 
ning condition of any ferry on that river. 
He owns, also, a hirge warehouse, 22x42 
fei't in dimensions, and two stories high, 
the upper story being used for a granary, 
and having a capacity for 7,000 bushels 
of wheat. Mr. Matthews was for a num- 



ber of years, a member of the board of 
supervisors, and has been school direc- 
tor one year. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews 
are the parents of 10 children — Luther, 
William Henry, George, Thomas Levi, 
Mary, Ann, Laura, Nancy, Alice and 
Katie. 



OHAPXEIR XXIV. 



FIDELITY TOWNSHIP. 



The civil sub-division of Jersey ct)unty 
known as Fidelity township embraces 
all of congressional township 8 north, 
range 10 west, and sections 22, 23, 24, 
25, 2(5, 27, 84, 35 and 36, and the south 
half of sections 13, 14 and 15, in town 9 
north, range 11 west. This township 
has the reputation of being among the 
very best farming country in Jersey 
county, the timber land being confined 
almost entirely to the southeast corner. 
The Piasa creek runs through this por- 
tion, coming in from the east line of 
section 25, and flowing southwesterly 
through sections 25, 3() and 35, into Piasa 
township. A branch of the Piasa has 
its source in the southern portion of Fi- 
delity township, passing into Piasa from 
the south line of section 32. Phill's 
creek also has its origin in this town- 
ship, in the central part, and after re- 
ceiving additidual volume by the help 
of several tributaries, it passes, with a 
northwest course, into Ruyle township, 
from the north line of section 6. These 
streams supply the water necessary for 
their stock and agricultural purposes, 
while very little, if any, land is rendered 



I unfit for farming purposes by their prox- 
imity. The land is generally level, but 
occasionally diversified with rolling 
prairie. Besides the timber land men- 
tioned as being in the southeastern cor- 
ner, there is scarcely a farm which has 
not its artificial groves and orchard, ren- 
dering the landscape pleasant to the eye 
of the observer. The class of citizens 
residing here will rank with tliose of 
any community, and as a class they 
have been successful in their agricultu- 
ral labors. Considerable stock is also 
raised here, some even making this their 
principal business. 

The Jerseyville branch of the W., 
St. L. & P. railroad runs through this 
township, and in its course takes in the 
village of Fidelity, which lies on sec- 
tions 11 and 12. Thus it will be seen 
that the township enjoys many advan- 
tages, not only in the richness of the 
soil, but also in transportation facilities 
and convenience to market. 

E.\KLV SETTLEMK.VT. 

Fidelity was among the late settled 
townships of the county. True, there 



412 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



were a number who located in the vicin- 
ity at an early day, but not within the 
borders of the present township. A 
tradition is extant however, which can- 
not be tracked to an autlientic source, to 
the effect that three brothers, Lewis, 
Barney and William Sherman, settled 
in what is now Fidelity township and 
built a house on the southeast corner of 
section 25, where they lived for several 
years. The exact date of their settle- 
ment is not given but it is usuallj' 
placed about 1818 or 1819. They did 
not live here very long. 

Thomas Chapman settled on section 
3;? about the year 1828, where he lived 
for scjuie years. 

James Simmons was the first perma- 
nent settler of the township. He came 
in the spring of 1830, from Knoxville, 
Tenn. His son Samuel had come out 
the year before to choose a location. 

Samuel C. Simmons was born in 
Montgomery county, Md., March 16, 
1807. He is the oldest son of James 
and Ann Simmons, natives of Maryland. 
His father was born in Montgomery 
county, of that state, April 23, 1773, 
and was married in Jan., 1806, to Ann, 
daughter of Charles Hodges (who is the 
grandfather of Judge Hodges, of Car- 
rollton. 111.). They had seven chil- 
dren, named as follows — Samuel C, 
(the subject of this sketch); Thomas 
H., deceased, who was a printer and 
worked in the Spectator office, at Alton; 
Saraii E., deceased, former wife of 
James Cummings, also deceased; John 
H. H., residing three miles south of 
Fidelity; Ann M., wife of the late Rev. 
L. Eddings; Margaret R., the last two 
residing in Indiana; and Richard J. de- 
ceased. Mr. James Simmons moved to 



Knoxville, Tenn., in the fall of 1816, 
where he resided until the spring of 
1830, when he came to the present 
limits of Jersey county, and settled on 
Sec. 26, T. 8, and R. 10, where he 
made the first permanent settlement in 
the township. He resided on the same 
farm till his death, which occurred 
July 13, 1861. His wife died in May, 
1827, near Knoxville, Tenn. The life 
of Mr. Simmons began under the reign 
of George III. He was personally 
acquainted with George Washington, 
and his first vote for president was cast 
for M'ashington and his last for Lincoln. 
He lived to see great improvements in 
Illinois and Jersey count}', and to have 
the satisfaction of seeing his family 
comfortably settled in life, and among 
the useful citizens of a community in 
which he was one of the pioneers. He 
was esteemed by a large circle of 
friends, and the memory of his worth 
is still cherished in the community 
where over 30 years of his life were 
spent. Samuel C. Simmons came to 
Illinois in the fall of 1829, and selected 
for his father's family the location 
which after a short time became their 
home. He was elected justice of the 
peace in Aug., 1831, the first in the 
township. He was married May 10, 
1832, to Martha R., daughter of Rev. 
Jacob Miles, one of the early settlers of 
Macoupin county. They had by this 
union six children, in the following 
order of their births — James M., now a 
citizen of Colorado; Thomas H., now 
residing near Brighton, 111., who took 
an active part in the late rebellion; was 
over four years in the service, and 
severely wounded, in the battle of 
Shiloh, by a ball passing through his 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



413 



lungs, wliile acting as first lieutenant of 
the 14th 111., and was also, while on 
Gen. Palmer's staff, agyin wounded by 
a shell at the battle of Stone River; 
John 1!., residing at Miles, 111.; Amelia 
A., wife of John W. Stanton, residing 
at Pierce City, Mo.; Martha E., wife of 
John H. Barber, residing at Pierce 
City, Mo.; Sarah C, wife of D. Q. Trot- 
ter, residing on the old homestead of 
James Simmons. Mrs. Simmons died 
in Veh., 1848. Mr. Simmons was again 
married to Loranda C. Miles, Sept. 10, 
1848. They had five children — Ara- 
niinta, wife of George Barber, residing 
near Brighton; Helen O., wife of Rev. 
S. H. Huber, died Aug. i:{, 1883; Charles 
W., residing on the old homestead; 
Albert N., married to Etta Hoyt, of 
Lebanon, April 23, 1884, and living at 
Elkhart, Logan county. 111., where he 
is stationed as minister of the M. E. 
church. He graduated at MtKendree 
College, Lebanon, in June, 188'2. He 
was valedictorian of the class. In 1885 
the degree of master of arts was con- 
ferred on him; E. H., who is farming 
near the old homestead, and residing 
with his brother. Mrs. Simmons died 
Aug. 10, 18()4. Mr. Simmons has fol- 
lowed farming thus far through life. 
He participated in the Black Hawk war 
in 1831. Although he has not sought 
oHicial position, he has been acting jus- 
tice of the peace for 12 years. Mr. 
Simmons for over forty years has been 
Mu active mcmljcr of the M. E. church. 
Both of his wives and most of his chil- 
dren were members of the same church. 
He took an active interest in the great 
struggle for the life of the nation. As 
a christian man and a good citizen he 
has the esteem of all who know him. 



C. W. Simmons was born in Fidelity 
township, Jersey county, 111., July 20, 
ISoG. He is a son of Sanmel V. Sim- 
mons, whose biography aj)pears else- 
where in this work. May 4, 1881, he 
was married to Annie, daughter of H. 
J. Hoffman, of Jersey county. Mrs. 
Simmons died Oct. 13, 1881. Jan. 23, 
1884, he was again married to Nettie A., 
daughter of the late Robert Stone, also 
of Jersey county. They have one 
child — Samuel Morris, born Dec. 8, 
1884. Since his father's retirement 
from farming he has taken charge of 
the farm of 240 acres, 160 acres of which 
is in cultivation. 

John H. Simmons, one of the pio- 
neers of Jersey county, was born in 
Montgomery county, Md., June 20, 
1814. He worked for his father until he 
attained his majority. Nov. 12, 1835, 
he was married to Mary A. F. Har- 
grave, daughter of Robert Hargrave, 
who settled lierc in 1830. Seven chil- 
dren were born to them, only one of 
whom is now living — -James F., born 
Sept. 13, 1836. Mrs. Simmons died 
Jan. 11, 1877, in the (idth year of her 
age. She, as well as her husband, 
united with the M. E. church in 1834. 
Mr. Simmons was formerly a whig, and 
is now a staunch republican. He has 
been a member of the Patrons of Hus 
bandry for the pa-t 11 years, and has, 
part of the time, acted as chaplain of 
the grange. 

Richard J. Simmons, the subject of 
this sketch was born in Montgomery 
county, Md., March 30, 1808, being the 
second child of James and Ann Sim- 
mons. His mother's maiden name was 
Ann Hodges, of Prince George's county, 
Md. His father emigrated in the fall 



414 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of 1816, stopping in the vicinity of 
Knoxville, Tenn., where he remained 
for 13 years, and in the spring of 1830 
removed to what was then Greene, now 
Jersey county, 111., and settled at the 
head of the Piasa, 10 miles east of 
where the city of Jersey ville now stands, 
tliere being but one double log cabin 
there at that time. The place was then 
called Hickory (4rove. In the spring 
of 1832 he was married to Mariah Cum- 
mings, and settled on Sec. 34, T. 8, R. 
10, where he resided for over half a cen- 
tury, his wife dying without children. 
He married again, his second wife be- 
ing Margaret Davis ; she, dying, left 
two sons, both of whom have since 
died. His third wife was ^Irs. Lucy 
M. Wemple, his present widow. She 
bore him nine children. One died in 
infancy the others — six sons and two 
daughters — are all grown, and most of 
them married. Three sons live in Kan- 
sas and all the other children live in 
Illinois. Mr. Simmons was a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church for 
half a century, and held the position of 
recording steward, in the charge where 
he lived, for a number of years. His 
house was at all times, open to the itin- 
erancy, the latch-string always hanging 
out. The deeds of his life will speak 
louder than all the eulogies that can be 
written. He departed this life on the 
18th day of Jan.. 1885, in the 77th year 
of his age. His son, R. S. Simmons. 
now manages the farm. 

William Phillips was among the few 
settlers of this township, to locate in 
1831. He entered a portion of section 
'25, and proceeded to open a farm. 

Jereniiah Tindall was another new 
comer to the same locality, in 1833. 



Thomas H. Chapman came in the fall 
of 1830, settling on section 33, where he 
lived until his death, in April, 1870, at 
which time he met with a serious and 
tragic one. Meat was being smoked, 
and during the evening the smoke house 
caught on fire. Mr. Chapman entered 
the burning building and threw some 
water on the flames. His clothes im- 
mediately ignited, and before assistance 
could be rendered him, he was burned 
and suffocated, dying almost immediate- 
ly. He was a native of Tennessee and was 
an old and much respected resident of 
the township. 

Among the settlers of 1831 was James 
Cummings. 

John Trible located on section 25 in 
1834. He was born in Devonshire, 
England, and when he came to this 
county, was accompanied by his parents, 
a brother and three sisters. He lived 
on the place he first entered, until his 
death, which occurred in 1859. He was 
married in 1842, to Mary Hobson. They 
had two children-Jane M. and Sophia E. 

Jeremiah Bell located upon the east 
half of section 34, in March, 1832. 

Jeremiah Bell was born in Hancock 
county, Ga., May 16, 1808. He is the 
fourth child of Jesse and Frances Bell. 
Jesse Bell was a native of North Caro- 
lina. He, with his father, Nathaniel 
Bell, who was a veteran of the revolu- 
tionary war, emigrated shortly after 
the war, and settled in Hancock 
county, Ga., where Nathaniel Bell re- 
mained until 1811, when he followed his 
son Jesse, who, with his family of four 
children, had settled in 1811, near the 
present site of Edwardsville, 111. Jesse 
Bell took an active part in the last war 
with Great Britain. He was also one of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



415 



the frontier guards known as "rangers." 
He had a family of 16 children by his 
two marriages — eight by each wife. 
His second wife, Susan Meacham, was a 
native of Vermont. The subject of this 
sketch is the only cliild by the first 
wife now living, and three by his second 
wife are also living. Mr. liell resided 
on the same farm whore he first settled 
till his death, which occurred April 1, 
1835, aged 57 years. His birth was 
Nov. IC), 1779. His first marriage, Nov. 
Ifi, 1800, the day he was 21 years old. 
Jeremiah Bell, the subject of this 
sketch, received his early education in 
the common schools of Madison county, 
where he resided till his marriage to 
Mary Million, which took place Dec. 9, 
1S;!0. She was the daughter of Daniel 
and Barbara Million, who were natives 
of Virginia. They early settled in Ken- 
tucky, and in 1811 located in St. Clair 
county, near Belleville, 111., where they 
educated their family of nine children. 
Mr. Bell first settled where he now re- 
sides, in March, ]8o2. He has had a 
family of 11 children, live sons and six 
daughters. They are in the following 
order of liirth: — Roliert M., Jesse W., 
Susan Frances, Emma Ellen. Mattie L., 
William J. and Mary Adeline. Mr! 
Bell is among the ])rominent farmers 
and stock-growers of this county. He 
has taken an active part in introducing 
blooded cattle, hogs and horses, but in 
sheep he has introduced the fine Spanish 
Merino perhaps more extensively than 
any of his compeers. Mr. Bell had de- 
voted nearly all of his active life to the 
))bysical and moral developement of the 
community in which he lived. Few 
men are now living who have had a 
larger experience in pioneer life. He 



has lived to see Jersey county contain 
a larger population than the entire 
state did when he first became a 
citizen of the territory. Mr. Bell 
and family are active members of the 
M. E. church, as were his parents. 
Soon after his father, in company with 
others, had crossed the Ohio river, in 
the fall of 1811, he met a man on horse- 
back, who asked Mr. Bell where he was 
going, and he replied that he was going 
to Goshen Settlement. 111. The gentle- 
man then told him that he had better 
turn back, for there were nearly 400 
graves, that have never been wet by 
rain, and that there was nobody living 
but a few shouting Methodists. "Drive 
on," said Mrs. Bell, "let me die with 
them." Shedicdin Aug., 1813. Nathan- 
iel Bell, the grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, was born in what is now 
the state of North Carolina, in Bates 
county, March 15, 1755. At the age of 
19 y(>ars he enlisted as a soldier in the 
war of the Revolution, in which he 
served 14 month':. Sometime near the 
close of that war, he made a profession 
of religion, under the preaching of Bev- 
erly Allen, the first Methodist preacher 
that visited the section of country in 
wJiicii he then lived, and became amem- 
ber of the ^lethodist society. In 1783 
he removed to the state of Georgia, 
where being separated from religious 
society, and particularly from the Metho- 
dist, the society of his choice, he grew 
lukewarm in religion and became shorn 
of his si)iritual strength. About the 
year 1798 or 1799, he was again found 
by a Methodist pioneer named Samuel 
Cowles, who received him the second 
time into the society. In this society 
he remained a worthy and acceptable 



L« 



416 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



member until the year 1801-2, when he 
left the Methodist communion, and be- 
came a member of the Baptist cliurch, 
under the pastoral care of Rev. Jesse 
Mercer. In 1818 he removed to the state 
of Illinois, and settled in St. Clair 
county, where he again united with the 
Baptist church, in which cliurch he re- 
mained until he was called from suffer- 
ing and toil to happiness and rest. He 
died near Edwardsville, in Madison 
county, 111., Jan. 17, 1835, in his 80tli 
year. For the last 40 years of his life 
Father Bell was the subject of much 
suifering. Jesse Bell, the father of 
Jeremiali, died at his residence in Madi- 
son county, on Lord's day morning, 
March 29, 1885. He was a pious and 
exemplary member of the Methodist 
society, and was much esteemed by all 
who knew him. 

Henry J. Hoffman came to Jersey 
county with his parents in 1834. They 
settled in Fidelity township. They came 
from Pennsylvania. 

OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE. 

Besides those mentioned as early set- 
tlers, there are a number of others who 
have long been respected citizens of the 
township and county, and others still 
who have been prominent in tlie affairs 
of the township and done their share 
towards bringing it into its present well 
developed condition. Their sketches 
follow: 

Peter R. Parsell, who is among the 
representative men of this community, 
was born in Somerset county, N. J., on 
Christmas day, 1825. He lived with his 
father until after he became of age, when 
he bought a farm for himself in New 
Jersey. He was there married, on the 



17th of February, 1847, to Eliza M. 
Smalley, who was born in the same 
county, July 30, 1828. From that state 
he emigrated to Illinois in 1864, locat- 
ing at Jerseyville, where he remained 
for two years. While there he lived on 
a small farm, which he rented of C. B. 
Fisher, as it was impossible to purchase 
any land, there being none for sale dur- 
ing war times. Later on, he bought a 
half section of land on section 30, and 
and half of this he sold to a friend fnnn 
New Jersey. But after a few years this 
man !)roke up, and his farm went into 
the hands of the sheriff, and was sold to 
Isaac Snedcker, from whom it was again 
purchased by Mr. Parsell in 1877, and 
he located his son Isaac on it. During 
this time he bought the southeast quar- 
ter of the section, and then, in 1879, the 
southwest quarter, this giving him the 
whole section. A short time ago he 
bought 80 acres on section 23, and he 
now owns 720 acres of the best land in 
the state. It is now, by his skillful 
management and industry, one of the 
most beautiful farms in the country, 
although when he first settled on it, it 
was nothing but wild prairie, and as dis- 
couraging a place as was to be seen in 
the country. He devotes his time to the 
raising of stock, of which he makes a 
great success, they consisting principally 
of short-horn cattle, fine roadster horses, 
and sheep. He has never found it nec- 
essary to have a sale of stock, as the de- 
mand is greater than the supply, all the 
dealers knowing that here they will find 
only the best. He has frequently sold 
a span of horses for from $500 to $800. 
The farm is now stocked with 80 head 
of fine cattle, and 87 head of horses, 
mules and colts. He understands tak- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



419 



ing care of the ground, and by the judi- 
cious cliunging around of the difll'erent 
grains, does not destro_y the fertile qual- 
ities of the soil, so that within five 
years after he settled there, he had it in 
good condition. He has a family of 
nine children, six boys and three girls, 
all living. He has given them allagood 
common school education, and has done 
all in his power to instill into their 
minds the principles of honesty and 
uprigTTtness, so as to make true men 
and women of tlicm.selves. Tliey are 
all very much devoted to music, and 
lience have spent many pleasant hour.s 
togetiier in that way, l.ieing joined by 
their father, who is also musically in- 
clined. They have been taught to be 
indej)endent, and to earn their own for- 
tunes as he himself has done, and they 
are succeeding in so doing, some of them 
by adoj)ting the ideas of their father in 
regard to stock-raising, thinking it the 
most profitable way to success. The 
dates of their births are as follows: 
Margaret, widow of the late Theinas 
M. Herdman, born May 3, 1848, and 
now living in Kansas, where she con- 
trols the estate of her deceased hus- 
bnnd; Sarah, wife of T. H. Spencer, 
also living in Kansas, born Jan. 17, 
IS.'iO; Lsaac, who is married and living 
in Jersey county, born Jan. 27, 1852; 
Jeremiah, unmarried, and living in 
Kansas, where he has become wealthy, 
burn Aug. (i, 1854; James, married, and 
living at home, born April 30, 1856; 
Sophia, born Sept. 13, 185',); Peter R., 
born March 17, 18(il; John R., born 
Sept. 15, 1864, and Oliver P., born July 
17, 1S(>(). The last four are unmarried, 
and still remain with their parents. 
Our subject has been the architect of 



his own fortune, beginning at a salary 
of $10 per month, with no education 
save what could be gleaned from the 
perusal of newspapers. He learned to 
write by attending night school. He 
and his wife are members of the Second 
Presbyterian church at Jerscyville. In 
politics he is a democrat. 

John W. Trotter was born in A[on- 
rnouth county. New Jersey, Sept. 15, 
1812. He moved from that state to 
Butler county, Ohio, when about six 
years old, where he lived until the fall 
of 1834, when he went to Mississippi. 
He remained there three years, work- 
ing at his trade, blaeksmithing, when 
he moved to the state of Michigan, 
where he was married June 25, 1837, to 
Sarah Crane. She was born in Butler 
county, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1818. He now 
moved to Ohio, remaining there until 
1S44, when he moved back to Cass 
county, Mich., and engaged in farming. 
In 1856 he moved to Jersey county. 111., 
and bought a farm on section 26, in 
Fidelity township. He lived there un- 
til 1883, when he moved to. Piasa, Ma- 
coupin county. 111., where he now re- 
sides. Himself and wife are hale and 
hearty, though both are quite old, he 
being 73 years of age and his wife 67. 
They have had three children, two boys 
and one girl. They are — Squire B., 
living on a farm near Piasa, Macoupin 
county; Mary Jane, who married 
Charles Brown, of Godfrey, 111., and 
now are living in Barton county, Mo.; 
and D. Q., whose sketch follows this. 

1). Q. Trotter was born in Middle- 
town, Butler county, Ohio, Sept. 14, 
1842. His parents moved to ^[ichigan, 
when lie was only two years old, where 
he lived until he was 13, when they 



420 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



came to this place. The only education 
he has received was in the common 
schools. He remained on the farm 
which his father bought, and they have 
added to it land enough to make a farm 
of 360 acres, which is well improved. 
Part of his land is taken up with wheat 
and corn, but he also pays strict at- 
tention to stock-raising, principally of 
short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs. 
He was married Oct. 27, 18G8, to Caro- 
line Simmons, a native of Jersey county, 
111., March 20, 1844. They have four 
children, two boys and two girls. They 
are — Charles Woolsey, born Jan. 19, 
1869, Martha A., born March 4, 1873, 
Mary B., born April 9, 1879, and 
Thomas Quinn, born Sept. 5, 1881. 
He is a member of Fidelity lodge No. 
152, A. F. and A. M., and a member of 
the local grange, and is assistant stew- 
ard in the state grange, now serving his 
second term. He is also president of 
Patron's Aid Society, a life insurance 
association connected with the grange. 
He is now township treasurer, having 
been elected to fill the office for a sec- 
ond term. He has been a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal church since 
1859. He belongs to various temper- 
ance societies, and does all in his power 
to promote temperance, casting his vote 
in that direction, whenever an oppor- 
tunity offers, although he is a democrat. 
Edward Trabue was born in Logan 
county, Ky., on March 1, 1825. His 
mother died when he was quite small. 
His father, Aaron Trabue, moved to 
this state in 1837, locating at Upper Al- 
ton for six years. He then moved to 
Montgomery county, 111., living there 
three years, and then came to Jersey 
county, where he bought land. He 



died Dec. 29, 1877, at the age of 84 
years, 11 months and 16 days. He was a 
Baptist minister, and was a soldier in 
the war of 1812. Edward was married 
to Elizabeth Nile, July 10, 1849, and 
to them a family of six children were 
born, four of whom are now living — 
Emma, born Aug. 5, 1850, married Jan. 
10, 1877, to John E. Andrews; Murray 
B., born June 16, 18.53, married Oct. 18, 
1883, to Rosa Owens, of Madison 
county; Lawrence, born Feb. 3, 1855, 
died April 23, 1866; Phebe N., born 
Feb. 12, 1857, died Feb. 8, 1858; Phebe, 
born July 14, 1860, married Nov. 14, 
1883, to A. 0. Barnett; and Elizabeth, 
born July 30, 1862. His wife died Doc. 
4, 1867, and on Dec. 15, 1868, he was 
again married to Mary A. Cummings, 
born in Jersey county. 111., Sept. 10, 
1828. He bought 160 acres of land pre- 
vious to his first marriage, on which 
there is a good frame house and out- 
buildings, all of which have been placed 
there by him. He turned the first sod 
that was thrown up on that land, and 
now has it all in good condition. He 
belongs to the Masonic lodge, No. 394, 
of Jerseyville. He has been president 
and vice-president of the Agricultural 
Association of Jersey county. His po- 
litical views are with the republicans. 

Murray B. Trabue was born in Fidel- 
ity township, Jersey county, June 16, 
1853. He is a son of Edward and 
Elizabeth (Nile) Trabue. He lived at 
home with his parents until the date of 
his marriage, Oct. 1, 1883, with Rosette 
Owens, daughter of Josiah P. and Sarah 
L. (Jones) Owens, of Madison county. 
He received a good education, attend- 
ing the district school of his native town- 
ship. He subsequently spent two years 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



421 



at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111. 
He is enj;;aged in farming and dealing in 
stoek. He has SO acres of land in Jer- 
sey connty, and SO acres in Madison 
county, all of wliich is will iiiiin-oved, 
and under cultivation. Mr. Trabue was 
a lueinlier of the Alpha (irange, of 
wliich he acted as treasurer one year. 
He is a stockholder, and one of 
the directors of tlie Fair Association, of 
Jersey county, and is a shrewd, ener- 
getic business man, and an enterprising 
and popular citizen. 

Isaac McCollister was born in Lewis 
county, N. Y., on the 24th of April, 1817. 
He was the youngest of a family of seven 
children, having five brothers and one 
sister. His parents moved to Buffalo, 
and in the spring of 1S19, started for 
the west by the way of Pittsburg, com- 
ing down the Ohio, and up the Missis- 
sippi river on a keel-boat. The boat was 
carried up the river hy sail, when the 
wind was right, and when not, by poling, 
and by men walking along the shore 
pulling it with ropes attached to it. 
There was at that time but one steam- 
boat on the river. It passed them, but 
then they passed it and finally saw it 
no more. Tliey landed at the mouth of 
Wood river, in Madison county, at a 
small town called Milton, in the latter 
part of July, 181'J. There the family 
were all taken sick with fever, and his 
father and three brothers died, all be- 
tween the loth of Sept. and the 20th of 
Oct. His mother moved from there to 
Upper Alton, and in the fall of 1S20 she 
moved to .\pple Creek I'rairie, Greene 
county, west of where White Hall now 
is, where she died in Sept., 1840, leaving 
three sons— W. E., L. S. and Isaac, and 
one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Flnyd. 



William died in Sept., 1853, near AVhite 
Hall; L. H. lives in Kansas, as does 
also Mrs. Floyd. At that time they had 
to go to Upper Alton to have their grain 
ground. The first mills used were horse 
or ox mills, and they put in a bolting 
reel, which liad to be turned by hand. 
Some had a round hollow, burnt in a 
stump, with a spring-pole, to grind the 
corn, similar to the working of a mortar 
and pestle. Wheat was cut with a h.ind 
sickle, threshed by tramping out on the 
ground with horses or oxen, and cleaned 
by letting it fall so that the wind would 
blow the chaff out. Hence they did not 
have very white flour in those days. 
W. E. McCollister bought the first fan- 
ning mill that was brought into that 
settlement, and it went all around the 
whole neighborhood to clean the wheat 
after it was stamped out. They used 
wooden mould board plows, wooden 
pitchforks and strap shovels. Corn was 
plowed with oxen, and the ox carts had 
no iron tires. Isaac was married to 
Sylvia North, March 10, 184(5, and went 
on his farm in the northeast quarter of 
Sec. 15, T. 9, R. 10, in the the north- 
east corner of Jersey county. He resided 
there until the spring of 1857, when he 
moved to the farm on whi(!h he mivv 
resides, in the nortlicast quarter of Sec. 
13, T. 8, R. 10, where he owns 280 
acres of land, and has 160 acres in T. 8, 
R. 11. He has five children living, two 
boys and three girls, one being niiw iMrs. 
J. I). Wilson. He has buried eight 
children, all small. His wife died on 
the 6th of March, 1880. She was born 
on Apple Creek Prairie, Dec. 6, 1826. 

Lucius G. Wilkerson, son of James 
II. and Sarah A. Wilkerson, was born 
in A\'arren county, O., April 28, 1845. 



422 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



His ancestral descent is Welsh. In 1866 
he went to Andrew county, Mo., where 
for several years he engaged in mer- 
chandising. In the fall of 1876 he sold 
out, and came to Jersey county, 111. 
On Dec. 18, 1873, he was married to 
Sophia E. Trible. daughter of John and 
Mary Trible, natives of Devonshire, 
Eng. She was born July 30, 1847, on 
the farm upon which they now reside. 

James Walsh has been a resident of 
Jersey county since 1859, having come 
liere in May of that year. He is a na- 
tive of county Kilkenny, Ireland, where 
he was bora in March, 1842. About the 
year 1849 his parents came to America 
and located in New York city, where 
he finished his education, and learned 
the plumber's trade with Alexander W. 
Hunt & Co., of 23d street and Third 
avenue. In 1856 Mr. Walsh, Sr., re- 
moved to Jersey county, 111., and set- 
tled in what is now Mississippi township, 
where he died in Sept., 1872. He was 
buried in the Catholic cemetery at 
Jerseyville. James Walsh followed his 
trade in New York city in six years, 
then in May, 1859, came to Jersey 
county, to join his father. Since that 
time he has followed farming. He now 
owns 95 acres of land on section 33, 
Fidelity township, where he resides. 
He has all of his land in cultivation 
and is engaged in raising grain and 
stock. Mr. Walsh was married Feb. 
28, 1868, to Bridget Farrell, daughter of 
James and Ellen (Gowman) Farrell, 
and a sister of Father Edward Farrell, 
of Jones county, la. Mr. and Mrs. 
Walsh are the parents of eight child- 
ren, three of whom are living — John, 
born Feb. 1, 1869; Catherine, born June 
16, 1874, and Mary, born July 31, 1875. 



Those deceased are, James, Catherine, 
and three who died in infancy. Mr. 
Walsh holds the office of school di- 
rector, and is a member of the Catholic 
Benevolent Society. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Walsh are zealous and active members 
of the Jerseyville Catholic church. 

Charles W. Johnson, a prosperous 
farmer of Fidelity township, was born 
in Philadelphia, Penn., in the year 
1828. He resided with his parents until 
he attained his majority, tlien came to 
Illinois, locating in Jersey county, on 
section 32, of Fidelity township, where 
he has since, resided. He now owns 
200 acres of land, and devotes his time 
to grain and stock-raising. Mr. John- 
son was married Dec. 4, 1851, to Emma 
Hansel, daughter of William and Ann 
Hansel. They have had eight children, 
four of whom are living — Margaretta, 
Albert, Jane and Emma. Those de- 
ceased are — Margaretta Morris, born 
Aug. 22, 1853, and died May 19, 1856; 
Susan Fallon, born April 20, 1S56, and 
died June 1, 1878; and Jennie, born 
Oct. 2, 1858, and died Sept. 7, 1880. 

James Moore of Fidelity township, 
came with his parents to Jersey county, 
111., in 1828. He is a native of Knox 
county, Tenn., and was born Doc. 11, 
1826. He was married to Jane N., a 
daughter of John and JaneN. (Luckey) 
Davis. They are the parents of five 
living children. He is now a prosper- 
ous farmer, although he started out a 
poor boy. 

Edward 0. Dash wood was born in 
Colchester, county Essex, Eng., Jan. 
10, 1831, being a son of Edward and 
Maria (Knights) Dashwood. He re- 
mained with his parents until 14 years 
old. He then went to sea on a two years 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



423 



voyage, bound for Bombay and China, 
on board a government vessel used for 
the transportation of troops from Bom- 
bay to Aden. He continued to follow a 
sea-faring life for 25 years, and during 
one voyage was in a storm off Cape 
Horn for IS days. He came to the 
United States in 1870, stopping first at 
Alton, from whence he came, soon after, 
to Jersey county. Here he worked one 
year for different parties, then purchased 
land on section 21, Fidelity township, 
where he now resides. He owns 80 
acres of land, and is engaged in general 
farming. Mr. Dashwood was married, 
May 29, 1872, to Annie Pike, a native of 
Devonshire, Eng., and daughter of John 
and Johanna Pike. Mr. Dashwood is a 
memljer of the Episcopal church. 

James Sayer is a native of Devon- 
shire, Eng., born in the year 1855. He 
came to America in Aug., 1870, stop- 
ping first in St. Louis, where he remained 
nine months. He then came to this 
comity and for live years worked out at 
farming. At the end of that time he 
purchased 40 acres of land on section 
21, Fidelity township, which has since 
been his home. He follows general 
farming, raising grain and stock. Dec. 
14, 1875, Mr. Sayer was united in mar- 
riage with Mary Louisa Stone, daughter 
of A. F. and Sarah Stone. By this 
union there are four children — Nettie, 
Franklin, Emma and James. Mr. Sayer 
is now serving as director of the Fre- 
mont school, and is a respected and use- 
ful eiti/.en. 

William (.iuirk, tion of John and 
Henrietta (Kelly) Quirk, was born in 
Jersey county. 111., April 3, IS.'iO. He 
grew to manhood in this county, obtain- 
ing his education in the district schools. 



He resided with his parents until Feb. 
15, 1882, when he was united in mar- 
riage with Alice Elizabeth Phelan, daugh- 
ter of Dennis and Mary ((xrace) Phelan. 
He then removed to a farm owned liy 
his father, containing 120 acres, located 
on section 10, of Fidelity township, 
where he now lives. He follows general 
farming. Mr. and Mrs. Quirk have 
two children — Henrietta and John Den- 
nis. Mr. Quirk is a member of the 
Roman Catholic church. 

A little less than half a century ago, 
the subject of this sketch, William 
Bowker, first settled in Jersey county. 
He was born in Wales, England, Sept. 
21, 1826, and at the age of two years 
came with his parents to America. 
They bought a farm in Mercer county, 
N. J., and lived there until 1838, when 
they came to Jersey county, 111., buy- 
ing a farm one mile south of Fidelity. 
His father died there Aug. 8, 1844. He 
lived with his mother and run the farm 
for her until she sold it in 1861, and 
went to Franklin county, Kan., where 
she died in Sept., 1882. His brother 
Henry now owns a farm there. His 
brother Franklin is in Oregon, and his 
brother Edwin is in California. Wil- 
liam entered 160 acres of land east of 
Virden, and lived on it two years, when 
he bought a farm of 80 acres where he 
now lives, and his wife having 60 acres 
besides that, he now has a farm of 240 
acres, all of which he has so improved 
that it is in good condition. It is divid- 
ed into 40 and 20-acre fields by hedge 
fences. The residence is a large two- 
story frame building, pleasantly located 
and surrounded with various outbuild- 
ings. He raises a great deal of stock — • 
cattle, hogs and sheep — and thus uses 



424 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



all the grain raised on the farm. He 
was married in May, 1856, to Elizabeth 
McKernan, who was born April 7, 1827. 
They have one son — Charles, born May 
10, 1861, who is now living in Sumner 
county, Kan. \\'hen he first settled in 
this county there was one house be- 
tween the place he now lives and Jer- 
seyville. He does not occupy any 
office, being no craver of such. He 
and his wife have both been members 
of the Methodist church. He was a 
democrat until the war broke out, but 
since that time has been a republican — 
out and out a union man to the core. 

John Casey, deceased, settled in what 
is now Fidelity township aliout 1848, 
purchasing land on section 19. He was 
born in county Meath, Ireland, and im- 
migrated to America in 1848, coming 
directly to Jersey county. He was 
married, in 1855, to Bridget Welsh, a 
daughter of Martin and Bridget Welsh. 
They had six children born to them — 
George, Martin, Mary, John, Elizabeth, 
and Margaret. Mrs. Casey died Jan. 
16, 1868, and was buried in the Catholic 
cemetery at Jerseyville. Mr. Casey's 
death occurred June 15, 1885. His re- 
mains were laid to rest beside those of 
his wife. Both were devoted members 
of the Catholic church. Their son 
George has charge of the farm, and all 
of the children live at the homestead, 
with the exception of Martin. They 
own 180 acres of land, and carry on 
general farming, raising grain and stock. 
All of the family are members of the 
Catholic church. 

James S. Loux is of German descent, 
and was born in Bucks county, Penn., 
Nov. 13, 1884. He resided with his 
parents till he reached his 19th year, 



then left home to learn the harness-mak- 
er's trade, at which occupation he 
worked four years. In 1857, he came 
to Illinois and purchased land, about 10 
miles east of Carlinville, in Macoupin 
county, and lived upon the same about 
five years. He then sold out and came 
to Jersey county, buying land upon 
section 7. Fidelity township, where he 
now owns a valuable farm containing 
121 acres. He was married Dec. 8, 
1861, to Susan Wooden, daughter of 
Richard and Sarah (Clausen) Wooden. 
They have one child— Mary Ellen. Mr. 
Loux has held the office of school di- 
rector, and in politics is a staunch re- 
publican. 

Richard R. Ely (deceased) came to 
this county in 1838, being then ten years 
of age. He accompanied his parents, 
Richard and Amy Ely, who settled 
soutlieast of Jerseyville, on the place 
now owned by Charles Adams. Richard 
R. Ely was born in Monmouth county. 
New Jersey, on Dec. 26, 1828. He was 
reared in this county, from his tenth 
year, and resided here till the time of 
his death, Jan. 22, 1870. He was mar- 
ried Jan. 13, 1853, to Mary Ann Fitz- 
gerald, a native of Ohio, and a daughter 
of William Fitzgerald. In Dec. 1854, 
Mr. Ely removed to the farm, on sec- 
tion 11, near Fidelity village, where his 
family now reside. It contains 160 
acres. They have also 10 acres in 
Ruyle township. Mr. Ely was a well 
known and highly respected citizen of 
Jersey county, and held, among other 
important offices, that of justice of the 
peace of this township. He was a 
member of Fidelity lodge, of the A. F. 
& A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Ely had eight 
children, seven of whom are living — 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



425 



Isaac R., now living in Panama; Wil- 
liam F., in Denver, Col.; Archibald F., 
Rebecca Jane, Elizabeth Ann, wife of 
Douglas Stanley, of Jerseyville town- 
ship; Cora May and Fannie Amy. One 
daufrhter, Jeannette, died Jan. 14, 1850. 
Silas Bates, one of the most prosper- 
ous men in this neighborhood, was born 
Aug. 13, 1817, in Butler county, Ohio. 
He spent his youth in that place, serv- 
ing as an apprentice with his father, 
who was a tanner and shoemaker, until 
he was 17 years of age. In 1834, his 
father moved to Delaware county, Ind., 
where he staid until the spring of 1848. 
Silas staid with his father until he was 
23 years old, when he was married to 
Selina Hamilton, born in 1813. After 
his marriage he built a cabin on his 
father-in-law's place, where he lived 
some three years. He then moved to 
what is now known as the D'Arcy farm, 
where he lived for 16 years, paying his 
attention during that time to farming. 
He then came to the place now occupied 
by him. The two eldest children were 
born in Indiana; the first, George W, died 
when only six weeks old; Samuel, who 
married Mary Patterson, and lives in 
California, born 1841; Stephen, who 
died in his sixth year; William, who 
married Emma Cheatam, and lives in 
Nebraska; David, born October, 1847; 
Eliza Jane, married to John Chatman, 
and living in Jerseyville, born in 1850; 
Nancy Ann, married to E. Tellus, and 
living near home, born in 1S51 ; Mary, 
nuirrifd to Zadoe Coreths, and living in 
Kansas, born 1864; Selina and Silas, 
named after father and mother, })orn in 
1857; Silas is married to Rosa Smith, 
and Selina is home with her parents; 
Arch., married to Emily Hutchison, 



born 1862, died Nov. 27, 1879; Jessie, 
born 1866, single and at home. Mr. 
Bates has been a member of the Baptist 
church 18 years, his wife also being a 
member. Her home was in West Vir- 
ginia, where she was born in 1820. He 
is 68 and Mrs. Bates 65 years of age. 
As he has been a prudent, saving and 
industrious man, he has contrived to 
save considerable of this world's goods, 
and has 960 acres, all in one body, well- 
fenced and in good condition. 

FrankKomarekis anativeof Bohemiaj 
Austria, born the 24th day of June, 
1835. His parents, Joseph and Kather- 
ine (Starskahl) Komarek, were natives 
of Bohemia, and lived and died in that 
country. The subject of this sketch was 
brought up in his native country, where 
he received a liberal education, and also 
acquired a very thorough knowledge of 
music, enabling him to play upon any 
instrument. He was married in Bohe- 
mia, Jan. 28, 1857, to Katherine Matjaka, 
a native of that country, and a daughter 
of Frank and Mary (Kautzlik) Matjaka. 
In 1860 he, with his wife, bade farewell 
to friends and fatherland, and taking 
passage on board a vessel at Hamburg, 
came to New York. He went from thence 
to St. Louis, and soon after came to Jer- 
sey county, settling in Richwoods town- 
ship, where he resided 14 years. He 
then came to his present location on 
section 16, Fidelity township. He owns 
120 acres of land, all of which is under 
cultivation. He also lias rented land, 
raising a considerable amount of grain, 
and also stock. Mr. and Mrs. Komarek 
have ciglit cliildren — Antoinette, living 
in Saline county, Kan.; Albert, Kather- 
ine, Edward, John", Lena, Vincent and 
Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Komarek are 



426 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



members of the Catholic church. He is 
school director of his district, and is a 
useful and respected citizen. 

Mrs. Mar}' B. Christopher is the 
widow of the late John Christopher 
and a daughter of John and Jane (Wil- 
cox) Ryan, the latter a native of Canada. 
Mrs. Christopher was born in Upper 
Alton, March 22, 1822, and resided with 
her parents until her marriage, March 
20, 1850, to Dr. James Bringhurst. By 
this union there were four children — 
James, the oldest, was born April 28, 
1851, and married March 9, 1876, to 
Carrie Lemmons, who died Dec. 26, 
1880, and was buried in Independence, 
Kan. He was again married Oct. 7, 
1884, to Edna Hudson, and is now living 
at Fidelity. John was born May 7, 1873, 
and nuirried Margaret Thompson; Rob- 
ert was born March 22, 1855, and mar- 
ried Oct. 22, 1877, to Mary Frances 
Coolage; Harry, the youngest, was born 
Sept. 16, 1857, and married Feb. 19, 1879, 
to Anna Bacon. Dr. Bringhurst resided 
in Jerseyville, and had an extensive 
practice in this county. He died June 
23, 1870, and was buried in Oakland 
cemetery. His widow was married 
April 26, 1874, to John Christopher, a 
resident of Fidelity township, where 
his death occurred Oct. 25, 1878. He 
was the owner of a fine farm on section 
13, where Mrs. Christopher now lives. 
She has 240 acres, all in cultivation. 
She is a member of the Baptist church 
at Fidelity. 

Edward B. Simmons, an enterprising 
young farmer of Fidelity townshi]), was 
born on the place where he now resides, 
Oct. 1, 1860. His childhood and youth 
were spent in working upon his father's 
farm and attending the district school. 



On arriving at his 20th year he went to 
Greenfield, wliere for two years he at- 
tended the high school, after which he 
was a student one term at the Jackson- 
ville Business College. He then re- 
turned home and has since followed ag- 
ricultural pursuits. He was married 
Oct. 18, 1883, to Clara Powel, daughter 
of Dr. Henry and Margaret D. Powel. 
Mr. Simmons is the owner of 160 acres 
of land in southwestern Kansas; also 
160 acres in Iowa. He now resides 
upon land belonging to liis father's 
estate in section 26. 

John C. Marshall was born in Preble 
county, O., Sept. 11, 1826, where he 
lived until he was 19 years of age, when 
he moved to Jersey county with his par- 
ents. They lived on the Braty farm one 
year, and then took the Duncan farm in 
1846. From there he moved into this 
township, and now has a farm of 160 
acres. He was united in marriage with 
Grace Hooper, July 9, 1857. Out of a 
family of 10 children, eight are now liv- 
ing. He is a member of the Free 
Mason's lodge. No. 152, of Fidelity, 
and has held the office of school di- 
rector. In politics he is a staunch re- 
publican. His father at one time owned 
the farm he now possesses, and he as- 
sisted in the improvement of the farm 
before it came into his possession, so 
that now it is well fenced and tilled. 
Some of the rails were made by him 35 
years ago, he knowing them by the 
knots he finds on them. 

William H. Hutchinson came to Jer- 
sey county in 1837, accompanying his 
parents, who settled in Jerseyville, 
which at that time contained only a 
small number of families. His father 
followed shoe-making. William was 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



427 



born in Trenton, N. J., Jan. 7, IS:].")^ 
and was reared in this county. AVhon 
1(5 years old he began learning the 
blacksmith trade, which he followed 
eight years in Jersey ville. In ISGO he 
he removed to Mason county, where he 
worked at his trade one year, then en- 
listed in the Union army, joining com- 
pany H of the 17th 111. Inf. He served 
three vears as a member of that regi- 
ment, then re-enlisted in the 144th regi- 
ment, in which he served 10 months as 
lieutenant of Company I. He returned 
home at the close of the war, and re- 
sumed work at his trade, in Bath, Ma- 
son county, where he remained about 
five years. At the expiration of that 
time he came back to Jersey county, 
where he has since followed farming. 
He now owns a farm of 80 acres, located 
on section 19, Fidelity township, and 
carries on general farming, also works 
at blacksmithing. He was married 
Oct. 3, 1858, to Elizabeth O'Lary, 
daughter of Martin and Eliza O'Lary. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have eight 
children — Charles, Cieorgiana, Emma, 
liebeeea, Lloyd, William, Elizabeth and 
Minnie. 

John Roady was born in Knox county, 
Tiim., on the 4th day of May, 184G, and 
is a son of Nathaniel and Rebecca 
(Long) Roady. About the year 1850 
tiie family removed to Illinois, locating 
in what is now Fidelity township, Jer- 
sey county. Here John was reared and 
educated. Oct. 27, 1868, he was married 
to Rebecca Jones, a native of Madison 
county. 111., and daughter of Thomas 
and Nancy (Pruitt) Jones, early set- 
tlers of this portion of the state, a 
sketch of whom will appear elsewhere 
in this work. Mr. ;ind Mrs. Roady are 



the parents of five children — Charles 
Henry, Rosa E., Jolm A., Dora and 
Alice. Mr. Roady owns a farm of 1()0 
acres located on section lb, Fidelity 
township, where he resides. He culti- 
vates 80 acres, carrying on general 
farming. 

EDICATIONAL. 

The school building in district No. 2 
is located on the southeast quarter of 
section 28. The first building in this 
district was erected during the year 
1855. School was held before this in a 
frame house on section 28, on land now 
belonging to Peter Tietsort. It had 
formerly been a residence. The first 
term was taught in the spring of 1850. 
jMartha Chapman and a Miss Simmons, 
daughter of Samuel Simmons, were the 
earliest teachers in this district. The 
school edifice was rebuilt in 18S0, being 
finished Aug. 31. The cost was $GOU. 
The land on whichit,stands was donated 
by George Hoffman. 

The first building for educational pur- 
poses in district No. 3 was erected in 
1854. Henry Priest was the first teacher 
in that building. The school edifice at 
present used was built in 18{)8 by John 
R. Mousley. The first teacher in that 
school was a married man, Thomas tJ. 
Shannon. The building is 26x38 feet 
in dimensions, and cost $1,200. 

THE (ilJ.^.NOE. 

In the days when the grange move- 
ment was enjoying its days of great- 
est ])rosi)erity, the neighborhood of 
Fidelity was one of the strongholds of 
the order, and to-day, there are f(!W 
localities in the country where the 
spirit of this organization is so well 
preserved. 



428 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Prairie Union Grange No. 1213 was 
organized March 5, 1874, with the fol- 
lowing charter members: J. L. Sim- 
mons and wife, T. G. Shannon and wife. 
John W. Christopher and wife, Chas. 
Brown and wife, J. H. H. Simmons, 
John Hopp, J. P. Davidson, W. J. 
Bell, T. G. Hammond, William Powers, 
John Wagoner, William Armstrong, E. 
R. Jones, M. Carney and wife, John 
Carney and wife, Isaac Crane and wife, 
H. Douglas and wife. The first officers 
were: D. Q. Trotter, master; T. G. 
Shannon, lecturer; W. J. Bell, secre- 
tary; J. H. H. Simmons, chaplain. D. 
Q. Trotter served as master for six 
years; A. G. Hurd at present holds that 
l>osition. The meetings are held regu- 
larly on the Friday before the full moon 
of each month. These meetings are 
held in the school house of district No. 
3. The grange has a storeroom, built 
in 1879, at a cost of $100. It is built on 
the east half of the southeast quarter 
of section 26, on the farm of D. Q. Trot- 
ter, and near his residence. Mr. Trot- 
ter is purchasing agent, and has been 
since the organization. He transacts 
all the business done through the agency 
of the store. The grange has a capital 
of $500, which is kept invested in staple 
groceries. The store does a business 
of about $2,000 annually. There 
are 45 members in the organization, 
and it is in a flourishing condition. 

CEMETERY. 

The Hopewell burying ground is lo- 
cated on the southwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 34, and con- 
tains two acres, donated for burial pur- 
poses by R. J. Simmons, in 1842. It is 
not positively known who the first 



burial in this cemetery was, but among 
the very first was a son, and the second 
the wife of R. J. Simmons. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Fidelity Baptist church was or- 
ganized in 1853. There is a regular 
pastor, and services are held regularly. 

The Hopewell Methodist church was 
one of the first religious organizations 
in the township The society was 
united with the Baptists of the neigh- 
borhood in forming a union church. 

The Fidelity M. E. church was or- 
ganized in the fall of 1856, by Rev. G. 
W. Waggoner. 

HISTORIC ITE.MS. 

The Simmons family built the first 
log house in the township, in 1830. 

The first child in the township was 
born to Thomas and Ann Chapman, in 
1831. It died in infancy. 

The first marriage ceremony in the 
township was that which united R. J. 
Simmons and Maria Cummings as man 
and wife. The ceremony was per- 
formed by Simon Peter, in 1832. Both 
parties are now deceased, the groom 
dying in Jan., 1885. 

The first death was that of the child 
of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chapman, 
mentioned above, which died in 1831. 
It was Ijuried in theChai)man cemetery, 
and was the first one buried there. 

James Simmons broke the first ground 
in the townsliip, in 1830. He also 
sowed the first wheat, and planted the 
first corn. 

The first religious services were held 
in the cabin of James Simmons, by 
Rev. Jacob Miles, in 1831. 

The first religious edifice built in the 
township was the Hopewell church, in 
1842. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



429 



The first justice of the ])eace in Fidel- 
ity township was S. C. Siuiinons. He 
served four years from that election. 

VILLAGE OF FIDELITY. 

This village, which is situated on sec- 
tions 11 and 12, Fidelity township, con- 
tains hi'tween 200 and 300 population, 
and a number of business places, a good 
school building, churches, a mill, etc., 
an idea of which is outlined below. It 
was laid out on land belonging to Joseph 
Russell, who named the place, and the 
survey was made on the 5th of Jan. 
1850. The town has a somewhat quiet 
air, and being well supplied with shade 
trees, makes a desirable residence. It 
was supposed that when the Rockford, 
Rock Island & St. Louis railroad (now 
C. B. & Q.) was built, it would run 
through the town, but as it was built 
about a mile to the east, the town of 
Medora sprang up, on its line, about 2J 
miles to the northeast, which fact, to- 
g<ther with the natural drawing of 
trade to the railroad towns, left Fidel- 
ity behind in the struggle for growth. 
The building of the St. Louis, Jersey- 
ville & Springfield, or Wabash, has not, 
as yet, done much for the place, though 
in time it may be a benefit. The farm- 
ing land surrounding Fidelity is not 
excelled in Jersey county, and some of 
the landowners reside in the village 
itself. 

John Sullivan was the first to locate 
in the village of Fidelity. He was a 
blacksmith, and built a shop, which was 
the first in the place. 

Tobias Barthlow was the first store- 
keeper in Fidelity. His stock, how- 
ever, was not very extensive. He did 
not remain long. 



The first really permanent settler was 
Dr. Jay, who kept a drug store. 

The first dry goods store was con- 
ducted by Hill & Cheney, who were 
afterwards succeeded by (i. M. Ilaus- 
kins. 

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

M. E. Lesem is one of the largest 
dealers in Fidelity. He commenced 
the general merchandise business in 
Sept., 1884. The building he occupies 
is 30x50 feet in size, and is of frame 
construction. He carries a complete 
and well assorted general stock, con- 
sisting of dry goods, clothing, notions, 
groceries, boots and shoes, carpets, 
queensware, glassware, hardware, to- 
bacco, cigars, stoves, tinware, etc. 

The most successful, although the 
youngest business man in the town of 
Fidelity, is M. E. Lesem. He was born 
in Tuscumbia, Mo., on the 3d day of 
Dec, 1863, hiji parents being Marks and 
Amelia Lesem. When he was 15 years 
of age, his parents removed to St. Louis, 
where las father engaged in business, 
and where he still resides. He received 
his education in Tuscumbia and St. 
Louis, finishing in the latter city. After 
leaving school he clerked for his father 
for some time, and then engaged in the 
manufacture of ladies' underwear in St. 
Louis, with his brother. From there 
he came to Fidelity, where he has been 
in business since Sept. 1, 1884. Although 
he is only 21 years old, he already shows 
business qualities of the highest order, 
and if he continues as he has begun, will 
in time be considered a leading business 
man wherever he chooses to locate. 

Thomas Mercer is engaged in the gen- 
eral merchandise trade in Fidelity. The 
business was commenced by Hathaway 



430 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



& Wade about 1860. They erected the 
store building. The firm of Holden 
& Miner, composed of Richard Holden 
and C. F. Miner, next conducted the 
busine.ss. They were succeed by Whit- 
child & Teitsort, who, in turn, gave way 
to Aydclott Bros. R. S. Moore pur- 
chased the stock of the last-named firm, 
and he sold to .Joseph Vaughn. C. H. 
Garrison was the next proprietor, and 
he ran it until 1883, when the present 
owner, Thomas Mercer, took charge. 

Moran & Graham are among the deal- 
ers in groceries. The business was 
commenced by Squire Whitfield, who 
erected the building. He was succeeded 
l)y Charles Garrison. He closed out 
the business after a time, and the build- 
ing remained idle about two years. An- 
derson Pruitt and Jefferson Dixon re- 
opened the store. They sold out to 
Thomas Moran in the fall of 1883, who 
conducted the business alone until 
March, 1885, when Finley Graham was 
admitted to the firm as a member. 

James Rringherst is a representative 
of the blacksniithing line. His shop 
was erected in February, 1885. 

EDUCATION.^!.. 

Fidelity has a handsome school house, 
built in 1866 and 1867, by John Wil- 
liamson. It is a two-story structure, 
and has a pretty steeple. The primary 
department is on the lower ffoor. The 
original cost of the building was $5,5UU. 
Some additions have been made since 
the edifice was first completed. The 
first teacher was Stroud Keller. Cor- 
nelius Roach was principal for the 
school year 1884—85, and Maggie Quinn 
teacher in the primary grade. 

HOTELS. 

The Ritter House was built by Henry 



Ritter in 1852, and by him it was con- 
ducted as a hostelry for the accommo- 
dation of traveling public for several 
years. John Seago was the next land- 
lord, and officiated in that capacity for 
three or four years. He sold it to Ben. 
Davies, who in turn, conducted it for 
two or three years. Stephen R. Bow- 
man was the next to run the hotel. He 
had it nearly two years. After this, 
the house went to decay, and now pre- 
sents rather a forlorn appearance. It 
is owned by a man named Cadle. 

Tlie Union Hotel was built by David 
Jay, in 1861, who was the first landlord 
of the house. It next passed into the 
liands of Bagley & Warren, who sold it 
to James Frost, in 1867. Mr. Frost has 
since used the place as a residence. 

MILL. 

The flouring mill in Fidelity was 
erected in 1860 by J. J. Haycroft, and 
operated by him until 1864, when it 
was burned down. Mr. Haycroft re- 
built the plant in 1866. He then ran it 
anotlier year, when he sold it to W. K. 
Miner. Mr. Miner died, and the prop- 
erty is now owned by his heirs, being 
his four children. The mill was leased 
by William Hoover in 1874. and since 
that time he has operated it. The mill 
is fairly well equipped. Its business is 
mostly custom grinding. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The jiostoffice was established in Fi- 
delity in 1854. Q. M. Hankins was the 
first postmaster. Thomas A. Price is 
present incumbent of that office. 

Thomas A. Price was born Sept. 22, 
1832, in New Jersey. He was the son 
of Joseph and Mary Price, both natives 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



431 



of England. His father was born in 
1810, and came to America when he was 
throe years of age. His mother was 
born in 1811. In 1840 they moved west- 
ward from New Jersey, to Jersey county, 
111., and bought land where Judge Lowe 
now lives, and whicli was then nothing 
hut wild prairie. The father broke the 
first furrow there, and in a few years had 
the land in g(jod shape, when he sold 
it, and bought land two miles west of 
Fidelity. He died in 184G. Then, as 
Thomas was the oldest of six children, 
he ran the farm for his mother, until 
his marriago to Lydia Trombly, in 1856. 
She was born on the 2(lth of Sept., 1837. 
He then rented a farm, on which he 
worked for himself, until ]8()1. when he 
enlisted in Co. F, 14th Inf. He was in 
the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, 
siege of Corinth, Matamora Heights and 
Vicksburg. In the battle of Shiloh, oO 
of his company were engaged, and 24 of 
them were killed and wounded. He was 
in Sherman's first raid across from 
Vicksburg to Meridian. His division 
marched_ 20 miles farther, and were 
brought back up the river to Cairo. The 
regiment had charge of a drove of cattle 
and were taken up the river to Savan- 
nali, from there to Chattanooga, and 
werc^ then lirought back to Iluntsvillc, 
Ala. His term of enlistment having 
expired, he was discharged and sent 
back to Springfield, June 18, 1864. 
Since that he has been engaged in farm- 
ing. He is nciw postmaster of Fidelity, 
and has held the t)flice of justice of the 
peace for the jjast six years. He has 
seven children, all of whom are living. 
He is a member of the Baptist church, 
as was also his wife until her death in 
Nov., 1882. 



Among the enterprisingand respected 
citizens of Fidelit}^ townsliip is James 
T. Ilauskins, an old time resident of 
the village of Fidelity. He was born 
in Greene county, April 3, 1823, near 
Carrollton, on a farm now owned by 
Juduthan Eldred, where he lived until 
1849. He then moved to Jersey county, 
in the vicinity of Fidelity, remaining 
there until 1858, when he gave up farm 
life, and moved into the village. He 
has since sold his farm, as he thought 
the care of it was too much for a man of 
his years, and will take it easy the re. 
inaindcr of his life. He has been twice 
married. First, to Emily Clark, of 
(irecne county, on the 3d of June, 1852; 
she died April 1, 1878. He was mar- 
ried again, Dec. 3U, 1879, to Mrs. Jane 
M. Baldwin. He had seven children 
by his lirst marriage — Elam, born Mar. 
11, 18.-)3, died April 29, 1854; Morton, 
born Oct. 4, 1855, died Aug. 22, 1857; 
Eunice, horn Jan. 15, 1857, died Aug. 
23, 1857; Paul, born Oct. 5, 1858, died 
Feb. 11, 1873; John W., born Mar. Id, 
1860, died Feb. 16, 1875; Edgar, born 
Dec. 9, 1862; and James Everett, born 
Oct. 7, 1864. He has one ehild by the 
last marriage— Chester E., born Aug. 26, 
1881. He is a member of the M. E. 
ehureh of Fidelity, his wife being a 
mendier of the Universalist church. He 
belongs to the Masonic fraternity of 
Fidelity. Politically, he is a rejiulili- 
can. The following resolutions, jtassed 
by the Fidelity and Piasa circuit of the 
M. E. church, .\pril 1, 1878, in regard 
to the death of Emily Ilauskins, wife of 
J. T. Hau.«kins: 

"Whereas, it hath pleased the Al- 
mighty (iod, in his wise providence, to 
remove from our midst, bv death, our 



432 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



much beloved sister; therefore, resolved 
that in tlie death of Sister Hauskins, 
the church has lost a true friend, and 
the community a good citizen; resolved, 
that we humbly submit to the will of 
God, who doeth all things well; resolv- 
ed, that we, the members of the quar- 
terly conference of Fidelity and Piasa 
circuit of the Alton district of the 
Southern Illinois conference, hereby 
extend to Brother James T. Hauskins 
and family our prayers and heartfelt 
S3'mpathy in their sad loss." 

Thomas Benton Aydelott was born in 
Preble county, 0., April 29, 1845. In 
18,50 he came with his father to this 
state, to a location near Jerseyville, 
where they remained until the spring of 
1851, when they moved to a place a mile 
and one-half southeast of Fidelity, liv- 
ing there two years. They then moved 
northeast into Macoupin county, and 
from there came back to the place they 
had recently occupied in the vicinity of 
Fidelity, and after living there for a 
while, in June, 1857, they moved into 
the village, where his father built a 
frame residence in the east part of 
town. On the 15th of April, 1869, 
Thomas B. was married to Sarah A. 
Jervis, of Preble county, 0. She was 
born on the 30th of April, 18.53. They 
liave a family of five children, three 
boys and two girls — Thomas A., born 
Nov. 26, 1870; Mary L., born Oct. 4, 



1872; Charles F., born Aug. 19, 1875; 
Lucy A., born July 17, 1878, and James 
H., born Aug. 13, 1883. He holds the 
office of school director and clerk of the 
school board, and is president of the 
board of trustees of the village. At 
one time he held the office of constable 
for two years. He and his wife are 
members of the Methodist church. His 
political views are democratic. 

SOCIETIES. 

Fidelity lodge No. 152, A. F. & A. 
M., was organized on the 3d day of 
Oct., 1855. The charter members were: 
David Jay, Nathaniel Jane, John H. 
Reddish, and others. The lodge was 
organized with David Jay as master; 
Nathaniel Jane, senior warden; John 
Reddish, junior warden. The officers 
at present are: W. S. Sirls, W. M.; 
Henry Kemper, S. W.; James Starett, 
J. W.; R. D. Simmons, S. D.; Jacob 
Black, J. D.; Thomas Watson, T.; Jno. 
R. Garrety, S.; T. C. A\'ilkerson and 
F. W. Sears, stewards; John Carney, 
tyler. There are at present 25 mem- 
bers. 

RAILROAD. 

The St. Louis, Jerseyville & Spring- 
field railroad, a branch of the Wabash, 
St. Louis & Pacific, was built through 
Fidelity in 1882, and in that year the 
depot was built. 
Chapter XXV. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



433 



QHAPTEIR XXV. 



MISSISSIPPI 

This township is identical in size with 
T. 7 north, R. 11 west. It embraces 
some of the finest farming land, and 
contains some of the best improved 
farms in Jersey county. The only run- 
ning streams in the township are the 
branches of Piasa and Otter creeks, and 
these have their origin in the township. 
There are also some smaller rivulets, 
triluitaries of the above. Altogether, 
there is no lack of water supply for the 
purposes of stock-raising or agriculture. 
There is but little timber land in the 
township, and that is confined mostly 
to the banks of the streams. However, 
almost every farm has one or more arti- 
liclal groves, which adds much to the 
beauty of the surroundings. The C. A. 
it St. L. railroad intersects sections 2, 
12 and 13, in its course through the 
township. The old village of Newberu 
is located on section 32. It has never 
assumed proportions of any magnitude. 
The new town, or East Newbern, is sit- 
uated at the corner of section 27, 28, 33, 
and 34. There is very little uncultiva- 
ted land in Mississippi township, its in- 
habitants being an industrious class of 
citizens, who take a pride in the proper 
improvement of their jilaces and in till- 
ing the soil in a careful and painstaking 
manner. The houses bear evidence to 
the taste of the occupants, the outbuild- 
ings and barns are kept in good repair, 
and everything evinces an honest pride 



TOWNSHIP. 

on the part of the people of this vicinity 
in such matters. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Judge John G. Lofton and John D. 
Gillbam came to what is now Jersey 
county, fiom Madison, bringing their 
families, in 1819. 

Judge Lofton settled on section 31, 
on land which adjoins the i)rescnt farm 
of Addison Greene. The vicinity so(m 
took the name of Lofton's prairie. Mr. 
Lofton, like many others of the early 
pioneers, was a native of South Caro- 
lina, and was a prominent figure among 
the old residents. He was married to a 
sister of John D. Gillbam. Under 
John Quincy Adams' administration, 
Mr. Lofton was appointed receiver of 
the land office at Lewiston, Fulton 
county, III. He went to that place and 
assumed the duties of bis position, but 
tiring of it, resigned, after a year or 
two, and (^ame home. He died about 
1837, on section 32, in the township 
where he first settled. His wife also 
died there. He left three sons — Thomas 
G., Samuel A. and John G. Judge 
Lofton was a Baptist in religious belief, 
and in the early days meetings were 
often held in his house. 

John D. Gillbam, who came with the 
Loftons, was a native of South Carolina, 
and from that state removed to Ker.- 
tucky. Thence he removed to Illinois, 



434 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



locating in Madison county, in the year 
18(X). _ He settled on section 28, in 
what is now Mississippi township. He 
and his brother Ezeliiel were connected 
with the rangers in the days of the early 
settlement of this part of the state, and 
were more than once called upon to 
assist in the defense of the settlement, 
against the depredations of the Indians. 
John D. Gillham died at his home, in 
the settlement, in Oct., 1852. His wife 
also passed away at the same place. 
The history of this proud state has 
mostly been made since the Gillliam's 
came to this county, and an idea of the 
lapse of time since then may be formed 
when it is said tliat another generation 
of this hardy faniilj' has lived and 
died since then, and the grandcliiUlren 
are long since grown men and women, 
with families of their own. Fletcher 
Gillham, one of the grandsons, lives on 
the old homestead. Another, Wesley 
W., lives on the Youngblood place, on 
section 22, Elsah townshij). Charles, 
another g.iandson, formerly kept a store 
in Jersey ville. 

Joseph White is credited with making 
a settlement in this township in 1819. 
He lived here for many years, but is now 
numbered with the dead. 

Josiah Cummingscame to Mississippi 
township in 1819, and made a settle- 
ment on section 11. He was a native of 
Connecticut, of Scotch parentage. His 
ancestors were among the pioneers of 
Kew England. Mr. Cumniings witnessed 
the battle ot Bennington, \t., and was a 
soldier in General Wayne's campaign 
against the Indians, having participated 
previously in the disastrous defeat of 
the army of General Arthur St. Clair. 
He was among the very earliest settlers 



in the state of Illinois, and in this al- 
most uninhabited wilderness he became 
acquainted with Mrs. Gilliss, whom he 
afterwards married. They both died 
while residents of this county. 

Thomas Cummings came to Jersey 
county, in 1820, and after working for 
his father for a while in Mississippi 
township, purchased land here and set- 
tled. He was born in Monroe county, 
111., March 4, 1800, and was the eldest 
son of Josiah and Sabra Cummings. 
He spent considerable time in assisting 
tomakiithe government surveys, and 
served some time in the militia or 
ranger service. On the 24th of Sept., 
1824, he was united in marriage with 
Mary Ann, a daughter of Jolm and Mary 
C'arroll. Immediately after his mar- 
riage he purchased a farm on section 11, 
where he resided until Nov. 21, 1856, 
when he died. He came here with little 
capital, but by energy, industry and 
business tact died possessed of a hand- 
some property, owning over 2,700 acres. 

John R. Black m vie a settlement 
in this township in 1820. He was quite 
prominent in early days and was elected 
and served as the first treasurer of Jer- 
sey county. A sketch of him will be 
found under that head in a previous 
part of this work. 

William Davidson was a settler of the 
year 1820 or '21, in this townsliip, and I 
served as a petit juror in the circuit 
court, selected at the June term, 1821. 

Samuel J. Kincade and John Waddle 
made their appearance in this town- 
ship about the year 1821, as we find 
them both serving as judges of an elec- 
tion for militia officers in that year. 
Both have long since passed to their 
last resting place. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



4;35 



Thomas McDow, one of the sturd}' 
pioneers of this county, located in the 
township now known hy the name of 
Mississippi, in the spring of 1823, on 
section 82. He was a native of South 
Carolina, l)orn Aug. 12, 1795, and was 
the son of John and Margaret McDow. 
In 1807, the elder Mr. McDow immi- 
grated to Illinois and located in Madi- 
son county. After living there about a 
year, he removed to the Mississippi 
bottom, near St. Louis, where he resided 
until 1818, when he moved to Boone 
county. Mo., where he resided until 
1824, when he came to this county and 
made a settlement on section 32, where 
he died in Oct., 1835. Thomas was 
married Feb. 25, 1819, to Mary L. Lof- 
ton, and in 1823, settled here as above 
mentioned. Here he resided until his 
deafli in 1874. 

Charles (x. McDow, deceased, was 
born in Sontli Carolina, Oct. 11, 1797. 
He was married to IMatilda Rice, who 
was born in Kentucky. March 20, 1805. 
They immigrated to Illinois in an early 
daj', settling in what is now Jlississippi 
township, Jersey county. 111. Here 
Mr. McDow followed farming until his 
death, which occurred Feb. 26, 1860. 
His widow still survives him. They 
had a family of six children, four of 
whom are living — Martha, born July 13, 
1826; Margaret A., born Aug. 26, 1828, 
now the wife of William Marshaw, of 
Elsah township; Sarah A., born April 
6, 1831, now the wife of Joseph Mar- 
shaw, of Mississip])i township; and 
John N., born Aug. 22, 1833. Mrs. 
McDow and her daughter Martha reside 
Uf)on section 31 , where they own 90 
acres of land. Mrs. McDow is a con- 
sistent member of the Baptist church, 

37 '• 



and although in her 81st year, is still 
energetic and in the enjoyment of gond 
health. The deceased children of Mr. 
and Mrs. McDow are — Allen, born Feb. 
17, 1837, died Aug. 15, 1871; and Mary 
Angeline, born Jan. 23, 1840, died Mar. 
1, 1844. 

John N. McDow, a descendant of one 
of our oldest settlers, was born in Mis- 
sissippi township, Jersey county, 111. 
His life has been spent thus far on and 
near the same section where he now 
lives, being born at their house on sec- 
tion 31, and now living on section 32. 
His farm lies on three sections, 20 acres 
being on section 30, 50 acres on section 
31, and 20 acres on section 32. On the 
9th of Sept., 18.58, he was united in 
marriage with May E. Harris. They 
have a family of 10 children — Elzada 
Jane, Charles W., Anna A., Mattie M., 
Lou M., Robert A., Ruth C, Eugene 
L. and Irene (twins), and Homer. 

James McDow was born in Jersey 
county. 111., Oct. 11, in the year 
1844. He is another representative of 
that family of early settlers, and was 
born and raised on the place where he 
now lives, on section 32 in Mississippi 
township. He was united in marriage 
with Anna Summer on the 17th day of 
Oct., in the year 1866. She was born 
on the 9th day of Nov., in the year 
1847. Seven children have been born 
to them — William L., born Aug. 16, 
1867; Purlia O., born Sept. 19, 1869; 
Oliver P., born Oct. 17, 1871; James W., 
born Aug. 21, 1873; Harry W., horn 
June 4, 1877; Edith INL, born Sept. 12, 
1882; Lulu B., born June 7, 1885. Mr. 
McDow's political views are democratic. 

Jacob Cummings was am(mg the 
pioneers of this township. He was a 



436 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



native of Madison county, 111., from 
which place he immigrated to this town- 
ship in the early part of 1820. He lo- 
cated on section 15, where he lived un- 
til his death, which occurred in 1825. 

Asher Chase came to this county in 
1823, and liking the country, took up 
his residence here on a farm on what is 
known as the Lofton prairie. He lived 
there a few years, and removed to an- 
other location in the same township. 
He afterward left the county, and has 
not been heard of since. 

William Gillham, father of John D., 
came in the fall of 1821, and took up 
his place of residence on section 29, on 
the farm now owned by Mahala Buckles. 
He was a native of South Carolina. His 
death occurred at the home of his son 
in the fall of 1825. 

Mrs. Jane Gillham, with a family of 
children, settled on section 28, in the 
fall of 1823, where she resided until her 
death. She was a native of North Car- 
olina. 

William G. Waddle made a settle- 
ment in what is now Mississippi town- 
ship during the year 1823. He was a 
native of South Carolina, but was 
brought by his parents to Edwardsville, 
Madison county, 111., when but two 
years of age, in 1803. William came to 
this county as above mentioned, and 
settled upon section 33, where he lived 
some 20 years, when he removed to 
Jersey township. He died on the 11th 
of April, 1871. 

In the fall of 1823, a man by the name 
of John Findley came, locating on sec- 
tion 22, on the farm now owned by 
Hiram McCluskey. He came from North 
Carolina, but only remained about a 



year, when he sold the place to Henry 
Utt and moved away. 

Joseph White, a blacksmith, came in 
the spring of 1824, settling on the north- 
east quarter of section 30, where he 
started a blacksmith shop, which was 
the first in the township and county, 
and which was operated at this point 
for over 40 years. He afterward re- 
moved to near the line of Jersey and 
Greene counties, near Kane, where he 
subsequently died. 

In the fall of 1824 Orman Beeman 
settled on Sec. 30, where he afterward 
married a daughter of Joseph White. 
He was a native of South Carolina, and 
lived in Madison county for several 
years prior to coming here, and was a 
volunteer in the United States service 
against the aborigines. He lived here 
until bis death. 

Nathaniel Carrico located in this town- 
ship, on coming to this county in 1831. 
The same fall he entered some land in 
what is now Otter Creek township, where 
he lived some time, but moved to Greene 
county afterwards, where he died. 

John Ryan located in Mississippi 
township, about five miles southeast of 
Jerseyville, in the fall of 1825. He 
afterwards removed to Greene county, 
and from there to Ruyle township, where 
his sons, Henry and Richardson, now 
reside. He was a native of Chester 
county, Penn. He was married at Zanes- 
ville, O., soon after the close of the war 
of 1812-15. He died Jan. 27, 1865. 

Francis Swan, a native of North Car- 
olina, emigrated, in 1809, from Ken- 
tucky, and settled in St. Clair county, 
111. He was one of the rangers and re- 
sided in that county until 1823, when he 
removed to Greene county, near Car- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



437 



rollton. In 1826, he came to Jersey 
county, locating in this township, 
which he made his residence until he 
died, in 1850. He was married in 1809, 
and was the father of nine children, 
five of whom are living — -James G., 
Mary, John P., Elizabeth, Sophronia. 

A. Carson and J.J. Basey made set- 
tlements in this locality as earlj' as 
1826-27, but are long since gone to their 
grave.But little respecting these pioneers 
could be gathered, except the fact of 
their settlement. 

Charles Dodson made a settlement 
upon the Addison Greene place on sec- 
tion 31, in 182S. He married a daughter 
of Judge Lofton. 

Rev. George Slaten came to this 
county and township in the fall of 1828, 
and settled upon section 31. He was a 
native of North Carolina, but had moved 
from there to her sister state of South 
Carolina, where he was united in mar- 
riage with Lucinda (Brogden) Slaten, 
in the year 18(K). Soon after this they 
removed to Georgia, where they con- 
tinued to reside until 1818, when they 
came to Illinois and located in St. Clair 
county. In 1822, they removed to the 
vicinity of Carrollton, Greene county, 
and after a residence of six years in that 
jilaee, came to this county as above 
stated. Rev. George Slaten was an ac- 
tive and efficient minister of the M. E. 
church. He died Aug. 6, 1844, his wife 
surviving him until Jan. 23, 1866. 

Bartholomew Chappell, a native of 
Devonshire, Eng., came to the United 
States in 1832, landing at New York, 
from thence came to Ohio, and then to 
I pper Alton, remaining in each place 
but a short time, when he came to Jer- 
sey county, and located in this town- 



ship. Here he resided for many years, 
until his death. His children occupy 
the homestead, and other land in the 
township. 

Ej)hraim Chappell, one of the well- 
to-do residents of this township, was 
n in Devonshire, Eng., Feb. 8, 1827. 
He came to America in 1833, landing in 
New York. He came westward as far 
as Ohio, where he staid only a few 
weeks. He removed to Alton, 111., for 
a short time, and from there came to 
Mississippi township, Jersey county, 
where he located on a farm, and re- 
mained until 1857, when he went to 
Macoupin county, where he farmed 
10 years. In 1867 he came back to 
Jersey countj', and settled on the place 
now occupied by him. It contains 5121 
acres of land, all under cultivation ex- 
ce])t 50 acres in timber, a fine orchard, 
and pasture for his sto(;k, of which he 
has 14 head of horses, 30 head of cattle, 
and a fine lot of stock hogs. He has 
three good barns, worth $5,0(J0, all in 
good repair, a wind pump in the stock 
yard, and everything necessary to make 
farm life comfortable. His dwelling is 
a story and a half frame house, 
30x60, worth $1,500. Mr. Chappell was 
married to Nancy Buckles, June 16, 
1857. Three children were born to this 
union — Ida ()., wife of Richard Graham, 
living in this township; John F., and 
Lula, who died Aug. 15, 1865. His wife 
died Nov. 5, 1864. On the 24th of Jan- 
uary, 1869, he was again married to 
Rosanah Briggs. Two children were 
born to them — Rosanah G., died Aug. 
30, 1872, and Cora, died Oct. 13, 1875. 
On the 18th of May, 1872, he was again 
left a widower by the death of his sec- 
ond wife. In Dec, 1872, he was mar- 



438 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



ried to MaggVe H. Delby, and to this 
union were born three children — Effie, 
Ephraim and Octavia. 

W. H. Chappell resides upon a farm, 
located on the north half of the north- 
east quarter of section 25, Mississippi 
township. He was born in Piasa town- 
ship, Jersej' county, 111., Nov. 14, 1842, 
being a son of William Chappell, a na- 
tive of England. His mother is also a 
native of that country. Both are now 
living in Piasa township. The subject 
of this sketch was married, Nov. 9, 
1864, to E. A. Bell, daughter of Rev. 
D. R. and Jane (Morrow) Bell, the for- 
mer a native of Tennessee, and the 
latter of North Carolina. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bell are now living in Eureka 
Springs, Arkansas. Mrs. Chappell was 
born Dec. 3, 1845. They have had nine 
children born to them, four of whom 
are now living — More E., George E., 
John E., and Clarence C. Five chil- 
dren died in infanc3^ Mr. and Mrs. 
Chappell are members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church. He is also 
a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 

During the years 1832 and 1833, sev- 
eral more individuals made settlements 
within the limits of this township, prom- 
inent among whom were the following 
named: Francis G. Swan, Sally A. 
Reynolds, Richard H. McGill, Adam 
Waggoner, Joab ^^'hite, William David- 
son, Levi Smith and Moses Cockrell. 

Joab White was a native of North 
Carolina. 

F. G. Swan was born in the state of 
North Carolina, and came to Illinois in 
1809, locating in St. Clair count}'. Dur- 
ing the Indian troubles of 1812-15, he 
was ajiiember of the rangers. He re- 



moved to Greene Co. in 1823, and later 
came to this county. He died in 1850. 

Adam Waggoner was a native of Vir- 
ginia, but when young was removed to 
Kentucky, from which state he came 
here. He is now dead. 

Moses Cockrell was born in Scott 
county, O., in 1806, and came to this state 
in 1833, settling on section 28, where he 
lived until his death, in April, 1882. 

Jacob Utt located in this township in 
1833, and the following year entered his 
land. He was a Pennsylvanian, and 
like most people from that state, an ex- 
cellent farmer. In 1857, he sold out 
and removed to the vicinity of Virden, 
Macoupin county, where he died in 1869. 

A great many other settlers of the 
squatter type settled in this township 
before this time, but their stay was short 
and their names have entirely escaped 
the memory of the older settlers. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Nelson Marion Lurton was born at 
Newbern, Jersey county, Jan. 9, 1830, 
and is to-day the oldest living resident 
born in Mississippi township. Being 
one of the children of an early settler, 
in his youth his school facilities were 
very limited, many of the teachers be- 
ing but partially educated themselves, 
below those now holding second grade 
certificates. Notwithstanding these 
drawbacks, however, many of the chil- 
dren of those days received very good 
education, some graduating at leading 
colleges, and afterwards filling many 
important positions. Nelson was given 
all the advantage that could be had at 
that early day, of which he availed him- 
self to a great degree. In 1850, being 
seized with the prevailing "gold-fever" 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



439 



he went to California, and while there 
cast his first vote, which was at the 
first electiori for state officers in that 
state. Remaining in that part of the 
country for some time, he removed to 
the land of his nativity, by way of 
South America. On the 13th of Jan., 
1853, he was united in marriage with 
Emma, daughter of James and Ama Slo- 
man,a native of Devonshire, Eng.,born 
March 4, 1833. By this union there 
has been five children — Henry Camp- 
bell, born Oct. 29, 1853; Magnolia Bell, 
born April 10, 1857, wife of John H. 
Darlington; M. Lu, born Dec. 27, 1860; 
Eva Minerva, born Feb. 3, 1866 ; and 
Marion Nelson, born Dec. 29, 1871. On 
his marriage Mr. Lurton settled upon a 
farm, which he broke out of the vir- 
gin soil, where he has lived ever since. 
He joined the Cumberland Presbyterian 
church in 1856, and was elected ruling 
elder and clerk on the organization of 
the church in his vicinity in 1857, and 
he has acted in that capacity ever since. 
Politically he has always been a demo- 
crat with liberal views. In 1882, he 
was elected a member of the board of 
supervisors, and served one year. 

George H. Vanllorne, a prominent 
farmer of this township, was born and 
raised here. The date of his birth is 
Nov. 20, 1848. He was married to 
Mary A. Jones, a native of New York, 
on the 6th day of Oct., 1875. She was 
tlie daughter of Alva and Amelia Jones. 
Only one child was born to them — 
Fanny A., born Aug. 21, 1876, died 
Aug. 15, 1877. Mrs. VanHorne died 
Jan. 25, 1877. On the 15th day of Nov., 
ISSI, he was again married to Mary 1. 
Cummings. They have had two chil- 
dren—Sarah N., born Dec. 11, 1882, 



died November 18, 1883; Columbus C, 
born April 18j 1884. The residence is 
a two and a half story brick, 24x34,^^ 
costing $3,000. The barn is a frame 
building, 36x40, costing $1,000. A wind 
pump is used in obtaining the water. 
There are 193 acres of land in the farm, 
on which is a young apple orchard of 
1.50 trees. The C. & A. R. R. runs 
through the place and there is a ceme- 
tery located on the farm. Mr. Van- 
Horne seems to be much thought of in 
that township, as he has been elected 
to the ofhce of town clerk four terms, 
and is now supervisor and also school 
director in district No. 1. He belongs 
to No. 659 of the I. 0. 0. F., of Delhi, 
and is also a member of Jerseyville en- 
campment. Politically he is a demo- 
crat. 

John Buckles, a prosperous and thriv- 
ing farmer of this township, was born 
in Scioto county, Ohio, on the 6th day 
of April, in the year 1833. In the 3'ear 
1835 he came with his parents, John and 
Nancy (Clark) Buckles, to Mississippi 
township, Jersey county. 111. On the 
27th of Oct., 1859, he was united in mar- 
riage to Mahala Chappell, daughter of 
Bart, and Grace Chappell. By this 
union there were six children — Efiie L., 
born Aug. 9, 1860, married Rev. W. C. 
Logan, and lives at Alton; Mary Grace, 
born on the 8th of Nov., 1862, is the 
wife of Edward E. Reed, and lives in 
Burdenville, Kan.; James T.,born Oct. 
30, 1864; Charles W., born May 3, 1868; 
John E., born Dec. 10, 1870; Richard R., 
born April 6, 1873. He has 160 acres of 
land, located as follows: On the north- 
west quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section 29, the southwest quarter of the 
northwest quarter and the northwest 



ladatibMiaitfHia^ 



440 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



quarter of the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 2.S, in this township. His residence 
is a frame huikhng, two stories high, 
tlu^ main j>art 28x40, the L 16x18, cost- 
ing $4, (KM). He has two havns, one 
50x32, costing $800, the other 30x40 feet, 
costing $500; a buggy-house and shop, 
worth $400, and a smoke-house and milk- 
house worth $200. There is a good 
apple orchard, with a variety of other 
fruit, such as pears, plums and cherries. 
The farm and its surroundings show 
that much care and attention has been 
devoted by Mr. Buckles to its improve- 
ment. He and his wife are members of 
the CumberUmd Presbyterian church. 
He belongs to Otterville Lodge, No. 563, 
A. F. and A. M., and to the Royal Arch 
Chapter at Jersey ville. 

Rice T. Jones is a native of England, 
having been born in Picadilly, Queen's 
Square, London, on St. Thomas day, 
Nov. 21, 1835. In 1860 he came to 
America, and came as far west as Bright- 
on, Macoupin county, 111., where he 
worked by the month for five years. In 
1865 he moved to Jersey county, where 
he bought 80 acres on section 11, and 20 
acres on section 23, both in Mississippi 
township. He lived on the 80 for 10 
years, and then bought 80 more on sec- 
tion 11, and 10 on section 12. On his 
farm is a two-story frame dwelling, about 
18x40, costing $3,000; a good granary; 
sheds for buggy, wagon and farming 
implements, a stable and corn cribs. 
There are three wells of good water on 
the place, and this with such improve- 
ments as we have have described make 
it a very desirable farm. Mr. Jones was 
married to Emeline Handsaker, on the 
26th of April, 1863. She is the daugh 
ter of William and Mary A. (Spearsj 



Handsaker, and was born Jan. 29, 1845. 
Her parents are of Englisli origin, and 
his are natives of Southern Wales. 
There are four children — John W., born 
Feb. 6, 1864, died in infancy; Lue A., 
born Feb. 6, 1865; George E., born 
May 17, 1867; and Harry A., born Jan. 
31, 1874. Mr. Jones held the office of 
supervisor one year. Most of his time is 
taken up in the care and improvement 
of his land, and by his industry and 
perseverance, he now has a well im- 
proved farm. 

Lewis Randolph was born in Bernards 
township, Somerset county, N. J., on 
the 13th of Dec, 1808 He was the 
second son of Peter and Harriet Ran- 
dolph. Mr. Randolph ivas a blacksmith 
by trade, making it his business in a 
country place, having a small farm 
where he resided, and which he man- 
aged, in connection with his trade, doing 
country blacksmithing, and making 
augurs until that business failed. Lewis 
worked on the farm or in the shop as 
his help was mostly needed, until the 
spring of 1828, when on the 24th of May, 
he was married to Mary Ann Compton, 
daughter of Moore and Mary (Anderson) 
Compton, and who was born March 28, 
1810. In the spring of 1829, he moved 
on a farm bought by his father, where he 
resided until 1837, living as one un- 
broken family, but always having a de- 
sire to see the'far west. Fully making 
up his mind, about the first of Sept., to 
go west, sold the farm, and on the 10th 
of Oct., 1837, with his wife and three 
children, and Miss Eliza Jane Compton, 
sister of his wife, and now Mrs. J. K. 
Stelle, living near Jerseyville, also Bry- 
ant Cross, Jacob K. Stelle, Isaac Goltra, 
now Dr. Goltra, of Springfield, 111., 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



441 



Stephen Sutton and James T. Harris, 
started on the hing journey, traveling 
in wagons. Having good roads and fine 
weather, their new mode of living seem- 
ed pleasant, as they always camped out 
wherever night overtook them, until 
the}' had performed the largest part of 
their journey. But in passing through 
a part of Ohio, Indiana and the eastern 
jiart of Illinois, they had to travel over 
a new-cut road, stumps, in the timber 
and mud on the prairies. They took it 
patiently, as they were doing as well as 
others, they being pretty thickly scat- 
tered along the route, going both ways 
to and from the country. On the 21st 
of November they landed in Jackson- 
ville, on a most disagreeable and rainy 
day, perfectly satisfied to unload and 
go to housekeeping for a while, and 
also giving themselves a chance of find- 
ing a place to make a home. Mr. Ran- 
dolph selected the place where he now 
resides, on the part of the 13th section 
of townshij) 7, range 11, then a part of 
Greene county; but, by an act of the leg- 
islature, in 1839, it was divided and 
the southern part was called Jersey 
county. Here he arrived on the 21st 
of Ajjril, 1838, after a three day's 
travel from Jacksonville, on the state 
road leading from Jacksonville to St. 
Louis. His family increased to eight 
children, seven of whom lived to be 
men and women. One died in infancy. 
Elniira, born July 1, 1829, became the 
wife of John Williams, in the fall of 1847, 
and died Julyo, lsr)2, leaving two sons, 
Joel C. and Lewis R. Williams, now 
living in Nebraska; Abel S., born Aug. 
5, 1831, married Minerva Edwards June 
9, 18(jy, has one son and now lives in 
Montgomery county, HI.; Moore C. 



Randolph, born Dec. 9, 1834, married 
Eleanor McDow April 7, 1858, and died 
July 4, 1858; Harriet, born Feb. 3, 
1842, married S. T. Moore, May 16,1861, 
have five children, two girls and three 
boys — Josie, Edward, Frank, Nellie 
and Lewis R., living at Brighton; Ruth 
W., born Nov. 9, 1844, unmarried; Cath- 
arine A., born Sept. 19, 1847, married 
Jan. 19, 1871, to James H. Clapp, have 
two daughters, Carrie and Hattie, living 
at Blue Springs, Neb; Peter J. Randolph, 
born Feb. 11, 1850, married Oct. 21, 
1872, to Clara Gelder, living at Morris- 
onville. Christian county. 111. Mr. Ran- 
dolph has held the office of school treas- 
urer, in that township, two terms; has 
been a director in the Farmer's Insur- 
ance Company since its organization, 
and has also been a trustee in the Bap- 
tist church, of Jerseyville, for the past 
20 years. 

Thomas C. Carrico (deceasedj was 
born within the present limits of Jer- 
sey county. 111., Dec. 21, 1825. Aug. 
19, 1847, he was married by Rev. B. 
Stafford, to Mary Beeman, daughter of 
Omer and Talitha (White) Beeman, the 
former a native of Connecticut, and the 
latter of South Carolina. Mr. and 
Mrs. Carrico had five children l)orn to 
them— Leander C, born Oct. 10, 1848, 
now living at Elsah ; Francis J., born 
June 15, 1850, and died Aug. 15, 1851, 
Amy T., born Aug. 8, 1852, now the 
wife of Sylvester Hamilton, of Otter- 
ville; Mary J., born April 14, 1854, 
now the widow of Joseph Rutherford, 
living in the Indian Nation, and Luther 
M., born March 11, 1857, and died on 
the 23d day of the same month. Mr. 
Carrico enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in com- 
pany G, of the 122d 111. Inf. , commanded 



442 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



by Capt. Cowen, anil was taken sick 
and died in the hospital at (lorinth, 
Miss., March 14, ISllH. He was niiicli 
esteemed in the coiiununity whore he 
lived. He was a republican in politics, 
an earnest advocate of the cause of 
temperance, and a consistent christian, 
holding Connection with the Baptist 
church at Virden, 111. 

Jan. 15, 1871, Mrs. Carrico was mar- 
ried to Daniel Bettis, who was born in 
Hamilton county, Ohio, April 27, 1829. 
Mr. Bettis had been previously married 
to Martha Vanausdall, June 10, 1853, 
and by his first marriage had five chil- 
dren — Margaret P., born July 4, 1854, 
now the wife of John Barnard, of Peo- 
ria, 111.; Rachel M., born July 3, 1856, 
and died in 1857; Amelia A., born July 
30, 1858, now the wife of Henrj' Roth- 
wilder of Carlinville, 111.; Martha A., 
born Dec. 5, 1860, wife of M. Miller, 
of Jersey ville. 111., and Daniel W., 
born Oct. 20, 1862, now living in Win- 
chester, 111. Mr. Bettis enlisted in the 
130th 111. Inf., serving in that regiment 
until it was consolidated with the 77th 
regiment. He continued in the service 
till Aug. 22, 1865, when he was mustered 
out at Camp Butler, near Springfield, 111. 
He participated in all the engagements 
of his regiment, never receiving even a 
scratch. Mr. and Mrs. Bettis own 80 
acres of land on section 19, Mississippi 
township, also 120 acres in Cherokee 
county, Kan., and a residence and two 
acres of land in the village of Otterville. 
Mr. Bettis is a member of the G. A. R., 
and a staunch friend of the temperance 
cause. He is, in politics, a republican. 

Deacon Jacob K. Stelle was a native 
of Somerset county, N. J., and was born 
on the 2d of Sept., 1816. His father 



was a native of Middlesex county, N. 
J. His ancestral descent is Jrencli and 
Scotch. Mr. Stelle was united in mar- 
riage with Anna Kirkpatrick, and they 
had a family of five children, of whom 
the subject of this sketch is the second. 
Mr. Stelle's occupation was that of a 
farmer. In April, 1850, while on a 
visit to his son Jacob, in Jersey county, 
he was taken sick, and four days after 
his arrival, died, and was buried in 
Van Horn burying ground near Delhi. 
His widow survived him until 1870. 
Jacob K. Stelle received his early edu- 
cation in the schools of his native state, 
working on his father's farm, and at- 
tending school alternately, until the 
age of 14, when he went to Morristown 
and became a clerk in a dry goods store, 
in which capacity he remained five 
years, at the end of which time he be- 
came a partner of his former employer, 
Wm. M. Lindsley. He continued with 
him until Oct. 10, 1837, when, with a 
party of 11 others, he left New Jersey, 
with wagon and teams, his destination 
being Illinois. They arrived at Jack- 
sonville, Nov. 21. After looking over 
different portions of the state, Mr. 
Stelle located on a farm in what is now 
Jersey county, in February of 1838. 
The land was in township 7, range 11, 
and had never been improved. Being 
unused to pioneer life, the labor and 
hardships were more than he could at 
first endure, but he finally became ac- 
customed to it and during the second 
year after his arrival raised a crop. He 
was married Nov. 15, 1838, to Eliza 
Jane Compton, formerly of New Jersey, 
and one of the party who accompanied 
them on their trip. His parents were 
Moore and Mary Compton. Mr. and Mrs. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



443 



Stello were married in a log liouse 
then oecupied by his brother-in-law. A 
family of six children were bt)rn to 
tliem, four of whom are yet living. Mr. 
Stelle had but a small capital when he 
came here, carrying on the farm with 
only one ox; but with energy and per- 
severance he was enabled to accjuire 
enough to be considered among the 
wealthy farmers of this county. In 
1870 he retired from farm life and 
moved to his suburban residence south 
of .Jerseyville. In 1841 he became a 
member of the Baptist church in Jer- 
seyville, his wife having joined the 
same denomination in New Jersey. In 
1848 Mr. Steele was elected deacon of 
the church in Jerseyville, which re- 
sponsible position he held until his 
death. He was also treasurer of the 
Carrollton Baptist Association for eight 
years. All of his children are members 
of the same church. He labored for 
many years to sustain a Sabbath school 
at Delhi, and after moving near town, 
taught a bible class in Jerseyville as 
long as his health permitted. From 
his earliest connection with the church 
his piety was of the purest type. He 
was always earnest, consistent, devoted 
and spiritual. His judgments were 
clear, discriminating and reliable. His 
support of the church and its pastor 
uniform and unwavering. His friend- 
ships were reserved, but confiding and 
true. His benevolence was large, act- 
ive and scriptural. His kindness to the 
poor and the unfortunate was ever at- 
tested by earnest efforts to alleviate. 
His business capacity wa.s superior, his 
integrity unimpeachable, his moral 
life above suspicion, his domestic life 
characterized by love and kindness, 



sympathy and hospitality. He was a 
self-made man, highly respected by his 
fellow-citizens, and among the most 
prominent men of Jersey county. More 
than 40 years ago, the disease of which 
he died, first manifested itself, though 
a strong constitution, aided by the best 
medical skill that could be procured, 
enabled him to impede its progress so 
many years, yet he had been a great 
sufferer. But he bore it all with such 
fortitude and patience, that during all 
those years his most intimate friends 
scarcely realized the severity and extent 
of his suflering. In the latter part of 
Aug., 1877, he became entirely blind, 
but as the light of this world faded 
away, that of the other and better world 
became clearer. About 8 o'clock P. 
M., March 7, 1878, he quietly dejjarted 
at the age of 61 years, 6 months and 5 
days. "Mark the perfect man." 

Moore C. Stelle, a prominent and en- 
terprising farmer of Mississippi town- 
ship, was born on the place that be now 
lives on. His farm consists of 200 acres 
on section 13, with all of the best im- 
provements that could be desired. The 
dwelling is a fine two story building, 
worth about $6,000. There are two large 
barn?, one 80x50, worth |2,0(X», the 
other 20x80, worth S1,5U0; also a cow 
shed which cost $1,000, a good set of 
scales, two wind pumps, a wagon house, 
corn cribs, with she(l attached for stor- 
ing all the farm imidements, and a good 
ice house. There are two orchards on 
his place, one an apple orchard contain- 
taining 10(J bearing trees, the other a 
peach orchard of oO trees. The residence 
is surrounded with fine grounds, making 
it a beautiful location. Moore C. was 
married to Elizabeth S. Clapp, daughter 



444 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of Leonidas and Jane (Chamberlain) 
Clapp. Her father was a native of Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., born Jan. 16, 
1812, and he was married Oct. 28, 1841, 
to Jane Chamberlain, and to them 
eight children were born. He came 
west with his family in 1856, settling 
near Iowa City, la., where he resided 
until 1861, when he removed to Jersey 
county, 111. In April, 1880, he moved 
to Blue Springs, Neb., where he lived a 
respected citizen, until his death, April 
4, 1882, which was caused by typhoid 
pneumonia. Mr. Stelle has three chil- 
dren living, and four dead — Ellsworth, 
born Aug. 8, 1867, died Nov. 16, 1867; 
Harry J., born Sept. 4, 1869, died Feb. 
la, 1884; Frank E., born Aug. 5, 1871; 
Jennie M., born March 20, 1873, and 
Roy M., born Nov. 26, 1876. Two died 
in infancy. Mrs. Stelle was born in 
AVashington county, N. Y., April 21, 
1844. They are both members of the 
Baptist church of Jersey ville. He holds 
the office of school treasurer in this 
township. 

Samuel Darlington was born in Scioto 
county, 0., on the 14tli of Aug., 1827. 
In 1840 he came with his parents to 
Illinois, then locating on section 21, in 
Mississippi township, Jersey coiffity, 
which place he himself now occupies. 
His parents were Abishra and Eva 
(Cramer) Darlington. His father was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1785, and died 
at his liome in this township in 1851. 
His mother was also born in Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1790, and died at her home in 
1849. They are both buried here, on 
the home place, side by side. Samuel 
Darlington was married to Mary Cox, 
Sept. 12, 1850. She is the daughter of 
Jacob B. and Cynthia (Turner) Cox. 



Six children have been born to them — 
William A., born Aug. 21, 1851; Sarah 
Jane, born Dec. 19, 1854, is the wife of 
Charles Kelly, and lives in Jerseyville; 
Olivia, born May 5, 1856, is the wife of 
Eugene Brooks, and lives in Jer^-ey 
township; Julia A., born Sept. 12, 1857; 
Magnolia, born Aug. 2, 1860, is the wife 
of Robert Green, and lives in Kane, 
Greene covmty. 111.; Nettie, born Dec. 
20, 1867. Mr. Darlington is well fixed, 
having a two-story residence worth 
$3,000, the main part 18x38, with an L 
18x31; a barn 26x40, costing $600, be- 
sides all the necessary outbuildings that 
are generally found on a first-class farm. 
He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., No. 
456, of Otterville, and also of the camp. 
No. 53, at Jerseyville. His political 
views are republican. 

John H. Darlington was born on the 
5th day of Oct., in the year 1853, in 
Jersey county, in the same house in 
which he now lives. He was married 
on April 25, in the year 1880, to Mag- 
nolia B. Lurton,bornon the 10th day of 
April, 1857. She is the daughter of N. 
M. and Emma (Sloman) Lurton. They 
have only one child, Herschel L., born 
on the 22d day of Nov., in the year 
1884. Mr. Darlington's father was born 
in Scioto county, O., on the 18th day 
of Dec, 1817. His mother is a native 
of Illinois. Her father was born in 
Illinois, and her mother in England. 
The farm is located on section 16 of this 
townsliip. On it is a frame house 18x36 
with an L 18x22, costing $1,000; a barn, 
double cribs, granary and buggy sheds, 
costing about $1,000. There is a good 
orchard, and everything around denotes 
prosperity. In politics, he is a republi- 
can. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



445 



\\'illiam Davison, an enterprising far- 
mer of this township, was born in 
Monmouth county, N. J., on tlie 18th 
of Jan., 1822. In 1840 he went to Mon- 
roe county, N. Y., staying until 1854. 
He then went to Michigan, where he re- 
mained until the spring of 1857, when 
he moved to Jersey county, 111., on the 
place now occupied by him. He owns 
150 acres of land on section 10, 20 acres 
of timber on section 22, and 10 acres on 
section 16. His farm is well improved 
and provided with good accommoda- 
tions. The residence cost $3,(X)0, and 
is a two-story frame building, 24x34, 
with an L 16x20. He has a large barn 
36x46, costing $1,350, a granary 24x26, 
costing $400, and a good wind pump. 
There are 350 rods of hedge fence on 
the land, and a young apple orchard of 
130 trees. All these improvements 
tend to show that Mr. Davison is a man 
who devotes his time successfully to 
the occupation he has chosen. He was 
married to Emeline Potter on the 2d 
day of Oct., 1845. She is the daughter 
of Lewis and Nancy (Bliss) Potter. 
They have three cliildren — Lewis, born 
on the 16th of Feb., 1846, now married 
to Elizabeth Ely, and living in this 
township; James, born on the 26th day 
of June, 1848, married to Mary Lowe, 
and Clarence born on the 13th of April, 
1850, married to Letitia Ely. All the 
children live in the township. Mr. 
Davison is a member of the Methodist 
church. 

Josepii Marshaw was I)orn in the year 
1825, on a place that is now a portion of 
the city of St. Louis. He is a son of 
Joseph Marshaw, Sr., who is a native 
of France. Joseph, Jr., was raised on 
a farm, which occupation he has since 



followed. In 1837 he came to Jersey 
county, and settled at Otterville. He 
was married in 1849, to Sarah A. McDqw, 
a native of this county. They have five 
children — Madra J'.me, wife of James 
M. Harris, of this township; Louie An- 
geline, wife of Arthur McGee, living in 
Kansas; Florence Matilda, married to 
Franklin W. Bently, and living in Cass 
county, Ill.;Addie and Joseph Edmond, 
at home. He owns a farm of 177 acres 
on section 29, in townsliip 7, and on 
which he lives comfortably. He is a 
member of the I. O. 0. F. 

Andrew J. Everts is among the 
prosperous farmers of this township. 
He was born in Madison county, N. Y., 
on the 21st of May, 1843. He moved 
west to Audrain county, Mo., in 1865, 
and remained there six years. He then 
went to New York on a visit, staid 
there and in Michigan until 1872, when 
he went back to Missouri and remained 
there that winter. In 1873 he came to 
English township, Jersey county. 111., 
staid there 16 months, moved to Missis- 
sii)pi township, on section 11, and lived 
there six years. In the spring of 1881 
he moved to the farm now occupied by 
him on the west half of section 15. He 
was married to Celia Day in Jan., 18(58. 
She was born in Lenawee county, Mich. 
They had one child born to them — 
Cora M., born Dec. 22, 1S68. His wife 
died in Oct., 1870, and was buried in 
Audrain county, Mo. On Jan. 28, 1875, 
he was again married to Mrs. Emma L. 
Hartwell, born May 20, 184!). Three 
children were born to them — Walter 
W., born Nov. 3, 1875, died Sept. 25, 
1877; Eugene A., born Dec. 29, 1877; 
Hugh O., born Nov. 2, 1879. Mrs. 
Everts has, besides these, two children 



446 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



by her first husband. They are — Hattie 
A., born Jan. 3, 1870; Fk)rence R.,born 
Jan. 3, 1872. Mr. Everts has 320 acres 
of good farm land, on wliieh he has a 
two-story frame residence, tlie main 
part 18x40, the L 24x36, and costing 
$3,000. There is also a good frame 
barn 40x60, worth $800, with granaries 
and corn cribs worth $300. He is a 
member of the K. of H., aaid of the CI. 
A. R. He is a thriving, industrious 
farmer, and has prospered by so being. 

James R. Slaten resides upon the 
southwest ([uarter of section 31, Missis- 
sippi township, where he owns a valu- 
able farm of 80 acres, finely improved 
in every manner. He owns, also, 60 
acres of land in Elsah township, which 
is partly improved. Mr. Slaten was 
born in Greene county, 111., Aug. 10, 
1822, and his entire life has been spent 
in this portion of the state. He was 
married March 21, 1844, to Elizabeth 
West, who was born in Madison county, 
Ky., Sept. 15, 1822. She died in Jersey 
county, March 21, 187a, and was buried 
in the Salem cemetery, Otter Creek 
township. They had two children, 
Mary Jane, born Dec. 24, 1846, wife of 
Sylvester Whitcomb, and Lee C, born 
Feb. 5, 1859, and died Sept. 5, 1860. 
Mr. Slaten's daughter resides with him 
at present^ her husband being in Idaho 
Territory. Mr. Slaten is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal churchy. His 
late wife was also a member of that 
church. He belongs to the Grafton 
lodge of A. F. & A. M., and is, jioliti- 
cally, a republican. 

John E. Love was born on the 27th 
day of March, 1852, in the state of Vir- 
ginia. He is a son of J. D. and Anna 
Love. His father was a native of Penn- 



sylvania, and was born on the 4th day 
of April, 1804. He died on the r2th day 
of Feb., 1878, and was buried by the 
side of his brother, Josepli, on the farm 
of William Love, in Calhoun county, 
111. The place is called Love's grave- 
yard. John's mother was born in the 
state of Delaware, in 1829. They 
moved west from Virginia in 1860, set- 
tling in Calhoun county, 111. They 
staid in that neighborhood about six 
years, and then came to Jersey county, 
Mississippi townshi}), where J. E. has 
since lived with his mother. He is the 
fifth child of a family of nine, six of 
whom are yet living. He is a member 
of the M. E. church. His political 
views are democratic. 

George W. McCann was born Sept. 
30, 1863, at Otterville, Jersey county, 
111. In 1876, when only 13 years old, 
he made a trip to Texas, where he 
helped his father raise a crop. He came 
back to this county the next fall, and 
while he staid here he worked for Zim 
Rollins. In June, of the next year, he 
returned to Texas, and remained there a 
few months, working in a bakery. He 
then came back to Illinois, where he 
worked for John Dougherty about four 
years. He then took a trip to Kansas, 
where he remained about two months, 
looking around the country, when he 
came back, and was married. His mar- 
riage took place Oct. 24, 1883, to Minnie 
Menard. She was reared by William 
Donnegan. 

Frederick Hartman was born in Sax- 
ony, Germany, on the 2d day of Nov., 
in the year 1827. He left his native 
place in 1850 and immigrated to America 
He landed in New Jersey, where he 
lived four years, and then came to Jer- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



447 



sey county, 111., settling on the Cuni- 
mings farm. He remained on that place 
three years, then went on section 22, 
living there nine years, and then came 
to section 9, wliere he now lives. 
He has his land well improved, and on 
it are good frame Imihlings, a good 
house and harn, insured at $2,000. and 
all in good repair. He was united in 
marriage with Eineline Frond, in the 
year 1852. She was born in 1824. Three 
children were born to them — Annie, who 
died at the age of 11 years; Frank, born 
in the year 1854, married Lena Hamil- 
ton, and lives in California; Mary, 
horn in the year 1858, is the wife of 
John Fall, and lives in Jersey county. 
Mr. Hartman and wife are members of 
the Lutheran church. He is a member 
of the A. F. &A. M. 

Elihu Conn was born in Williamson 
county, 111., on the 17th ofMarch, 1826. 
M'hen a boy he went to St. Clair county, 
111., where he remained 18 years. He 
then went to St. Louis, but only stayed 
part of a year there, and came to Jersey 
county. 111., inNov., 1852. In the spring 
of 1855, he moved to Montgomery 
county, and after livingthere ;ibout four 
years he moved back to .Jersey county. 
He settled in the Illinois bottoms, which 
place he ke])t until 1S()5. In 1862 he 
enlisted in Co. K, iHtth 111., under Capt. 
Benjamin Slatin. He served three 
years and a few days, and was tlien 
mustered fiut at (ialveston, Te.x. H(! 
came back and again went to farming on 
the Illinois bottoms. He was united in 
marriage with Ma\- G. McBride, on the 
loth of Aug., 1851. She was born oh 
the Istulay of July, 1835. They have been 
the parents of 10 children, six of whom 
are living — Joseph, born on the lOth of 



Oct., 1854, Julia A., born June 28, 
1857, John, born on the 22d of June, 
1865, Mary B., born on the 17th of May, 
1867, James W., born on the 22d of 
Feb., 1871, Emily, born on the 13th of 
May, 1873. Mr. Conn is of Irish descent. 
In politics he is a republican. He is 
now farming on the northeast quarter of 
section 15. 

Ira M. West, a worthy resident of 
Mississippi township, was born in St. 
Clair county. 111., Oct. 13, 1824. In 
1839 he came to Jersey county, and 
since that date his home has been in 
this county. Part of that time he has 
lived in the city of Jerseyville, where 
he kept a restaurant and confectionery 
for a few months; but the business 
proved to be too confining for him and 
he was obliged to give it up and go out 
on his farm. He much prefers farm 
life, as it is more beneficial to his health. 
He moved from town in April, 1884. 
He was married to Sarah Jane San- 
dridge, on Dec. 5, 1815. She was the 
daughter of Roland and Louisa (Wil- 
liamson) Sandridge, and was born Oct. 
14, 1822. Her parents were natives of Vir- 
ginia. Mr. West's parents were from 
Kentucky. He has held various 
offices since 1849. In tliat year he was 
elected constable in Otter Creek town- 
ship for one term, then in Jerseyville 
for two terms, then was justice of the 
peace for one term, and deputy sheriff' 
continuously for a number of years. 
He is now holding the office of justice 
of the peace. Tlie farm looks well, and 
shows him to be a man who understands 
taking care of one. Besides this ho has 
property worth $4,0(X) in Jerseyville, 
consisting of four lots and a fine resi- 
dence. 



448 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



George W. Spangle was born in Mifs- 
sissippi township, Jersey county, 111., 
on the 1st day of July, 1854. He was 
married to Alzada J. McDow, daughter 
of John N. and Mary (Harris) McDow. 
She was born in the year 1860. One 
child has been born to this union — • 
Jesf^ie E., born on the 29th day of Oct., 
in the year 1883. He is now living on 
J. K. Cadwallader's farm on section 17, 
in this township. Mr. Spangle is quite 
a young farmer, but is energetic and 
persevering, and is well liked by all 
who have the pleasure of his acquaint- 
ance. 

C. H. Vorhees, a prominent stock- 
dealer in this township, was born in 
Jersey county, 111., on the 11th day of 
Oct., in the year 1839. He was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Gaston, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Catherine Gaston, 
born on the 23d day of Oct., in the 
year 1844. He is a member of the 
K. of H. He owns 120 acres of land 
on section 5, Mississippi township. The 
farm is known by the name of Pleasant 
Hill. He has a good frame dwelling, 
and barns, cribs and other outbuildings, 
all in good repair. Most of his time is 
spent in trading in stock, especially 
horses and cattle. He is the owner of 
Bell Brown, the trotting mare of Jersey 
county; of Zero P., a trotting stallion 
by old Ben Patchen (the sire of Francis 
Alexander, record 2:19), and of a two- 
year-old stallion by Corbin's Bashaw of 
Quincy, record 2:26, dam Belle Brown, 
record 2:30. Bell Brown has a colt by 
Harry Golddust, record 2:30 . Mr. 
Vorhees has quite a number of horses, 
carriage teams and colts for sale. He 
also feeds, raises and sells cattle. 

Horatio N. Ford was born in Dela- 



ware county, Penn., Jan. 17, 1845. His 
parents were Horatio N. and Martha L. 
Ford, both natives of Pennsylvania. He 
came to Illinois with his parents in 1846, 
they locating in Macoupin county, and 
he remained there until 1872. He went 
from there to Godfrey, Madison county, 
and staid there until March, 1877, when 
he came to Delhi, Jersey county, stay- 
ing there until Oct., 1884. He removed 
from there to McCluskey, Jersey county, 
where he has lived up to the present 
writing. On the 9th of Oct., in the year 
1867, he was married to Frances E. 
Wyncoop, born Jan. 23, 1842. Her 
parents were John and Rolando Wyn- 
coop, he of Virginia, and she of Illinois. 
Mrs. Ford died Jan. 17, 1877, at God- 
frey, and was buried at Brighton. Two 
children were born to them — Harvey L., 
born Aug. 21, 1868; Geo. N., born Jan. 1, 
1877, died March 16, 1877. On Nov. 4, 
1880, Mr. Ford was again married, to 
Jennie E. Scott, born Oct. 21, 1852. 
Her parents were Charles W. and Cath- 
arine J. (Kendall) Scott. Her father 
was from Virginia, her mother from St. 
Clharles comity. Mo. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ford are members of the M. E. church. 
He belongs to the Knights of Honor, 
No. 1129, of Delhi. He is postmaster, 
notary public and merchant at McClus- 
key, and is doing a good business. 

Jolm J. Lamb (deceased) was born in 
Adams county. Miss., JIarch 1, 1830. 
He removed to Illinois with his parents 
in 18.'15. Dec. 25, 1855, he was united 
in marriage with Ann F. McDow, daugh 
ter of Jolin and Maria (Wagoner) Mc- 
Dow. They were the parents of five 
children, three of whom are living — 
Laura E., born Nov. 11, 1858; Albert 
C, born March 5, 1861, and Walter E., 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



449 



born Jan. 29, 1873; Eva M., was born 
Ai.ril 12, 1857, and died Oct. 18, 1858, 
and Diie son died in infancy. John J. 
I. and) died Oct. 11, 1876, and was l)uried 
in the Union church cemetery, which is 
located on section 17, Mississippi town- 
ship. J[rs. Lamb owns a good farm, 
comprising 187 acres upon section 17, 
where she resides, and 47 acres on the 
northeast quarter of section 16. Her 
commodious residence was erected in 
1879, at a cost of $.3,0f)0. Her barn 
and otlier buildings are substantial and 
convenient. Mrs. Lamb is a member of 
the Baptist church. Her deceased bus- 
band was also connected with that de- 
nomination. He was a man of intelli- 
gence and enterprise, and on account of 
his many sterling qualities was esteemed 
and honored tiirougbout the community. 
Addison Greene settled at Jersey 
Landing, Jersey county. 111., about the 
year 1847. Five years hater be removed 
to Mississippi township, where he has 
ever since resided. He was born in 
Ji'ffcrson county, N. Y., June 21, 1819. 
In ls;i4 he went to Missouri, where be 
remained tbrce years, then returned 
east to Ohio, his parents having remov- 
ed to that state. Eighteen months hiter 
he came to Illinois, locating in Madison 
county. He resided there aliout 15 
months, then went to Missouri, and 
five months later to Quincy, 111., re- 
maining there from Feb., 1839, till Nov., 
1844. At the latter date he returned to 
Madison county, where be lived three 
years, coming then to this county. 
April 15, 18.')9, he was married in Scott 
county, IlL, to Amanda Hoit, daughter 
of Benjamin and Dorothy ( Walker) 
Hoit. Mr. Greene's marriage license 
was the first one issued in that county. 



They had a family of 12 children — 
Henrietta, born July 3, 1840, married 
to James Chaplin, and died in Feb , 
1871; John P., born Aug. 23, 1841, and 
died in June, 1845; Amanda, l)orn in 
1843, and died in 1845; Rufus A., born 
in Marcli, 1845, and died in Oct. of the 
same year; Rhoda A., born in Dec, 
1846, married to John Sanders, and 
died in Oct., 1871; Albert, born March 
23, 1848, and died in May, 1872; Addi- 
son, born in Dec, 1850, and died in 
1874; Ella, born in 1852, and died in 
1856; Joan, born April 20, 1854, now 
the wife of B. A. McCauly, of Kansas; 
Nathaniel, born Jan. 22, 1857, living in 
Mis.'sissippi township; Nancy Z., born 
May 20, 1861, now the wife of John \V. 
Morrill, of Kansas; and Frederick F., 
born in 1863, and died in infancy. Mr. 
Greene has a farm of 300 acres, all of 
which is on section 31, except 80 acres 
on section 30. He has made substantial 
and comfortable improvements, and is 
an enterpjising farmer. Mr. Greene 
was elected supervisor of Mississippi 
township at its organization, and served 
two years. He is politically a demo- 
crat. 

Nathaniel Greene, son of Addison 
Greene, resides upon section 31, Mis- 
sissippi township. He was born on the 
same section, Jan. 20, 1857, and here 
grew to manhood. His childhood was 
spent in working on the farm and at- 
tending the district school. In 1872 he 
entered Monticello Seminary, in Lewis 
county. Mo., and remained a student at 
that institution nine months, after which 
he attended four months at Blackburn 
University, in Macoupin county. 111. 
In 1876, he took a trip to Pennsylvania, 
visiting the Centennial exposition, at 



450 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Philadelphia, and also the oil regions. 
On his return home he worked on the 
farm with his father, until 1878, when 
he again visited Pennsylvania, where he 
was married, in Dec., of that year, to 
Belle Kilgore, who was a native of Min- 
eral township, Venango Co., Penn., who 
was born March 3d, 1857. She is the 
daughter of James and Nancy (Ken- 
near) Kilgore. He returned home in 
Feb., 1879. and during the next four 
years followed farmingupon his fathers' 
place, and also canvassed Jersey and 
Calhoun counties for the sale of agricul- 
tural implements, being employed by 
Drury & Weed, of Alton. In Nov., 
1882, he went to Elsah, and opened a 
store of groceries, provisions and hard- 
ware. He continued in this business 
until Augnst, 1883. In the fall of that 
year he went south with a party of sur- 
veyors, and remained two months, sur- 
veying on the Mississippi river from 
Vicksburg to Natches. He then re- 
turned home. In Aug., 1884, he went to 
Cloud county, Kansas, and there en- 
gaged in the manufacture of the Norris 
patent fence, which he continued three 
months, then returned to the farm, 
where he has since remained. He has 
held the office of school director two 
terms, and is at the present time pres- 
ident of the board of school trustees of 
Mississippi township. He is a member 
of the Grafton lodge. No. 341, of the 
A. F. & A. M., also a charter member 
of Black Cross lodge, No. 106, of the 
K. of P., of Elsah. He is politically a 
democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Greene have 
two children— Ruth, born Feb. 12, 1881, 
and Addison, born June 5, 1884. 

James M. Harris, who resides on sec- 
tion 30, of Mississippi township, was 



born in Robertson county, Tenn., Dec. 
12, 1850. When he was eight years old 
he removed with his parents to Missis- 
sippi township, Jersey county. 111. At 
the age of 18 years he left home and 
went to work for N. M. Lurton, with 
whom he remained three years. Dec. 
14, 1872, he was married to Dora Jane 
Marshaw, a native of Otterville, Jersey 
county, born Dec. 31, 1851. She is a 
daughter of Joseph and Sarah A. (Mc- 
Dow) Marshaw, the former of French 
descent, and the latter a native of Illi- 
nois. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have three 
children — Charles W., born July 16, 
1873; Flora, born April 6, 1878, and 
Thomas, born Sept. 15, 1882. Mr. 
Harris' parents were natives of Ten- 
nessee, and are both now deceased. Mr. 
Harris is politically a republican. 

George F. Scribner, a farmer of Mis- 
sissippi township, was born in Wyo- 
ming, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1840. He grew 
to manhood in his native state, and Aug. 
12, 1862, enlisted in Co. D, of the 130th 
N. Y. Inf., under command of Captain 
Knapp, and served until Oct. 5, 1865, 
when he was mustered out at Albany, 
N.Y. He participated in many engage- 
ments and skirmishes, serving a por- 
tion of the time in the 1st N. Y. Dra- 
goons, commanded by Colonel Gibbs. 
He was a gallant soldier, and always 
at his post. He was married Nov. 15, 
1868, to Adelia A. Washburn, daughter 
of Madison and Ursula (Barrows) Wash- 
burn. She was born Jan. 16, 1842. 
Mr. and Mrs Scribner have had five 
children, four of whom are living — 
Clarence M., born Feb. 3, 1873; EllaM., 
born July 10, 1875; Lula V., born Sept. 
6, 1877, died Dec. 10, of the same year; 
George F., born July 21, 1880; andTru- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



4.31 



man A., born Oct. 28, 1882. Mr. Scrib- 
ner owns a farm of 120 acres on section 
9, Mississippi township, where he re- 
sides; also 20 acres on the northwest 
quarter of section 16, 40 acres on section 
17, and 160 acres in Johnson county, 
Neb. His residence is a commodious 
and comfortable structure, erected at a 
cost of .§2,700, and his barn and other 
farm buildings of equally gt»od descrip- 
tion. He is a member of Jerseyville 
lodge, No. .53, I.O. 0. F., and politically 
is a republican. 

KIliST ITEMS. 

The first child born in Mississippi 
township was a daughter to Mr. and 
Mrs. Ezekiel (iillhara. 

The first ground plowed was by John 
D. (iillham, in 1819. He also raised 
the first wheat and corn. 

The first marriage in the township 
was that of William Gillhain and ^lar- 
tha Munsey, in 182(3 or '27. 

Tlie first store was opened by John 
W. Slaten and Isaac N. Piggott, about a 
quarter of a mile south of Newljcrn, on 
section ;52, in 18o(). 

The first school in this township was 
taught by Turner R. Lurton, in 1819. 

The first school house was built in 
1819. 

The first sermon was preached by 
Rev. Jacob Lurton, at the house of John 
D. (Iillham, in 1.S20. 

The first lirick house in what is now 
Mississippi township was erected by J. 
D. (iillham, in 1828, on section 28. It 
was also the second brick house in the 
county, that of JIajor Patterson, erected 
the year before in Jersey township, and 
blown down in lii'-iO, being the first. 



The first justices of the peace in Mis- 
sissippi townsliip were Thomas McDow 
and Joseph J. Basey. 

EDICATIONAL. 

Turner R. Lurton taught the first 
school in Mississippi township, in 1819, 
at a log cabin built for that purpose, on 
the farm of John D. Gillham, on sec- 
tion 28. Describing the location of that 
first school house from present land- 
marks, it was situated on the north side 
of the public road, about a quarter of a 
mile due east from East Newbern. This 
school was taught by Turner Lurttm, 
during two winters, 1819-20, and 1820-21. 
The next term was taught Ijy a man 
named Davis, in the same building. 
There were in attendance at this term 
about 14 scholars. The following names 
of some of these are furnished by one of 
them, who still survives: Abijah and 
Farrow Davis, Allen and Marcus Gill- 
ham, Matilda and Albert Bartus Lofton, 
Jordan Gillham and Charles Carroll. 
Davis, the teacher, was a married man 
with a large family. The cabin in 
which this school was held has long 
since been torn down or rotted away, 
and only one of the early scholars men- 
tioned — Charles Carroll, is yet living. 

The first school house was built in 
1819, as we are credibly informed, but 
now the township is studded with places 
of learning, and the facilities of ac(|uir- 
ing an education are within the reacli of 
all. 

School district No. 1, called Black 
Jack district, has a school house on the 
northwest corner of the southeast quar- 
ter of section 11, which was erected in 
1840. It is a frame house, built in the 
old style, 18x24 feet in ground area, and 



452 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



showing considerably the lapse of j^ears. 
The first directors were Thomas Cum- 
mings, Joseph Crabb and J. R. Black. 
The pioneer teacher, James VanHorne, 
was well known throughout this county. 
The directors in 1885 are, C. C. Cum- 
mings, Mathew Walsh and G. H. Van- 
Horne. 

District No. 2 has a neat school house 
32x22 feet in size, erected in 1878, at a 
cost of $630, on section 9. The pioneer 
teacher in this building was Enos John- 
ston. The first directors were J. B. 
Voorhees, Sanford Ross and John J. 
Lamb; the present, George Voorhees, 
Ninnian Beaty and S. Ross. The aver- 
age attendance is about 25. 

The present school building in district 
No. 3 was erected in 1871, at a cost of 
$900. In size it is 24x30 feet. Nettie 
Gaskill taught the first term of school 
in this house. The present teacher is 
Mrs. Owen. The directors are Ephraim 
Chappell, Joseph Marshaw and John 
Fitzgibbons. 

District No. 5 is in the village of East 
Newbern, and the school house is known 
by the name of Round Prairie. It was 
erected in 1855, and is a neat frame 
structure, 18x36 feet in dimension, built 
at a cost of $800. The first directors 
were Robert Dymond, Robert Gardner 
and L. Hempfield. The present board 
of directors is composed of the follow- 
ing gentlemen : C. Cook, George House 
and William Rintone. Lucy White is 
the present teacher, and there is a gen- 
eral attendance of 40. 

District No. 6 has a school house 
erected on section 6, which was built in 
1867, when William Hurd, William 
Linnen and A. C. Fitzgerald were di- 
rectors. The first teacher was Mary 



Hurd. The building is octagonal in 
shape, each side being 10 feet in length, 
the roof running to apeak in the center. 
A. C. Fitzgerald, James Wall and Wil- 
liam Hildred, are the present directors, 
and Lillie Hassett the present teacher. 
There is a general attendance of 23. 

District No. 7, in the old town of 
Newbern, has a school house which was 
erected in 1857, on section 29, but sub- 
sequently was removed to its present 
location. The first directors were 
Henry Travis and William Argo. The 
present board consists of Joseph Knight, 
Henry Gill and James Palmer. The 
present teacher is Nazaretta Slaten. 
Previous to this there were two other 
frame buildings, besides log cabins, 
which were used for educational pur- 
poses, all of which have outlived their 
usefulness and have been torn down or 
left to decay. 

School district. No. 9, known as 
White school house, is situated on the 
northeast corner of section 1. The first 
building here was built about the year 
1856, but this was destroyed by fire in 
April, 1866. It was a small frame 
building which cost about $700, and was 
a total loss when it burned, as there 
was no insurance. On the site of the old 
one, in 1866, the present building was 
erected at a cost of $1,200. It is 18x26 
feet in size, and is a neat, frame struc- 
ture. The first directors in this district 
were Mathew Stanley, Hugh N. Cross 
and Joseph Penny field, and the first 
teacher Lucy Hoyt. The present teacher 
is Julia Howell, and the directors 
Mathew Stanley, Oliver Terrell and 
Silas Bates. The average attendance is 
20 now. 

District No. 10 has a school house 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



453 



known by the name of Irene, located 
upon section 21, which was erected 
during the year 1873. This building 
was first l>uilt a half mile west of its 
jjresont location, on section 21, from 
whence it was moved in 1876, to its site 
of to-day. The first directors of tlie 
district were Joseph Chambers, Moses 
CockrcU and Jacob Loker. Irene Fer- 
guson was the first teacher here, and 
after her the school house is named. 
The present directors are William Dar- 
lington, Hiram McCluskey and Richard 
Chappell. Itldward Shaffer is the present 
pedagogue. 

NEWBERN. 
This village was laid out by Jacob 
Lurton, on section 32, in 1832. A post- 
office was established by removal from 
Eminence. Jacob Lurton was made 
postmaster, and served as such 14 years. 
The first store was built by David L. 
Mott, who put in a large general stock, 
which he operated a number of years, 
or until his death, when John Mott suc- 
ceeded his uncle, and was afterward 
succeeded by John D. Mott. John H. 
McDow was the next proprietor, and 
afterward removed the store to Dow. 
J. J. Briggs also opened a store here, 
which he operated during the war, and 
was afterward succeeded by Marcus 
(tillham. He afterward sold it to I)od- 
son & Co. A blacksmith shop was 
started by William Collapp — the first in 
the place — which he operated two or 
three years, when he was succeeded by 
George Spencer, a farmer of Fidelity 
townshi]). It is now operated Ijy Ilcnrv 
dill. 

CKMKTKRY. 

The Newbern cemetery is situated on 
the northeast quarter of section 32, and 



contains one acre of ground, deeded to 
the township by Jacob Lurton and A. 
Lofton. It was laid out at an early day as 
a private burying ground, but has since 
become a public one. Judge John 
Lofton was the first person interred 
therein. 

NEWBERN HORSETHIEF DETECTIVE SOCIETY 

This society was organized by the 
West LTnion order, at Newbern, March 
21, 1864. The first officers of the society 
were— Addison Greene, president; Geo. 
W. Slaten, secretary; and Jasper Terry, 
door-keeper. The society at present is 
in a flourishing condition, and has a 
membership of about 20. The present 
officers are: George W. Slaten, presi- 
dent; Nelson M. Lurton, secretary; and 
J. C. Lurton, treasurer. 

McCLUSKEY. 

This village was laid out by Hiram 
McCluskey and Mary McCluskey, his 
wife, under the name of the village of 
Howe, on the 30th of June, 1883. The 
survey was made by Daniel J. Murphy, 
the county surveyor, and the plat re- 
corded July 21, 1883. It is located upon 
Sec. 16, T. 7, R. 11. At that time a 
store building was put up and a stock 
of general merchandise placed therein 
by H. McCluskey & Co. This they 
continued to operate until Oct. 1, 1884, 
when McCluskey purchased the interest 
of his partner, and, ever since, the busi- 
ness has been operated by McCluskey 
(S: Ford, the latter gentleman acquiring 
an interest therein. They carry a stock 
of about $1,200. 

Tliere is also a blacksmith shop, pre- 
sided over by William M. Grether,from 
which the ruddy glow from burning coal 



464 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



gleams out brightly during the long 
days, and the cheery ring of steel on 
iron enlivens the still air. This shop 
was erected by L. F. Linkogle, who oc- 
cupied it about six months, when it 
reverted to H. MeCluskey, who held it 
until Aug., 1884, when it was purchased 
by the present proprietor, W. M. 
Grether. He does horse-shoeing and 
general repair work, and has a good bus- 
iness. 

William M. Grether was born in St. 
Charles county, Mo., the 22d day of 
Sept., 1840. His father died in 1841. 
One year after that his mother married 
again. William remained at home until 
he was 14 years of age, when he left 
and joined his brother John, in Frank- 
lin county, i\Io., where he remained five 
years. He then came to Grafton, 111., 
and from there proceeded to Otterville, 
where lie began the trade of blacksmith- 
ing, under his brother-in-law, John Lin- 
kogle. He served two years under him, 
when tlie war broke out, and in 1861 he 
enlisted in Co. C, 61st 111. Inf. He 
was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, in 
the right foot and ankle, which leaves 
him a cripple for life. When he recov- 
ered sufficiently to be able to work, he 
returned to Franklin county, Mo., 
where, in company with his brother 
John, he engaged in the l)lacksmithing 
business. He remained here two years, 
when he disposed of his interest to his 
brother, removing to St. Louis county, 
where he established a shop. He was 
married to E. A. Longworth, Sept. 21, 
1866. He then came to Grafton, 111., 
where he and his brother, M. Grether, 
formed a partnership, and engaged in 
the tin and hardware business. Three 
children have been born to them — the 



first died in infancy; F. M. C, liorn 
July 22, 1871; Eva M., born March 14, 
1874. Mr. Grether is still working at 
his trade, having a shop at MeCluskey. 
He is a member of the M. E. church, 
and affiliates with the democratic party. 
Charles W. Scott was born in Halifax 
county, Va., on Oct. 19, in the year 
1828. He is the son of Jonathan and 
Frances (Stanfield) Scott. They were 
both born in Halifax county, Va., he, 
on the 6th of Oct., 1794, and she on the 
8th of Oct., 1802. They were married 
on her birthday, in the year 1822. He 
died in Florida, Jlonroc county. Mo., 
in the year 1841. She died at the same 
place on the 28th of Jan., 1846. When 
Charles W. Scott was seven years old, 
he came with his parents to Monroe 
county, Mo., and lived there until 1864, 
when he came to Delhi, Jersey county, 
111. He lived there until the 8th of 
Oct., 1884, when he came to the village 
of MeCluskey, and located on section 
16, where he now follows the occupa- 
tion of farming. He was married to 
C. J. Kendall in 1851. She was born 
April 11, 1837. Her father, S. T. Ken- 
dall, was a major and served in the 
Black Hawk war. He was also a mem- 
ber of the house of representatives in 
the Illinois legislature. Her mother is 
a native of Missouri, and is the daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Elizabeth Sumner, of 
English origin. Mr. and Mrs. Scott 
have two children — Eliza J., bom in 
Audrain county. Mo., Oct. 21, 1852, 
now the wife of H. N. Ford, living in 
the village of MeCluskey; Lena R., born 
March 2, 1870, at Delhi, and lives with 
her parents. Mr. Scott is a member of 
the Methodist church, and his wife a 
member of the Baptist church. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



455 



The village of MoCluskey has a pop- 
ulation now of about 30 souls, and con- 
tains the store of McCluskey & Ford, 
the blacksmith shop of W. M. Grether, 
and seven dwelling houses. The post- 
office is located in the store of McClus- 
key & Ford, Horatio N. Ford being 
postmaster. Samuel Darlington was 
the first to handle the mail at this point. 

EAST NEWBERN. 

Thi.>< village is situated at the corner of 
sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, part lying in 
each section. The place was formerly 
known as Chamber's Corner, after one 
of the first settlers at this locality. It 
was laid out as a town by J. T. GillhamJ 
Marcus Gillham, John Chambers, Jr., 
and E. Briggs, and platted on the 26th 
of Sept., 1866, and the plat filed for 
record with the clerk of the court, Jan. 
10. 1867, although there was a store, 
mill and other buildings here prior to 
this. 

The mill was built by E. Briggs about 
the year 1859, and was a fine one. It 
continued in operation nearly all the 
time until 1878, when the machinery 
was taken out and removed to Elsah, or 
Jersey Landing, since which time the 
building has stood unoccupied and 
silent. 

A general store was started here by 
A\'ilson & Whipple, about tlie year 
1860, and was run by them about one 
year, when it became the propcrtj' of 
(iillliam Bros., who were succeeded by 
(iillham & Giberson, and finally into 
the hands of Robert Dymond, the pres- 
ent pn>))rietor. He carries a stock of 
about SI, 200, and is doing a nice, com- 
fortable business. 

Robert Dymond was born on the 30th 



day of Jan., 1823, in Devonshire, Eng- 
land. He came to America in 1849, 
landing in Genesee county, N. Y., where 
he staid 18 months. He came to Alton, 
111., in 1852, staid there two years, and 
then came to Jersej' county. Here he 
bought 120 acres of land on section 35, 
on which he lived. He afterward 
bought another 80 acres in the same 
township, and farmed on it for 24 years. 
He then moved to East Newbern and 
bought 18 3-4 acres of land on the north- 
west quarter of section 27, in Mississippi 
township. He also keeps a store in 
which he handles general merchandise, 
and is postmaster at this place, which 
position he has held for seven years. 
He was married to Mary Cook, a native 
of Devonshire, England. She was born 
on the 8th day of May, 1824. There were 
five children born to them — Thomas, 
the first child, died, and the second child 
was named after him; William J., de- 
ceased; John E. and Lucy. Robert and 
his wife are both members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church, of this 
township, of which he is one of the trus- 
tees. He is succeeding well as a 
merchant. 

A store was operated here at one time 
by Dr. James A. Briggs. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice was established at this 
point in 18()2, with John Doyle as post- 
master. It was then called Newbern, 
but later was changed to East Newbern. 
Robert Dymond is the present post- 
master. 

The blacksmith shop is now operated 
by David Tonkinson, who has a good 
business, as he is known as a skillful 
workman. 



456 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



David T. Tonkinson was born in 
Clark county, O., Sept. 15, 1826. Hi.s 
youth was spent in this place. He went 
fitini there to Burlington, la., in 1844, 
where he remained for two 3'ears, work- 
ing part of the time in a blacksmith 
shop. He left there and went to St. 
Louis and went with Lieut. Newton, Co. 
C, '2d Dragoons, to Mexico, and was in 
that service about eight months. He 
came back to St. Louis, staying there 
abought 16 months, during which time 
lie worked in a foundry and machine 
shop. From St. Louis he came to 
Jersey Landing, now called Elsah, in 
Elsah township, in 1849, where he staid 
until 1883, when he moved to East 
Newbern where he now resides. He 
was married to Susan M. Davis, a daugh- 
ter of John and Sarah Davis, on Aug. 
8, 1854. She was born May 9, 1834. 
To them, nine children were born — 
William W., born Feb., 5, 1857; Sarah 
A., born Nov. 28, 1858; George W., 
born Jan. 29, 1861; Mary A., born May 
15, 1864, died June 22, 1864; John H., 
born Oct. 26, 1865; Charles F., born 
March 23, 1868, died Aug. 6, 1885; 
Robert W., born July 22, 1870, died 
July 2, 1871; Ida L., born Aug. 18, 1872, 
and Julia M., born May 3, 1875. 
He served in Co. C, 154th 111. Inf., 
about eight months during the Rebellion. 
He has held the office of justice of the 
peace three different times. He has 
three lots in the village, on which is lo- 
cated his dwelling, a comfortable frame 
building, and also his shop, in which he 
carries on blacksmithing. His wife is a 
member of the M. E. church, of Elsah. 
He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., No. 
269, of Elsah. 

The village is but small, as yet, con- 



taining but the one store, blacksmith 
shop, and seven dwellings, and the M. 
E. church. A history of this latter 
society is given in its proper place in 
the Ecclesiastical chapter. 

Philip Seibold is a native of Hesse 
Darmstadt, Germany, where he was 
born, Dec. 12, 1835. He resided in Ger- 
many until 1865, and then immigrated 
to America, landing at Castle Garden, 
in New York city. He proceeded west 
immediately, stopping at Alton, 111., 
where he remained two months, and for 
four years following, worked at black- 
smithing in a number of different places 
in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. In 1869 
he came to Jersey county, locating on 
section 37, of Mississippi township, 
where he purchased 35 acres of land, on 
which he now lives. He has good and 
comfortable improvements, and raises 
fruit quite extensively. He has 250 
grape vines, some pear, and other fruit 
trees, and also small fruit. Mr' Seibold 
was married Nov. 14, 1869, to Elizabeth 
Barker, who was born in Hesse Darm- 
stadt, Feb. 4, 1839. They have one 
child — Annie C, born Nov. 14, 1878. 
Mr. and Mrs. Seibold are members of 
the Lutheran church. 

DOW. 

The village of Dow is a small station 
on the W., St. L. & P. railroad, and was 
laid out by John H. McDow and Medora 
McDow, his wife, June 30, 1883. The 
survey was made by Daniel J. Murphy, 
the county surveyor, and the plat was 
filed for record Oct. 18, 1883. It is 
located on section 32. 

John McDow had formerh' been en- 
gaged in the mercantile trade in New- 
bern or West Newbern, but on his ere- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



457 



ating the new town, he removed his 
store buihling to the latter. He carries 
a neat stock of general merchandise, 
that will invoice about 81,200, and is 
doing a nice l)usiness, as he is well liked 
hy the people of this vicinity. The 
postoffice was also removed with the 
store, but still retains its original name 
of Newbern, and the station is more 
familiarly known as Newbern than by 
its right name of Dow. 

John H. McDow, a merchant in the 
village of Dow, was born on the 7th day 
of Sept., in the year 1847, in the same 
place that he now lives on section 32, 
in Mississippi township, Jersey county, 
111. He owns 140 acres on this section, 
besides keeping a store, in which he 
carries a stock of general merchandise. 
He was united in marriage with Medora 
A. Burley, on the 5th day of Feb., in 
the year 1878. She is the daughter of 
Martha (Lacy) Burley, and was born 



on the 29th day of March, in the year 
1854. Five children were born to them 
—Tell, born on the 18th of Oct., 1878; 
Claude N., born the 23d of Oct., 1877; 
Alice M., born the 18th of May, 1880, 
died March 29,1882; Arthur H., l)orn 
Oct. 28, 1882; and Ross 0., born Sei)t. 
7, 1884. John H. is a member of the 
A. F. & A. M., both lodge and chapter, 
and of the arch and encampment of the 
I. O. 0. F., at Grafton. 

There is, also, located at this point a 
general repair shop, operated by N. N. 
Chase & Son, where work both in iron 
and wood is done. 

The village, which is yet in its in- 
fancy, contains but five dwelling houses 
and about 25 inhabitants. The post- 
office was established on the laying out 
of the town, or shortly afterwards, with 
J. H. McDow as postmaster, who con- 
tinues to manipulate the mail satisfac- 
torily. 



OHAPXRR. XXVI. 



This civil sub-division of Jersey 
county was set oti" with its neigh- 
])ors, at the time the county adopted 
ti)wuship organization. It is the most 
northeasterly of all the townships in 
the county. The name of Ruyle was 
ap|)lied to it in honor of Col. W. L. 
Kuyle, one of the enterprising citizens 
of the township, who was (juite active 
in securing for the citunty this mode of 
internal government. 



RUYLE TOWNSHIP 

of 



It has large tracts of fine prairie land, 
but there is also considerable timber 
land, more or less dense. The prairie 
portions are located in difl'erent parts of 
the township, the largest tracts lying in 
the eastern and northeastern portions. 

Ruyle is not a full congressional town- 
ship, six sections, three half sections, 
and an SO acre tract in the nortinvest 
corner of the congressional township 
being attached to Greene county. 



458 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The Macoupin creek is the principal 
water course, though it does not traverse 
any extended amount of the township's 
territory. It interests section 1, 2, 3, 
16, 21, 20, 19 and 18. Long Point 
Branch and Ehn Uranch are small trib- 
utaries which traverse the township, 
flowing into the Macoupin within its 
borders. Besides these, there are 
numerous little rivulets, all tributaries 
of the Macoupin creek. These streams 
furnish water in abundance for stock 
and farming purposes, besides giving 
abundant drainage facilities. The tim- 
ber lands afford ample supplies of wood; 
so that, all in all, the township has 
within its borders numerous sources of 
wealth . Considerable attention is given 
to stock-riiising, some of the citizens 
making that their principal liusines. 

The C, B. & Q. railroad intersects the 
townshi]) diagonally, coming in from the 
northwest at tlie center of section 3, and 
passing through section 3, 11, 14, 13, 
24, 25, and going out towards the south- 
east, at the northeast corner of sec- 
tion 36. 

Some of the best citizens of Jersey 
county are residents of Ruyle township, 
and some of the best improved farms 
are to be found here. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

John W. Huitt came to what is now 
Jersey county in 1816, and located on 
the northeast quarter of section 31, in 
the present Ruyle township. His father, 
John Huitt, a native of Virginia, moved 
to North Carolina some time after the 
war of the Revolution, where he married 
Lizzie Radclilf, by whom he had, at the 
time of his immigration to Illinois, 
eight children. In 1804 they settled in 



Madison county. 111. John ^\^ came to 
Jersey county in 1816, locating as afore- 
said. In 1818 he removed from there 
to a farm about four miles northeast of 
Carrollton. He afterward removed to 
Carrollton, where he lived until his 
death in 1882. He was married to Ros- 
anna Hareford, a daughter of James 
Hareford, of Kentucky. He retained 
the vigorous use of his faculties until 
the time of his death. 

Matthew Cowan made a settlement 
in this township in 1822. He was a 
Virginian by birth, and one of the pio- 
neers of Illinois, having located in 
Madison county as early as 1812, where 
he resided until he came to this county. 
Here he lived for years, until, in the 
fullness of time, he was gathered to his 
rest. 

John C. A\'hitlock came to this town- 
ship and made a settlement in 1823. He 
was a native of Virginia but had lived, 
for some time, in Kentucky, from whence 
he had come here. He died in 1879. 

Samuel and Richard Rhoads made a 
settlement in this township during the 
year 1828. 

William Palmer, a native of Vermont, 
made a settlement upon a portion of 
section 13, in Ruyle township, in 1829. 
He is now numbered with the great ma- 
jority of old pioneers who have passed 
the river of death. 

Among other old settlers in this town- 
ship, the date of whose settlement it has 
been impossible to obtain with accuracy, 
but who were known to have lived here 
prior to 1830, were the following: Rich- 
ard Chowning, John Hawkins, Benja- 
min Cleaver, Eli Fitzgerald, Henry 
Floyd, two brothers by the name of 
Wood, and others. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



459 



Benjamin Cleaver was a relative of the 
Reddish family and came about the same 
time with them. He subsequently 
went to Oregon, where he still resides. 

.James Richey, a Kentuekian, made a 
settlement in the township during the 
year 1830. 

Rev. Jacob Rhodes settled upon sec- 
tion 36, during the year 1830. 

John Rhodes made a settlement about 
the same time, in the same townsliip. 

Jolm Gil worth came to this township 
locating upon section 29, in 1830. He 
had been a resident of the county for 10 
years j)revious. 

John Twitchell settled, with his fam- 
ily, on sections 13 and 14, in 1833. He 
was from the state of Vermont, and 
came to Apple creek, Greene county, in 
1830, but moved onto the above land 
soon after he had entered it. He only 
lived here until Aug. 10, 1833, when he 
died. 

David Rhodes and family settled in 
Ruyle township in 1834. His son, J.L., 
yet lives in the township. 

Elias Palmer came to Jersey county, 
with his family, in 1836. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are two regularly recorded cem- 
eteries within the boundaries of Ruyle 
township, l)oth of which are well kept 
up, as well as neatly laid out. 

Oakland cemetery was laid out l)y W. 
K. Miner, president, and James Bring- 
hurst, secretary, of the Oakland Ceme- 
tery Association, on the loth of March, 
1869, the survey being made by George 
I. Foster, the county surveyor. It 
conij)rises the northwest corner of Sec. 
36, T. 9, R. lu. 

Hawkins' Prairie cemetery was sur- 



veyed and platted by George I. Foster, 
county surveyor, on the 14th of May, 
1868, for the Hawkins' Prairie Cemetery 
Association, of wliieh D. P. Pritehett 
was president, and John Fcnke, sec- 
retary. 

KEMPER. 

This is a sprightly village lying on 
the line of the St. Louis division of the 
C, B. & Q. railroad, on the northwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter of Sec. 
24, T. 9 north, R. 10 west. It was laid 
out upon the 5th of Nov., 1870, by \V. 
W. H. Kemper. The survey of the 
town was made by George I. Foster, 
county surveyor, and the plat recorded 
upon the 9th of the same montli. Ow- 
ing to its proximity to older and larger 
towns that can offer greater inducements 
as trade centers, it has not grown as 
much as was expected or deserved, but 
still it has a bright future before it, 
being surrounded by some of as fine 
land as any in this region of the state. 

BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

Orin Palmer commenced business in 
Kemper in 1871. He erected a building 
30x60 feet in dimensions, and at first 
handled grain exclusively, buying and 
shipping. In the fall of the same year, 
there being no store there, Mr. Palmer 
put a stock of groceries in tlie same 
building, thus making him the first 
store-keeper in Kemper. In the sum- 
mer of 1872, he sold the stock of 
groceries to Ruyle it Elliott, who re- 
moved it to a building they had erected. 
In 1872, Mr. Palmer added the lund)er 
and agricultural lines to their business. 

He received grain from a radius of 
eight miles, shipping mostly to St. 
Louis and Alton, and mills in Northern 



460 



HISTORY OP JERSEY COUNTY. 



Illinois. He also handles fat hogs, 
shipping them to the St. Louis market. 
He keeps on hand a stock of agricul- 
tural implements, and supplies all 
orders. His aggregate husiness in a year 
will run from $25,000 to $50,000, vary- 
ing according to the • amount of crops 
and market price of grain in different 
years. 

Orin Palmer is a native of Weybridge, 
Addison county, Vt., born on the 11th 
day of Oct., 1832, his parents being 
Elias and Thirza (Stowe) Palmer, na- 
tives of Vermont. When Orin was 
four years old the family came to this 
county, coming overland to Cincinnati; 
thence, down the Ohio and up the Mis- 
sissippi river, to Alton, then proceeded 
to what is now Jersey county and loca- 
ted on Palmer's Prairie, named after 
William Palmer, a brother of Elias, 
who had settled there three years pre- 
vious. William came to the state of 
Illinois in the fall of 1830, and lived at 
Apple Creek prairie, near White Hall, 
until the spring of 1833, when he moved 
to Palmer's prairie, in what is now 
known as Ruyle township. Here, Mrs. 
Elias Palmer died in June, 1859. She 
is buried in what is called Delaware 
cemetery. In 1800 Elias removed to 
Chesterfield, in Macoupin coimty, where 
he resided until the time of his death, 
in September, 1863. He had held the 
office of justice of the peace, and was 
connected with the schools as director. 
Orin did not go with his father to Ches- 
terfield, but remained in this county, 
where he was engaged in farnnng. He 
was reared in the township where he 
now resides, and has been identified 
with it for nearly half a century, or 
almost the entire period of his life. He 



was educated in tlie schools of this 
county, and attended the school of 
Prof. Wilder, in Greenfield. He was 
married in Kemper on the 20th day of 
Jan., 18.58, to Mary Kemper, a daughter 
of W. H. H. Kemper. By this union 
there were three children — Ida, Elmer 
E., and Nora M. Mr. Palmer was again 
married, May 7, 1884, to Hattie L. 
Sturtevant, a native of Vermont, and 
daughter of Leonard Sturtevant. Mr. 
Palmer is a member of the Good Temp- 
lars lodge at Kemper, and is clerk and 
trustee of the Congregational church, 
with which he has been closely identi- 
fied since its organization. He is the 
principal business man of Kemper. 

George C. Robinson now conducts 
the general merchandise business. The 
store was started by G. B. Harlan, who 
erected the building. He sold the stock 
in Oct., 1883, to George C. Robinson, on 
a trade, the latter exchanging a pro- 
perty in Chesterfield for it. He has 
conducted the business since that time. 
He handles groceries, boots and shoes, 
nails, queensware, glassware, wooden- 
ware, tinware, notions, cigars, tobaccos, 
etc. He carries a stock of about $1,500 
worth of goods. 

George C. Robinson was born in 
Peterborough, Northamptonshire, Eng., 
on the 12th day of June, 1858, his 
parents being James and Catherine 
(Crossland) Robinson. When George 
was 11 years old he came to this 
country with his elder brother, John 
William Robinson, and located with his 
uncle, William Crossland, in Macoupin 
county, near the town of Fayette. He 
remained in that county about eight 
years, at the expiration of which he 
came to Jersey county, where he has 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



461 



since resided, with llie exception of a 
sliort time. He worked tliree years, by 
tlie month, tor Cliarles Sanders, and one 
year for V. L. Dodge and then came 
to Kemper, and engaged in the grocery 
business, whicli he conducted for about 
two years. He then sold out and went 
to Chesterfield, Macoupin county, wliere 
he was engaged in general merchandis- 
ing, which he continued for a time. 
After closing out his business there, 
he returned to England on a visit 
to friends and relatives. Oct. 19, 
1881, he was married to Margaret 
C. Kirkland, a native of England, and 
daughter of Thomas Kirkland. Mr. 
and Mrs. Robinson have two children — 
Florence Viola and John Walter. Mr. 
Robinson is the present postmaster of 
Kemper. He is a member of Kemper 
lodge, No. 596, of the I. O. 0. F., in 
which he has acted as V. G., and is at 
present I. G. James Robinson, father 
of G. C. Robinson, was killed by the 
natives in the East Indies, where he was 
overseer of the first railroad constructed 
by the natives. His widow, Mrs. 
('atherine Robinson, is now living near 
Ilagaman, Macoupin county, 111., with 
her youngest.son, James Robinson. She 
is the mother of five children now liv- 
ing. They are — Jolin William, Eliza- 
beth Ann, George Crossland, Charles 
Crossland and James, all natives of 
England. 

J. F. Still & Bro. also handle general 
merchandise. The business was com- 
menced by Ruyle & Elliott, who i)ur- 
chased a stock of groceries from Orin 
Palmer, in 1872. Ruyle & Elliott were 
succeeded by Ruyle Bros., and they by 
Harlan A- Son, who sold to J. C. Robin- 
sun. The present firm succeeded Rob- 



inson. They handle such goods as are 
usually found in a general store. 

James Albert Whitfield, the present 
telegraph operator and station agent for 
the Chicago, Burlington t<: Quincy Rail- 
road Compan)', at Kemper, is the son of 
W. T. and Jane Whitfield. He was 
born in Fidelity, Jersey county, March 
7, 1866. He resided with his parents 
until his marriage, March 12, 1884, to 
Olive Eliza Jones, daughter of Madison 
and Eliza Jones. He assumed his 
present position in 1882, succeeding W. 
W. Myers, who was in charge of the 
office six months. Zachariah Kemper 
was the first agent at this point, and 
remained here about ten years. He was 
then succeeded by H. M. Elwell, who 
remained a few months, and was in turn 
succeeded by W. H. Curtis. The latter 
had charge of the office about a year. 
The next agent was M. E. Stone, the 
predecessor of W. W. Myers. Mr. 
Stone remained here one year. Mr. 
Whitfield is a worthy young man, well 
fitted for the duties of his position, 
which he has performed in such a man- 
ner as to merit, justly, the reputation 
which he has gained, of being a faithful 
and efficient agent and an accommodat- 
ing gentleman. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Kemper Baptist church was or- 
ganized Ai)ril 1, 1876. (See Ecclesias- 
tical chapter.) 

The Delaware Congregational church, 
at Kemper, was organized in 1870. A 
complete history of this church may be 
found in the Ecclesiastical chajitor. 

POSTOKFICE. 

The postoffice was established in 



462 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Kemper, in 1.S71, with W. H. H. Kem- 
per, as postmaster. His son, Zacha- 
riah, was deputy. Mr. Kemper was 
succeeded by G. B. Harlan. He con- 
tinued until Oct., 1883, when he was 
succeeded by George C. Robinson, the 
present incumbent. The postoffice is 
kept in Mr. Robinson's store. 

SOCIETY. 

Kemper lodge, No. 596, I. 0. 0. F., 
was iirst organized in Fieldon, this 
county, but there not being a sufficient 
number of members there to support 
the lodge properly, it was removed to 
Kemper. It was organized in 1876, 
with the following charter members: 
William Eads, Wiley H. Scribner. John 
L. Terry, Jr., Wesley Park and Ward 
Combs. The first officers were: Ward 
Combs, N. G.; William Eads, V. G.; 
J L. Terry, Jr., S.; Wesley Park, T. 
The removal took place in April, 1880. 
The officers of the lodge at present are: 
H. W. Young, N. G.; Thos. Kirkland, 
V. G.; W. T. Whitfield, Sec; J. F. 
Still, Treas. 

REPRESENTATIVE MEN. 

Besides the early settlers, there are 
many residents of this township who 
have been largely identified with the 
growth and development of this part of 
the county, and are therefore worthy of 
notice in this connection. 

Mrs. Mary Ruyle, widow of Thomas 
B. Ruyle, is a daughter of Amos and 
Eliza Pruitt, and was born three miles 
north of Carrollton, in Greene county, 
111. She was married, February 2, 
1843. Her husband, Thomas B. Ruyle, 
was born near Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 
18, 1820. When he was seven years 



old, his parents removed to Morgan 
county, 111., and in 1833 to Jersey 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Ruyle settled, 
after their marriage, on section 28, in 
Ruyle township, and continued to re- 
side there until 1858, when they moved 
to section 15. Mr. Ruyle died Aug. 28, 
1880, and was laid to rest in Delaware 
cemetery, near Kemper, Jersey county. 
Mrs. Ruyle now resides on section 15. 
She is the owner of a large farm, com- 
prising 240 acres, on that section; also 
40 acres on section 10, and ISO 
acres in Greene county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ruyle had. twelve children born 
to them; Amos L., who lives upon 
section 15; Charles, living in Beatrice, 
Nebraska; Lucinda Jane, wife of Hi- 
ram Wright, living near Rockbridge, 
in Greene county; Eliza E., wife of 
Charles Ketcham, of Lincoln county, 
Kansas ; Mary, wife of B. C. Elliott, of 
Kemper, Jersey county ; Cclia, who is 
now living at home with her mother ; 
Thomas B., George W. and Annie, also 
living at home. Henry is deceased ; 
also two children unnamed, who died 
in their infancy. Mrs. Ruyle is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church at Kemper. 
Her deceased husband also belonged to 
that church. He held the offices of 
road supervisor and school director in 
tliis township, and was a useful and 
highly esteemed citizen. His death 
was deeply felt, not only by his friends, 
but by the entire community. Mrs. 
Ruyle's sons, Thomas B. and George 
W., reside with their mother and man- 
age the farm successfully. They carry 
on general farming. 

William L. Ruyle, an early settler 
and influential citizen of Ruyle town- 
ship, was born in Knox county, Tenn., 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



463 



and came to Illinois with his parents, 
when al)out two years of age. They set- 
tled in ]\Iac(mi)in eounty, near Waverly, 
where they resided live years, then re- 
moved to Seottville, two and a half 
miles south, where his father died. Mr. 
Ruyle was married ahout Oet. 1, lSo4, 
to Jane Elliott, daughter of Lewis and 
Elizaheth Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Ruyle 
are the parents of nine children — Celia, 
deceased, horn Aug. 17, 1855, and died 
June 9, 1.S5B; William II., Elizaheth, 
Amos, Laurie, Louis L.,Lucinda, Edgar, 
and Oliver T. Mr. Ruyle owns an ex- 
tensive farm, comprising 880 acres of 
land, 480 acres of whicli arc located on 
sections 28, 83 and 34, 80 acres on sec- 
tion 30, 160 acres on section 20, and 160 
acres on section 24. He is engaged in 
raising grain and stock on an extensive 
scale. He makes a specialty of thor- 
oughbred cattle. Mr. Ruyle began life 
in very limited circumstances, and his 
present prosperity is due entirely to his 
own energy and judicious management, 
lie is a man of sterling character, and 
justly deserving of the reputation which 
he enjoys, of being on(! of Jersey 
county's most prominent citizens. 

Lewis Elliott, Sr., (deceased) was a 
son of Curtis and Elizabeth Elliott. 
lie was born in what is now the state of 
M'est Virginia, on the Uth day of Sept., 
1805. When about 20 years of age, he 
went to Grayson county. Ken., where, 
on the 29th of Oct., 1S26, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin 
and JIary Reddish, a native of that 
county. Thirteen children were born 
to them — Lucinda, wife of Samuel 
Rhodes, of Ruyle township ; she was 
born in Kentucky, Feb. 10, 1.S27; Nancy, 
deceased wife of .Inlin V. Rhodes, was 



born Oct. 26, 1829, and died March 20, 
1863; David, born Nov. 20, 1881, mar- 
ried Nancy Reddish, now dead, and lives 
in Pratt county, Kan ; i\Liry Jane, born 
Oct. 4, 1883, now the wife of William L. 
Ruyle, of this township ; Caroline, born 
May 4, 1885, now the wife of William 
Barnes, of this township ; John William, 
born Dec. 22, 1836, and died Nov. 23, 
1851; Stephen, born Feb. 17, 1839, and 
died Sept. 4, 1889; Elizabeth, born Aug. 
4, 1840, and died Sept. 3, 1840; Lewis, 
born Feb. 12, 1842, now living in this 
townshij); Thomas B., born Dec. l(i, 
1844, now living in Macoupin county; 
Elizalieth, born Dec. 16, 1847, and died 
Oct. 19, 1848; Benjamin C, born Dec. 
16, 1847, now living in Ruyle township, 
and Julia Ann, born May 28, 1851, and 
died June 20, of the same year. Eliza- 
beth and Benjamin C. were twins. In 
the summer of 1827, Mr. and Mrs. 
Elliott, with their child Lucinda, came 
to Illinois, and located in what is now 
English township, built a cabin and 
began making a home for their family 
in the (then) wilderness of what is now 
Jersey county. They remained here 
al)out a year. At the end of that time, 
John Rhodes, who had married in Ken- 
tucky a sister of Mr. Elliott, came out 
to Illinois, and located on the site of 
the present town of Medora, in Ma- 
(•oupin county. Being pleased with (lie 
locality, he persuaded his brother-in- 
law, Mr. Elliott, to remove thither. 
The latter entered land just nortli of 
Mr. Rhodes', or what is now the ''Simp- 
son" i)lace. There the family re- 
sided until IS;];], when they moved 
to Clinteau Island, ^ladison county, 
111., where his brother Thomas had 
previously settled. They resided there 



464 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



15 years, during which Mr. Elliott car- 
ried on farming, also, dealing in wood, 
having it chopped and sent to St. Louis 
on a wood-boat, and kept a wood-yard 
to furnish wood to boats. He was very 
prosperous here until the overflow of 
the river, in 1844, which swept away 
the results of his years of hard labor. 
At that time the water was so high that 
the children could be saved only by be- 
ing taken out of the second-story win- 
dows into a boat. In 1848 they removed 
from Choteau Island, to a farm on Sec. 
26, T. 9, R. lU, now Ruyle township. 
Here Mr. and Mrs. Elliott remained 
until the time of their death, rearing 
their family and improving a good farm. 
Mr. Elliott's death occurred Sept. 2!), 
1865, and that of his wife Aug. 26, 1862. 
They are buried in the Elliott cemetery, 
upon the homestead farm. Both were 
among the original members of the Mt. 
Pleasant Baptist church, and lived con- 
sistent Christians to the end of their 
lives. 

Lewis Elliott the ninth of the 13 
children of Lewis and Elizabeth (Red- 
dish) Elliott, and was born Feb. 12, 
1842. He remained with his parents 
until his marriage, on the 22d of Oct., 
1862, to Eliza Jane Fink, who died 
March 11, 1863. He was inarried again 
March 23, 1864, to Serena Brownfield, a 
native of Randolph county, and daugh- 
of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Gilworth) 
Brownfield. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are 
the parents of nine children, eight of 
whom are living — Dora Jane, Mary 
Lorena, Lewis Walter, Rosa Elizabeth, 
liUcinda Caroline, Wealthy Brownfield, 
Milton Cleaver and Rena May. Peachy 
Bell was born Oct. 29, 1867, and died 
Nov. 7, 1875. Mr. Elliott has lived on 



his present farm on section 26 since the 
fall of 1864, since which all of the im- 
provements have been made. He has 
550 acres of land, and pays considera- 
ble attention to stock-raising, also raises 
quite an amount of grain. He keeps 
short horn cattle and makes a specialty 
of fine horses. He was the first super- 
visor of Ruyle township after its organ- 
ization. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. 

Thomas B. Elliott, the 10th in order 
of age (.)f tlie children of Lewis Elliott, 
Sr., was born Dec. 16, 1844. He lived 
with his parents until his marriage, 
to Elizabeth Fink, Dec. 22, 1864. She 
died in the fall of 1872, leaving four 
children, two of whom are living — 
Thomas Lindley and Otis Fredland. 
Those deceased are — John Monroe and 
Lewis Elmer. In Oct., 1874, Mr. Elli- 
ott was married to Frances Amelia Wal- 
ter, a native of Ohio, and daughter of 
George and Rachel Walter. By this 
marriage there are two children — How- 
ard B. and Florence Myrtle. Mr. Elli- 
ott resided within a half mile of the old 
homestead of his parents until the 
spring of 1885, when he rented his farm 
and moved to Medora. He has 330 
acres of land, in three farms. Mrs. 
Elliott is a member of the Baptist 
church. He is, politically, a democrat. 

John Ryan, deceased, one of the earli- 
est pioneers of what is now Jersey 
county, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., 
in 1796, his parents being John and Re- 
becca Ryan, the former was of Irish, 
and the latter of English descent. When 
quite young he went to Chester county, 
Penn., and learned the trade of mill- 
wright, serving an apprenticeship of 
seven years, becoming a thorough mas- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



465 



ter of the trade. Atter working a short 
time in Chester county, he started west- 
ward to seek his fortune in a newer 
country. Coming to Illinois, he located 
at Frenchtoun, now East St. Louis, in 
the fall of ISlfl. where he remained until 
the fall of 1S21, then went to Alton, and 
after stopping a short time, came to 
what is now Jersey county, and located 
about five miles southwest of the site of 
the present city of Jcrseyville, in Hick- 
ory Grove. In the fall of lS2iS lie re- 
moved with his family, to a point four 
miles southwest of CarroUton, in Greere 
county. There he resided until 1840, 
then returned to Jersey county, settling 
this time, on section 27, of what is now 
Ruyle townshi]). He lived upon that 
same tract of land, which he had pre- 
viously entered, until the time of his 
death, which occurred Jan. 26, 18(')3. 
He was married in Zanesville, Ohio, 
to Jane Wilcox, a native of Canada. 
They were the parents of eight children 
— Richardson, a sketch of whom ap- 
pears herewith; Sarah, who died when 
quite young, in Alton; Mary, widow of 
John Christopher, now living one nule 
south of Fidelity; Charles, deceased, 
who was, at the time of his death, the 
most i)rominc-nt physician of Spring- 
field, 111.; he was one of the early phy- 
sicians of this county; Jane, married to 
W. C. Farrow, and living in this town- 
ship; .lohn, who died in Virden town- 
ship, Macoupin county; Henry, the 
subject of the following sketch; and 
Catherine, who was married to William 
M. Stevenson, and died on part of the 
home place. Mrs. John Ryan died July 
11, 1852. Mr. Ryan was one of the con- 
structors of the lirst mill in Greene 
county — Coonsville mill. 



Henry Ryan, the next to the youngest 
of the children, was born near Carroll- 
ton, March 28, 1831, following the win- 
ter of the "deep snow." When he was 
nine years of age, the family removed 
to the farm where he now resides, on 
section 27, Ruyle ti>wnship. Here he 
grew to manhood, receiving his school- 
ing in Greene and Jersey counties. He 
was married, on the 26th of Sept., 18()1, 
to Alniira E. Thomas, daughter of John 
I. and Ann (Chorn) Thomas. Samuel 
Thomas, her grandfather, was the first 
white m; n who located in Greene county, 
north of the Macoupin creek, he having 
penetrated the wilderness and made a 
settlement there in 1818, the year Illi- 
nois was admitted to the Union as a 
state. A sketch of Samuel Thomas ap- 
pears in the Early Settlement chapter of 
the history of Greene county, in this 
vohmie. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are the 
parents of eight children, six of whom 
are living — John T., Mary A., James 
H., George E., Ethel W., and Marcus 
Jeuduthun; Ada Jane died in Aug., 
1881, in the 13th year of her age; Hugh 
Lewis died in April, 1878, aged one 
year. For nearly half a century Mr. 
Ryan has been identified with the in- 
terests of Ruyle township. He has 
served as road commissioner, and was 
for 11 j'ears an oflicer of the cele- 
brated Jersey county fair, having acted 
as director, president and vice-president 
of the association. He owns a fine stock 
farm, comprising 660 acres, in Ruyle 
township, and is engaged in raising 
short horn cattle, Poland China hogs, 
and mutton sheep. He raises steers to 
export to the English market. 

John V. Rhoads came to Jersey 
county with his parents, Josiah and 



466 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Susannah Rhoads,who feettled on section 
25, Ruyle township, in the year 1835. 
The subject of this sketch was born in 
Grayson county, Ky., Jan. 17, 1830. 
His childhood and youth were spent in 
this county, and Sept. 30, 1854, he was 
united in marriage witla Nancy Elliott, 
daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Elliott. 
They were the parents of five children 
— James Lewis, Silas, Hezekiah, Steph- 
en and Elijah B. Mrs. Rhoads died 
March 28, 1863, and is buried in the 
family cemetery. In Sept., 1864, Mr. 
Rhoads was married to Jeanetta Brown, 
daughter of James and Mary Brown. 
By this union there were eleven chil- 
dren — Mary Elizabeth, Susannah, Em- 
ma Matilda, Katie Ann (deceased), 
Jeanetta, John William, Charles B., 
Lawson, Josiah (deceased). Earnest E. 
(deceased), and Grace Ann. Mr. 
Rhoads owns a large and valuable farm, 
comprising 320 acres, on section 25, 
and is engaged in general farming. He 
has served as school trustee for some 
time, and as school director for a num- 
ber of years. He has been a member 
of the United Baptist church for 37 
years, and is trustee and deacon of the 
chiirch at Kemper, and belongs to the 
Fidelity lodge of the Masonic frater- 
nity. Mr. Rhoads has been identified 
with Ruyle township and Jersey coun- 
ty for over half a century, and is now 
a prominent and honored citizen. His 
father, Josiah Rhoads, was born • in 
Hardin county, Ky., in the year 1790, 
and died in Jersey county, in 1859. His 
mother, Susannah Rhoads, was born in 
Maryland in 1788, and died here in 
1872. Both were for many years con- 
sistent members of the Baptist church. 
They are buried in the family 



cemetery, which is located on Mr. 
Rhoads' farm. 

John Twitchel (deceased) was born 
in Weybridge, Addison county, Ver- 
mont, on the 30th day of May, 1798. He 
lived with his mother until the time 
of his marriage, March 16, 1818, to 
Anna Sanford. He then moved to New 
Haven. In 1831 he came to Illinois and 
settled on Ajiple Creek prairie, removing 
from thence to what is now Jersey 
county, in 1833. He entered land on 
Sees. 13 and 14, T.9, R. 10. On Aug. 10, 
1833, Mr. Twitchel died. His widow 
is still living, and now resides with her 
son, Gaston D. Twitchel. They were 
the parents of eight children — Gaston 
D., Mary Ann, Lydia, Sydney, Loraine, 
Ann Jeannette, who died June 25, 1827; 
Loretta, who was married to Nathan 
Chamberlain, and died October 18, 1880 
and Silva Jane, who was the wife of 
John Ryan, and died June 24, 1881. 

Gaston D. Twitchel was born in Wey- 
bridge, Addison county, Vt., Jan. 1, 
1819. He came to Illinois with his parents 
when in his 12th year, and grew to 
manhood on the farm where he now re- 
,sides, having been identified with this 
township for over half a century. He 
has devoted his attention to farming and 
is the owner of 240 acres of land. Mrs. 
Twitchel is a member of the Congrega- 
tional church. Mr. Twitchel carried 
the first mail through from Alton to 
Jacksonville on the Jacksonville and 
Alton road, shortly after that road was 
laid out. He acted as mail carrier one 
winter, making one round trip a week, 
occupying two days in going each way. 
He traveled on horseback, and was em- 
ployed by the contractor, whose name 
was Strong. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



4G7 



John C. Dannels was born near Kane, 
(ireene county, 111., on Nov. 4, 1826. 
Ill' is a son of Walker andMartlia Dan- 
nels. ^\'llen .lohn was very young his 
father, Walker Dannels, died, and he 
went to live with his sister, Mrs. Tt>nip- 
kins, with whom he remained until the 
date of his marriage, March 28, 1847, to 
Mary Palmer, daughter of William and 
Mary Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Dannels 
were the jjarents of seven children — 
Laura R., born Aug. 8, 1848, now the 
wife of y . L. Dodge, of this township; 
William \\'., born Aug. 5, 18-50, and 
died Aug. K, 1851; John F., born Sept. 
26, 1852; Charles F., born July 5, 1855; 
(Uorge P., born Feb. 28, 1858; Jessie F., 
born March 7, 1860; and Anna, born 
Feb. 24, 1867, living at home with her 
jiarents. Mr. Dannels owns a large 
farm comprising 480 acres of land, with 
240 acres on section 11, where he re- 
sides, and the same amount on section 
10. lie was one of the charter members 
of the Masonic lodge of Fidelity, and 
has acted as school director of the Del- 
aware school for a number of years. 
He is one of the substantial citizens of 
the township. 

John Frankliji Dannels, eldest son of 
John C. and Mary Dannels, was born 
Sept. 26, 1852, in Ruyle township. He 
was reared upon a farm, and received 
his education in the district school. 
He remained with his parents until his 
marriage, which took place Sept. 26, 
187(), when he was united with Eliza- 
beth Frost. Tiiey have one child — 
Florence, born .\ug. '■), 1S77. Mr. Dan- 
nels owns '.10 acres, .jO of which are 
located on section 11, where he resides, 
and 40 acres on section 10. He carries 
on general farming. He holds the office 



of township clerk, and is a member 
of the I. 0. O. F. lodge, of Kemper, 
also of the Masonic fraternity. 

C. A. Dannels, son of John C. and 
Mary Dannels, was born July 5, 1855, 
near the village of Kemper, Jersey 
county. His early life was spent here, 
and his education obtained in the com- 
mon schools. Oct. 26, 1879, he left the 
home of his parents, and was united in 
marriage with Paulina A. Kemper, a 
daughter of \\'. II. H. and Elmira 
Kemper. By this union there are three 
children— Leila F., born July 31, 1880; 
Pauline E., born Jan. 26, 1882, and 
John C, born Jan. 25, 1885. Mr. Dan- 
nels owns a farm of 80 acres, located 
on section 11, where he now resides. 
He is a member of the Kemper lodge of 
I. 0. O. F., and formerly belonged to 
the K. of H. 

W. T. Whitfield is a native of Mont- 
gomerj' county, Ohio, born near Dayton 
on the 15th of Sept., 1821. He lived in 
his native county until Iti years of age. 
He then went to Preble county, Ohio, 
where he remained until 1857, at which 
date he came to Jersey county, and lo- 
cated at Fidelity. He engaged there in 
the manufacture of carriages and wag- 
ons. In 1879 he moved to Kemper, and 
has since devoted his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits, raising grain and 
stock. He was first married, Nov. 6, 
1842. His wife died Aug. 30, 1858, 
leaving five children — Sarah, married; 
Cliarles; William L., deceased; Emma 
Jane, wiio was married to C. W. Tict- 
sort, and died Feb. 24, 1865; and Julia, 
wife of J. H. Dupy. Mr. Whitlield 
was married, on Sept. 25, 18(52, to 
Mrs. Jane Smith, daughter of Roland 
Hooper. By this union there are six 



468 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



children — -Mary Elizabeth, James Al- 
bert, Theodore Wilson, Rachel Jane, 
Joseph U. and Francis Edgar. 

James H. Stotler, a farmer of Ruyle 
township, 'was born in what is now the 
state of West Virginia, June 27, 1844. 
In 1862, he removed with his father's 
family, to Greene county. 111., and set- 
tled six miles east of Carrollton, 
where they resided about one year. 
They then moved to Macoupin county. 
In 1875, the subject of this sketch was 
married in Macoupin county, to Peoria 
Peak, daughter of_ Richard and Mary 
Peak. After his marriage he lived two 
miles north of Medora, in Macoupin 
county, for a period of two years, then 
moved to Jersey county, and located 
upon the Sanders' place, upon which he 
remained eight years, removing from 
thence to his present residence. He 
now lives upon the farm owned by Milo 
Stowe, and cultivates 400 acres. He 
carries on general farming, raising grain 
and stock. 

Richardson Ryan was born in Zanes- 
ville, 0., May 13, 1818. He is the eld- 
est son of John and Jane (Wilcox) 
Ryan. He was one year old when his 
father came to Illinois, in the fall of 
1819. In the spring following, Mrs. 
Ryan and her two children, Richardson 
and Sarah, came out and joined Mr. 
Ryan at Frenchtown (East St. Louis). 
Richardson followed the fortunes of his 
parents and is now living on tlie same 
tract of land where his father died 20 
years ago. He was married in what is 
now Jersey county, Nov. 13, 1842, to 
Angeline Ritchie, who was born near 
Golconda, Polk county, Dec. 81, 1820, 
and a daughter of James and Julia Ann 
Ritchie. She died Jan. 5, 1881. Thay 



were the parents of three children, all 
of whom are living — Alice, living with 
her father; Leonard, married to Alice, 
daughter of John I. and Ann (Chorn) 
Thomas, and grand-daughter of the 
pioneer, Samuel Thomas; and Richard- 
son, who lives in this townsliip. Mr. 
Ryan recollects the time when St. Louis 
was nothing but a French village, and 
has driven hogs to market when there 
were but a few scattered liouses west of 
the court house in that city. His life 
has been one of industry and energy, 
and he has accumulated 566 acres of 
land, the greater part of which lies on 
Sec. 35, T. 9, R. 10, the remainder, 
timber land on sections 17 and 18, lying 
across Macoupin creek. In 1849 Mr. 
Ryan and his brother Charles went to 
the Pacific coast, and engaged there in 
the mines, two years, after which they 
returned to Illinois. 

Harvey Gilworth is a son of John 
Gilworth, and was born on section 29, 
Ruyle township, Aug. 4, 1843. He is 
the youngest of nine children, and re- 
mained with his parents until the time 
of his marriage, which took place 
March 29, 1866, to Mary Ann, daughter 
of Jacob H. Pickett. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilworth are the parents of seven chil- 
dren, six of whom are living — Edward, 
Ida May, Delia Jane, Lottie Bell, Nel- 
lie B. and Elmer Claude. John Henry 
was born June 4, 1867, and died Aug. 
20, 1868. John Gilworth, father of the 
subject of this sketch, was one of the 
earliest settlers of Jersey county. Har- 
vey Gilworth owns a fine farm of 200 
acres, located on section 29, Ruyle 
township, and is engaged in general 
farming. 

Vilas L. Dodge, a well known farmer 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



4G".t 



of the townsliip of Ruyle, is a native of 
Addison county, Vt., born Oct. 28, 1846. 
In 1852 he removed witli his parents to 
Whiteside county, 111., and two years 
later to Jersey county, locating then on 
section 14, Ruyle township. They re- 
sided on that section until 1860, when 
they removed to section 12, where Mr. 
Dodge now lives. \'ilas L. remained 
with his parents until 1871. On Feb. 
21 of thiit year, he was united in mar- 
riage with Laura R., oldest daughter of 
John C. and Mary Dannels. They have 
had five children born to them, four of 
whom are living — Mary, horn March 
27, 1874; George, born July 24, 1876; 
Lotta,born June 30, 1878, and Fred Le- 
roy, born June 24, 1884. l\Ir. Dodge's 
farm contains 162 acres of land, with 42 
acres on section 12, 1(X) acres on section 
2, and 20 acres on section 1. He car- 
ries on general farming. He has held 
the oflices of township supervisor and 
assessor, and is at present road super- 
visor. He is a member of the Sh(;ffield 
lodge of the Masonic fraternity, at 
Rockbridge, Greene county. 

John Henry Taylor, oldest son of 
Isaac and Mahala Taylor, was born near 
Rockbridge, Greene county. 111., June 
2, 1848. He resided in that county with 
his parents until 1874. On the 4th of 
June, that year, he was married to Har- 
riet Palmer, daughter of Washburn and 
Sarah Palmer. They have had born to 
them, six children, only two of whom 
are now living — Silas Newton, born 
Feb. 22, 1879, and Lula, born Nov. 22, 
1881. Those decea.«ed are — William 
0., born Feb. 7, 1875, and died Feb. 18, 
of the same year; Georgie, horn Jan. 
II, 1877, and died the following day; 
Lena May, burn Nov. 28,1879, and died 



Feb. 0, 1881; and Celia Ann, liorn Jan. 
12, 1884, and died March 9, 1885. Mr. 
Taylor resides on section 10. where he 
is engaged in farming. 

Joseph B. Carter, of Kcmjier, is a 
son of Robert and Jane Carter, and was 
born near Chesterfield, in Macoupin 
county, Feb. 26, 1843. He lived at home 
with his parents until his marriage to 
Lucy Kemper, Dec. 27, 1867. She is a 
daughter of W. H. H. and Almira Kem- 
per. After marriage, Mr. Carter settled 
four miles northeast of the village of 
Medora, Macoupin ccounty, and re- 
mained there four years, after which 
he removed to Greenfield, in Greene 
county, and engaged in keeping livery 
stable, which business he continued one 
and one-half years, then sold out and 
removed to Kemper, Jersey county, 
where he has since remained. After 
coming here he engaged in farnung, fol- 
lowing that occupation until 1884. 
During that year he was, for a few 
months, employed in running a meat 
market at Medora, Macoupin county. 
Mr. Carter owns and resides in block 
No. 1, in the village of Kemper, and is 
not at present in any business. Mr. and 
Mrs. Carter are the parents of two 
children — Ethel May and Elden Guy. 

William Palmer (deceased), one of 
the earliest pioneers of this section of 
the country, was born in Sudbury, Rut- 
land county, Vt., June 20, 1799. He 
was a son of William and Abigail Pal- 
mer, formerly of Dutchess county, N. 
Y. His grandfather, Elias Palmer, was 
of English descent. William and Abi- 
gail Palmer had a family of seven chil- 
dren — three sons and four daughters — 
all of whom are deceased. The subject 
of this sketch was the youngest. He 



received his education in his native 
state, and was married Jan. 13, 1823, to 
Mary Barton, a native of Addison 
county, Vt. Six children were born to 
them — William George, residing in Ma- 
coupin county; Mary A., wife of John 
C. Dannels; Franklin, who died in in- 
fancy; Henry R.; Harriet S., wife of 
Mile Stowe, and Martha J. Mr. Palmer 
in 1830 immigrated to Hlinois with his 
family, which at that time consisted 
of his wife and three children, making 
an overland journey of over two months. 
He located Avest of White Hall, where 
he remained two years, then removed i 
to the southeast quarter of Sec. 14, T. 
9, R. 10, making one of the first per- 
manent settlements in the township in 
which he lived for more than 40 years. 
He was one of the commissioners ap- 



pointed by the court of Jersey county 
to establish the boundary line between 
Greene and Jersey counties, which duty 
he performed satisfactorily to all. He 
was for three years, one of the county 
commissioners, and was appointed post- 
master under VanBuren's administra- 
tion, being one of the first postmasters 
in the county. About the year 1845, 
Mr. Palmer, by a premature discliarge 
of powder, while blasting rock, lost his 
eyesight, and although in darkness for 
for the last 29 years of his life, he was 
constantly cheered, and his pathway 
brightened by the love and kindness of 
his numerous relatives and friends. He 
was one of the substantial citizens of the 
community in which he so long resided, 
and highly esteemed and honored by 
all. His death occured April 20, 1874. 



OHAPT^RR. XXVII. 



JERSEY TOWNSHIP. 



This civil sub-division of Jersey I 
county, embraces congressional township 
8 north, range 11 west, the southeast 
quarter of township 9 north, range 11 
west, and the lower half of sections 13, 
14 and 15, of the northeast quarter of 
the same congressional township. This 
is claimed by many to be the finest of 
any section of Jersey county. The 
handiwork of the better class of inhab- 
itants is seen in the many shady 
and beautiful artificial groves that dot 
its enchanting prairies; in the well 
tilled and well kept farms; and in the 



neat and ofttimes spacious and elegant 
residences, and commodious, well 
painted barns. The buildings, as a 
rule, are in excellent repair, and every- 
thing manifests the work and care be- 
stowed upon them by their thrifty, in- 
telligent owners. Indeed, there are 
some as fine farm residences in this 
township as can be found in any part of 
the state. The main body of the town- 
ship is composed of level, or gently 
rolling, prairie, while that part which 
lies in congressional township 9 north, 
known as the "Panhandle," is princi- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



471 



pally timber land, rugged and broken, 
but containing occasionally a fine piece 
of farm land. 

Jersey township has not so many, nor 
so large, running streams as some of its 
neighbors, but it is abundantly supplied 
with water for stock and agricultural 
purposes. Phill's creek comes into the 
township from Mississippi, near the 
center of the south line of Sec. 34, T. 
8, R. 11, and flowing in an irregular 
course through the township, joins its 
waters with those of the the Macoupin in 
the southeast quarter of Sec. 15, T. 9, 
R. 11. Dorsey's branch of Phill's 
creek has its origin on Sec. 30, T. 8, R. 11, 
and flows with a general northeastward 
trend till it enters the waters of Phill's 
creek, on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 27. The city of Jerseyville is in 
this township, lying principally in tlie 
southwest quarter of T. 8, R. 11. 

E.4RLY SETTLEMENT. 

It is more than likely that the first 
attempt at settlement within the limits 
of Jersey county (Vas made in Jersey 
township. Authentic evidence is given 
that in the fall of 1815, six men, Daniel 
Allen and his sons, Daniel, Jr., James 
and John, and James and Paul Harri- 
ford came to this locality. They were 
looking for homes, and on coming to the 
Macoupin creek, opposite, or nearly so, 
to the mouth of Taylor's branch, set- 
tled upon Sec. 13, T. 9, R. 11, or in 
what is now knownas the "panhandle." 
Here they put up cabins, and clearing 
some land, in the. summer of 1816, 
raised a crop of corn. In .the fall of 
that year, however, the Aliens removed 
a short distance west, thus carrying 
them into Greene county, where their 



subsequent career may be followed. 
The Harriford's, brothers of Mrs. John 
Huitt, returned to Chariton, Mo., in 
time to witness her marriage in 1818. 

The next to appear in this locality 
was John Ballard, who first came to the 
county in 1822. He settled on the south- 
east quarter of Sec. 30, T. 8, R. 11, in 
what is now Jersey township. In 1823 
he sold out to John Falkner, and then 
removed to the present site of Jersey- 
ville. 

John Falkner bought the improve- 
ment of John Ballard, on the southeast 
quarter of Sec. 30, 8-11, in 1823, and 
settled on it. He was frozen to death 
in 1825, while coming from mill. His 
brother James afterward removed to the 
present site of Jerseyville, and built 
the old "Red House," the secondlnthe 
place. 

lu 1824, John Nelson Englisli came to 
Jersey ccunty, and has been a resident 
ever since. He was the first sheriff of 
this county, and has filled a prominent 
place in the general assembly of the 
state. A sketch of him occurrs in con- 
nection with the members of the legis- 
lature, in the chapter entitled National, 
State and County Representation. 

Robert Latliam settled in what is now 
Jersey county, in 1825. In 1829 he 
entered a piece of land in Jersey town- 
ship, and settled thereon. He was born 
in Rowan county, N. C, in 1793, and 
came to Illinois in 1820. 

Jonathan E. Cooper came to the 
county of Jersey in Nov., 1S29. The 
greater part of his time fortlie first year 
was spent in Carrollton, but in 1832, he 
entered the farm, whereon lie now lives, 
in Jersey township, and has been identi- 
fied with this county ever since. 



472 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Captain Jonathan E. Cooper is a na- 
tive of Henry county, Ky., born Jan. 
5, 1807. His father, Jonathan Cooper, 
was a native of Maryhind, and one of 
the early settlers of the "dark and 
bloody ground." He was among the 
pioneer settlers with Daniel Boone, with 
whom he frequently hunted Indians, 
and he was also a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. He married his first wife, 
Eleanor Jones, in Pennsylvania, and 
reared six children. His second mar- 
riage occurred in Slielby county, Ky., 
to Eleanor English, and by this union 

12 children were born, of whom the 
subject of this sketch is the eldest son, 
and second child. In 1835 he removed 
to Illinois, and settled on a farm four 
miles southwest of Jerseyville, where 
he died, in Aug., 1845. Mrs. Cooper 
survived his death 11 years. Jonathan 
E. Cooper-received his education in the 
schools of his native state, and spent 
most of his time at home on the farm 
until reaching the age of 23 years, and, 
in Nov., 1821), after a horse-back trip of 

13 days, landed within the jn-esent limits 
of Jersey county. 111. He spent nearly 
the first winter clerking in the store of 
his uncle, L. N. English, of Carrollton. 
The next year he worked on a farm. On 
the breaking out of the Black Hawk 
war, he enlisted in Captain Carlin's 
(afterward Governor Carlin) company, 
was elected as its orderly sergeant, 
and served one year under Carlin. The 
next year, 1832, he served in Captain 
Patterson's company, and a portion of 
the year was detailed as quartermaster; 
participated in the battles of the Wis- 
consin and Mississippi, and after peace 
was declared, received an honorable 
discharge. In Oct., 1832, Captain 



Cooper entered the land on which he 
now resides, two and a half miles south- 
west of Jerseyville. In 1832 he was 
commissioned captain of militia by 
Gov. Reynolds. When he came to Illi- 
nois, his wealth consisted of a horse and 
three dollars in money. After entering 
his land, he soon set about improve- 
ment, and commenced making a home_ 
Being one of the pioneers, he had 
many hardships and inconveniences to 
encounter. May 19, 1836, he was mar- 
ried to Miriam F. Turner, nee French, 
daughter of Nicholas and Anna French. 
She was born in Rockingham count}', N. 
H. The captain and his bride moved 
into their cabin on the 1st of Aug., 1836, 
and Captain Cooper still resides on the 
identical spot. Mrs. Cooper died in June, 
1873. They reared two adopted chil- 
dren — Marshall M. Cooper, now a Pres- 
byterian minister, and, at the present 
writing, located at Deep River, Iowa, 
and Mary, the wife N.I. Massy, resides 
in Colorado. On Dec. 3, 1879, Captain 
Cooper was married to Sarah C. John- 
son, nee Gillham, a native of Illinois, 
having been born in Madison county. 
Politically, Captain Cooper is a demo- 
crat, he having become a member of 
that party in early life, his first vote 
having been cast for General Jackson, but 
has never desired to hold public office. 
Religiously, he united with the Baptist 
church, at Kane, Greene county, in 
1839, and he and his wife were among 
the original members of the Baptist so- 
ciety at Jerseyville. The first year of 
the organization of this society, he was 
elected to the responsible position of 
deacon, which he has since retained. 
Deacon Cooper is among that class of 
noble-hearted citizens whom all love 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



473 



and respect. Strict integrity and honesty 
of purpose mark all his dealings. He 
is a close observer of passing events, 
and to him is due the credit of preserv- 
ing much of the early history of Jersey 
coutity. 

^\'illiam Moore settled about six miles 
soutli of Jerseyville in 1829, where he 
remained until 1831, when he made a 
permanent settlement in Jersey town- 
ship, on section 20. This he made his 
residence until the winter of 183.5-6, 
when he was frozen to death returning 
from mill, being on foot, having sent 
his team on ahead with his son. 

Amos Pruitt settled in this township 
in 1829, on section 19, but in 1832 dis- 
posed of his farm to Milo Bennett, and 
removed to a place northwest of the 
jjresent town of Fidelity. He was a 
member of the first county commission- 
ers court of Jersey county, elected in 
1839. He died from the result of injuries 
caused by a horse in 1869. He was an 
active man, and was quite successful. 

Ward Eldred was, also, a settler of the 
year 1831 , locatingon Sec. 35, T. 9, R. 11, 
or the Panhandle, as it is familiarly 
called. 

Robert B. Robbins, settled on Sec. 30, 
T. 8, R. 11, in 1831. He was a native 
of New York, and came here from Jeffer- 
son county, that state. He began the 
work of improving his farm as soon as 
ill' had made the entry. He had, on 
his place, a shop for repairing wagons 
and farm implements, and in bad or 
inclement weather he was always ready 
to perform jobs of that kind. He was a 
shrewd man, and capable of doing most 
any kind of work; a good natured, kind 
neighbor, and had many friends. He 
died here in 1846. 



John Childers and Alexander Moore 
made settlements on Sec. 36, in T. 8, R. 
11, in 1831, and James A. Carlisle, on 
section 1 of the same township. 

Richmond Henderson, one of the pi- 
oneers of Jersey county, died of con- 
gestion of the lungs, at his residence, 
two miles southwest of Jerseyville, at 
2 o'clock P. M., Nov. 29, 1870. He was 
a son of Richmond and Elizabeth Hen- 
derson, and was born at Rochester, 
Stratford county, N H., Dec. 26, 1801, 
where he remained during the early 
part of his life. He came to Illinois, in 
1832, and purchased the land on which 
he ever afterward resided. On the 21st 
of March, 1833, he was married to Mary 
Ann Douglass, a resident of what was 
then known as Otter Creek prairie. Mr. 
Henderson was then known bj' all the 
early settlers of Jerrsey county as a 
man of strictly honorable principles, of 
liberal views, with firmness of charac- 
ter sufficient to bear him out in wliat- 
ever he deemed just and right. As a 
neighbor, he was neighborly; as afrii-nd, 
reliable; and as a husband and father, 
ever anxious for the comfort and happi- 
ness of those who looked to him for 
protection and support; as a farmer, he 
was successful, leaving Ins family in 
comfortable circumstances. 

Among others who settled during 
the same year, 1832, was James A. Potts, 
J. Nathaniel Miner, Milo Bennett, 
George W. Lowder, John Rogers, Hugh 
McGill, Joel Hinson, James Whitehead, 
John Coventry and James Lunsdon. 

James A. Potts was a native of Ten- 
nessee ; he was a man possessed of a 
good education, and engaged some times 
in surveying. He had no desire to ac- 
cumulate wealth but was an excellent 



474 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



citizen. He was one of the elders of 
the Presbyterian church up to the time 
of his death, in the month of April, 
1857. 

J. Nathaniel Miner was born near Old 
Crown Point, New York, during 1801. 
He came to Jersey county the year 
above. . He assisted in raising the first 
frame building in Jerseyville, and was 
the first constable of the precinct after 
the organization of the county in 18.39. 

Milo Bennett, a Vermonter, settled on 
section 18, on 160 acres of land, half of 
which he had purchased of Amos 
Pruitt, and half of which he entered 
himself. He removed to Iowa in 1840 
or '41, and during the gold excitement 
went to California. 

Solomon Calhoun and family settled 
near the present site of Jerseyville in 
1833. He died there, in 1869. Mr. 
Calhoun was a prominent man during 
the early days of the county's organi- 
zation, having served on the first board 
of county commissioners, and held 
various other ofhces. 

Samuel Day was a native of Addison 
counry, Vt., where he grew to manhood. 
He was united in marriage with Maria 
Spencer, who died, leaving tliree chil- 
dren, one of whom became the wife of 
Harley E. Hayes. He was then united 
in marriage with Emoretta Hayes, and 
in 1833 came to Jersey county, and set- 
tled about four miles south of the county 
seat, on a farm, where he resided until 
about 1841, when he died, leaving four 
children by the second marriage. 

The growth and progress of Jersey 
township has been so closely identified 
with that of the city of Jerseyville, that 
it would be difficult, and in many cases 
imjjroper, to separate them. The reader 



is therefore referred to the history of 
the city for the remainder of the histor- 
ical items of the township. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Among other residents of this town- 
ship, who came at a later date, but who 
have been largely identified with the 
growth and development of the same, 
are the following named gentlemen. To 
them the county of Jersey is greatly in- 
debted for their enterprise and intelli- 
gence: 

Cornelius B. Fisher, an early settler 
of this county, and an old and highly 
respected citizen, was born in New Jer- 
sey, June 14, 1809. His parents, Hen- 
drick and Kesiah (Fulkerson) Fisher, 
was born, lived and died in New Jer- 
sey, where Cornelius remained until 29 
years of age. June 1, 1838, he came to 
Jersey county, and located in Jersey 
township, where he purchased 160 acres 
of land on section 17. Here he erected a 
small frame house, and resided eight 
years. In 1846 he bought the National 
Hotel, at Jerseyville, and run the same 
four years. He owned, also, about half 
the block where the hotel stands. He 
abandoned hotel keeping in 1850, and 
moved back to his farm. Two years 
later he returned to Jerseyville, and 
built tlie house now occupied by Dr. 
Miles, having previously sold his farm 
to Mr. Birkenmayer. He resided in 
Jerseyville eight years, engaged most 
of the time in speculating. In 1859, 
Mr. Fisher went back to New Jersey, 
and purchased 200 acres of land on the 
Raritan river, one of the most beautiful 
locations in the state, to which he soon 
after removed his family. After sjiend- 
ing one year there he sold his farm for 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



475 



$20,000 and then came back to Jersey 
county, 111. He then purchased what 
is known as the Potts farm, containing 
120 acres, on which he resided about 
four years, then sold a portion of it, and 
in 18G7, bought 160 acres on section 17, 
Jersey township, where he has since 
remained. His residence is one of the 
finest in tlie county, being built of 
brick, two stories in height, and contain- 
ing 14 rooms. It was erected at a cost 
of $14, (XK), and with its beautiful and 
perfectly kept surroundings, forms one 
of the lovliest suburban homes in this 
portion of the state. Mr. Fisher was 
married Sept. 25, 1828, to Hannah 
Mitchell, daughter of George Mitchell. 
They had tive chih'ren, four of whom 
are living — Cornelia, wife of Joseph 
Bell, of Kansas City; Caroline, wife of 
William Hawley, of Jersey ville; Henry, 
married to Louisa Rappela, and living 
in Jerseyville, and George, married to 
Eva Bcardsley, and living in Toledo, 0. 
One daughter, Maria, is deceased. She 
was the wife of Albert Sickle, who is 
also deceased. Mr. Fisher has been 
twice married, his second wife being, 
formerly, Susan A. Chamberlain. Mr. 
Fisher owns, in addition to his farm of 
182 acres, some town pro])crty in the 
city of Jerseyville. Mrs. Fisher is a 
mcmhtrofthe First Presbyterian cliurcli 
of Jerscj'ville. 

Mordccai .J. Ilitchey is a son of James 
Mn<l .Julia (Robinet) Ritchey, the former 
a native of South Carolina, and tlu' lat- 
ter of Kentucky. They came to Illinois 
in 1815, settling in Pope county, where 
they remained until 182S, at which time 
they removeil to Greene county, and 
two and a half years later, came to what 
is now Jersey county, and located on 



section 25, Jersey township. Here 
James Ritchey died in ISGO. His widow 
survived until 1869. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Greene (-ounty, 
111., Nov. 13, 1830. He was reared uji- 
on a farm, and resided with his parents 
until their death. In 1857 he went to 
Kansas, with the intention of purchas- 
ing land, but not being pleased with the 
outlook, returned home without doing 
so. Later he visited Nebraska, but 
made no investment there. He was 
married, Jan. 22, 1863, to Sarah T. 
Briggs, daughter of John and Mary 
Briggs. They are the parents of eight 
children, seven of whom are living — 
James, married to Nellie Pruitt, and 
living in Jersey county; Emnui, Morde- 
cai, Julius A., John, Cordelia and \'an. 
Mr. Ritchey is the owner of a fine farm 
of 541 acres, and has a handsome resi- 
dence, erected in 1881, at a cost of 
$3,(XX}, also other improvements of a 
substantial description. He is a demo- 
crat politically, and has been supervisor 
for three years. He is a man of intelli- 
gence and enterprise, and as a citizen 
ranks high in the esteem of all. 

W. H. Fulkerson came to Jersey 
county in 1866, locating then, one mile 
and a half north of Jersej'ville, where 
lie has since resided. He is one of the 
largest land owners in the county, and 
one of the most extensive breeders of 
shorthorn cattle in the state of Illinois. 
His residence, one of the finest in Jer- 
sey county, is a two-story brick struc- 
ture, and a model of comfort and con- 
venience. His barns, of which he has 
several, located on difl'erent ]>ortions of 
his large estate, are substantial, and 
well adapted to the use for wiiicli they 
were intended. He has also other im- 



476 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



provements of a good description. Mr. 
Fulkerson was born in Claiborne county, 
Tenn., Sept. 9, 1S34. He was colonel 
of the 63d Tennessee, C. S. A., during 
the Rebellion. He has served as county 
judge of .Jersey county, one term. Dur- 
ing the construction of the St. L. & J. 
branch of the W., St. L., & P. R. R., 
Mr. Fulkerson acted as general man- 
ager for the company. He is one of the 
leading stock-breeders of this portion 
of the state, and a prominent and hon- 
ored citizen of Jersey county. 

Alexander A. McReynolds was born 
in Sumner county, Tenn., Sept. 28, 
1819. His parents, Joseph and Margaret 
(Anderson) McReynolds, came to 
Illinois in 1835, settling within the 
present limits of Jersey county, on 
what is now section 15, Jersey 
township. The subject of this sketch 
was reared upon a farm, remaining with 
his parents until 27 years old. He 
then improved a farm for himself on 
section 15, where he has since lived. 
He was married April 21, 1847, to Helen 
M. Spencer, daughter of Jolm L. and 
Elizabeth Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. 
McReynolds had six children, two of 
whom are now living — Eugene S., mar- 
ried to Mary Cockrell, and living in 
Jerseyville; and Sallie T. Mrs. 
McReynolds died March 15, 1861, and 
Mr. McReynolds was married Nov. 15, 
1865, to Alanora VanHorn, daughter of 
David and Ann VanHorn, natives of 
New York. By this marriage five chil- 
dren were born, four of whom are liv- 
ing — Helen, wife of Herbert Force, of 
Nebraska; David, George and Maggie. 
Mr. McReynolds owns 220 acres of land, 
which is highly cultivated and improv- 
ed. He is a member of the Presby- 



terian church, in which he is an elder. 
He served as road supervisor two years 
before the township organization. He 
is one of the earliest settlers of the 
county, and justly deserving of the 
high esteem in which he is held in the 
community where he resides. His sec- 
ond wife died May 1, 1875. 

Lloyd W. Sunderland first came to 
this county in 1838, being then 21 years 
old. He remained here a short time, 
engaged as clerk in the only store in 
Jerseyville, but soon returned to his 
home in New Jersey, where he was 
born, May 15, 1817. His parents were 
John P. and Elizabeth Sunderland, 
natives of New Jersey. At the age of 
16, he went to Philadelphia, and there 
learned the l)rick mason's trade. On 
his return to New Jersey, he remained 
nine years, engaged the greater part of 
his time, as deputy sheriff and con- 
stable. In 1847 he again returned to 
Jersey county, and settled on section 8, 
of Jersey township, where he has 
since resided. He owns 280 acres of 
land, and is one of the leading farmers 
of the township. He was married Dec. 
23, 1839, to Sarah A. Steinburg, daugh- 
ter of William and Nancy Steinburg. 
They have 10 children — Harriet, James, 
Joseph, John, William, Justice, Annie, 
Carrie, Ella, and Lloyd. Of these 
three are unmarried. Mr. Sunderland 
is a democrat, politically. 

Oliver S. Randolph was born in Shi- 
loh, Cumberland county, N. J., Nov. 
15, 1.S47, being a son of Isaac S. and 
Jane E. (Ayers) Randolph, also natives 
of New Jersey. Isaac Randolph was an 
architect by profession. He died in 
1851, and his wife in 1883. Oliver S. 
Randolph was reared on a farm, and 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



477 



resided with his grandparents until 18 
years of age. In the tall of 1865 he 
came to Jersey county and lived with 
his uncle, Oliver Randoljjh, until the 
death of the latter, after which he went 
hack to New Jersey and remained about 
one year. In LSWt he returned to Jer- 
sey county and locate<l in Jersey town- 
ship. He settled upon his present 
farm in 1871. It is situated on section 
IS, and contains 120 acres. He was 
married March ^a, 1870, to Julia E. 
Tichenor, daughter of Stephen and 
Jane Tichenor. Her mother married 
Oliver Randolph, his uncle, in 18G2. 
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph are the parents 
of five children — Charles, Alice, Jennie, 

I Oliver P. and C^arleton. Mrs. Randolph 
is a member of the Baptist church. 

C'harles Brooks, a prosperous farmer 
of Jersey county, was born in Lanca- 
shire, Eng., May 4, 1831, being a son of 
William and Mary A. ( Wagstaff ) Brooks, 
also natives of England. When Charles 
was 11 years old, his parents immigrated 
to the United .States, and located in 
New Jersey, where they remained a 

I short time, then went to Rliodc Island, 
settling at Maiiville, on the BJackstone 
river. Here all the children of the 
family who were of suitable age, worked 
in the cotton mills. In the fall of 1844, 
William Brooks took a trip to Illinois, 
in search of a location, and purchased 
SO acres of land near the southeast cor- 
ner (if Greene county, to which, in 
Aug., 1845, he removed his family. 
Charles lived with his parents till 20 
years of age. He then began fann- 
ing for himself. In 1851 he came to 
Jersey coimty and rented a farm 
of 80 acres. Feb. 11, 1852, he was mar- 
ried to Sarah J. Short, daughter of 



Glover and Rachel Short, of Jersey 
county. They had five children, four 
of whom are living — Laura J., wife of 
John W. Voorhees, of La Plata, Mo.; 
Charles E., married to Olivia Darling- 
ton, and living in Jersey county; Martha 
E., wife of Oliver P. Colean, of Denver, 
Col.; and Olive E., wift- of George W. 
Adams, of Jersey county. Mrs. Brooks 
died Aug. 31, 1879, and Mr. Brooks was 
married again Dec. 1, 1880, to Nannie 
J. Akard, daughter of Benjamin Akard. 
By this union there is one child — 
Arthur L. Mr. Brooks now owns 232 
acres of land on sections 4 and 10, Jer- 
sey township, where he has a de- 
lightful residence, all the surroundings 
of which indicate thrift and comfort. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of 
the M. E. church. He is a democrat in 
politics. 

Charles Perrine is a son of one of the 
early settlers of Jersey county, Thomas 
Perrin-e, a native of New Jersey, who 
came here in an early day. On his ar- 
rival here he went to work for Abijali 
Davis, and afterward purchased 150 
acres of land, upon which he built one 
of the first frame houses in Jersey 
county. His wife, the mother of the 
subject of this sketch, was Helen K. 
( N'andenliurg) Perrine. Tlionias Per- 
rine died March 5, 1875, and was buried 
in the Jerseyville cemetery. Charles 
Perrine was born in this county, April 
4, 1859, and here reared, upon a farm, 
remaining with his parents until their 
death. He received his education in 
the schools of this township, and attend- 
ed one term at the high school in Jer- 
seyville. In 1880 he was married, on 
the 18th of Oct., to Hattie Brooks, 
daughter of James E. and Anna Brooks. 



478 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Tlu'y hnve one cliild — Charlie. Mr. 
Porrine owns 160 acres of land, and ij^ 
engaged in general farming. 

Charles Milton was born in Rome, 
Oneida C(Hnity, N. Y., .Jan. 6, 1S26, be- 
ing a son of Palmer and Ruby (Tibbetts) 
Milton, the former a native of Rhode 
Island, and the latter of New York. In 
1882 the family moved to Canada, where 
the parents resided until their death. 
Palmer Milton was a cooper by trade, 
also a contractor and builder. Charles 
learned the cooper's trade with his 
father, while living in Canada, and fol- 
lowed the same until he left home. At 
the age of 14 years he went on the lakes 
as sailor, following that life two years, 
after which he engaged in milling and 
engineering, until he came to this 
county, in the spring of 1849. Here 
he worked out by the month for three 
years, then went into a saw and grist 
mill and worked at engineering about 
two years. He was married March 16, 
1853, to Mrs. Frances (Benson) Fitzger- 
ald, daughter of Henderson and Eliza- 
beth (Welch) Benson, and soon after 
located on a farm on section 3, Jersey 
township. In 1872 he erected a 
handsome and commodious residence, at 
a cost of $2,800, in which he now resides. 
He owns 235 acres of land, and carries 
on general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Mil- 
ton have had six children, three of whom 
are living — Charles W., married to Isa- 
bel Hicks, and livingin Caldwell, Kan.; 
Liphus A., married to Jennie Tucker, 
and living at the same place, and Laura 
E.. Those deceased are, Frank S., Sa- 
rah A. and Lillian. Mrs. Milton is a 
member of the M. E. church. Mr. 
Milton is a republican in politics, and 
a worthy and esteemed citizen. 



Frank I. Lowe, son of Richard and 
Sarah D. (Williamson) Lowe, was born 
in Jersey county. 111., Jan. 29, 1855. 
His early life was spent upon the farm, 
where he remained with his parents un- 
til 23 years of age. He was then mar- 
ried, Dec. 25, 1877, to Fannie E. Bridges, 
daughter of Hiram and Eliza Bridges. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lowe had two children — 
Nellie V. had Mabel E. Mrs. Lowe 
died Feb. 6, 1883, and was buried in 
Oak Grove cemetery, at Jerseyville. 
Mr. Lowe cultivates 160 acres of land, 
located on sections 11 and 12. He is a 
democrat, politically, and an industrious 
and enterprising young farmer. 

John Vahle, deceased, was born in 
Germany, July 25, 1817. He came to 
America when quite young, and settled 
in Maryland, where he remained a num- 
ber of years, coming from thence to 
Jersey county. 111. He located in Eng- 
lish township, where he purchased 80 
acres of land, to which he afterwards 
added 40 acres. He was married in 
April, 1852, to Mary M. Harris, daugh- 
ter of Asa and Sarah Harris. They had 
eight children — Henry, now married to 
Dora Hooper, and living in English 
township; Louis, married to Lena 
Goetten, also living in English town- 
ship; Anthony; Elizabeth, wife of Peter 
Dower; Caroline, Frank, and William. 
Mr. Vahle died March 18, 1873, and was 
buried in the Armstrong cemetery, in 
English township. Mrs. Vahle now 
owns 280 acres of land, with 200 acres 
in English township, and the remainder 
on section 10, Jersey township, where 
she now resides. Since the death of 
her husband, Mrs. Vahle has carried on 
the farm successfully, adding to it 160 
acres, and making many improvements. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



479 



The family are members of the Catho- 
lic cliurcli of Jer.seyville. 

Jtihii J. Ballard, a resident of Jersey 
ville tiiwnsliii), i.s a native of Tennessee, 
liavini,' lieen limn in Campbell county, 
Oct. 14, 1.S2'.), his parents being Winston 
and Isabel (James) Ballard, the former 
a native of Ohio, and the latter of North 
Carolina. His parents came to Illinois 
in 1842, and located in Greene county, 
for three or four years, then moved to 
Alton, where they staid one year. From 
there tliey moved to Missouri, and then 
returned to Illinois. His father died in 
Macoupin county in 1S51, and bis 
mother in (ireene county, in 1882. The 
subject of this sketch was brought up 
on a farm, remaining with his parents 
imtil he was 15 years old. He then re- 
turned to Tennessee, and there folhiwed 
farming and lilacksmithing for lU years. 
In 1857 he moved l)ack to (rreene county, 
and settled near Rockbridge. Two years 
later he moved to Jersey county, locat- 
ing on Hawkins' prairie, wliere he re- 
sided 10 years. In 18()7 he came to Jer- 
seyville, serving as constable from that 
ilate until 1873, after which he acted as 
deputy sheriff two years. He located on 
section 8, Jersey township, where he has 
been farming on Col. W. H. Fulkerson's 
farm for the past 14 years. Mr. Ballard 
was married in Union county, E. Tenn., 
on the 18th of March, 1851, to Lavand 
Graves, daughter of Henry Graves. She 
died May 11, 1883, and was buried in 
(ireene county. They had eight chil- 
dren, six of whom are living — Louis II., 
married to Nancy S. Whitlock, and 
living in Greene county, William, Mary 
J., Francis M., Jaiues D. B. and 
Catherine. 

Joseph B. Woolscy, deceased, was 



born in Delaware county, N. Y., on 
the 10th day of Aug., 1809, his pa- 
rents being Amos and Phoebe (Jiriggs) 
Woolscy. When Joseph had reached 
his 14th year, his parents removed to a 
point near Syracuse, where he was 
reared to manhood and finished his ed- 
ucation. He was there united in mar- 
riage with Priscilla Ann Barber, a 
native of Onondaga Valley, N. Y., on 
the 4th day of May, 1831. Slie was a 
daughter of Joel and Permelia (Adams) 
Barl)er. In 1833, Mr. and Mrs. W(K)1- 
sey started for Illinois, and located in 
what was then a wilderness, but in what 
is now the prosperous farming country 
of Jersey townsliip, Jersey county. 
Mr. Woolsey had come out tlie year be- 
fore and bought 1()<) acres of land. On 
his arrival in this state, in 1833, he en- 
gaged at his trade, that of a carpenter, 
which he continued to follow for four 
years, at Kane, Greene county. At the 
e.xpiration of that time, he removed to 
bis farm in Jersey township, this county, 
where he resided until the time of his 
death, Dec. 30, 1881. Pie was an enter- 
prising citizen, and accumulated some 
6(K) acres of land, 160 of which is re- 
tained by his w'ife, the remainder hav- 
ing been sold, and the proceeds divided 
among the children. Mr. and Mrs. 
^\'oolsey were members of the Presby- 
terian cliurch, having brought their 
church letters from tlieir native state. 
He was an upriglit and lionorable man, 
kind and cotirteous, and all his ac(]uaint- 
ances were his friends. Mr. and Mrs. 
Woolsey were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, six of whom were reared to man- 
hood, and live of whom are yet living — 
Edward P., deceased, who married Mary 
L. Waddle; Joel B., married Martha 



480 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Fitzgerald, and now resides near Au- 
burn, Sangamon county; James D., 
married Mary Baugh, and now resides 
in Kansas; George H., married Barbara 
A. Wharton, and resides in Jersey 
county; Simeon, married Keturah Snell, 
and resides in Sangamon county; Amos 
H., married Mary Ritchey, and lives in 
Greene county. Their two, daughters 
died — Caroline M., July 14, 1837; and 
Ann, Aug. 30, 18.50. 

Augustus Recker is a native of Ger- 
many, born in 1853, and is a son of 
Henry and Agnes (Osa) Recker. In 
1869 he left his native land and 
immigrated to America. On his ar- 
rival he spent two years in looking 
for a location, stopping at difierent 
points, and finally decided to settle in 
Greene county, 111., where he remained 
some eight years, engaged in farming. 
In 1883 he removed to Jersey county 
and located two and a half miles 
north of Grafton. They are now liv- 
ing one and one-half miles north of 
Jerseyville. Mr. Recker was married, in 
1875, to Ellen Miller, a native of Greene 
county. 111. Four children have been 
born to them, three of whom are living 
— Henry, Charlie and Daisj' Agnes. 
Hattie, the first child, died in infancy. 
Mr. Recker's father, Henry Recker, 
died in Germany in 1880. His mother 
is still living. 

Matthew C. Stanley, a native of 
Cheshire, Eng., was born Feb. 26, 1819, 
and is a son of Thomas and Alice 
(Cook) Stanley. In 1827 Thomas Stan- 
ley removed with his family to .\merica, 
settling in Newark, N. J., where they 
remained till 1836. They then moved 
to Cam))town, in the same state, from 
whence Matthew, in 1843, came to Jer- 



sey county, 111., and located on section 
25, Jersey township, where he yet 
resides. -He owns a valuable farm of 
280 acres with excellent improvements. 
He has served four years as a justice of 
the peace, and is a much esteemed citi- 
zen. Mr. Stanley was married, in 1848, 
to Elizabeth Armstrong, and by this 
union has eight children — Caroline H., 
wife of Charles W. Warren, of this 
township; Robert T., now living in 
Blue Springs, Gage county. Neb., 
where he is engaged in the livery busi- 
ness; Edward B., also in Gage count}'. 
Neb., engaged in farming; Charles B., 
Mary E., Douglas, Belle and Nettie, 
living with their parents. Mrs. Stanley 
is a member of the Presbyterian church. 
Mr. Stanley belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. 
and the P. of H. His father, Thomas 
Stanley, died with the cholera in this 
township, in 1861. His mother died at 
the same place, in 1861. Both are 
buried in the old cemetery at Jersey- 
ville. 

George W. Emblcy was born in Mer- 
cer county, N. J., May 15, 1837, being a 
son of Joseph and Ann (Mount) Emb- 
ley, also natives of New Jersey. George 
was raised upon a farm, and remained 
with his parents until 21 years old. He 
then followed farming for three or four 
years, after which he learned the car- 
penter's trade, at which he worked 
about 12 years. In March, 1877, he 
came to Jersey county, and settled on 
section 8, Jersey township, where 
he has ever since resided. He has an 
excellent farm, containing 103' acres, 
and carries on general farming. He was 
married Feb. 10, 1858, to Susan Schuy- 
ler, daughter of Aaron Schuyler. Twelve 
children have been born to them, five 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



481 



of whom are now living — Susie S., wife 
of Holmes W. Smock; Georgiana, Irene 
E., Ada and Alvin V. Mr. Eml)ley is, 
politieallj', a sujiporter uf tlie demo- 
cratic party, and a worthy and respected 
citizen. 

Thos. K. Ddnnalh'v, son of James and 
Margaret (Kelso) Donnalley, was horn 
in Bucks county, Penn., July 2, LSOS. 
James Donnalley was a weaver hy trade, 
but followed that occupation only a short 
time. He removed to the city of Phil- 
adelphia, where he resided many years, 
engaged in painting. He died in 1851, 
aged 73 years. His wife, Margaret, 
died in 1834, at the age of 65 years. 
Thomas, in his youth, learned the shoe- 
maker's trade in Philadelphia, and 
there followed the same for "28 years. 
He then bought a small farm and en- 
gaged in farming, which he continued 
eight years, in Pennsylvania. Then, in 
the spring of 1856, he sold his farm and 
came to Jersey county. 111., where he 
purchased 160 acres on section 1, 
Jersey township, on which he has 
since resided. Pie now has a well-im- 
l)r(ivr(l I'aini and a coiiifortahjc and de- 
sirable home. He was married May 
•20, 1830, to Susan Felty, daughter of 
Jacob and Elizabeth Felty. Mr. and 
Mrs. Donnalley have hadnine children, 
six of whom are living — Elizabeth, 
widow of William (iaston, who died in 
1864; Cordelia, wife of Edwin Barnes, 
of Montgomery county, Penn.; Lydia; 
Margaret, wife of Cornelius Whitehead, 
of Jersey county; Susan; and Caroline, 
wife of Joel Williams, of Gage county. 
Neb. Those deceased are — Mary A., 
who died in 1862; I'lan, who died in 
1859, and Sarah, who died in infancy, in 
1842. Mr. and Mrs. Doimallcv and 



family are members of the Presbyterian 
church. He has held the office of 
school director for several years, and 
as a citizen is much esteemed. 

B. A. Riggs, deceased, was born in 
New Jersey, Oct. 11, 1811. He came to 
this county May 28, 1836, and located 
near Jerseyville, where he continued to 
live, until the time of his death, on a 
farm which consisted of 347 acres, and 
was located on section 17, of Jersey 
township. He was married to Cynthia 
Leigh, daughter of Thomas and Martha 
Leigh, S.pt. 2<), 1852. They are the 
parents of four children — -Thomas, who 
was married to Emeline Moore, and now 
resides in Brighton, Col.; v'>amuel, who 
was married to Betty Bell, now living 
in Morrisonville, Christian cdunty; 
Ce!e A., now the wife of (leorge Weller, 
and Abraham L. ^Irs. Riggs now owns 
110 acres of land, and manages the farm 
with the assistance of one son. Mr. 
Riggs died Nov. 13, 1879. His life was 
that of a conscientious and upright citi- 
zen; as a husband and father, he was 
solicitious, tender and afl'ectionate; as a 
neighbor, he was acconnnodating and 
kind; as ;i friend and citizrn, he was 
straight forward and true. 

-lolin \\'()od, sun (if John and Mary 
(Hawkins) \\'o()d, pioneers of Jersey 
county, was born here April 23, 1834. 
His parents were natives of Kentucky, 
who came here at an early day, and en- 
tered 160 acres of land on section 25, 
Jersey township, where John A\'ood, Sr., 
died when the subject of this sketch 
was about two years old. He continued 
to reside with his mother until her 
death, in Oct., 1875. Mr. Wood was 
nnirried, Sept. 28, 1865, to AnnaBetiiel, 
daui;hter of Alanson and Nancv ( Hbodcs ) 



482 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Bethel. Four children have been born 
to them, three of whom are now living 
— ThomatiO., George and Nettie. MoUie 
died in 1S74. Mr. ^\'ood has a desirable 
farm, comprising 140 acres. Mrs. Wood 
is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Wood is a democrat in politics, and a 
worthy and respected citizen. In 18.S4 
they visited southeastern Kansas, and 
spent some time in visiting and viewing 
the country. 

.Jarrctt T. Grimes, son of Philiji and 
Polly Grimes, is, probably, the oldest 
man now living that was born in the 
limits of Jersey county, the date of his 
birth being the second week in Jan., of 
the year 18ji0. Philip Grimes was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and his wife, of Ten- 
nessee. . They emigrated to Illinois in 
1816, settling near Upper Alton, in A[ad- 
ison county. Two years later they re- 
moved to a place five and one-half miles 
northwest of the present city of Jersey- 
ville, where Jarrett T. was born. He 
was reared upon a farm, and obtained 
his education in the pioneer schools of 
the county. In 18o8 he was united in 
marriage with Charity Brown, a na- 
tive of St. Charles county. Mo. 
They had born to them, 10 children, 
six of whom are living — Philip, 
now a farmer, of tiage county. Neb.; 
Edward, who is at present engaged in 
farming in Montomery county. 111.; 
James R., upon the homestead farm; 
Mary E., wife of Uriah Hardwick, of 
INIontgomcry county; Isabella, at home 
with her parents; and Florence, also at 
home. Those deceased are — Joseph, 
who died Sept. 28, 1861, aged nine years; 
Garrett T., who died Feb. 3, 1853, at the 
age of 18 days; and Robert, who died 
Jan. 12, 1866, at the age of eight years 



and three months. Mrs. Grimes died 
July 21, 1876, aged 56 years, 2 months 
and S days. Mr. Grimes owns 710 acres 
of land and carries on farming. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
the Anti-Horse Thief Society. Having 
lived in Jersey county for more than 60 
years, Mr. Grimes has been a witness of 
the vast changes which have taken place 
within that long period, and has con- 
tributed fully his share toward the 
growth and development of this section. 
He ranks among the best and most 
prominent citizens. 

Glover Short, an early settler, and an 
old and highly respected citizen of Jer- 
sey county, was born in Pittsylvania, 
Va., Oct. 19, 18(». His parents, Josiah 
and Isabel (Craw) Short, removed in 
1804, to Washington county, of the 
same state, there residing until 1818, 
when they moved west to Boone county, 
Mo. In the spring of 1826 Glover Short 
came to Illinois, locating near White 
Hall, in Greene county, where he pur- 
chased 600 acres of land, and remained 
till the spring of 1842. At that date he 
came to Jersey county, and rented a 
farm near Jerseyville. Three years 
later he settled on section 3, Jersey 
township, and commenced improving 
the farm where he now resides. In the 
spring of 1857 he purchased property in 
the town of Jerseyville, and removed 
thither, remaining there eight years, 
renting his farm in the meantime. At 
the end of that period he returned to 
his farm, which has since been his 
home. Mr. Short now owns 160 acres 
of land. He was married April 4, 1826, 
to Rachel Hodges, daughter of Daniel 
Hodges. Eight children were born to 
them, all of whom are now deceased. 




V'^iuhi Mil S'^!-" 



/^..^SC 



//4/ 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



485 



Mrs. Short died April 11, 1865. Mr. 
Short is a nieinber of the M. E. church, 
and justly merits the esteem with which 
he is regarded by all. 

Edmund II. Short, deceased, was a 
son of (Hover and Rachel Short, and 
was born in Jersey county, Aug. 3, 
1843. He was raised upon a farm, re- 
ceiving a good education in the schools 
of Jersey county and at Lebanon Col- 
lege. Oct. 23, 18(;S, he was married to 
Hattie D. Waddle, who died in 1870. 
Nov. 23, 1873, he was married to Mollie 
E. Asbfird, daughter of George and 
Margaret Ashford. By this union there 
were two children — Glover W. and 
Delia M. Mr. Short followed farming 
on section 3, Jersey township, where 
he owned 80 acres. His death occurred 
Nov. 30, 1884. He was a kind and lov- 
ing husband, and an indulgent father, 
and his loss was keenly felt by his be- 
reaved widow and children. Mrs. 
Short now runs the farm, witli the aid 
of hired help. 

Charles Wliarton is a son of William 
and Ann (Richards) Wharton, both 
natives of Pennsylvania. He was born 
in that state, Jan. 21, 1824. His child- 
hood and early youtli were spent in his 
native state. In 1842 he came to Illi- 
nois, locating in Jersey county, where 
for about three years he worked out by 
the month. In 1845 he was married to 
Mary Ann lioulter, daugliterof William 
and Barbara Boulter, natives of England. 
By this uni(m, 10 cliildren were born, 
five of wliom are now living — Barbara 
A., wife of George Woolsey, of Jersey 
county: Mary E., Charles H., Patience 
L., and Lydia, wife of (ieorgc M. Chap- 
pell, of Macoupin county. Mr. Whar- 
ton's farm comprises 100 acres, located 



on section 7, Jersey township, and 40 
acres adjoining in Greene count}^ which 
was first settled on, in 1839, by his 
wife's parents. When he came to this 
county it was very thinly settled, and he 
may be properly classed among the 
early settlers. He is a republican po- 
litically, and a much respected citizen. 
Mrs. Wharton is a member of the Bap- 
tist church. 

Freeman J. Mains, a prominent citi- 
zen and wealthy farmer of this township, 
was born in Greene county, 111., Feb. 
7, 183fi, being a son of James and Abi- 
gail (Parker) Mains, natives of Illinois. 
James Mains was born in (ireene 
county, where he resided the greater 
portion of his life. Freeman J. Mains 
was brought up on a farm, and resided 
with his parents until he was 24 years 
of age. He then bought 20 acres of land 
on section 23, Jersey township, on 
which he erected a small house. Two 
years later he purchased 40 acres more, 
to whi('h he removed, and upon which 
he has ever since resided. Here, in 
1881, he built a new and substantial 
dwelling. His other improvements are 
of a good description. He now owns 
920 acres of land and carries on general 
farming. Nov. 24, 1859, Mr. Mains 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
Stevens, daughter of Isaiah and Sarah 
(Scroggins) Stevens. Ten children have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mains, of 
whom six are now living — Lucy, wife of 
Thomas Wylder; William Warren, 
Tina, James and Tossie. Those de- 
ceased are — Orie, Bobbie, and two who 
died in infancy. Mrs. Mains died June 
10, 188.3. Mr. Mains was elected a mem- 
ber of the board of supervisors in 1885, 
in which capacity he is now serving. 



486 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Joseph W. Fitzgerald is a son of one 
of the earliest settlers of this county, 
Jesse Fitzgerald, a native of Kentucky, 
who came to this county at an early 
date. He was accompanied by his 
wife, Elizabeth (Curry) Fitzgerald, also 
a native of Kentucky. On his arrival 
in Jersey county, Mr. Fitzgerald bought 
of his cousin, who had entered it, 400 
acres of land. They moved from Ken- 
tucky with ox teams, and first stopped 
in St. Louis county, from whence they 
came to Jersey. Jesse Fitzgerald was a 
cabinet-maker by trade, at which occu- 
pation he worked previous to his com- 
ing to this county, when he engaged in 
farming in the wilderness of this new 
country. He died April 9, 1855, and his 
wife, April 28, 1883. Joseph \V. was 
born March 8, 1842, and reared upon 
the farm, living with his parents till he 
arrived at the age of 19. He was mar- 
ried Feb. 21, 1861, to Susan Woolsey, 
daughter of Amos and Eunice Woolsey. 
In Aug., 1862, Mr. Fitzgerald enlisted 
in Co. C, of the 122d 111. Inf., and 
served until the close of the war, tak- 
ing part in a number of noted engage- 
ments. He now owns 60 acres on sec- 
tions 3 and 34. He is a republican po- 
litically, and has held the office of 
school director about nine years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Fitzgerald have four children 
■ — Otis, Delia, Addie and Cora. 

John Cray was born in Somerset 
county, N. J., on the 16th of Feb., 1826. 
He is a son of Benjamin and Ellen 
(Weaver) Cray, natives of the same 
state. In 1854 he came to Jersey county, 
111., and for about two years worked out 
by the month. He then rented a farm, 
on which he lived some six or eight 
years, after which he moved to Mont- 



gomery county, and purchased a farm 
of 53 acres, near Litchfield. Two years 
later he sold his property in that county 
and returned to Jersey county, and at 
first bought 40 acres of land. This he 
soon after sold, and purchased 120 acres 
on section 1, Jersey township, where he 
has since resided. Mr. Cray was mar- 
ried, April 5, 1856, to Minerva Davis, 
daughter of Samuel and Polly Davis. 
Six children have been born to them, 
four of whom are now living — Mary, 
Augustus, Lela and Herbert. Mis. Cray 
and her daughter Mary are members of 
the Baptist church. Mr. Cray has held 
the office of school director 12 years, 
and is a useful and much respected citi- 
zen. 

John W. Davis, a prominent and lead- 
ing farmer of Jersey township, was born 
in North Carolina, Sept. 19, 1819. His 
parents, James and Elizabeth (Morrow) 
Davis, were also natives of North Caro- 
lina. In 1835 the family came to Jersey 
county, locating in this township, where 
James died in 1840, and his wife, in 
1851. John W. lived with his parents 
until their death, and has always re- 
mained upon the homestead farm, of 
which he took charge on the death of 
his father. He was married Dec. 8, 
1847, to Eliza A. Fitzgerald, daughter 
or Jesse and Elizabeth Fitzgerald. By 
this union eight children were born — 
Elam, married to Alice Bullard and liv- 
ing in Sangamon count}'. 111.; Helen, 
wife of Newton Lowe, also in Sangamon 
county; Charles A., married to Eliza 
Felter, and living in Jersey county; 
Georgiana, wife of David Hunt, of New 
Jersey; Douglas; Edward L.; Eva, wife 
of Edward Acorn, of Nebraska; and 
Eliza, wife of Lloyd Sunderland, of this 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



487 



county. Mr. Davis owns a fine farm on 
section 2, comprising 540 acres, also 320 
acres of land in Sanfjanion county, and 
640 acres in Nebraska, making, alto- 
getlier, 1,600 acres. Mrs. Davis died in 
1878, and in Feb., l<S7fi, Mr. Davis was 
married to Emma ^ray. Mr. Davis 
visits Nebraska once or twice annually, 
to look after his interests in that new 
and rapidly growing state. He is one 
of the substantial and influential citizens 
of Jersey county, and stands high in the 
esteem of all who know him. 

yilas W. Tolnian, deceased, was born 
in Greene county, April 2, 1826, being 
a son of Cyrus and Polly (Eldred) Tol- 
man, the former a native of Massachu- 
setts and the latter of New York. Cyrus 
Tolman was one of the pioneers of 
Urerne county, 111., having come to 
this state in 1818. He was a member of 
the first jury ever empanelled in that 
county. The subject of this sketch 
located in Jersey county in 1840, set- 
tling on section 6, Jersey township, 
where he resided until his death, which 
occurred May 2, 1874. He was buried 
in the Jerseyville cemetery. He was 
twice married, first to Jane Gregory, 
who died in 1860. Tliey had one child, 
wlio dii'd, and was buried in the coffin 
with its mother. He was married the 
second time to Clara Wheeler, daughter 
of Daniel and Electa Wheeler. By this 
union there were three children — Thos. 
P., now married to Ella Smith, and liv- 
ing in Missouri; George 0. and Louis 
E. Mrs. Tolman owns 270 acres of 
land in Jersey township, where slie re- 
sides, also 160 acres in Sangamon 
county, III. She carries on farming, 
assisted by her children, and is success- 
ful in her undertakings. 



Richard I. Lowe, of Jersey township, 
was born in Somerset county, N. J., 
May 6, 1802, and is a son of Isaac and 
Theodosia (Gray) Lowe, also natives of 
New Jersey. In 1842, Richard I. Lowe 
removed from New Jersey to the city of 
Pliiladelphia, there remaining a few 
years, engaged first in the grocery busi- 
ness, and later dealt in real estate. In 
1847 he came to Illinois and settled on 
section 12, Jersey township, Jersey 
county. 111., where he had previously 
purchased 700 acres of land, and here 
engaged in farming. He still resides 
on section 12, where he now owns 480 
acres of land. In 1866 he erected an 
elegant two-story brick residence upon 
his farm, at a cost of $20,000. It is 
pleasantly situated, and the surround- 
ings are correspondingly handsome. ^Ir. 
Lowe deals to a considerable extent in 
stock, principally horses and short horn 
cattle, and has been a very energetic 
and enterprising farmer. He was mar- 
ried first to Mary Disbrow, daughter of 
Daniel H. Disbrow. He had by this 
union, one child — Theodosia, now mar- 
ried to Richard Nutt, of this county. 
Mrs. Lowe afterwards died, and he was 
married, in the fall of 1887, to Sarali I). 
Williamson, a daugliter of Abraham T. 
Williamson. They were the parents of 
eleven children, six of whom are living 
— Abraham, married to Flora Evans, 
and living in Jerseyville; Isaac N., 
married to Helen Davis, and living at 
Auburn, 111.; Mary, wife of James 
Davidson, of Jersey county; John W., 
married to Alvias Darby, living in Jer- 
seyville; Frank J., who is now a 
widower, and Augustus T. Mrs. Lowe 
died April 7, 1884. Mr. Lowe is a demo- 
crat politieall}'. 



488 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUN TY. 



Nicholas Grosjean was born in 
France, on the 6th of Dec, 1829, and is 
a son of Joseph and Elsie (Salsy) Gros- 
jean, both also natives of France. In 
1857 Nicholas bade farewell to his na- 
tive land, and taking passage on board 
a sailing vessel at Havre, came to the 
United States, landing in due time 
in the city of New Orleans, La. He 
came from there directly to Jersey- 
ville, where he opened a barber shop, 
and carried on the same until 1861. He 
then enlisted in Co. F., of the 14th 111. 
Inf., and served about one year, after 
which he returned to Jerseyville, and 
resumed his former business. He 
continued to run a barber shop 
about three years, then, on account 
of poor health, was obliged to give up 
business entirely, and for several years 
was unable to do any work. In 1880 he 
purchased 40 acres of land on section 
16, Jersey township, on which he has 
since resided. In Aug., 1859, Mr. Gros- 
jean was married to Christiana Scheese, 
daughter of Fred Scheese. They are 
the parents of seven children, four of 
whom are living — Frederick, Julia, 
Nicholas and Henry. Mr. Grosjean is 
a democrat in politics, an industrious 
farmer and a man of intelligence and 
enterprise. 

Patrick B. Burns is a native of county 
Meath, Ireland, born Aug. 15, 1825, be- 
ing a son of Patrick and Anna (Murray) 
Burns, also natives of Ireland. They 
immigrated to America and settled in 
New Brunswick, N. J., where the re- 
sided until their death. The subject of 
this sketch was reared upon a farm, 
lived with his parents till 23 years of 
age. In the spring of 1862 he came to 
Illinois and located in Jersey county. 



For three years following he worked 
out by the month in Jersey township, 
and during the time saved enough of 
his earnings to purchase 80 acres of 
land on sections 3 and 4, where, in 1864, 
he permanently settled, and has since 
resided. He now owns 100 acres, and 
is in prosperous circumstances. He 
was married in the winter of 18.55, to 
Marj' Allen, daughter of Richard and 
Margaret Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Burns 
have had born to tlicm eight children, 
seven of whom are living — Patrick W., 
now married to Mary Mahara, and 
living in this township; Frank, Hugh, 
John, Richard, Anna and Mary. 
The family are members of the Catholic 
church. 

Caleb A. Post is a son of James T. 
and Ardelia ( Whitford) Post, natives of 
\'ermont, and pioneers of Jersey county, 
having located herein 1833, settling two 
and one-half miles west of Jerseyville, 
where they purchased 160 acres of land. 
They resided on the same place 40 years, 
then moved to Jerseyville, where James 
T. Post died. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Jersey countv, Nov. 24, 
1834, and was reared on the farm, where 
he remained until 21 years old. He then 
went to Macoupin county, and purchased 
180 acres of land, upon which he lived 
four years. At the exjnration of that 
time, he exchanged farms with his 
brother, and removed to this township, 
which has since been his home. He 
now owns 6-50 acres of land in Nebraska, 
and 280 in this county. In 1882 he built 
on his farm in this county, a fine and 
commodious residence, costing $4, OCX). 
He has been three times married. His 
first wife was Malissa Post, who died 
about six weeks after their marriage. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



489 



He was married the second time Jan. 
3, 1856, to Mary T. Norris, daughter of 
John Norris, and by this union had 
eiglit chihlren, five of whom are now 
hving — Ehner E., married to Fannie 
Rurkenmayer and now living in Ne- 
braska; Ida M., Delia M., (irace and 
Walter. Mrs. Post died Feb. 24, 1873, 
and in A])ril, 1874, Mr. Post was mar- 
ried a third time to Mrs. Maggie (Mur- 
ray) Murphy, by whom he has had four 
children, of whom three are now living 
—Mabel {;., Ollie M., and Charles A. 
Maude is deceased. Mr. Post is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, and his wife 
of the Catholic church. He is also a 
member of the Masonic lodge of Jersey- 
ville. He is independent in politics. 

Rev. Thomas Potter is a native of 
Menard county, 111., born April 12, 
1830. He is n. son of Edward and Eliz- 
abeth (Armstrong) Potter, the former a 
native of North Carolina, and the latter 
of Tennessee. They settled in Illinois 
about 1820. The subject of this sketch 
was the sixth of a family of 15 chihlren, 
and was brought up on a farm, where 
he remained until he attained his ma- 
jority. In 1852 he began preparing 
himself for the ministry of the Cum- 
brrhuid Presbyterian church. He at- 
tended Bethel College, in Tennessee, 
three years, and spent, altogether, seven 
years in fitting himself for the high 
calling which he had chosen. A por- 
tion of this time he taught school, 
studying at the same time. In 1859, he 
came to Jersey county, and for several 
subsequent years, jjreached here and in 
Greene county. He moved to Jersey- 
ville in 1863, and remained two years. 
He then bought a residence and 17 
acres of land on section 5, Jersey town- 



ship, which has since been his home. 
In the meantime, he has preached upon 
different circuits. He is well educated, 
a man of much ability, and, as a 
preacher, is well liked. Mr. Potter 
was married Aug. 28, 1865, to Catherine 
Updike, daughter of Theodore and 
Ellen Updike. By this union there are 
three children — Theodore E., Jennie 
A., and Ettie E. 

Thomas J. McReynolds came to Jer- 
sey county in March, 1835, accompany- 
ing his parents, Joseph and Margaret 
(Anderson) McReynolds. Joseph Mc- 
Reynolds and his wife were both natives 
of North Carolina, but at tlie time of 
the birth of the subject of this sketch, 
March 6, 1832, they resided in Sumner 
county, Tenn. They soon after re- 
moved to Posey county, Ind., where 
they remained till the spring of 1835. 
On their arrival in Jersey county, they 
settled on section 15, Jersey township, 
purchasing 160 acres of land. Joseph 
McReynolds died bore July 3, 1860. 
His widow survived him imtil Jan. 26, 
1873. Thomas J. has always resided 
upon the homestead, settlcil liy his 
father in 1835, and has now one of the 
best farms in the township. His resi- 
dence, barn and other improvements are 
well and substantially built, and every- 
thing about the place is indicative of 
the thrift and enterprise of the owner. 
Mr. McReynolds was married Nov. 2, 
1854, to Rosa A. Keller, daughter of 
William and Dorothy Keller. They 
have had eight children, seven of whom 
are living — James G., married to Carrie 
S. Sunderland, and living in Jersey- 
villc; William J., married to Elizabeth 
Martin, also in Jersey ville; Charles L., 
Lela M., Maggie A., Gussie R. and 



490 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Frances M. Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds 
are members of the M. E. church. He 
is politically a democrat. His farm 
now comprises 190 acres of land, on 
sections 15, 16 and 4. 

Guy C. Richards, a native of Broome 
county, N. Y., was born Nov. 2, 1819, 
being a son of Daniel and Ruth (Tich- 
nor) Richards, the former a native of 
(k)nnecticut, and the latter of New 
Hampshire. In 1823, Daniel Richards 
moved, with his family, to Illinois, set- 
tling near Jacksonville, in Morgan 
county, where they remained about 14 
years. In 1836 they moved to Greene 
county, locating on the south line ad- 
joining Jersey. Guy resided with his 
parents until 24 years old. He was mar- 
ried in 1843 to Hannah Pope, daughter 
of Samuel and Mary (Geddes) Pope. 
They have a family of six children — 
Mary, married to Thomas Erwin, of 
English township; Erastus P., who is 
now a widower; Christopher G., married 
to Hattie Green, and living in English 
township; Jacob and Hannah, (twins,) 
and George M. Mr. Richards owns 270 
acres of land, situated partly in Greene 
and partly in Jersey county. He is a 
man of intelligence and enterprise. He 
is politically a republican. 

Nathaniel Miner, an old and much- 
respected citizen of Jersey county, was 
born in New York, Jan. 1, 1801. When 
he was one year old his parents moved 
to Bridgeport, Vt., where he made his 
home until he arrived at the age of 33 
years. He then came to Illinois and 
settled on section 19, Jersey county, en- 
tering a quarter section of government 
land, which he improved. He was 
married Aug. 3, 1834, to Louisa Jack- 
son, a native of Vermont. They were 



the parents of seven sons — Edward, 
now deputy clerk of Greene county, re- 
siding at Carrollton; Charles E., of this 
township; Aaron J., a farmer of Calhoun 
county; Lorenzo J., who died while 
serving his country during the late war, 
at Murfreesboro, Tenn.; he was first 
lieutenant of Co. C, of the 61st 111, Inf.; 
Darwin C, a resident of Jersey ville, 
and George W., of this township. Mrs. 
Miner died Aug. 22, 1869, and was bur- 
ied in Jerseyville. In 1872, Mr. Miner 
was married to Mary J. Ingles, a native 
of New Hampshire. He has followed 
farming since coming to this county. He 
is a strict temperance man, and enjoys 
the confidence and esteem of all. 

Charles Catt, son of John and Sarah 
(Bradford) Catt, was born in Sussex 
county, England. His parents, both 
natives of England, are now deceased; 
the former died in 1838, and the latter, 
in 1846. Charles came to America in 
1837 and settled in Warren county, O., 
where he lived two years. He then 
went to Quincy, 111., stopped a short 
time and returned to Ohio. Two years 
later he came again to this state, locat- 
ing in this county. Here he worked on 
a farm for several years. In 1854 he 
purchased land on section 20, Jersey 
township, where he has since resided. 
He now has a farm of 120 acres, with 
good improvements. He owns, also, 
two houses in the city of Jerseyville. 
Mr. Catt was married, in 1851, to Mary 
Riggs, a native of New Jersey, who 
died April 14, 1872. In the fall of 1873, 
Mr. Catt was married to Catherine 
Welch, a native of Ireland. By this 
union, there are six children — Charles, 
John, Harriet, Henry, Frank, and 
James. Mr. Catt came to this county 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



491 



in very limited circumstances, and by 
industry and enerify, has succeeded in 
ac(uniulatin<>; a cumfoitahle property. 

Feter Power, deceased, was a native 
Ireland. He came to America in 1851, 
and settled then in Jersey township, 
Jersey county, 111., where he resided 
until his death, which occurred in 1878. 
His remains were buried in the Catholic 
cemetery, of Jerseyville. His widow, 
Ellen Power, survived him until 1884. 
He owned, at the time of his death, 80 
acres of land. Both Mr. Power and his 
wife were Catholics in their religion. 
They had six children — Patrick, who 
now lives upon the homestead farm; 
Mary, now married and living in this 
township; Philip, of this county; Thos., 
also of this county; John, in Chicago, 
and Maurice, of Jersey township. Pat- 
ricli Power, son of Peter Power, was 
born in Ireland, in 1847, and came with 
his parents to this county in 1851. He 
has been a resident of Jersey township 
since that date, and has always followed 
farming. He owns a valuable farm of 
8(t acres, all improved. He is a mem- 
ber of the Catholic church. 

William H. Hunter, Sr., deceased, 
was born in county Antrim, Ireland, on 
the 13th of June, 1831, his parents be- 
ing John and Catherine Hunter. He 
left his native country and came to 
America in the year 1850, locating first 
in Hudson county, N. J., where he en- 
gaged in farming. In the year 1853, he 
came westward to Illinois, and took up 
a location in what is now Jersey town- 
ship, Jersey county, in which township 
his family still resides. They moved 
to their present location, on section 3, 
in Jersey township, in the year 1867, 
where they have 90 acres of land. Mr. 



Hunter was married on the 18th of 
July, 1849, to Sarah Kenley, daughter 
of George Kenley, and by this union 
there were 13 children, nine of whom 
are yet living — William H., the present 
clerk of the Kane Baptist church, lives 
at home, and manages the farm ; Belle, 
wife of James Eldred, lives in Macoupin 
county; Jane, living at home; Mary, 
wife of George Parker, lives in Macoupin 
county; Ella, Sarah, Ida, Charles and 
Nora. The deceased are — John, Sarah 
Fannie, and an infant. On the 22d day 
of March, in the year 1883, Mr. Hun- 
ter died, and was buried in Kane ceme- 
tery. He was a good, industrious man, 
an affectionate father, and a kind hus- 
band, and his loss was deeply felt by 
all. The family are members of the 
Baptist church at Kane. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first grist mill in the county was 
erected in Jersey township, in 1828, by 
Gershom Patterson. It stood right east 
of what is now known as the Jolin 
Brown place. It was ojierated by a 
tread-mill, run i)y cattle. The capacity 
was not extensive, and after running a 
number of years, the mill was allowed 
to go to decay. "Major" Patterson, as 
he was called, also had a distillery on 
his place, erected in 1828 or 1829, by 
means of which he manufactured peach 
brandy in considerable quantities. This 
also went to decay, the most valuable 
part of the plant being sold. This was 
also over the line in English township. 

First school in Jersey township was 
in 1828, in the dooryard of Thomas 
English. It was taught by a man 
named John Sloan, who was stopping 
at Mr. E's house. 



492 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The first burial in Jersey township 
occurred in 1821. A man by the name 
of Helmbold, attempting to enter a well 
on the farm of Gershom Patterson, in 
English township, which was full of 
niephitic air, and was suffocated. He 
was buried near the line between the 
two townships. 

EDUCATIOXAL. 

The first school house in district No. 
2 was erected at an early day. It was a 
frame structure, 16x24, and cost $234. 17. 
Mrs. Corey was the first teacher. She 
had about 40 pupils. In 1848, the old 
building, having outlived its usefulness, 
was removed, and another erected in its 
stead. John Cowan was the contractor. 
The first teacher in this building was 
David Peabody. J. T. Grimes deeded 
the school lot to the district on condition 
that the school building should remain 
there. Tlie edifice at present used was 
erected in 1876. It is 24x36 feet in di- 
mensions, and cost, with the furniture, 
S900. The cost of maintaining the 
school is $250 per year. Eight months' 
school is held each year. The average 
attendance is 15. 

The Spencer school house, in district 
No. 10, was erected in 1865, at a cost of 
$1,400. It is 22x28 feet in dimensions. 

JERSEYVILLE. 

The city of Jerseyville, the most 
beautiful and enterprising town in this 
section of the state of Illinois, origin- 
ated 51 years ago, when the beautiful 
country that surrounds it was beginning 
to attract the attention of those in search 
of homes. Much of its surroundings 
were then in a wild state — as free and 
wild as in the time when the stars of 



the morning sang anthems of joy at 
nature's dawn. It has been one con- 
tinual change, at first slow, then more 
rapidly, from the moment that John 
Ballard built his humble log cabin upon 
its site, until the Jerseyville of to-day 
stands forth, one of the bright jewels in 
the diadem of a noble state. While 
there may have been nothing really re- 
markable in the development of the 
past, nothing peculiarly striking in the 
present, still there is much that cannot 
fail to be of interest to those who have 
been closely connected with, and iden- 
tified with the city in all the various 
changes that have occurred from year to 
3'ear. To those who have watched its 
growth and progress from its infancy, 
when Jersey county was but a compara- 
tive wilderness, until the present time, 
the accomplishment of bj'-gone days 
would seem now almost the work of en- 
chantment, but they are the sure and 
legitimate results of an advanced state 
of civilization. Endowed with many 
splendid natural advantages, aided by 
the strong arm of industrious and enter- 
prising luisbandr)', Jersey county has 
assumed a place among the better and 
wealthier other sister counties through- 
out the state, and Jerseyville, as the 
first town, in prominence, within the 
boundaries, has kept pace with the 
general improvement and advancement. 
Jerseyville is situated, principally, 
upon section 21, Jersey township, or T. 
8, R. 11. The line of the St. L. & J. 
branch of the C, A. & St. L. R. R., and 
the St. L., J. & S. division of the W. 
R. R. pass through it, connecting it with 
the markets of the world. The several 
manufacturing establishments which 
have sprung up within its limits, and 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



49.-] 



the rich and productive agricultural and 
stock-raising country that surrounds it, 
are an excellent guarantee of a perma- 
nent and solid growth in the future. 
Jerseyville has a population, according 
to the TJ. S. census of 1880, of 2,894, hut 
has now ahout o,r>00. 

There are a number of fine and sub- 
.stantial brick buildings to be seen upon 
the business thoroughfares, and many 
costly church edifices and handsome 
residences in other parts of the city. An 
abundance of trees adorn the streets, 
which, in summer, afford a grateful 
shade, and enhance the beauty of the 
place. The location is healthy; the in- 
habitants of a class possessing rare in- 
telligence and culture, and hospitable to 
the greatest degree; and the society of 
the most refined and desirable character. 

K.\RLY HISTORY. 

On the question as to who was the 
first settler within the present limits of 
Jerseyville, and the exact place of loca- 
tion, there has been considerable dis 
l)ute. But a thorough investigation of 
the subject, with all the testimony 
bearing on tlie point, leaves no room 
for further doubt. 

In 1822, John Ballard settled near the 
middle of the west line of the northwest 
quarter of section 21, and there built a 
cabin. This cabin has been destroyed 
for over half a century, and the place 
where it once stood is now surrounded 
by an apj)le orcharti. The place be- 
longs to the widow of Abijah Davis, and 
is occupied by her and the family of her 
son-in-law, Nathaniel I^. Kirby, as a 
rcsiilencf pro]ierty. For a long time 
after the olil bouse had fallen to decay, 
a pile of stones, which had formed the 



fire-place and chimney, and a little hil- 
lock, marked the site; Init now there is 
not a mark of any kind to indicate the 
place where stood the first house of the 
fair city of Jerseyville. 

Ballard was atypical pioneer, and was 
one of those who longed to be in ad- 
vance of civilization. He was. in ac- 
cordance with his backwoods training, 
of a superstitious nature, and he is 
remembered by some of the early resi- 
dents for the charms he would some- 
times wear to ward off "bad luck." At 
an early shooting match — a kind of pas- 
time indulged in at that time — he wore 
his vest wrong side out, and held tight 
to his gun all day, giving as a reason, 
on being questioned, that such was ne- 
cessary to enable him to win the prize. 
He left this location in 182.^, removed 
to a [loint north of Jerseyville, on a 
creek, which took the name of Ballard's 
branch, but which is now kiuiwn as 
Dorsey's branch. He remained at this 
place only a short time. Nothing is 
known by the early settlers, now surviv- 
ing, of Ballard's movements after leav- 
ing this region. 

James Falkner, who had been living 
on section 31, in what is now Jersey 
township, came up and bought Ballard's 
Hickory Grove place in 182G, before the 
latter left it. He came up with his 
family, and took possession of the 
house. In 1827 he built wliat was 
known as the "Red House," whicli 
stood on the site of I'. D. Cheney's ele- 
gant residence, on North State street. 
He then removed to this house. He 
left in 1S.3U, going to (iuincy. 111. From 
there he removed to a tract of land on 
the "Platte purchase," near St. Joseph, 
Mo., where he died, in 1840. Andrew 



494 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Sweeney and James Hamilton were the 
constructors of the "Red House." 

A. L. Carpenter came to this place in 
1830, and bought the "Red House" and 
other property from Falkner. When 
the town was laid out, in 1884, Carpen- 
ter was running the "Red House" tav- 
ern, and keeping stage station. Car- 
penter was from the state of Ohio. He 
removed to Macoupin county in 1839. 
Carpenter resided here about a year be- 
fore entering any land, which he event- 
ually did, on section 20. 

N. L. Adams came to the present 
site of Jersey ville in Jan., 1833. 
He was a native of Windham 
county, Vt., born Feb. 3, 1796. 
He was the son of Levi and Dolly 
Adams, both natives of Massa- 
chusetts. He was married and settled 
here on a farm in the south part of the 
city of Jerseyville. He followed 
various occupations, but made farming 
his principal business. He built the 
first steam mill in Jerseyville, in 1849, 
which had two run of buhrs, and, at the 
time of its completion, was considered 
the best in this part of the state. When 
he came here there was only one family 
living at Hickory Grove — that of A. L. 
Carpenter — Ballard and Falkner having 
moved away ere this. 

The name of Hickory Grove attached 
to the little settlement in the early 
days, and even after the name of Jer- 
seyville was formally given, many of the 
old settlers were in the habit of speak- 
ing of it by its old appellation. 

Lindsey H. English entered 40 acres 
of the land on which Jerseyville now 
stands, and in 1831, disposed of it to 
John Evans, of Carrollton, for $80, thus 
losing on the investment. Evans sold 



this tract, in the spring of 1834, to Jon- 
athan W. Lott and Edward M. Daley, 
for S475. These gentlemen laid off a 
town on this tract, on the 1st of Oct., 
1834. Lott was a New Jersey man, and 
when the question of naining the town 
was raised, he proposed that of Jersey- 
ville. A number of other names were 
offered by others interested, but so 
strong was Lott in his preference for a 
name in honor of his state, that "Jer- 
seyville" was agreed upon as its final 
appellation. Invitations to be j)resent 
on this occasion were sent out to the 
farmers of the surrounding country, 
and nine of them were present, includ- 
ing Col. Murray Cheney. Refreshments 
of a liquid nature were partaken of by 
those present who indulged in that form 
of pleasure. The place of procuring 
those beverages was at the old Red 
House. A. L. Carpenter, the occupant, 
kept a sort of tavern in the house, and 
across the stage road was the barn, for 
the accommodation of the stage horses. 
Mrs. Carpenter was not a believer in 
anything stronger than tansy for other 
than medicinal purposes, but this did 
not prevent her liege lord from having 
a moderate supply of something more 
ardent in the stable. And here, travel- 
ers were accustomed to get something to 
drink, as did those gathered on the oc- 
casion mentioned. 

Jn the summer of 1834, Rescarrick 
and Enos Ayres came to the site of the 
new town, and the former, in company 
with Messrs. Lott and Daley, purchased 
40 acres of land from A. L. Carpenter. 

Enos Ayres, one of those mentioned, 
is now a resident of Chicago. Like Mr. 
Lott, the Ayres were from New Jersey, 
and, with him, they were in favor of the 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



495 



name of Jerseyville. Col. Daley was 
from New York. 

George W. Burke, now the oldest liv- 
ing resident among the old settlers of 
the town, oame to that point in 1834 and 
located. A sketch of this gentleman is 
given in another place. 

Soon after the survey was completed, 
Lott and Daley erected a building and 
started a store, which was the first in 
the town. Horatio N. Belt was the 
builder of this store. The firm did not 
continue long in the mercantile busi- 
ness, however, for, in 1835, they dis- 
posed of their stock of goods to George 
Collins and Benjamin Yates, who car- 
ried on the general merchandise busi- 
ness for several years, under the firm 
name of Collins & Yates. 

Adam Clendennen and Edward Coles 
started a small store about 1837, but aft- 
erwards closed out the business. 

The selection of Jerseyville as the 
county seat, on the setting ofi' of the 
county, in 1839, gave a great impetus to 
its growth, and from that time to the 
present, its growth has been steady and 
sulistantial. 

Tlie first blaeksmitli to start a black- 
smith shop in Jeiseyville was George 
W. Burke. He came here in 1834, find- 
ing at that lime but six families. He 
has remained ever t-ince, and has lived 
to see a prosperous city grow out of what 
was then scarcely a hamlet. 

The second representative in this line 
was Stephen Herron, who coinmcnced 
business in the hitter part of 1835. He 
afterward removed to Grafton, and later 
died there. 

The next blacksmith in Jerseyville 
was John M. Smith, who located here in 
1836. He was born in Monmouth county, 



N. J., Jan. 5, 1811. He came to White 
Hall, 111., in 1835, and worked at his 
trade there until coming to Jerseyville. 
In 1841 he removed to a farm east of the 
city, retiring from the furtlier pursuit of 
his trade. 

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

The dry goods interest is prominently 
represented by B. C. V'^anDervoort. The 
business was established in 1859, in a 
frame building which stood on the pres- 
ent site of J. C. Darby's grocery store. 
He continued business at that place un- 
til 1867, when he erected his present 
edifice. It is built of brick, is 25x85 
feet in ground area, and cost S7,5(X). At 
the time of changing the location, I. W. 
Beardslee came in as a part proprietor, 
remaining in the firm about three years, 
when he retired. Since that time Mr. 
VanDervoort has been sole proprietor. 
He handles staple and fancy dry goods, 
carpets, curtains, boots and shoes, etc. 
His stock is valued at about $10,t)00. 

B. C. VanDervoort, one of the leading 
dry goods merchants of Jerseyville, is a 
native of Somerset county, N. J., and 
was born Dec. 29, 1821. His parents 
were Benjamin and Anna (TenEyck) 
VanDervoort. The subject of this 
sketch was brought up upon a farm, 
and educated in the common schools. 
On attaining his majoritj' he left the 
farm and went to Patterson, N. J., 
where he commenced mercantile life, as 
clerk in the store of his brother, with 
whom he continued seven years as 
clerk, then became a partner in the 
firm, and remained there until 1858. 
In that year he removed to Jersey ville, 
111. Here he at first purchased a farm, 
upon which he lived less than two years. 



496 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



In 1859 he abandoned farming and 
established his present business. Mr. 
VanDervoort was married in 1852, to 
Phebe Ann Beardblee, a native of 
Sussex county, N. J., where their mar- 
riage took place. Mr. and Mrs. Van- 
Dervoort are the parents of three chil- 
dren, only one of whom is now living — 
Emma J., wife of George F. Edgar. 
One died at the age of 12, and the other 
at the age of 18 years. Mr. and Mrs. 
VanDervoort are members of the First 
Presbyterian church. He is a republi- 
can in politics, and was a delegate to 
the state reiiulilican convention in 185H. 

Smith & Warren, dealers in dry 
goods, notions, boots and shoes, etc., 
commenced business Sept. 9, 1881, and 
continued till A])ril, 1882, when J. K. 
Smith, of the firm, died. The stock is 
valued at about $15,000, and occupies a 
store-room 25x85 feet, in the new brick 
block of G. W. Herdman. 

Mark A. AVarren, son of Hon. George 
E. and Hattie S. (Allen) Warren, was 
born near Jcrseyville, 111., Dec. 8, 1851. 
He remained with his parents until he 
attained his majority, being reared upon 
a farm. He was educated in the coun- 
try and city schools of Jersey county, 
and subsequently took a course at the 
business college at Jacksonville. He 
then, in the fall of 1872, began his bus- 
iness career as clerk in the dry goods 
store of Lovell & Smith, with whom he 
continued one year. The firm then dis- 
solved partnership, and Mr. Warren 
became associated in business with 
Henry Lovell, his brother-in-law and 
former employer. They carried on the 
dry goods business about three years. 
At the expiration of that time, Mr. War- 
ren withdrew from the firm and returned 



to the employ of J. Knox Smith, who, 
soon afterwards, on account of failing 
health, sold the business to F. W. 
Smith & Co., for whom Mr. Warren 
clerked till Sept., 1880. At that date 
he formed a partnership with J. Knox 
Smith, and again engaged in the dry 
goods business, the firm being Smith & 
AVarren. They occupied a store on the 
old Herdman corner. In April, 1882, 
Mr. Smith died, liut his widow contin- 
ued to hold his interest in the business. 
In November, 1884, the store was de- 
stroyed by fire, and they carried on bus- 
iness in a small building till September, 
1885, when they moved into a new store 
built by G. W. Herdman. They now 
carry a full and complete stock of dry 
goods, boots and shoes, and gents' fur- 
nishing goods. Mr. Warren was mar- 
ried in Sept., 1874, to Gracie Ferguson, 
of Jerseyville. They are the parents of 
two children — Fay and Harry. Mr. 
Warren is a republican in politics, but 
htvS no political aspirations, preferring 
to devote his time to business. The 
firm of Smith & Warren has an exten- 
sive trade, and conducts one of the lead- 
ing dry goods establishments of the 
city. 

Trepp, Schmieder & Co. are leading 
dealers in dry goods, clothing, hats 
and caps, boots and shoes, etc. The 
business was established bj' Gustav 
Trepp and Charles Schmieder, in Oct., 
1882. In April, 1884, Renjamin Barnett 
was taken into the partnership, making 
the present firm. They have a large 
store, well stocked, and are known as 
enterprising business men. 

Charles Schmieder was born in Ichen- 
heim, Baden, Sept. 5, 1852. His 
parents, John and Magdalena Schmieder, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



497 



resided upon a farm. Charles attended 
schoiil until lo years of age, then spent 
three years at college, receiving a lib- 
eral education. He then began his 
business career as a clerk in a general 
store. In June, 1871, he came to the 
United States, and settled in Jersey- 
ville, Jersey county, 111., whire he re- 
mained one year, engaged in clerking in 
a drj' goods store. He then went to 
New Yoi-k city, and there resided nine 
years. At the expiration of that 
jicriod he returned to Jerscyvillc, and 
in ]iartnership with (rustav Trepp, 
established their present business. Mr. 
Schniieder was married in New York 
city, in 187(), to Otelia Molinct, a native 
of that city. The}' have one daughter 
— Theresa. Mr. Schmieder is a member 
of the (iennan Catholic church. His 
parents came to the United States in 
the full of IS71, and settled near Fiel- 
don, in this ■county, upon a farm, where 
they still liv(>. They have, besides the 
subject of this sketch, two other chil- 
dren — Joseph, a farmer, of I'iasa town- 
ship, and Theresa, the wife of Peter 
Blaeser. 

Among the iiromincnt dealers in dry 
^oods, notions, etc., in the city is the 
firm of I). (1. and H. N. Wyckolf. 

David G. Wyckoff, son of John and 
Eleanor (Gray) Wyckolf, was born in 
Schoharie county, N. Y., May 5, lcS12. 
At the age of 14 years he went to the 
city of New York, where he learned 
the tailor's trade. He was married at 
Newark, N. J., in 1833, to Phebe Eliza 
Ronnell, a native of Now York city. 
Four years later he I'ame to Illinois, 
and settled in what is now Jersey 
county, locating at Delhi, where he fol- 
lowed his trade till about 1840. He 



then came to Jerseyville and continued 
working at his trade until 1849, and dur- 
ing the time also carried on merchant 
tailoring. At that time he formed a. 
partnership with .lohn E. Uundlc, and 
established a general mercantile busi- 
ness, of which, in ISoO, he became sole 
proprietor, and continued the same 
until Oct., 1865. His son, Horatio 
N. Wyckofl' then became his i)art- 
ner, since which time the firm has 
been known as D. G. & H. N. Wyc- 
koff. They carry a full and complete 
stock of dry goods, boots and shoes. 
Mr. Wyckoff abandoned the grocery 
trade in 1861. The store is located on 
the same ground on which he located in 
1848. The present building is the third 
built upon the same site, and was erect- 
ed in 1871. It is a brick structure, 17x53 
feet in dimensions, and two stories in 
height. During the present year, 1885, 
another building is being erected 
near the first, of still more connnodious 
(liiiicnsions, it being 1^5x75 feet. Mrs. 
Wyckoff died in 1851, leaving six chil- 
dren — Catherine E., Horatio N., Mary 
A., George E., Cornelia J. and Francis 
E. 

Horatio N. ^\'yckoif is a native of 
Sussex county, N. J., horn June 29, 
1836. He is a son of David G . Wyckoff. 
He came to Illinois with his parents 
when one year old, and has since that 
time been a resident of Jersey county. 
In 1857 he commenced the study of law, 
under the tuition of A. L. Knapp, and 
in 1861 was admitted to the bar. He 
practiced his profession four years, at 
the expiration of which time he became 
a partner in his father's business. Oc- 
tober 2, 1866, .Mr. Wyckoff was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth VanDorn, of New 



498 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Jersey. They have four children living 
— Nellie G., Mary A., David A. and 
Theresa E. The firm of D. G. & H. N. 
Wyc-koflf' is well known as being enter- 
prising and perfectly reliable, and is 
one of the oldest business houses in 
the city of Jerseyville. 

Leon Engel is a leading representa- 
tive of the trade in clothing, gents' fur- 
nishing goods, hats and caps, etc. He 
commenced business Sept. 15, 1880, and 
has enjoyed prosperity in his trade. 
His salesroom has an area of 20x50 feet, 
in which he carries a stock that would 
invoice |8,000. 

Leon Engel, amerchant of Jersej'ville, 
was born in Prussia in 1^58, being a son 
of Henry and Rachel (Harmetz ) Engel, 
both natives of Prussia. Leon received 
a good education in the old country, and 
resided there until he was 20 years of 
age. In 1878 he came to America, land- 
ing at Boston, Mass., where he remained 
five weeks. He then went to St. Louis, 
Mo., and engaged as clerk in a gents' 
furnishing goods store, remaining in 
that city 15 months. At the end of that 
time he went to Carrollton, Greene 
county. 111., where for 10 months he 
clerked in a clothing store. Sept. 15, 

1880, he came to Jerseyville, and opened 
a clothing and gents' furnishing goods 
store, on Main street, which business 
he still continues. He is a genial and 
pleasant gentleman, and since coming 
here has built up a good and constantl}' 
increasing trade. 

The Golden Fleece clothing and gents' 
furnishing goods store was opened in 

1881, with James Levy as manager, in 
the store formerly occupied by Frank 
Smith. They carry a large stock of 
goods in the lines mentioned. 



The clothing and boot and shoe busi- 
ness of S. A. Holmes, on the southwest 
corner of State and Pearl streets, was 
established by Conkling & Lipe, in 
1869. In 1874, Mr. Conkling sold his 
interest to S. A Holmes, the firm thus 
becoming Lipe & Holmes. In 1884, 
S. A. Holmes became sole proprietor. 

H. Scheffer & Son, dealers in boots 
and shoes, occupy two store rooms on 
North State street. The business was 
established in March, 1880, by the pres- 
ent firm. Besides their selling depart- 
ment, tliey also have a custom shop, in 
which boots and shoes of all grades are 
made to order. The latter department 
was instituted in 1860, by H. Schetter. 
The salesroom has a floor area of 18x55 
feet, while the shop has a frontage of 10 
feet, and a depth of 40. A large stock 
of goods in this line is kept on hand, 
which will invoice $7,000. 

H. Scheffer, boot and shoe dealer, 
was born in Prussia, April 20. 1827, his 
parents being Frederick and Eliza- 
beth (Kotter) Schefier. At the age of 
14 he was apprenticed to learn the shoe- 
maker's trade, and served three years, 
after which he followed his trade until 
he attained his majority, then entered 
the German army, continuing in the 
service three years. At the expiration 
of that period he resumed his trade and 
followed the same until 1858, at which 
time he immigrated to America, landing 
at New Orleans on the 26th day of May, 
of that year. He proceeded to St. 
Louis; thence to Alton; thence to Jer- 
seyville, where he established the bus- 
iness in which he is now engaged. He 
was married June 6, 1858, to Mary 
Bertman, who was born in Prussia. 
They are the parents of three children — 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



499 



Frederick, who is a partner in his* 
father's business; Henry, who is a 
clerk in his fatlier's store; and Lillie, 
living at home. Mr. Scliefi'er is the 
owner of his store building, a residence 
and two lots in the city of Jerseyville. 
He is a member of the Catholic church, 
of which he has been a trustee for two 
years. 

Marston & Halliday handle, exclu- 
sively, groceries, provisions, crockery, 
etc. They established the business in 
187;>, on N. Slate street. Their sales- 
room is 23x60 feet in dimensions. They 
carry a stock representinu; a money value 
of 85,0(KJ. 

Joseph G. Maistm was born in the 
city of Philadelphia, April lo, 1837, and 
came with the family to Jersey county 
in 1842. He has been a resident here 
since that date, with the exception of 
three years, during which lie attended 
school in Philadelphia. After finishing 
his education he began mercantile life 
as clerk, serving in stores in Jersey- 
ville, Otterville and Alton. In 18(37 he 
located at Jerseyville, and, in partner- 
ship with C M. Hamilton, engaged in 
the grocery business, the firm name be- 
ing Hamilton & Marston. In 1872 Mr. 
Marston withdrew from the firm, and in 
association with Henry T. Nail, suc- 
ceed J. C. Darby in the grocery trade. 
In June, 1873, Mr. Marston withdrew 
from this partnership and became asso- 
ciated with L. H. Halliday, establishing 
the present firm of Marston & Halliday. j 
They carry a full and complete stock of 
groceries, provisions, queensware, etc. 
In ISdS Mr. Marston was married to 
Adaline L'adwalader. Mr. Marston is a 
member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, 
Council and Commandery, in the Ma- 



sonic order, and an officer of the Grand 
Lodge of the state. 

Jacob M'agner is engaged in the gro- 
cery and provision trade. Krumpan- 
itzky Bros, opened the establishment 
about 18C;5, and continued till succeeded 
l)y Wagner, in 1879. 

C. M. Boyle carries on three lines of 
trade — grocery store, ice trade and bot- 
tling business. He commenced the bot- 
tling business in 1868, and his grocery 
store w'as established in 1875. 

M. C. Reynolds commenced the gro- 
cery business in May, 1885. His sales- 
room is 20x50 feet. 

The "Famous" grocery store busi- 
ness was established in February, 1881, 
by Hall & Nevius. This partnership 
continued till February, 1885, when 
Mr. Hall retired from the firm. Henry 
Nevius conducted the business until 
Aug., 1885, when he sold to Fred Arm- 
strong, the present proprietor. 

J. C. Darby, a leading representative 
of the grocery trade of Jerseyville, 
commenced the business in 18(i7, in a 
small frame structure which stood on 
the site of his present store edifice. In 
1870, tiie present commodious brick 
structure occupied by Mr. Darb\- was 
erected by B. C. Vandervoort. It covers 
an area 25x85 feet, and is two stories in 
height. In the spring of 1872, the bus- 
iness was j)urchased by Marston & Nail. 
This firm continued one year, when Mr. 
Marston retired from it. After one year, 
J. C. Darby again became interested in 
it, purcliasing a lialf interest from Mr. 
Nail. This partnership lasted two years, 
when H. T. Nail retired, since which 
time ^[r. Darby has been sole proprie- 
tor. He carries an assortment of gro- 
ceries, which will invoice 83,000. 



500 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



John C. Darby, one of the oldest bus- 
iness men of Jersey ville, is a son of 
William and Deborah A. Darby. He 
was born in Essex county, N. J., Nov. 
9, 1829. His early life was spent on a 
farm, and later, in his father's grist 
mill. In 1850 he came to Illinois, and 
engaged as clerk in a store in Jersey- 
ville. In 1S52 he became associated 
with A. B. Morcan in the general mer- 
cantile business, the firm being styled 
J. C. Darby & Co. This partnership 
lasted until March, 1856, when Mr. 
Darby sold his interest in the store, and 
purchased a farm one jnile east of Jer- 
seyville, on which he resided for the 
ne.xt eight years. He then sold his 
farm and returned to Jerseyville, and 
bought an interest in the grocery busi- 
ness of John E. Sanford, better known 
as Major Sanford, under the firm name 
of Sanford & Darby. This partnership 
continued two years, at the expiration ' 
of whicli, Mr. Darby sold his interest 
to his ])artner, but soon afterward, as- 
sociated with George Hodgkin, pur- 
chased the business of Mr. Sanford, and 
carried on the same one year. Mr. 
Darby then became sole proprietor, and 
continued in the business alone till 
1872. He then sold out to Marston & 
Nail. In 1873 he established a new 
business on State street, which in 1874 
he sold out, and purchased an interest 
in his former business, becoming the 
partner of Mr. Nail. Two years later 
Mr. Darby purchased the interest of 
his partner, and has since continued 
business alone. He was married in 
1853, to Henrietta Whitehead. They 
have had four children, one of whom 
died at the age of seven years. Those 
now living are — Elva, wife of John 



Lowe; Charlotte and Maggie. Mr. 
Darby was the first telegraph operator 
in Jersey county, having had charge of 
the office in 1853-4. He is a member of 
the First Presbyterian church, also of 
the I. 0. 0. F., and the Knights of 
Honor. 

William Darby was born in Essex 
county, N. J., in the year 1804. He 
was brought up on a farm, and in 1828, 
married to Deborah A. Squier, a native 
of Morris county, N. J. After marriage, 
Mr. Darby continued to reside upon his 
farm until 1849, when he sold it and 
purchased a grist mill, which he oper- 
ated till 1853. In that year he came to 
this state to visit his son, and being 
pleased with the country, removed to 
Jersey county the following year, (1854.) 
He purchased 240 acres of land on 
section 2, Mississippi township, and 
engaged in farming. In the fall of 1854, 
Mrs. Darb}' died, leaving four children — 
John C, Jacob S., Levi R. and Chath- 
crine. Mr. Darl)}' subsequently married 
Charlott Woodruff, of Essex county, 
N. J., and continued farming until his 
death, in March, 1873. His wife's 
death occured in 1884. Mr. Darliy was 
in comfortable circumstances when he 
came to this county, and prospered in 
his undertakings here. Although no 
longer strong to accumulate wealth, he 
desired to live in comfort, and to give 
his children financial aid in starting out 
in life, which he was able to do. He 
was a man of simple habit, and one 
who gave little attention to anything 
outside of his own private aff"airs. He 
was for 40 years, a consistent member 
of the Baptist churcli. 

The Hamilton Grocer Co. is the name 
of one of the firms doing business in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



501 



Jerseyville. The business was estab- 
lished, on State street, by C. M. Hamil- 
ton, in lS5i). In 1862 he removed to the 
location of the present store. He carried 
on the business alone for some time, 
when tlie title was changed to Hamilton 
it Locke. They were succeeded by Ham- 
ilton & Marstou, and this firm by Ham- 
ilton & Son. After this E. A. Hamilton 
became the sole proprietor. The pres- 
ent conipan)' succcded to the business 
Sept. 15, 1884. Their salesroom is 
19x50 feet in area, with additional stor- 
age room in the rear, 40x50 feet in size. 
The stuck will invoice about $3,500. 

Clarence M. Hamilton, a prominent 
business man of Jerseyville, was born 
in Franklin county, Vt., June 5, 1826. 
He is the seventh child of William and 
Lydia Hamilton. The death of Mrs. 
Hamilton, formerly Lydia Trask, oc- 
curred May 10, 1828. Mr. Hamilton, 
with his family of three sons, immi- 
grated west, in the fall of of 1830, and 
settled in the present limits of Jersey 
county, on the northeast quarter of Sec. 
13, T. 7, R. 12, W. of the 3d P. M., 
where he improved a farm and followed 
that business during the remainder of 
his active life. He was an active, ener- 
getic man, and highly esteemed by all 
who were reall}' acquainted with his 
virtues. His brother. Dr. Silas Hamil- 
ton, was also one of the j)ioneer settlers, 
who was noted for his philanthropy and 
liberal provision in behalf of the citi- 
zens of Otter Creek, now Otterville, 
and the educational facilities he fur- 
nished the settlement were not sur- 
passed in the early settlement of west- 
ern towns. William Hamilton died at 
the residence of Jeptha Dixon, in Cal- 
houn county, July 22, 1849. The subject 

n 



of this sketch received his early educa- 
tion in Otterville, this county. He fol- 
lowed farming in his early life, except 
one year, which time he devoted to min- 
ing, in the lead mines of Wisconsin. 
He began his mercantile career in the 
springof 1847, at Gilead, Calhoun county, 
111. He sold out to his brother, W. D. 
Hamilton, in March, 1849, and for two 
years was engaged as deputy .sheriff of 
Calhoun county. In the spring of 1857, 
he associated in the firm of Child & 
Hamilton, at Hardin, Calhoun county, in 
merchandise, officiating meanwhile, as 
county surveyor, to which office he was 
elected; and also, the same year, ap- 
pointed assessor of Calhoun county by 
the county court, and performed the 
duties of said office. He was the same 
year elected justice of the peace, and 
filled the office until his removal from 
the county. The firm of Child & Ham- 
ilton was dissolved in the spring of 
1853, and the following summer Mr. H. 
removed to Jerseyville, where he has 
since resided. He first engaged in the 
dry goods and grocery trade. After a 
short time he became a member of the 
firm of Bagley, Hurd & Co., in which 
business be continued until Aug., 1856, 
when he became a member of the firm 
of Johnson & Hamilton, in the livery 
business. He disposed of his interest 
in the mercantile house in the fall of 
the same year, and disposed of his in- 
terest in the livery business in May, 
1857. About this time he was elected 
alderman, and also city clerk. During 
the summer of 1857 he settled his 
brother's estate in Calhoun county. In 
March, 1859, he was engaged in the 
firm of Hamilton & Jett, in the whole- 
sale and retail grocery business, which 



502 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



he continued until June, 1860, when he 
became sole proprietor, continuing 
until June, 1865, when he accepted 
Morris R. Locke as a partner, 
and continued the business under the 
firm name of Hamilton & Locke, until 
Oct., 1866, when he bought out Mr. 
Locke, continuing the business alone 
until 1867. Mr. Hamilton accepted 
Joseph G. Marston as a partner, and 
continued in the firm of Hamilton & 
Marston until Oct., 1871, when he 
bought out the interest of Mr. Marston, 
and associated his son, Edward A. 
Hamilton, and as the firm of Hamilton 
& Son, continued business until 1873, 
when the firm was changed to E. A. 
Hamilton, the son becoming sole pro- 
prietor. Thus the business was contin- 
ued until 1884, when it became the 
"Hamilton Grocery Company," being 
incorporated under the State law, with 
capital stock of $5,000, divided in 
shares of $100 each. C. M. Hamilton 
is the president and treasurer, and his 
son, C. E. Hamilton, secretary. In ad- 
dition to his mercantile interests at Jer- 
seyville, Mr. Hamilton in 1861 opened 
a store at Otter Creek, now Otterville. 
Subsequently he associated in business 
with himself at that point S. R. Rogers, 
and under the firm name of Hamilton & 
Rogers continued in business thereuntil 
1875. Mr. Hamilton commenced pork 
packing at Jersey ville, on his own ac- 
count, in the fall of 1862, and has, since 
that time, made quite a reputation in 
that line of trade. In addition to his 
election in 1857 as alderman and city 
clerk, he was re-elected to both posi- 
tions in 1859, and elected alderman in 
1871, and has since that time served in 
the same capacity one or two years. Mr. 



and Mrs. Hamilton have had seven chil- 
dren, four of whom are now living — E. 
A., Emily E., Clarence E., Alta. Poli- 
tically, he affiliates with the republi- 
can party. He is a member of the I. 0. 
O. F., and, with his wife, a member of 
the M. E. church. As a citizen he is 
benevolent and public-spirited, and 
stands among the best business men of 
the county. 

The grocery business of L. D. Cory 
was established in 1874 by L. D. and J. 
E. Cory. In the spring of 1883, J. E. 
Cory withdrew from the firm, and L. 
D. then became sole proprietor. 

John Wiley is a representative of the 
grocery trade. He carries a stock 
worth about $3,500. 

Theo. F. Remer is a leading repre- 
sentative of the drug business of Jer- 
seyville. The business was established 
by B. M. Krumpanitzky and Theo. F. 
Remer, in the fall of 1873. The store 
was then in the old building of Wallace 
Leigh, on State street. In Feb.. 1879, 
Mr. Krumpanitzky retired from the 
firm, and since that time the- present 
proprietor has continued the business 
alone. He handles drugs, stationery, 
papers, etc., and has a very extensive 
trade, which has been steadily built up 
since the opening of the business. 

Theo. F. Remer, son of Abram and 
Deborah (Nutt) Remer, was born in 
Morris county, N. J., May 15, 1844. In 
1856, the family removed to Illinois, 
and settled in Jerseyville. Theo. F. 
Remer completed his education at the 
seminary of Mrs. L. M. Cutting, being 
the only boy in the school. In 1861 he 
started for the Pacific slope, and re- 
mained there about two and a half years. 
He then returned to Jerseyville, and 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



503 



engaged in mercantile life, as clerk in 
the dry goods store of William Shep- 
hard, with whom he remained until 
18G(i. Ho then became clerk for White 
& Van Home, druggists, serving in that 
capacity seven years. At the expiration 
of that period, he engaged in business 
for himself — first with B. M. Krumpa- 
nitzky as partner, but since 1877 has 
carried on business alone. Mr. Re- 
mer was married in Sept., 1868, to 
Elizalieth K. Voorhees, a daughter of 
Peter P. and Maria Voorhees, and a na- 
tive of Jersey county. Mr. Remer casts 
his vote with the democratic party, but 
takes little interest in politics. He is a 
member of the First Presbyterian 
church, also of tlie Masonic fraternity. 

G. R. Smith & Co, are among the 
drug dealers of Jerseyville. The busi- 
ness was established in IS.^fi l)y Alex. 
B. Morean. He was succeeded by White 
& Ware. For a few years the firm con- 
tinued thus, when Mr. White dropped 
out. (i. W. Ware, who then became 
sole proprietor, was succeeded, in 1882, 
bj' the present firm. Their building is 
22 feet wi<le, by 6 • in depth. It was 
erected in 1865, at a cost of $6,000. It 
is two stories in height. The stock car- 
ried is valued at SS,000. 

(ireg R. Smith, son of A. H. and 
Amanda (Robinson) Smith, wasbornat 
Kane, Greene county, 111., July 1, 1857. 
He was educated in the schools of Car- 
rol Iton, and subsequently learned the 
drug business from his father and older 
brothers. In 1882 he came to Jersey- 
ville, and succeeded G. W . Ware in the 
drug business, the firm now being G. R. 
Smith & Co. His brother, Edward 
Smith, is his partner. They also have 
a drug store in Carrollton. Mr. Smith 



is a member of the society of Knights of 
Pythias. 

J. S. Daniels is one of the leading 
representatives of the hardware trade 
in Jerseyville. He conducts business in 
a strictly first-class manner, deals hon- 
orably, and hence has a large trade. He 
keeps stoves, tools, shelf and heavy 
hardware, guns, ammunition, etc., and 
carries tRe largest line of steel goods in 
the county. 

Eaton & Crawford are also engaged in 
the hardware trade. The business was 
established by J. H. Ames, in 1865. 
He was succeeded by A. H. Barnett ife 
Co., who, in April, 1885, disposed of 
the business to the present proprietors. 

J. E. Cory commenced the hardware 
business in Sept., 1883. 

Oscar Hill handles books, stationery, 
newspapers and other pul)lications, and 
fancy goods. The store was commenced 
by Howard Cutting, about the year 
1876. Two years later he was succeedcil 
by W. S. Bowman, and in 1879 the 
present proprietor assumed control. 
His stock is valued at about S2,()(K), 
handled in a salesroom 16x40 feel in 
floor area. 

Oscar Hill, son of Robert L. Hill, was 
born in Carrollton, Greene ct)unty. 111., 
Dec. 28, 1836. In 1838 Robert L. Hill 
removed with his family to Jersey 
county, and settled on a farm near Jer- 
seyville. The same farm now com- 
prises a portion of the present city of 
Jerseyville. Here Oscar grew to man- 
hood, and in 1860, was married to \. 
Lizzie French, daughter of Rev. D. P. 
French. In 1862 he removed to Green- 
ville, Bond county. 111., where his 
father-in-law was principal of Almira 
College. Here Mr. Hill furnished sup- 



604 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



plies for the school, and Mrs. Hill 
taught music. In Nov., 1864, Mrs. 
Hill died, leaving two children — Her- 
bert L. and Charles F. The elder is 
now living in St. Louis, but the 
younger, died at the age of two years. 
After the death of his wife Mr. Hill re- 
mained in Greenville, only until the 
close of the term of school, then re- 
turned to Jerseyville, and resumed 
farming upon the homestead. May 20, 
1870, he was married to Addie Miskell, 
daughter of J. H. Miskell. In 1873 his 
mother died, and as the homestead was 
then divided among the heirs, Mr. Hill 
removed to the village of Jerseyville, 
where he engaged in clerking until 1878. 
In that year he succeeded M. L. Hill & 
Co., in a book, stationery and fancy 
goods business, which he still con- 
tinues. He had by his second mar- 
riage four children, two of whom are 
living — Nellie B. and Minnie C. Mr. 
Hill is a democrat in politics, but takes 
no more interest than merely to vote. 
His religious connection has been with 
the Baptist church since 1855. 

Max R. Beatty established a news- 
depot in the postoffice building, July 20, 
1882, which he still continues. 

H. A. Tunehorst commenced the 
handling of musical instruments and 
jewelry in 1877. 

John E. Boynton, the leading jew- 
eler of this section, commenced busi- 
ness here in 1875. He carries a well 
selected stock valued at $5,000, of 
jewelry, silverware, clocks, etc. His 
salesroom is 18x50 feet in floor area, 
and is fitted up in excellent style. He 
does a large business, and is enjoying 
the result of a lifetime of steady adher- 
ance to strict business rules, straight 



dealing, and rare ability as a mechanic 
in his line. 

John E. Boynton, jeweler, is a son of 
Noah and Lucinda (Vinton) Boynton, 
both natives of Vermont. They reared 
a family of nine children — Andrew P., 
Eben v., Permelia, Harvey L., Samuel 
B., Louisa S., William N., Sophronia 
E. and John E. All of the sons learned 
the jeweler's trade, and each enlisted in 
the U. S. service, in a different regi- 
ment, some one of them participating 
in every battle of the civil war. John 
E. Boynton was born in Stephenson 
county. 111., May 10, 1848. He com- 
menced to learn his trade at the age of 
12 years, following the same until 1862, 
when he enlisted in Co. H, 31st Wis. 
Inf., and served until the close of the 
war. He took part in all of the engage- 
ments of his company. He returned 
from the service to Galena, 111., and 
finished learning his trade with his 
brother Andrew. In 1869 he went to 
Manchester, la., and there worked with 
his brother William until 1872. He 
then went to Lincoln, Neb. In 1874, 
when the grasshoppers appeared in that 
state, he removed to Alton, 111., from 
whence he came to Jerseyville at the 
time before stated. He has twice lost a 
portion of his stock by fire, and had no 
insurance. He is now located in the old 
WyckofF store, where he carries the 
largest stock of jewelry in Jersey county. 
Mr. Boynton was married in 1876 to 
Maria L. Beaty, daughter of John 
Beaty. They have two children — Wil- 
liam P. and John E. He is a republican 
politically, and a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. 

R. E. Mayer carries a stock of jewelry 
in the store room with Leon Engel. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



505 



He commenced the business in May, 
1883, removing to his present location 
in Nov., 1884. 

Charles C. Borger also carries on the 
jewelry business, which he established 
in Sept., 1884. 

S. M. Titus & Co., dealers in general 
merchandise, have been carrying on 
this business since Nov. 1882, the date 
of its establishment. 

The livery stable of E. A. R. Myers, 
Jr., originated with Charles H. Bow- 
man, who built the present structure. 
On the 29th of July, 1880, it became the 
property of Myers & Brown, and sub- 
sequently, Mr. Myers purchased the in- 
terest of his partner and is the sole 
proprietor. The building, which is a 
fine brick one, is 44x100 feet in ground 
area, two stories high. Fifteen head of 
horses and buggies, carriages, etc., to 
correspond are used in the business. 

E. A. R. Myers, Jr., son of E. A. R. 
and Caroline (Maning«ee Vance) Myers, 
was born in Scott county, Va., May 21, 
1850. When he was very young his 
parents moved to St. Louis county, Mo., 
and 15 years later, to Franklin county, 
of the same state, where they engaged 
in farming. The subject of this sketcJi 
in 186(), entered a grocery store as clerk, 
and (luring the four years following was 
engaged in the same capacity in a drug, 
anil also a dry goods store. In 1870 he 
returned to Franklin county, and there 
farmed until 1878. At that date he came 
to Jersey ville, and here for two years 
followed farming. He then engaged in 
the livery business which he still con- 
tinues. He was married in Feb., 1878, 
to Celestia P. Brown, a native of Frank- 
lin county, Mo. They have had one 
child, now deceased. Mr. Myers is a 



member of the Knights of Pythias so- 
ciety. 

M. Cockrell has a well equipped 
livery barn on State street. He suc- 
ceeded Pat Herrington. When he took 
charge of the stable, in 1883, it was 
pretty well run down. At that time the 
equipment consisted of but five horses 
and four buggies. Now, however, there 
are twelve horses, and the barn is well 
supplied with buggies, barouches, etc., 
suitable for a first-class livery business. 
The stable was established by Henry 
Johnson, about 1850. 

Moses Cockrell, son of Moses and 
Caty Ann (Utt) Cockrell, was born in 
Mississippi township, Dec. 31, 1854. 
His early life was spent on his father's 
farm. At the age of 17, he entered the 
employ of his brother Elias, who was 
then in the grain business in Jersey ville. 
After five years work by the month, he 
became a partner in the lumber busi- 
ness, the firm name being known as E. 
Cockrell & Bro. This partnership 
lasted four years. In 1880 he estab- 
lished a coal and lumber yard, at Kane, 
and succeeded Chas. Smalle}' in the 
coal business in Jersej'ville. In 1882 he 
withdrew from the firm of E. Cockrell 
& Bro., and in 1884, sold hislumberand 
coal yard at Kane, to Jesse Cockrell. 
He is now in the livery, co.rl, and wire 
fence business in Jerseyville, having 
|)rocured a patent on a machine for 
making wire fence. He is a live busi- 
ness man, and well known in the busi- 
ness community of Jersey and Greene 
counties. 

The confectionery and bakery of 
Wallace Leigli & Son was e;^tablished by 
the first named in 1852, who conducted 
the same on State street, until the erec- 



rm 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



lion of the new building, in 1874, which 
they now occupy. In 1881, the present 
firm was formed, Austin going into part- 
nerfihip with his father. 

Philip Block is the lending merchant 
tailor of this city, in fact, is the only 
first-class representative of that line of 
burness, who devotes his whole at- 
tention to it. 

Philip Block, merchant tailor at Jer- 
seyville, established his present busi- 
ness in 1883, since which he has been a 
resident of this city. He was born in 
Austria, Jan. 30, 1847. He learned the 
tailor's trade in his native country, and 
there followed the same, until 1866. 
In the fall of that year he immigrated to 
America, lan<ling in New York in 
October. He went at once to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he followed his trade about 
18 months, then went to Centralia, 111., 
and at first, worked for other parties, 
but later, formed a partnership with 
another gentleman, and engaged in 
merchant tailoring, continuing in busi- 
ness for a period of three years. At the 
expiration of that time, he came to 
Jerseyville, where he is now the oldest, 
and leading merchant tailor. Mr. 
Block was married in St. Louis, in 1868, 
to Elizabeth Klein, also a native of 
Austria, who came to the United States 
in the spring of 1866. They are the 
parents of seven children — Morris, 
Louis, Alexander, Joseph, Edna Rose, 
Philip R. and Nona E. 

Mrs. C. A. Voorhees conducts a 
millinery and fancy goods store. Mrs. 
E. A. Terry commenced the business in 
March, 1872, and was succeeded by Mrs. 
C. H. Durkee. The latter gave place to 
Mrs. Voorhees, Jan. 1, 1885. 

Mrs. A. B. Allen, milliner, com- 



menced business in 1875. In March, 
1885, she removed to her present quar- 
ters. 

F. W. Roerig commenced the manu- 
facture of harness in Jerseyville, in 
March, 1883, purchasing the business of 
William Stoop. The latter was succes- 
sor to Antoine Recappe, who established 
the business, in 1859. 

Antoine Recappe is engaged in the 
sale of furniture and harness. He suc- 
ceeded Carr & Tindall, who established 
the business. 

William Pilgar established himself in 
the harness business here, in 1864, and 
is still engaged in trade. 

The Jerseyville Marl)le Works was 
established in 1869, by Haughtlin Bros. 
It is located on the corner of Jefferson 
and Arch streets. 

Among the professional men of Jer- 
seyville are the two gentlemen who 
hangout their "shingles" as dentists 
— George S. Miles and Edward Flanni- 
gan. Both are well up, professionally, 
and doing good business, but Mr. Miles 
being much the longer established has 
the larger following. 

George S. Miles, D.D. S., was born 
in Westminster, Mass., Oct. 13, 1832, 
being the eldest of the three children of 
George and Lucinda Miles, who were 
lineal descendants of the Puritans. 
George Miles was, by occupation, a far- 
mer. He died June 10, 1872. His 
widow died in January, 1878. The 
subject of this sketch received his liter- 
ary education at Westminster Academy, 
and was also a student at Hopkins Acad- 
emy, at Hadley, Mass.. At the age of 
21 he commenced the study of dentistry 
with Dr. T. S. Blood, of Fitchburg, 
Mass., graduating in his profession 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



507 



about two years later. He practiced a 
short time in Salem Mass. In August, 
1855, he came to Jersey county. 111., 
and, immediately after, settled in Jer- 
seyville, where he has since resided, 
engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion. Dr. Miles was married Aug. 2, 
1859, to Mattie De Wolf Warren, a 
daughter of Hon. George JL. and Hattie 
Warren. They have had six children, 
one of whom is deceased. Those living 
are — Herbert W., Clarence J., Chas. V., 
Clara G., and Harold B. Dr. Miles was 
president of the State Dental Society 
for the years 1874—5. He was one of 
the original stockholders and directors 
of the First National Bank of Jersey- 
ville, and was connected with the same 
about three years. He then invested 
his money in real estate in the West and 
in Jersey county, and now owns 160 
acres of land within a mile of the city 
of Jerseyville. Dr. Miles has been at- 
tended with success in the practice of 
his profession and stands among the 
leading dentists of the state. In 1867 
the degree of D. D. S., was conferred 
upon him by the Missouri Dental Col- 
lege. He is one of the recognized lead- 
ers of the republican party in Jersey 
county, and in the campaigns of 1872 
and 1876 was chairman of the county 
central committee. He is a member of 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraterni- 
ties, and at the present time is the rep- 
resentative of Jerseyville lodge, No. 53, 
I. O. O. F., to the grand lodge. Dr. 
Miles' son, Clarence, was married in 
June, 1884, to Flora D. Cory, daughter 
of Levi D. Cury, of this city, and is 
now living at Salmon City, Kan., where 
he is engaged as book-keeper in the 
Farmer's Bank. 



BANKING. 

The first bank in Jerseyville was es- 
tablished by A. M. Blackburn, in 1854. 
For a time he conducted the business 
alone, but in 1859 associated with him 
in the bank, William Shephard, Samuel 
L. Magill, and Alex. B. Morean. The 
firm name then became A. M. Blackburn 
& Co. It was afterward organized under 
the state law as the Jersey County Bank. 
A. M. Blackburn being president, and 
George R. Swallow, casliier. This bank 
invested largely in Tennessee state 
bonds, and, on tlie breaking out of the 
war, the bonds depreciated to such an 
extent that it was compelled to sus- 
pend. The bank issued circulating 
notes. All debts were paid at tlie time 
of closing business. 

In 1859, Dr. Edward A. D'Arcy and 
P. D. Cheney established a bank, and 
commenced business under tlie firm 
name of D'Arcy & Cheney. Until the 
liquidation of the Jersey County Bank, 
there were two such institutions in Jer- 
seyville, but during the war D'Arcy & 
Cheney had the field to themselves. 
During those troublous times they were 
often in fear of raids by "bushwhack- 
ers," and the bank building was kept 
well supplied with guns and ammuni- 
tion, making a small arsenal. No sucli 
attack occurred, however. 

In 1866 Hugh N. Cross and Col. 
George R. Swallow succeeded D'Arcy & 
Cheney. They were succeeded, in 1872, 
by H. N. Cross, A. W. Cross, and W. 
E. Carlin, and under the firm name of 
Cross, Carlin & Co., conducted the 
business until 1876, when the First Na- 
tional Bank was established. The fol- 
lowing were the principal stockholders, 
and also the original board of directors. 



508 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



A. W. Cross, H. N. Cross, W. E. Carlin, 
John C. Barr, James A. Locke, George 
S. Miles, and John N. English. Sr. H. 
N. Cross was chosen president, and 
W. E. Carlin was elected cashier. 
A. W. Cross, although the largest stock- 
holder, accepted the position of assist- 
ant cashier. H. N. Cross served as 
president until his death, which occurred 
Nov. 21, 1883, when he was succeeded 
by his son, A. W. Cross, who still 
maintains that responsible position 
with ability and satisfaction to the di- 
rectors, and with credit to himself. Of 
the original directors, the positions of 
H. N. Cross, John C. Barr and James 
A. Lock were vacated by death, and A. 
\V. Cross is the only one of the original 
number, at present retainingthe position 
of director. There are now 13 stock- 
holders, of whom A. W. Cross retains a 
majority of stock. The present officers 
of the bank are as follows: A.W. Cross, 
president; Edward Cross, cashier; A. 
W. Cross, Edward Cross, John LWhite, 
W. H. Fulkerson, Morris R. Locke, di- 
rectors. Jan. 8, 1884, the articles of the 
association were changed, reducing the 
number of directors from seven to five. 
During the same year a new fire-proof 
vault was built, which contains 60 
special private deposit boxes, each pro- 
vided with keys, for individuals who 
lease them. The vault is also supplied 
with one of Diebold's steel, burglar- 
proof safes, secured by a Yale time- 
lock. On organization, this bank had 
a paid-up capital of 150,000, with 
authority for an increase to $150,000; 
its surplus is now $11,000, and undivided 
profits of $8,707. It is a good bank, a 
credit to Jersey county, and to its officers 
and directors. 



Hugh N. Cross was born Dec. 9, 1817, 
in Somerset county, N. J. His father, 
John L., was a native of the same 
county and state, and his ancestors had 
also resided there for many years. J. 
L. Cross was married twice; his first 
wife was Mary Kirkpatrick; bj' whom 
he had four children. After her death 
he was again married to Mary Nesbitt, 
by whom he had one child — Hugh N. 
Cross. The ancestors of Mr. Cross and 
wife were Scotch-Irish. His occupa- 
tion was that of a farmer. In 1835 he 
removed with his family to Jersey 
county, 111., locating on a farm south of 
the present thriving town of Jersey- 
ville, Mr. Cross being over 70 years of 
age at the time of locating here. In 
1850, he died at his residence, at the 
advanced age of 82 years, the death 
of Mrs. Cross occurring some two years 
previous. Hugh N. Cross was educated 
in the common schools of his native 
state, attaining a good business educa- 
tion for those times. He came with his 
parents to this county in 1835, and re- 
mained with tiiem upon the farm until 
their death. ^^'hen about 25 years of 
age, he was united in marriage to An- 
toinette ^■anHorne, daughter of Col. 
Elijah and Mary Van Home, who were 
formerly from New York, though they 
were early settlers in this county, hav- 
ing located here in 1833. Mrs. Cross 
was born in Schoharie county, N. Y. 
Mr. Cross and wife were the parents of 
five children, three sons and two daugh- 
ters. Our daughter, Helen, died 
under 10 years of age; Mary N., the 
deceased wife of W. E. Carlin; An- 
drew Wilson, Edward, and Leslie. 
When Mr. Cross commenced life he 
was comparatively poor, but being a 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



509 



man of energy and good judgment in 
business matters, he acquired the pos- 
session (if a handsome competence, the 
result of a life of frugality and perse- 
verance. Until 1866, agricultural pur- 
suits and stock-growing engrossed most 
of his time and attention, and during 
that year he formed a partnership with 
George R. Swallow, and together they 
opened quite an extensive banking 
house in Jer.seyville, in which business 
he was constantly engaged until his 
death, Nov. 21, 1883, being president of 
the First National Bank at that time, a 
position he had held since its organi- 
zation. He was among the earlier set- 
tlers of the county, and was always one 
of its most liberal, public spirited and 
enterprising citizens, being prominently 
connected with, and rendering liberal 
Bujtport to, many of the most important 
improvements in the community. In 
politics Mr. Cross was always a strong 
adherent to the principles of tlie demo- 
cratic party, and religiously, he and his 
family were always prominent attend- 
ants, and liberal supporters of the 
Presbyterian church. His wife is still 
living and resides upon tlie old home- 
stead. 

Andrew Wilson Cross, son of Hugh N. 
and Antoinette (Van Home) Cross, was 
born May 25, 1845, five miles southeast 
of the then village of Jerseyville, 111. 
At this place he resided with his par- 
ents until Feb. 21, 1855, when they re- 
moved to the old residence, three miles 
north of said village, or town. Until 20 
years of age, his life was spent upon a 
farm, where he was variously employed 
in duties incident to agricultural pur- 
suits. He obtained his education in the 
schools of Jerseyville, two winters at 



Jacksonville, and a five-months' com- 
mercial course at Eastman's college, in 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In 1866 he entered 
Cross & Swallow's bank as a clerk, con- 
tinuing until 1870, when, in company 
with his father, and Major W. E. Car- 
lin, he established the first bank at 
Mt. Vernon, 111. In 1872 he sold his 
interest in the bank at Mt. Vernon, and 
returned to Jerseyville, when the firm of 
Cross & Swallow was succeeded by Cross, 
Carlin & Co., of which firm he was a 
member. Col. Swallow, now treasurer 
of the state of Colorado, then emigrat- 
ing to that state. It is to be said of 
Cross & Swallow that they never had a 
written article of co-partnership, did 
not publish any notice of dissolution, 
and that there was never a dissenting 
word between them. In 1876 he was 
elected assistant cashier of the First 
National bank of this city, which insti- 
tution he assisted in organizing. In 
1880 he was elected cashier, and when 
his father died, in 1883, he was unani- 
mously called by the board of directors 
to accept the presidency, which position 
he still retains. He was one of the 
principals in the building of the Jersey- 
ville elevator, and the St. Louis, Jer- 
seyville & Springfield railroad, and as 
its treasurer, furnished credit and 
money in large amounts until the road 
was completed, to be turned over to the 
lessees. His father's credit and excel- 
lent reputation put him in a position to 
make mone}', and he availed himself of 
the opportunity. He has made his own 
money, so that he is one of the solid 
men of the city, well worthy for the 
position of bank president. In 1872 he 
was married to Annie Barr, daughter of 
John C. and Mary W. Barr, residents 



510 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



of Jersey ville since 1840. She is a grad- 
uate of the renowned Monticello Semi- 
nary, and holds close allegiance to her 
many classmates. Mr. and Mrs. Cross 
have one child — Ida. They are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian society. He is 
a member of the board of trustees, and 
was one of the building committee of 
the present commodious church of that 
organization, and attests, with that of 
others, his love of the cause, public 
spirit and good judgment. 

The banking house of Bowman & 
^\'are, was established by William Shep- 
hard & Co., in Feb., 1866. In Dec, 
1877, this firm was succeeded by that of 
William Shephard & Son, and in 1875, 
by the present firm. They do a general 
banking business, attend to collections, 
etc. 

James R. Colean, teller in the bank 
of Bowman & Ware, in this city, is a 
son of Nelson and Sarah J. (Waddle) 
Colean, natives of Illinois. He was 
born in Jersey county, March 13, 1857. 
He received a good education, attending 
the district schools of Jersey county, 
and in 1871 and 1872, Browder's Insti 
tute, at Olmstead, Ky., and two years 
at Blackburn University, at Carlinville. 
After completing his education he re- 
turned to Jerseyville, and, on June 1, 
1875, entered the employ of Bowman & 
Ware, with whom he has since re- 
mained. In the spring of 1879 he was 
appointed by J. I. McGready, (who was 
then mayor of Jerseyville,) city clerk 
and treasurer, which ofhce he held two 
years, being, at the time of his appoint- 
ment, only '22 years of age. Mr. Colean 
is a young man of good ability and is 
highly popular with the best citizens of 
Jersey county. He was married Dec. 



11, 1883, to Tilla, daughter of Samuel 
and Mary Bothwell, of Jerseyville. 

The banking house of M. E. Bagley 
was organized Sept. 6, 1881, by W. E. 
Carlin and M. E. Bagley. The business 
was conducted under the firm name of 
Carlin & Bagley until March 1, 1885, 
when M. E. Bagley became sole pro- 
prietor and manager of the business. 

The banking house of J. A. Shephard 
& Co. was established the 1st of Nov., 
1883, by the present proprietors. The 
firm consists of John A., A. M., and 
H. A. Shephard. This is a private 
bank, and one of the best of its kind in 
this locality, if not in this part of the 
state. A general banking business is 
transacted, collections made, loans ne- 
gotiated, etc. The bank is also the office 
of the county treasurer, the senior Mr. 
Shephard being the present treasurer of 
the county. 

Hon. William Shephard is a native of 
Yorkshire, England, and was born in 
the town of Markington, near Ripon, 
August 10, 1816 At the age of 16, he 
immigrated to this country with his 
father, William Shephard, landing at 
New York in June, 1832, and settling at 
Trenton. N.J. He was a shoemaker by 
trade, at which occupation he engaged for 
a short time, but soon turned his at- 
tention to canal and railroad enterprises. 
He began this branch of industry by 
working as a day laborer on the Rai'itan 
canal , in New Jersey. He subsequently 
became a contractor on a limited scale, 
and removed to Lancaster county, Penn., 
where he remained about three years, 
and built the tunnel on the Harrisburg 
and Lancaster road. In the spring of 
1838, he moved west, and for a short 
time was located in St. Louis, where he 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



511 



clerked in a livery stable. In autumn 
of the same year, he moved to Coles 
county, 111., where, soon after, he be- 
came a contractor under the state 
internal improvement system, on the 
Central Branch R. R., now a part of the 
Indianapolis R. R. His partners in 
this enterprise were Ricliard Johnson 
and David Dunsdon, both Englishmen, 
and old settlers of Jersey county. After 
the completion of his contract, Mr. 
Bhephard became a citizen of Jersey 
county. His next contract was the ex- 
cavation of the bluff at Grafton, pre- 
paratory to the making of a county 
road. He subsequently carried on bus- 
iness as a shoemaker, at Jerseyville. 
In March 1840, he was married to Ann 
Maria Gross, of Dauphin county, Penn. 
She was the daughter of Adam and 
Elizabeth Gross. They have had nine 
children, seven of whom are living— two 
boys and five girls. The oldest son, 
Wm. v., died Feb. 15, 1875, in the 
31st year of his age. Tlie third son, 
Francis B., died in St. Louis while at- 
tending law school, April 28, 1876, in 
the 24th year of his age. He was a 
graduate of the Notre Dame University, 
Ind., and also of the Polytechnic Insti- 
tute, Troy, N. Y., and was a young man 
of great promise. In 1847 Mr. Shcp- 
hard engaged in merchandising in Graf- 
ton, in which business he continued 
until 1852, when he obtained a contract 
in connection with the building of the 
Missouri I'acific railroad. He was an 
original incorporator, and for many 
years president of the Jacksonville, St. 
Louis it Chicago railroad, and built the 
Louisiana branch of that road a few 
years since, and also an extension of 
that road from Dwight to Streator. In 



1866 he was elected state senator from 
the district composed of the counties of 
Jersey, Grreene, Calhoun, Scott and 
Pike, by the democratic party, and was 
re-elected in 1870, but resigned in 1871. 
In 1866 he established a private bank- 
ing house in Jerseyville, which he con- 
ducted nine years wath great success, 
and which he sold out in June, 1875. 
In 1871 he was engaged largely in build- 
ing railroads in Texas, in company 
with Col. J. A. Henry, of Juliet, and 
J. J. Mitchell, of St. Louis, where they 
built 300 miles of the Houston & Great 
Northern railroad. He was a gentle- 
man of rare mental endowments, and 
of mature judgment, entirely self-made 
and eminently successful as a business 
man. He had, moreover, the respect, 
esteem and confidence of all who 
knew him, and especially of the 
citizens of Jerseyville, where he resided 
for 36 years. He died at his home in 
the midst of his family, Aug. 12, 1875. 
He was a devout member of the Roman 
Catholic faith, and has ever been a lib- 
eral supporter of the institutions of that 
church. He amassed a great fortune of 
over $300,000. Few men have had a 
more respectable and honorable career. 
His surviving sons are — John A., a 
banker; and Harry A., also banker. The 
daughters are all living, and Mrs. 
Shephard still survives. Mr. Shephard 
was a man of finer financial cai)aiity 
than was ever known in this part of the 
state. 

John Adam Shephard, treasurer of the 
county of Jersey, is a son of William 
and Ann Maria, (Gross) Shephard, and 
was born in Jerseyville, March 21, 1847. 
He was educated in a Catholic school 
in St. Louis, including the classics, and 



in his younger years was engaged in a 
store in Jerseyville. From 1860 to 1867, 
he was a book-keeper for his father. 
From 1872 to 1875, he was in the bank- 
ing business with his father, and was in 
the law and real estate business with 
A. A. Goodrieli for three or four years. 
In the autumn of 1879, he was elected 
county treasurer to fill the unexpired 
term of Thomas O'Donnell. Mr. Shep- 
hard was re-elected in 1882, and is mak- 
ing a very acceptable and popular 
county official. He is a democrat in 
politics, as was his father before him, 
and it is but justice to say that all 
parties in Jersey county have un- 
bounded confidence in his integrity. 
Tlie funds of the county could not be in 
safer hands. Mr. Shephard is quite 
public spirited, and has been for a num- 
ber of years the treasurer of the Jersey 
county fair, a truly prosperous organi- 
zation. He is present alderman of the 
fourtli ward, and has held that office a 
number of years. Jan. 16, 1878, he 
married Hattie Ely, daugliter of George 
I. Ely, of Jerseyville, and this union 
has been blessed with two children, both 
daughters. 

Henry A. Shephard, youngest son of 
William and Ann M. (Gross) Shephard, 
was born in Jerseyville, May 17, 1858. 
He was educated at Notre Dame, Ind., 
and the high school of Jerseyville, sub- 
sequently taking a commercial course at 
St. Louis. In 1881 he entered the em- 
ploy of Bowman & Ware, bankers, as 
clerk, serving them nine months. He 
then assisted his brother, John A. Shep- 
hard, in the office of county treasurer. In 
Nov., 1883, he engaged with his brother 
in banking, the firm being J. A. Shep- 
hard & Co., which he still continues. 



June 10, 1885, Mr. Sliephard was mar- 
ried to Tillie Rivier (Allen). He is a 
democrat politically, as was his father 
before him. His religious connection is 
with the Roman Catholic church. 

A. W. Cadman was the first photog- 
rapher in Jerseyville. He located here 
about the year 1855, and remained some 
two years. 

May & Wood came after Cadman. 
They remained in the photograph busi- 
ness here about two years. 

Since then, there have been, in this 
line, the following: James Halsted, 
Mrs. Rinaker, De Lee, who was the 
first to make card photos, J. C. Strong, 
and R. C. Gledhill. 

The only photograph gallery in tha 
city, is conducted by R. C. Gledhill. 
He established the business in 1866, 
and has continued it ever since. . His 
gallery is located over the store of Trepp 
& Schmieder. 

Robert C. Gledhill was born in the 
city of Philadelphia, April 1, 1839. At 
the age of four months, his parents, 
Joseph and Emeline (Christy) Gledhill, 
took up the march to the setting sun, 
and settled in Jacksonville, 111. His 
father here embarked in merchandising, 
but afterwards relinquished it for agri- 
culture. In 1849, Jos. Gledhill died, leav- 
ing seven children, of whom the subject 
of this sketch was the third. After re- 
ceiving as good an education as was 
obtainable in the common schools of 
those early daj's, he chose the profession 
of photography as his avocation in life. 
The first call for troops in 1861, by the 
lamented Lincoln, met with a ready 
response from him. and at the age of 21 
years, he enlisted in Co. A, 10th 111. 
Inf., under Col. Jas. D. Morgan, of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



513 



Quincy. He served three years and re- 
ceived merited promotions in the ser- 
vice. At the close of the war, he re- 
sumed his profession, removing to Jer- 
seyville, in 1866. He was married Feb. 
IS, 1S68, to Mrs. Cora Strong, nee 
Dutcher, who was the mother of one 
son — Charles H. Strong, who is now 20 
years of age, a graduate of the Jersey- 
ville High School, and the Jones' Com- 
mercial College, St. Louis. By their 
union there were two sons — Harry R. 
and Herbert, the former of whom is 
living, and who is 16 years of age. Her- 
bert died at the age of three and a half 
years. Mr. Gledhill has been eminently 
successful in his business aspirations, 
has ac<iuired the confidence of the com- 
munity, and is a prominent member of 
the republican party in his county. He 
is a member of the First Baptist church, 
at Jerseyvillc, and also a member of 
the I. O. O. F. 

HOTELS. 

Tlie huililing which yet retains the 
name of National Hotel, thougli it has 
ceased to be one except that rooms are 
let therein, is the oldest hotel building, 
now standing, in Jerseyvillc. Many 
hiippenings of interest in the early days 
of the city, had their scene within its 
walls, and more than one political 
measure had its origin in schemes con- 
cocted in its chambers. Leading politi- 
cians, lawyers, churchmen, and other 
notables, made this house their stopping 
place when business called them 
hither, for the National was known as 
one of the most pleasant of hostelries 
in the days agone. 

Before its erection, the need of ade- 
quate accommodations for the traveling 
p.ublic had long been felt. The matter 



was thoroughly discussed, and finally a 
stock company was organized with 
shares of $100 each, for the erection of 
a hotel building. E. M. Daley was the 
leader in the movement of forming the 
company. Work was comnieneed in 
the spring of 1838, and the building 
proceeded until the frame work was 
done, and the house enclosed. At tliis 
point there came a lull. Doubts had all 
along existed in the minds ofsomeof the 
investors as to the probability of the 
house becoming a paying institution 
when finished. AA'hen the construction 
of the edifice had reached the point 
mentioned, negotiations were had with 
-John Frost, which culminated in the 
purchase of the propert}', as it then 
stood, by that gentleman. He finished 
the building, furnished it throughout, 
and opened it to the public with some 
display. He presided over it in the ca- 
pacity of host until 1846, when he sold 
out. E. M. Daley, wlio then became 
jiroprietor, leased the house to a niMU 
named Blackburn, who was its landlord 
for about two years. C. B. Fisher was 
the next to preside over tlie destinies of 
the National. It is impossible to give 
the succession of landlords of this his- 
toric structure, and the time each had 
possession, as it has passed from the 
memory of the old settlers, but from 
inquiry it is learned that Wm. Hawley, 
John Goff and James M. Young were 
also keepers of the inn. At present the 
National is owned by Bowman and 
Chapman, and is leased by A. C. Peek- 
ham, Jr. 

The Jersey House was btiilt about 
1835, by Stephen Herron, a blarksniith. 
It was at that time much smaller, nnd 
was used as a private residence, although 






514 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



they kept some boarders. After a time 
lie opened it for the accomodation of 
the travelling public. After operating 
it for four .years, he gave it up, and it 
became the property of the owners of 
the town site, Lott & Diiley. Since 
that time it has been considerably en- 
larged, until now is a good sized house. 
Numerous have been the changes in the 
landlords who have presided over it, 
among whom were Harris Blanden, Dr. 

Dyke, Parker and Henry C. Massej^ 

the present owner. It has been used as 
a hotel or boarding house, until the 
summer of 1885, but is now used as a 
private residence. 

The Commercial Hotel was erected 
during the summer of 1874, by Wallace 
Leigh and Alfred Brinton, at a cost of 
$15,CX)0. The building is still owned by 
its original proprietors, but the hotel 
business is conducted by Wallace Leigh 
& Son. 

W. H. Powell, the present landlord 
of the Erie House, took charge of it on 
the 1st day of Sept., 1882. 

CARRIAGE FACTORY. 

The carriage factory of George Egel- 
hofi", was established by that gentleman 
in 1860, in a building one block south 
of its present location. At that time 
the building was a small frame 30x40 
feet in size, and is now used as a lum- 
ber ware room. Mr. Eglehoff carried 
on business here about eight years, 
when he purchased the present site of 
his manufactory, and erected the brick 
building on the corner, now used as 
office and store room. This structure is 
40x50 feet in size, two stories high. In 
1870, business had increased to such an 
extent that he was compelled to have 



more room, and an addition 40x75 feet 
in size was therefore built. In 1874, 
another addition 40x75 feet in dimen- 
sion was added. Both ot these were of 
brick, and two stories high. He also, 
the same year, bought additional prop- 
erty in the same block, and thereon 
erected frame sheds for coal, lumber, 
etc. He had, in 1868, erected the pres- 
ent frame warehouse 25x40 feet in size, 
and two stories high, immediately south 
of the present brick structure, and used 
it for the storage of agricultural imple- 
ments, the business of selling which he 
established at that time, and which is 
now operated by Egelhofl' Bros. In 
1881, a frame addition 25x75 feet in size, 
two stories high, with a sheet-iron roof, 
was erected, which is used for the stor- 
age of finished work. A 10-horse 
power engine furnishes the motive 
power for the machinery. Besides the 
buildings mentioned, there is a carriage 
repository across the street, which is 
40x85 feet in size, frame. The entire 
business calls into requisition a capital 
of $35,000. Buggies, carriages, spring 
and farm wagons are all manufactured. 
Oliver A. Tiff, general blacksmith, 
established business at his present stand 
on Main street, in Jerseyville, in 1856. 
He manufactures wagons, and does gen- 
eral repairing and horse-shoeing. Mr. 
Tiff was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., 
in 1832, and is a son of William and 
Anna (Gabrel) Tiff, both natives of 
New York. He spent his early life in 
his native state, where he learned his 
trade. In 1854 he came to Illinois, set- 
tling in Jersey county, which has since 
been his home. He was married in 
1856 to Ann S. Horten, a native of 
Greene county, and by this union has 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



515 



one child, Olive G., now the wife of 
John H. Richards, of Jerseyville. Mr. 
Tifl'is a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
a useful and much respected citizen. 

Peter Dolan, blacksmith, of Jersey- 
ville, is a son of Michael and Ann 
(McCormick) Dolan, natives of Ireland. 
Peter was born in New York City in 
1882. His father having died in that 
city, he, when quite young, returned 
with his mother and brother to Ireland, 
where he remained until 1851, when he 
came l)ack to the land of his birth, 
landing at New Orleans. Mr. Dolan 
was married in that city in 1855, to 
Maria Gorman, a native of Ireland, and 
came north in 1863, locating at Jersey- 
ville, Jersey eounty, 111., where he now 
resides. His family consists of three 
children — Kate, wife of Richard Kiely, 
of Jerseyville; James and Mary, living 
with their parents. Mr. Dolan owns a 
shop, a residence, and three lots in this 
city. He has served several times as a 
member of the town board, and is a 
respectable citizen. Both he and his 
wife are memliers of the Catholic 
church. His mother, Mrs. Ann Dolan, 
died in 1878. 

JKRSEVVII.LE AGKIcn.TUKAL WOHKS. 

The manufacture of agricultural im- 
plements was commenced in Jersey- 
ville in 1863, by Robert Newton and H. 
0. Goodrich, in partnership, under the 
firm title of Goodrich i*k' Xewton. They 
had in view the idea of supplying, with 
Jerseyville productions, the wants of a 
large scope of country surrounding the 
city, in the way of farming machinery. 
They purchased a frame building 24x36 
feet in ground area, and two stories in 
height, located on the north side of 



Prairie street, which they converted in- 
to a shop. In 1865 Mr. Newton became 
sole proj)rietor of the works, and on as- 
suming exclusive control, he erected, on 
the opposite side of the street, a three- 
story frame building, 40 feet wide by 60 
in depth. This edifice was used as a 
warehouse, paint shop, etc., and for the 
setting up of machinery. Another 
Iniilding, 36x40 feet, was put up, to be 
used for the display and sale of ma- 
chines. In 1866, by the advent of Levi 
D. Cory into the business, the firm be- 
came Newton & Cory. The trade in- 
creased, and soon 20 men were employed 
in the establishment. In 1869, Mr. 
Newton became sole proprietor, and so 
continued until Nov., 1882, at which 
time a stock company was organized and 
incorporated for the purpose of carrying 
on the business. This association took 
the name of the Jerseyville Manufactur- 
ing Co. and started with a capital stock 
of S50,000. There were 17 stock- 
holders, as follows: Robert Newton, 
H. C. Massey, Col. W. H. Fulkerson, 
Ormond Hamilton, Bowman & Ware, 
Morris R. Locke, Joseph M. Page, John 
A. Shcphard, Wallace Leigh, Levi D. 
Holliday, O. A. Snedeker, C. W. Enos, 
Elias Cockrell, A. K. Van Home, J. S. 
Daniels and F. S. Vandervort. Col. W. 
H. Fulkerson was chosen pres.; H. .C 
Massey, V. P.; J. M. Page, sec; 
Stephen H. Bowman, tres.; and Robert 
Newton, general manager. In April, 
1885, Mr. Newton leased tlie works 
from the company, and he is now 
carrying on the business. He manu- 
factures the Davenport " New Model " 
sulky plow, and deals, also, in 
all kinds of agricultural machinery. 
The plow mentioned, has no superior. 






516 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



and is the leading implement of the 
kind, manufactured by the J. I. Case 
works, at Racine, Wis. Mr. Davenport, 
the inventor, is a resident of Jersey- 
ville, and this fine machine is but one 
of his many valuable inventions. The 
business transacted by this institution 
ranges between $30,000 and $45,000 
annually. 

Robert Newton is a native of ^lan- 
chester, Eng., being born May 25, I806. 
In 1840 his parents, Thomas and Anna 
Newton, emigrated to the United States, 
and soon after their arrival, settled in 
New Hampshire. They afterward re- 
moved to Providence, R. I., where Rob- 
ert served an apprenticeship to learn 
the trade of machinist and engineer. 
He remained in Providence until 1857, 
then came west, and stopped first in St. 
Louis, but soon after came to Jersey- 
ville. Here he entered the employ of 
George Horton, who was engaged in the 
manufacture of farm machinery. Mr. 
Newton had charge of this business 
until 1863, at which time he, in partner- 
ship with H. 0. Goodrich, established 
his present business. He was married, 
in Dec, 1865, to Sarah Cory, daughter 
of Joel Cory. They are the parents of 
four children — Albert, Mamie, Florence 
and Cornelia. Mr. Newton takes an 
active interest in politics, casting his 
vote with the democratic party. He is 
a public spirited citizen, and has lent a 
helping hand to many enterprises, both 
public and private, for the benefit of the 
church, society and the publicgenerally. 
He is a member of the Baptist church, 
and a Royal Arch Mason. He was one 
of the original stockholders of the Jer- 
sey County Agricultural and Mechanical 
Association. Mr. Newton is a man gov- 



erned in all of his actions by a high 
moral principle, and always endeavors 
to do what he considers to be riglit under 
all circumstances, and as a citizen is 
much respected and esteemed. 

ELEV.VTORS. 

The Jerseyville Elevator Co. began 
business in Dec, 1876. It was regu- 
larly incorporated, with a capital stock 
of $25,000. Officers were elected for 
the first terra as follows: Hugh N. 
Cross, pres.; James A. Locke, vice-pres.; 
Walter E. Carlin, sec; A. W. Cross, 
treas.; L. P. Squier, supt. The main 
building of this elevator is 66 feet 
in height, and it has a ground area 
of 30x60 feet. It is equipped with 
31 bins, and has a storage capacity of 
40,000 bushels. The first year it did 
business, 200,000 bushels of grain were 
handled by this company. In 1878 W. 
E. Carlin purchased the interest of Mr. 
Locke, and the following year that of 
A. W. Cross, thus owning three-fourths 
of it. In the spring of 1881, they sold 
it to E. 0. Stannard, of St. Louis, who 
still operates it. 

The elevator now owned by Massey & 
Carlin, was built in 1865, by C. T. 
Edee, who ran it for some two or three 
years, when it was purchased by the 
present proprietors. It is 25x40 feet in 
ground area, and cost, when built, about 
$5,000. 

William H. Coulthard was born in 
Ohio, in 1842. He is a son of John and 
Susan (Hardesty) Coulthard. The lat- 
ter died while he was an infant, and his 
father subsequently re-married. When 
William was two years old he moved 
with his parents to Kentucky, and there 
lived till the close of the war, in 1865. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



510 



During the war he served 14 months in 
the 14th Ky. Cav., and was several 
times taken prisoner by guerrilla bands. 
In 1865 he returned to Ohio, where for 
four years he followed the occupation 
of farming. He then removed to Illi- 
nois, and located in Greene county, 
where he resided till 1874. At that date 
he came to Jersey ville and took charge 
of an elevator, in which he has since 
continued in this city, with the excep- 
tion of one year, during which he was 
in the same business in East St. Louis. 
He was married in 1864 to Elizabeth M. 
Terry, a native of Kentucky. They 
have three children, Ida L., Eva A. 
and Halun P. Mrs. Coulthard is a 
member of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Coulthard is a member of the G. A. R. 
His father, John Coulthard, died in 
1869. 

The elevator firm of E. 0. Stannard 
& Co., is composed of E. O. Stannard 
and E. P. Bronson, both residents of 
St. Louis. The elevator building is 
owned by Mr. Stannard, and he has the 
controlling interest in the business, Mr. 
Bronson having a one-fifth interest. 
J. H. Duffield has the management of 
their aft'airs here. 

What is known as the Cockrell eleva- 
tor is now owned by J. M. Valentine, of 
Rockbridge, Greene county, and was 
purchased by him in May, 18S4, of E. 
Cockrell, who had operated it since 
1871. The building was erected by Geo. 
C. Cockrell, in l!S67, at a cost of about 
$7,U00. It was originally 25.\40 feet on 
the ground, but an addition of the same 
size has since been added. (ieorge 
Cockrell ran it until 186!) alone, but in 
that year admitted E. Cockrell as part- 
ner, and they operated there until 1871, 



when George disposed of his interest to 
his partner. Previous to the erection 
of this building another elevator had 
been built in 1865, by George C. Cock- 
rell and Charles Stiner, but which was 
subsequently destroyed by fire. 

MI U.S. 

The first mill at .Jerseyville was a 
wind-mill, constructed below town, but 
now within the city limits. It was 
built by James Garesche, about the 
year 1839. It was operated mostly by 
Henry Schaft'. 

The old Dodson mill, which has lately 
ceased operations, was built about 1851, 
by a man named Young. The next 
proprietor was named Roberts. He was 
succeeded by Turner & Whiteneck. 
This firm continued for awhile, and 
then changed to Turner & Van Pelt. 
After their retirement from the busi- 
ness, they leased the property to Remer 
it Paris. They ran it until the owners 
sold to N. L. Adams. He operated the 
mill until 1873, when Theodore Dodson 
purchased it. W. D. Curtis was after- 
ward admitted to the firm, and still 
remains therein, in the new mill. The 
old building is 36x50 feet in dimensions, 
and two and one-half stories in height. 
When Dodson bought the property, he 
completely remodeled it. Its capacity 
was 125 barrels per day. 

The inauguration of a new manufac- 
turing enterprise in a city, or the im- 
provement of an old one, is always a 
matter of interest and source of pride to 
the enterprising citizen. And especially 
is this true where the projectors of such 
improvement have spared no pains or 
expense in making their works first-class 
in every particular. In 1873, the Dod- 



iJlJ 



620 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



son brothers, Theodore and Frank M., 
canie to Jerseyville to engage in the 
nulling business. Theodore then pur- 
chased the N. L. Adams mill, and with 
himself as general manager, and Frank 
M. in charge of the business depart- 
ment, tlie mill and its products soon 
obtained a wide celebrity for the 
excellence of the manufacturered 
product, and the uniform standard main- 
tained. But, although the mill was 
generally considered a good one, and 
had received extensive additions and 
alterations in its equipment, it became 
unsatisfactory to the management, who 
took under consideration the project of 
erecting a new one in its stead, which 
should be a model in every respect. In 
the meantime, Theodore Dodson had 
associated with him in the business, 
Mr. W. D. Curtis, a well-known citizen 
of Jersey county. The firm selected 
for their new mill a location near the 
junction of the Wabash and Chicago & 
Alton railroads, and in close proximity 
to four streets. Excavations were made, 
and the construction of the building 
was commenced, early in 1884. There 
is a 10-foot basement, solidly constructed 
of heavy masonry, 22 feet thick at the 
bottom, and beveling to 2 feet, 2 inches 
at the top. On the splendid foundation 
thus secured are constructed the heavy 
brick walls. The brick portion adds 
two stories to the height. On top of 
this is the third principal, or mansard 
story. Each story is tall and roomy, as 
is also the basement, making the struc- 
ture, substantially, four stories in 
height. The main portion is 36x50 feet 
in ground area, while the engine-room 
annex is 36x20 feet. This annex is now 
but one story in height, but the founda- 



tion is equally massive with that under 
the remainder of the building, so that it 
can, when desired, be carried up to the 
same height. Altogether, the building 
has a floor area of 7,920 feet. The 
supports for the interior of the build- 
ing are all laid on stone foundations. 
The main building of this fine mill 
has a slate roof on mansard story and 
top, while the engine-room has a metal 
roof. All in all, the edifice presents an 
exceedingly tasteful and handsome ap- 
pearance. All parts have had nearly a 
year to settle in, so that the machinery 
will set perfectly true. But the finish- 
ing of the mill, and its machinery 
equipment, are the leading features to 
the eye of the experienced miller. It 
is supplied, among the rest, with 12 sets 
of rolls, 17 bolting reels, four middlings 
purifiers, three dust collectors, one 
middlings detacher, one bran duster, 
three wheat cleaning machines, two 
Hour packers, three centrifugal ma- 
chines, six scalping machines, 22 stands 
of elevators running from top to bottom 
of mill, with all necessary machinery to 
operate. These are the leading features 
in the machinery of the plant, though 
the belting and other fixtures are all first- 
class. All the machinery used is of the 
latest improved pattern, made by the 
best mill furnishers. The woodwork is 
all done with the utmost care, not a nail 
being used in it in the entire outfit, but 
everything in the wooden furnishing is 
clamped together with screws. The 
corners are all smoothly rounded and 
finished, and, covered with a neai coat 
of varnish, the wood work presents an 
appearance befitting the handsome 
machinery. The engine-room is equip- 
ped with a superior 75-horse power 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



521 



engine, of St. Louis make. The engine 
took tlie first premium in its class at the 
great St. Louis fair. Steam is supplied 
from a five foot boiler, IG feet in length. 
Hugh Montgomery has charge of the 
engine-room. A boiler 20 feet long and 
40 inches in diameter, is used for 
a water-tank. Aliout this mill there 
is a place for everything, and every- 
thing is in its place, every piece of 
machinery being so arranged as 
to get from it the largest and greatest 
amount of work in the shortest space of 
time. Although the meciianical con- 
trivances are on such a complete scale, 
yet 15 men at least are required to fully 
operate this mill. Its capacity is 200 
barrels per day, but everything is so 
arranged that the output can be increased 
to 4(K) barrels of the finest flour per day. 
For putting the flour in barrels properly, 
there are two flour-packing machines, 
each having a capacity for packing 20 
barrels of flour per hour. The construc- 
tion and supply of the plant reflects 
the greatest credit on the Todds & Stan- 
ley Mill Furnishing Co., of St. Louis, 
who have taken especial pains with 
every department of this work. The 
total cost was not less than $8"), 000, on 
the plant alone. A side-track will be 
built, giving direct connection with the 
railroads near by. But a small propor- 
tion of the people of Jerseyville, even, 
have an adequate idea of the magnitude 
and importance of the Dodson mill. 

Theodore Dodson was born in Jersey 
county, July 6, 1847, being a son of 
Aanm and Margaret (Diggers) Dodson. 
He resided with his parents upon a farm 
until 1(1 years of age. In 18(54 he en- 
listed in Co. C, of the (ilst 111. Inf., and 
served till the end of the war. After 



the war he worked at milling for Henry 
E. Dougherty, of Otterville, by whom 
he was employed about seven years. 
In 1873 he came to Jerseyville and pur- 
chased his present business. In 1884 
he, in partnership with Mr. Curtis, 
erected the largest and best mill in 
Jersey county, mention of which is 
made elsewhere in this work. Mr. 
Dodson was married on the 7th of June, 
1871, to Emma M. Noble, daughter of 
William and Thirza Noble. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dodson are the parents of four 
children, two of whom are living — 
Clarence and Theo. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dodson are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church. He is an ex- 
perienced miller, having been in the 
business for 19 years. He is the gen- 
eral manager of the firm, and as a busi- 
ness man is shrewd, energetic and 
enterprising. 

Francis M. Dodson is a son of Aaron 
and Margaret (Biggers) Dodson, who 
came to Jersey county at an early date 
and settled in English township. Aaron 
Dodson is a native of Missouri, and, by 
profession, a minister of the gospel. He 
is now located at Otterville, in this 
county. His wife was born in Kentucky. 
The subject of this sketch was born 
in Jersey county, Nov. 14. 1842, and 
here reared upon a farm, remaining 
with his parents until he was 18 years 
old. In November, 1861, he enlisted in 
Co. C, of the 6l8t 111. Inf., and served 
till the close of the war, i)articipating 
in the battle of Shiloh, Murfrcesljoro, 
and other engagements. At the close 
of the war he returned to tliis county 
and located at Otterville, where he 
worked on a farm about two years. In 
1869 he began learning the mason's 



522 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



trade, and followed the same a few 
years. He came to Jerseyville in 1873, 
and was employed by his brother, 
Theodore Dodson, who purchased the 
flouring mill of N. L. Adams, and has 
since that date been engaged in the 
milling business. Mr. Dodson was 
married Nov. 30, 1873, to Hattie 
Huglies, daughter of Ephraim and 
Lucinda Hughes. They have two 
children — Nettie and Nellie (twins). 
Mr. and IMrs. Dodson are members of 
the Baptist church. 

The grist mill south of the C. & A. 
R. R. depot, was built in 1866, by David 
R. Ross, at a cost of about $16,000. He 
operated it for about a year, when he 
sold it to L. D. Cory, who with various 
partners carried on the business until 
1878, when the present proprietor, 
Charles Jacobs, purchased it. 

BRICK Y.4RD. 

The brick yard east of the fairgrounds 
was established, and commenced oper- 
ations in 1881. The business was com- 
menced by Henry Bayer, Charles Rutter 
and William Gambel. The establish- 
ment gives employment to about eight 
workmen, the brick being all hand- 
pressed. 

NURSERIES. 

The Vandenburg nursery is located in 
the northwestern part of Jerseyville, on 
the Fieldon road. The business was 
established in 1881, by Peter E. Vanden- 
burg, the present proprietor. His es- 
tablishment comprises 40 acres of land, 
and within its borders may be found 
every variety of fruit, shade or orna- 
mental tree, of use in this latitude, as 
well as all varieties of shrubs, flowers 
and all plants of all descriptions, usually 



found in an establishment of this kind. 
He puts out each year about 5,000 trees, 
and finds profitable employment for 
four traveling salesmen, who represent 
the nursery in Jersey, Greene, Macou- 
pin, Madison and other counties. Mr. 
Vandenburg makes a specialty of small 
fruits, and his business in this line is 
represented by good figures. 

Peter E. Vandenburg, the nursery 
man, was born in Green county, N. Y., 
in 1843. He is a son of Henry L. and 
Helen A. (Van Schaack) Vanderburg, 
both natives of the state of New York. 
Henry L. Vandenburg now lives in Jer- 
seyville, but his wife died in 1873. Peter, 
during the war, enlisted in the ISUth 
N. Y. Inf., and served nine months as 
a member of Co. F. He participated in 
the Petersburg campaign, and was in 14 
battles and skirmishes. March 17, 1868, 
he was married to Josephine Lyon, a 
native of New Y(jrk, who died in 1873, 
leaving three children — Ralph L. and 
Grace J. living at home, and Miimie C, 
in New York. Mr. Vandenburg was 
again married Feb, 17, 1876, to Ella J. 
AA'illiams, a native of Connecticut. They 
have one child — AnnaW. Mr. and Mrs. 
Vandenburg are members of the Presby- 
terian church. He belongs to the 
Knights of Honor. 

The nursery business of Fenity & 
Merida was established in 1878, by F. 
C. Fenity. • No change has occurred in 
the proprietorship since then, save the 
addition of S.J. Merida to the firm. Mr. 
Fenity manages the Jerseyville busi- 
ness. 

YOUNG ladies' SEMINARY. 

We are indebted to L. M. Cutting for 
the following authentic and reliable ac- 
count of the institution: 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



523 



In Jcrseyville, the Young Ladies' 
Seminary occupied an important place 
in the educational history of the county 
for over half a decade. As early as 
1849, Miss Mary Farley, sister of Dr. 
R. D. Farley, erected a large frame 
building on the northwest corner of 
Pleasant and Exchange streets, with the 
benevolent design of furnishing a con- 
venient suite of rooms for the higher 
education of girls. Miss Farley, once a 
pupil of Mary Lyons, founder of Mt.- 
Holyoke Seminary, and imbibing some- 
thing of the spirit of her late instructor, 
did what she could to encourage a j)ri- 
vate school for young ladies in the new 
building. She finally induced Miss Vir- 
ginia A. Corbett to undertake a select 
school, which was well sustained for 
about six years. Miss Corbett soon after 
married Isaac Harbett, and now resides 
in Chesterfield, 111. She was succeeded 
in the school by two young ladies — Miss 
Seraph A. Hall and Miss Ruth Hoppin, 
both graduates of Mt. Holyoke Semi- 
nary, Massachusetts. They were excel- 
lent teachers, and did much good work 
in their school, which closed in 1858. 
Miss Hall married a Mr. Atkinson, and 
resides in Florida; Miss Hoppin is still 
teaching in the east. 

In the autumn of 1856, Mrs. L. M. 
Cutting accompanied her husband from 
their New England home to Jersey ville, 
for the benefit of his health. Before 
their marriage, Mrs. Cutting had been a 
successful teacher in New England and 
New York for several years, and seemed 
to have a remarkable control over the 
mind and will of the young, which gave 
her success in large schools, wlieremale 
teachers had repeatedly failed. At the 
early age of 13, she secured a certificate 



of high grade for teaching, from the 
school authorities in New York, after a 
rigid examination. Soon after her 
arrival in Jerseyville, a few influential 
friends who knew her history, directed 
Mrs. Cutting's attention to the school 
above mentioned, and persuaded her to 
utilize it as the nucleus of a young 
ladies' seminary, where, under her 
management, girls might obtain more 
advanced and thorough education in 
the higher English, French and Latin 
languages, vocal and instrumental mu- 
sic, painting and drawing. Mrs. Cut- 
ting readily undertook the task, and 
established the school, so widely known 
as the Jerseyville Young Ladies' Sem- 
inary, a purely private enterprise, and 
conducted it with such energy and perse- 
verence as was necessary to make it a 
success. It is not too much to say, 
that, hundreds of ladies — wives and 
mothers, in Jersey county and other 
places — received culture in this school, 
which contributed, in a large degree, to 
make their homes refined and happy. 
The success of the school was due, not 
only to the abilities of Mrs. Cutting, 
but to her skill in selecting a corps of 
assistants, who did not disappoint the 
high expectations of the public. A 
brief reference to such, and what has 
become of them, will be of interest to 
very many of the readers of this his- 
tory. In the autumn of 1857, she started 
a primary department, teaching, licr- 
self, in the lower rooms of the seminary 
building. In the autumn of 18.58, Kate 
Foote, a sister of Rev. Dr. C. H. Foote, 
and graduate of the Allen Seminary, 
Rochester, N. Y., assisted her in the 
advance department, remaining two 
years; she afterward tauglit at Bath, on 



I 



524 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



the Hudson, and now resides in Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y. 

In tlie fall of 1860, Miss Hannah M. 
Henderson, a successful teacher in 
Massachusetts, a sister of Mrs. Cutting, 
came to Jerseyville, and took charge of 
the primary department of this semin- 
ary, and remained in this connection 
until 1870, when she married Hon. 
David E. Beaty, of this county, and 
now resides on a farm near Jerseyville. 

In 1860, Mrs. Cutting secured, also, 
tlie services of Miss Jennie V. A. Vos- 
burgh, of Hudson, N. Y., a graduate of 
Peaks' Seminary, in that city. Miss 
Vosburgh taught the French and Latin 
classes and assisted in the English 
studies. She retired after the second 
year; taught afterwards in New York, 
and died of consumption, Feb. 6, 1877. 

From 1860 to 1862, Miss Ella V. Mc- 
(lannon taught vocal and instrumental 
music. She afterwards married Will 
H. Callender, and now resides in St. 
Louis, where she holds a high rank as 
soprano singer in church choirs. 

In 1861 and 1862, Miss Maria Black- 
Inirn, daughter of the late A. M. Black- 
l)urn, and grand-daughter of Rev. Dr. 
Gideon Blackburn, founder of Blackburn 
University, taught instrumental music 
in the school. She afterwards taught 
music in the Monticello Seminary. In 
1868, she married M. G. Noyes, and 
died in Carlinville, in 1872. 

In the fall of 1862, Miss Mary E. Ely, 
an accomplished and successful teacher, 
from Pittsfield, Mass., joined Mrs. 
Cuttings' corps of teachers, and held the 
position of instructor of languages and 
higher English branches, until the 
summer of 1864. She afterwards married 
Charles Rollins, a lawyer of Tipton, la., 



where she taught several years. She 
died in 1879, leaving two sons. 

Miss Hattie Gunnison, of Rochester, 
N. Y., gave instruction in the seminary 
from 1863 to 1867, upon the piano. She 
now resides in Cleveland, O 

For two years, commencing in the 
fall of 1864, Selina Pierce, of Marietta, 
0., assisted in the advanced department 
of the seminary, and after a vacation of 
two years, returned and taught one 
year in the primary department, after 
which she held the posititm of lady 
principal of Almira College, at Green- 
ville, 111., for seven years. She is now 
principal of high school at Marietta, 0. 

Ada C. Joy, a graduate of the Young 
Ladies' Seminary, at Granville, 0., 
took charge of the advanced department 
in the fall of 1866, remaining one year, 
and after a vacation of one year, re- 
turned and continued her connection 
with the seminary until the summer of 
1871. Miss Joy now holds the respon- 
sible position of associate principal of 
the Mount Carroll Seminary, this state, 
which she has held for over 12 years. 

Miss A. Brumbach was associated 
with Mrs. Cutting's corps of teachers 
from the fall of 1866, until the summer 
of 1868, giving instruction in painting, 
drawing and languages. She was, after- 
ward, connected with this course of in- 
struction at Almira College, Greenville, 
111. She married a Mr. Winter, on the 
day the class of '79 graduated, and has 
since studied medicine with her hus- 
band, both of whom are now practicing 
their profession in Cincinnati, 0. 

In the autunm of 1867, Mrs. Cutting 
secured the assistance of Miss Julia T. 
McKnight, in the musical department. 
The benefit of her instruction as a 



HISTORY OP JERSEY COUNTY. 



525 



pianist and cultured vocalist was en- 
joyed but one year, when she was mar- 
ried to Rev. Norman Fox, of St. Louis. 
She died in that city, Oct. 8, 18G9, leav- 
ing one child. 

Mis.s C. Belle Tuthill, a graduate of 
Mr.^. Wil lard's school, Troy, N. Y., 
taught in the advanced department 
during the scliool year of 1868-1869. 
She has since married H. Barr, and 
they now reside on a farm near Quincy, 
111." 

It would occupy too much space, 
therefore no reference has been made to 
the individual merits of the somewhat 
remarkable corps of teachers selected 
by Mrs. Cutting, as her assistants. 
No teacher was accepted as an experi- 
ment, each assistant being selected on 
the merit of high attainments and an 
established record of success. In 1871 
the enterprise was abandoned, while 
yet it enjoyed the full measure of popu- 
lar favor, for two causes — first, the pub- 
lic mind had ripened in regard to its 
duty to itself, and a scheme had ma- 
tured to erect a large public school 
building, with a high school, where 
young men could obtain an advanced 
education as well as young ladies; sec- 
ondly, Mrs. Cutting's health began to 
fail under the great stress put upon it, 
compelling her to give up all charge of 
the seminary. For 12 years the enter- 
prise had taxed her vitality, and 
mental and physical endurance to 
the utmost limit, and it is a subject 
of universal regret that her reward is a 
wrecked constitution. Gradually she 
became helpless from rheumatic gout, 
complete loss of nerve force, and for 12 
years has been perfectly helpless, the 
care of loving friends. But she is com- 



forted in her affliction, in the strength 
of an unsevered tie of affection, akin to 
that of a mother's, that still binds her 
to hundreds of pupils who have been 
under her charge, some now blooming 
matrons, some still in the hcydey of 
youth and beauty. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Jerseyville has some nine religious 
organizations, nearly all of which are in 
a most excellent condition. Some of 
the church edifices are remarkably fine, 
botli in architecture and internal fit- 
tings. For a full history of these re- 
ligious societies, the reader is referred 
to the chapter on Ecclesiastical history, 
in the first part of this volume. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoflSce of Jerseyville was es- 
tablished about the year 1834, with Ed- 
ward M. Daley as first postmaster. He 
was succeeded in 1840 by David T. 
Bunnell, who held the position until 
1844, when he gave way to Perley Sillo- 
way. Charles H. Roberts was the next 
incumbent, and was followed by Alex. 
B. Morean. In 185;-! Charles H. Jack- 
son was appointed and served until 
1858, when he was succeeded by Jacob E. 
Whiteneck. The latter gentleman held 
the oflfice until the appointment of 
Thomas L. McGill, in 18B1. Mr. Mc- 
Gill held the office but a short time, 
when his death occurred, and his wife 
succeeded him. Jolm I. White was the 
next to occupy the position, but soon 
afterward resigned in favor of William 
Pitt, ' who held the oftice about two 
years. He was followed by Joseph H. 
Buttington, who held it two or three 
years. George H. Jackson then acted 






526 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



as special agent for a while, and was 
afterward appointed, serving until 1869, 
when Jacob E. Whiteneck was again 
appointed. He continued in office until 
1<S77, when he was succeeded by J. L. 
C. Richards, who held the office until 
Feb., 1882, since which time the office 
has been conducted by the present in- 
cumbent, William H. Edgar. 

Col. W. H. Edgar, one of the leading 
representatives of that well known 
family, was born on the 10th of Sept., 
1840. He followed the fortunes of the 
family, as hereafter told, in his earlier 
years, and received excellent educational 
advantages. In his 21st year, he grad- 
uated from that well known institution 
of learning, the Illinois College, at 
Jacksonville, III., in June, 1861. During 
the latter part of his school years, the 
embers of discord, which had so long 
been glowing in the south, broke forth 
in the flame of civil war. Then came 
the trial of patriotism. Our subject, 
though just out of school, was soon in the 
ranks, as a private soldier in the 33d 
111. Inf. Later on, we find him a second 
lieutenant in the 32d 111. Inf. Both as 
private and officer, he did his duty as a 
soldier. After leaving the service, he 
read law in Judge Park's office, at 
Aurora, 111., and was admitted to the 
bar in 1863. He became connected with 
the Jerseyville Republican in 1869, His 
connection with this paper, and later, 
with the Republican- Examiner, is noted 
in connection with their history, in the 
Press cliapter. In 1876 he was commis- 
sioned as colonel and aid-de-camp to 
Gov. CuUom. He has been for a num- 
ber of years prominent in political mat- 
ters, occupying a leading place in the 
councils of the republican party. In 



1880 he contested the seat in congress 
from the 11th 111. district, with Gen. 
Singleton, and although opposed by 
such a popular man, he not only received 
the entire support of his party, but 
made large gains in the city of Quincy, 
the home of his opponent. He has been 
a member of the republican central com- 
mittee, of Jersey county, since coming 
to reside here, and has been its chair- 
man for the past four years. He has 
also been connected with the schools of 
the city as a member of the board of 
education. Col. Edgar received his ap- 
pointment as postmaster of Jerseyville 
from President Arthur, in 1882, and con- 
tinued to hold that position, in a satis- 
factory manner, to the end of his term. 
Jacob E. Whiteneck was born in New 
Jersey, Feb. 12, 1826. He was reared 
and educated in his native state, there 
learning the tailor's trade. He 
was married in New Jersey, 1849, to 
Lindamiry C. Tharp, also a native of 
that state. In 1852 he came to Illinois 
and settled at Jerseyville. Here he at 
first engaged in the manufacture of 
buckskin gloves. Two years later he 
was elected constable, and served a 
number of years. In 1856, he was ap- 
pointed postmaster, which office he 
held during Buchanan's administration. 
He subsequently clerked in a s'tore, 
and waii. engaged for a time in the grain 
business, as clerk. In May, 1869, he 
was again appointed postmaster, and 
served till 1877, when he again engaged 
in clerking. When W. H. Edgar be- 
came postmaster, Mr. Wliiteneck en- 
tered his employ as postoffice clerk, 
in which capacity he is at present serv- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteneck have 
had 11 children, eight of whom are now 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



527 



living — Maggie, now Mrs. Clarkson; 
Adaline, Hattie and Helen, (twins,) 
Mollie, Anna, Mathias and Henry. 
Two children died in infanc}', and one 
at the age of 16. Mr. Whiteneck was 
formerly a democrat, in politics, but 
during the late war joined the repub- 
lican party, of which he has since been 
a supporter. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 

SOCIETIES. 

At a meeting at the office of Dr. J. L. 
White, Sept. 19, 1863, D'Arcy lodge, 
U. D., A. F. & A. M., was organized 
Avith the following officers: J. L. 
White, W. M.; John N. Squier, S. W.; 
William B. Nevius, J. W. Others pres- 
ent at this meeting were: Milton Park, 
John E. Van Pelt, N. Smith, A. Cal- 
houn, B. F. Calhoun, J. B. Schroeder, 
Andrew Jackson. Sept. 12, 1864, the 
name of the lodge was clianged to Jer- 
seyville lodge, and an application made 
for a charter, which was granted on Oct. 
6, following. The petitioners of the 
charter were: N. L. Adams, Charles 
N. Adams, W. W. Bailey, Charles H. 
Bowman, James Bringluirst, Ed. Bo- 
hannan, A. Calhoun, B. F. Calhoun, 
C. C. Cummings, P. D. Cheney, M. V. 
Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, John L. 
Lofton, Thomas Marshal, W. B. Nevius, 
John H.Onetto, M. Park, N. L.Smith, 
J. N. Squier, J. B. Schneider, AV. H. 
Schroeder, J. E. Van Pelt, John L. 
White, and several others residing at 
or near Jerseyville. The lodge was 
chartered as Jerseyville lodge No. 3'.)4, 
with J. L. White, W. M.; John N. 
Squier, S. W.; William B. Nevius, J. 
W. On the Pith of Dec, 1864, 
officers were elected as follows: John L. 



White, W. M.; John N. Squier, S. W.; 
J. B. Schrceder, J. W.; W. W. Bailey, 
treas.; Andrew Jackson, sec; Edward 
Bohannan, S. D.; B. F. Calhoun, J. D. 
Officers elected in 1865 — J. B. Schrwder, 
W. M.; John W. Vinson, S. W.; A. Cal- 
houn, J. W.; \V. W. Baile}', treas.; An- 
drew Jackson, sec. Officers elected in 
1866— John L. White, W. M.; S. M. 
Titus, S. W.; George White, J. W.; 
Charles Miner, sec; John M. Squier, 
treas. 1867— J. L. White, W. M.; J. 
M. Wadding, S. W.; R. M. Knapp, J. 
W.; S. M. Titus, treas.; Morris R. Locke, 
sec. 1868— J. L. White, W. M.; Charles 
Miner, S. W.; J. D. Russell, J. W.; M. 

D. Robbins, treas.; Morris R. Locke, 
sec. 1870— Charles E. Miner, W. M.; 
James E. Daniels, S. W.; J. G. Marston, 
J. W.; M. D. Robbins, treas.; Morris R. 
Locke, sec. 1871 — Charles E. Miner, 
W. M.; J. S. Daniels, S. W.; Joseph G. 
Marston, J. W.; M. D. Robbins, treas.; 
Morris R. Locke, sec 1872 — Charles 

E. Miner, W. M.; J. G. Marston, S. W.; 
N. F. Smith, J. W.; M. D. Robbins, 
treas.; Morris R. Locke, sec. 1873 — 
Charles E. Miner, W. M.; David M. 
Haughtlin, S. W.; A. A. Goodrich, J. 
W.; J. G. Marston, treas.; Henry Ne- 
vius, sec 1874 — J. G. Marston, W. 
M.; A. A. Goodrich, S. W.; T. S. 
Chapman, J. W.; J. S. Daniels, treas.; 
Henry Nevius, sec. 1875 — J. G. Mars- 
ton, W. M. ; Charles E. Miner, S. W. ; 
David M. Haughtlin, J. W. ; J. S. Dan- 
iels, treas. ; Henry Nevius, sec 1876 
—Charles E. Miner, W. M. ; D. M. 
Haughtlin, S. W. ; J. B. Rowray, J. 
W. ; J. S. Daniels, treas. ; F. M. Dod- 
son, sec. 1877 — Charles E. Miner, \V. 
M.; D. M. Haughtlin, S. W. ; J. (i. 
Marston, J. W. ; J. S. Daniels, treas. ; 



628 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



0. B. Hamilton, sec. 1878 — Morris R. 
Locke, W. M. ; B. M. Krumpanitzky, S. 
W.; J. K. Smith, J. W. ; J. S. Dan- 
iels, treas. ; J. S. Holmes, sec. 1879 — 
0. B. Hamilton, W. M. ; .J. K. Smith, 
S. W.; J. S. Daniels, treas. ; L. P. 
Squier, J. W. ; W. H. Callender, see. 
1880— J. S. Daniels, W. M. ; J. G- 
Marston, S. W. ; Andrew Cope, J. W. ; 
J. S. Holmes, sec. ; T. S. Chapman, 
treas. 1881— J. G. Marston, W. M. ; 
Andrew Cope, S. W. , T. S. Chapman, 
J. W. ; J. S. Daniels, treas. ; George S. 
Miles, sec. 1882— .J. G. Marston, W. 
M. ; Charles E. Miner, S. W. ; George 
Sumrall, S. W. ; T.S. Chapman, J. W.; 
.J. S. Daniels, treas. ; J. S. Holmes, sec. 
1883— J. G. Marston, W. M. ; George 
Sumrall, S. W. ; T.S. Chapman, J. W.; 
J. S. Daniels, treas. ; J. S. Holmes, 
sec. 1884— J. S. Daniels, W. M. ; A. 
K. Van Home, S. W. ; R. S. Beatty, J. 
W. ; J. S. Holmes, sec. ; S. H. Bow- 
man, treas. In 1882 the lodge pur- 
chased the third story of the store build- 
ing then owned by J. C. Barrand A. W. 
Cross, at a consideration of $1,500. 
They then raised the roof and remod- 
dled the same at an additional expense 
of about $1,800, so that they now have 
elegant apartments 24x110 feet in size; 
the main lodge room being 24x60 feet in 
dimensions. The chapter rents the use 
of the apartments of the Blue lodge. 
The lodge has a membership at present 
of about 75, and is in a very flourishing 
condition. The regular communica- 
tions are on Monday evenings on or be- 
fore the full moon in each month. 

Jerseyville chapter No. 140, Royal 
Arch Masons, was organized, under dis- 
pensation, Feb. 4, 1870, by John M. 
Pierson, G. H. P. The charter was 



granted to the organization, Oct. 7, 1870, 
the charter members being, George L. 
Hassett, Robert M. Knapp, Andrew 
Jackson, Smith M.Titus, J.B.Schrceder, 
John N. Squier, Morris R. Locke, L. P. 
Squier, W. H. Hassett, M. D. Robbins, 
James S. Daniels, N. F. Smith, J. H. 
Belt, Charles E.Miner, James A.Locke, 
Stephen H. Bowman, Robert Newton 
and Hiram McClusky. The first 
officers were. George L. Hassett, M. E. 
H. P.; Robert M. Knapp, E. K., Morris 
R. Locke, E. S. At the election held 
Dec. 12, 1870, the following officers were 
elected: Geo. L. Hassett, E. H. P.; M. 

D. Robbins, E.K.; J.B. Schrader, E.S.; 
James Daniels, C. of H.; C. E. Miner, 
P. S.; Morris R. Locke, R. A. C; J. G. 
Marston, G. M. 3d V.; N. F. Smith, 
G. M. 2d v.; J. K. Cadwallader, G. M. 
1st v.; J. A. Locke, treas.; S. H. Bow- 
man, sec; L. P. Squier, sent. 1871 — 
Morris R. Locke, M. E. H. P.; George 
L. Hassett, E. K.; S.H.Bowman, E. S.; 
M. D. Robbins, sec; Jas. A. Locke, 
treas.; J. S. Daniels, C. of H.; C. E. 
Miner, P. S.; J. G. Marston, R. A. C; 
Al.Brinton, G.M. of 3d V.; N.T. Smith, 
G. M. of 2d v.; D. M. Houghtlin, G. M. 
of 1st v.; L.C.Irvin, sent. 1872— Chas. 

E. Miner, M. E. H. P.; Morris R. Locke, 
E. K.; J.W. Phillips, E. S.. J. S. Dan- 
iels, C. of H.; J. G. Marston, P.S.; D.M. 
Houghtlin, R. A. C; B. F. Calhoun, 
G. M. of 3d v.; L. Y. McAdams, 
G.M of 2d v.; S. B. Clapp, G. M. of 
1st v.; S. H. Bowman, sec; J. A. 
Locke, treas.; L. H. Halliday, sent. 
1873— Morris R. Locke, M. E. H. P.; 
Robert Newton, E. K.; Jarrett Grimes, 
E. S.; J. S. Daniels, C. of H.; D. M. 
Houghtlin, P. S.; J. G. Marston, R. A. 
C; A. Brinton, G. M. of 3d Y.; B. F. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



529 



Calhoun, G. M. of 2d V.; C. E. Miner, 
G. M. of 1st v.; J. A. Locke, treas.; L. 
P. Squier, sec; R. M. Knapp, sent. 
1874— Morris R. Locke, M. E. H. P.; 
Edward Colean, E. K.; Robert Newton, 
E. S.; J. S. Daniels, C. of H.; C. E. 
Miner, P. S.; J. G. Marston, R. A. C; 
J. G. Irwin, G. M. of 3d V.; D. M. 
Hoiightlin, G. M. of 2d V.; B. F. Cal- 
houn, G. M. of 1st v.; Theodore H. 
Chapman, sec; S. H. Bowman, treas. 
J. A. Locke, sent. 1875 — Morris R 
Locke, M. E. H. P.; L. P. Squier, E. K. 
H. N. Belt, E. S.; J. S. Daniels. C. of H. 

C. E. Miner, P. S.; J. G. Marston, R 

A. C; D. M. Houghtlin, G. M. of ad V. 

B. F. Calhoun, G. M. of 2d V.; L. Y 
McAdams, G. M. of 1st V.; J. A. Locke 
sec; S. H. Bowman, treas.; James Eads 
sent. 187G — Morris R. Locke, M. E 
H. P.; L. P. Squier, E. K.; H. N. Belt 
E. S.; J. S. Daniels, C. of H.; C. E 
Miner, P. S.; J. G. Marston, R. A. C. 
D.M. Houghtlin, G. M. 3d V.; O. B 
Hamilton, G. M. 2d V.; S. Bothwell 
G. M. 1st v.; J. A. Locke, sec; S. H 
Bowman, treas.; N. F. Smith, sent 
1877— Morris R. Locke, M. E. H. P. 
L. P. Squier, E. K.; A. K. Van Home, 
E. S.; J. A. Locke, sic; S. H. Bow- 
man, treas.; J. S. Daniels, C. of H.; C 
E. Miner, P. S.; 0. B. Hamilton, R. A 
C; J. G. Marston, Ci. M. 3d V. 

D. M. Haughtlin, G. M. 2d V.; J. \V 
Clark, G. M. l.st V.; B. F. Calhoun 
sent. 1878— C. E. Miner, M. E. H. P. 
L. P. Squier, E. K.; R. Newton, E. S. 
J. G. Marston, C. of H.; J. S. Daniels 
P. S.; 0. B. Hamilton, R. A. C; A. K 
Van Home, G. M. 3d V.; M. R. Locke 
G. M. 2d v.; B. F. Calhoun, G. M. l.st 
v.; J. A. Locke, sec; S. H. Bowman, 
treas.; Horace M. Lobli, sent. 1871) — 



C. E. Miner, M. E. H. P.; L. P. Squier, 
E. K.; J. T. Grimes, E. S.; J. G. 
Marston, C. of H.; J. S. Daniels, P. S.; 
O. B. Hamilton, R. A. C; A. K. Van 
Home, G. M. 8d V.; Morris R. Locke, 
G. M. 2d v.; T. S. Chapman, G. M. 1st 
v.; J. A. Locke, sec; S. H. Bowman, 
treas.; Robert Newton, sent. For 1880 
there was no election, and the old offi- 
cers held over for the next year. 1881 
— C. E. Miner, M. E. H. P.; A. M. 
Slaten, E. K.; J. K. Cadwallader, E. 
S.; J. G. Marston, C. of II.; J. S. Dan- 
iels, P. S.; D. M. Houghtlin, R. A. C; 
L. Y. McAdams, G. M. 3d V.; A. K. 
VanHorne, G. M. 2d V.; H. C. Terry, 
G. M. 1st v.; Edward Colean, treas.; 
Morris R. Locke, sec; Erasmus Fries, 
sent. 1882— C. E. Miner, M. E. H. P.; 
George Sumrall, E, K.; L. P. Squier, 
E. S.; J. G. Marston, C. of H.; J. S. 
Daniels, P. S.; D. M. Houghtlin, R. A. 
C; S. H. Bowman, treas.; Morris R. 
Locke, sec; A. K. VanHorne, G. M. 
3d v.; E. Fries, G. M. 2d V.; T. S. 
Chapman, G. M. 1st V.; L. Y. Mc- 
Adams, sent. 1883 — T. S. Chapman, 
M. E. H. P.; George Sumrall, E. K.; 
J. Pike, E. S.; J. G. Marston, C. of H.; 
A. K. VanHorne, P. S.; J. K. Cadwal- 
lader, R. A. C; W. Eads, G. M. 3d V.; 
Amos Stroud, G. M. 2d V.; George C. 
Cockrell, G. M. 1st V.; Morris R. 
Locke, sec; J. S. Daniels, treas.; James 
Eads, sent. 1884 — J. G. Marston, M. 
E. H. P.; Edward Colean, E. K.; E. 
Fries, E. S.; C. E. Miner, C. of H.; A. 
K. VanHorne, P. S.; D. Houghtlin, H. 
A. C; T. S. Chapman, G. M. 3d V.; A. 
P. Stroud, G. M. 2d V.; George Sum- 
rall, G. M. 1st v.; J. S. Daniels, treas.; 
Morris R. Locke, sec; A\'illiam Eads, 
sent. The finance committee for 1885 



530 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



is composed of J. G. Marston, Edward 
Colean and Erasmus Fries. Regular 
convocatitms are held on the first Mon- 
day after the full moon of each month. 
Lowe Post, No. 295, G. A. R., held 
its first charter meeting July 6, 1883, 
and the following charter members were 
mustered in by Commander John G. 
Mack, of Springfield- H. C. Bull, J. H. 
Duffield, A. J. Osborn, John Powell, 
W. H. Coulthard, C. F. Cruser, S. P. 
Clendennen, G. H. Sturtevant, John E. 
Boynton, Charles Doerge, William La 
Rue, John H. Price, G. C. Cockrell, J. 
S. Malotte, E. L. H. Barry, Stephen 
Catt, John Eraser and William F. Gam- 
bel. Officers were elected at the first 
meeting, as follows: J. H. Duffield, P. 
C; A. J. Osborn, S. V. C; Chas. 
Doerge, J. V. C; J. S. Malotte, Adjt.; 
W. H. Coulthard, Q. M.; E. L. H. 
Barry, surgeon; Rev. Stephen Catt, 
chaplain ; John Powell, 0. D.; H. C. 
Bull, 0. G.; N. C. Beaty, S. M.; G. H. 
Sturtevant. Q. S. At the election held 
in Jan., 1884, the following officers were 
chosen: J. M. Page, P. C; A. J. 0.s- 
born, S. V. C; Chas. Doerge, J. V. C; 
J. S. Malotte, Adjt.; A. J. Everts, Chap.; 
W. H. Coulthard, Q. M.; E. L. H. 
Barry, Surg.; G. H. Sturtevant, Q. S.; 
S. P. Clendennen, 0. G.; J. H. Duffield, 
0. D. For 1885, the officers are as fol- 
lows: A. J. Osborn, P. C; Chas. 
Doerge, S. V. C; J. H. Sturtevant. J. 
V. C; J. S. Malotte. Adjt.; Wm. La 
Rue, Q. M.; J. M. Page, 0. D.; Ed- 
ward Slatetrly, 0. G.; E. L. H. Barry, 
Surg.; D. C. Witze, Chap.; Henry 
Doenges, Q. M.; Wm. Coulthard, S. M. 
The post is in good condition, and has 
a membership of about 55 on its rolls. 
Meetings are held on the evenings of 



the second and fourth Tuesday in each 
month, in Sons of Temperance hall. 

Jerseyville lodge No. 53, I. O. 0. F., 
was instituted May 3, 1849, at the court 
house in Jerseyville by District Deputy 
Grand Master Raynor, of CoUinsville, 
assisted by T. P. Ash, N. G., and six 
other officers and members of Alton 
lodge No. 2. The five charter members 
were: Peyton C. Walker, A. C. Hutch- 
ison, Dr. James Bringhurst, deceased, 
and Samuel Cohen and C. H. Roberts. 
The members initiated on that evening 
were: William Yates, Dr. J. C. Perry, 
N. L. Adams, A. P. Staats, R. L. Hill 
(all now deceased), P. Silloway, Geo. E. 
Warren, C. F. Burke and Jon. Plowman. 
The first officers were: Wm. Yates, 
N. G.; R. L. Hill, V. G.; C. H. Roberts, 
Sec; Jon. Plowman, Treas. The first 
hall used by the lodge was erected by 
it in 1851, by stock subscription of the 
members. There were 180 shares, of 
$10 each, the lodge subscribing at first 
17j shares, and ultimately purchasing 
the remainder. This hall was on Main 
street, on the present site of D. G. and 
H. N. Wyckoff's new brick store, and 
was a two-story frame building, 25.x60 
feet, the hall on the second floor, and a 
store below. The cost of the lot and 
building was $2,200. The lodge occu- 
pied this hall until Jan., 1871, when 
they took possession of their present 
one, in a three-story brick building on 
west Pearl street. This edifice was 
erected by B. C. Van Dervoort and the 
lodge, and the former putting up the 
first two stories, and the 'lodge the 
third. The cost of the hall and furni- 
ture was $3,200. The old hall property 
was sold for $2,500. The lodge property 
is now valued at $3,000. They are in a 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



531 



prosperous condition, and have a fund 
of $3,100 at interest. The present 
nienihers^hip is 65; total number of 
names on the roll, 352; past grands, 
72; died; 50. The officers for the en- 
suing year are: J. H. Richards, N. G.; 
C. H. Blish, V. G.; Geo. M. Cockrell, 
Sec; Benj. Barnett, P. S.; C. S. 
Daniels, Treas.; H. W. Fishei, acting 
P. G. Meetings are held at the hall of 
the lodge everj' Thursday evening. The 
annual revenue is S630. 

Jerseyville Encampment, No. 20. 1. 
O. 0. F., was instituted July fi, 1,S.")2, by 
(irand Patriarch James E. Starr, as- 
sisted by J. P. Beaumont, H. P.; \\'m. 
Shattuck, S. W.; A. S. Barry, J. W.; 
B. F. Barry, scribe, with the following 
charter members: Rev. L. P. (Jrosve- 
nor, P. C. Walker, Wright Casey, Ed- 
win A. Casey, A. L. Knapp, N. L. 
Adams, all now deceased, and C. H. 
Roberts. The first officers elected 
were: L. P. Grosvenor, C. P.; E. A. 
Casey, H. P.; N. L. Adams, S. W.; C. 
H. Roberts, scribe; Wright Casey, 
treas. At the same meeting, the fol- 
lowing members were elected and initi- 
ated: William Yates, A. M. Blackburn, 
both now deceased, Geo. K. Warren, B. 
B. Hamilton and H. 0. Goodrich. The 
encampment suspended its organization, 
and the last meeting was held, June 20, 
1859. It was reorganized July 16, 
1<S67, and has since enjoyed prosperity. 
The present membership is 69; 109 
names appear on the roll. Of the pres- 
ent members of the encampment, Pat- 
riarcli Walter E. Carlin has been grand 
worthy patriarch of the grand encamp- 
ment of Illinois, and is representative 
for the third time to the sovereign grand 
lodge of the United States, and Patri- 



arch J. S. Carr is the present deputy 
grand master of the grand lodge of Illi- 
nois. 

Antioch lodge No. 65, Knights of 
Pythias, is one of the leading secret or- 
ganizations of Jerseyville. A meeting 
for the formation of such a lodge was 
held Feb. 7, 1876. An organization was 
efi'ected, under auspicious circum- 
stances, with the following charter 
members: Geo. W. Herdman, Geo. C. 
Cockrell, H. D. Stelle, Elias Cockrell, 
W. S. Bowman, J. P. Holcomb, William 
L. Scott, Henry Nevius, R. B. Leak, 
Barclay Wedding, G. M. Eaton, A. H. 
Barrett, C. E. Casey, Henry T. Nail, 
John Wiley, S. J. Snedeker, J. H. 
Both well, J.I. McG ready, H. D. Field, 
and W. H. Edgar. The first officers 
elected were: G. W. Herdman, C. C; 
H. T. Nail, B. C; G. M. P:aton, M. E.; 
G. C. Cockrell, M. F.; H. D. Stelle, K. 
R. & S.; A. H. Barrett, M. A.; H. Ne- 
vius, I. G.; John Wiley, O. G.; W. M. 
Jackson, P. C; W. S. Bowman, P. 
Their hall is in the postoffice building, 
owned by R. C. Gledhill, and is 25x40 
feet in area. It is handsomely and ap- 
propiatcly furnished. This lodge was 
at one time among the most prosper- 
ous in the state, but of late years the 
interest has died out to some extent. 
The number of members in good stand- 
ing at the present time is 43. The offi- 
cers for the ensuing term are: J. W. 
McEvers, P. C; E. A. R. Myers, C. C. 
J. L. Jarboe, V. C; Elias Cockrell, 
M. E.; J. R. Colean, M. F.; C. S. Blish, 
K. R. & S.. E. L. H. Barry, Jr., M. A.; 
E. L. H. Barry, Sr., I. G.; Fred Arm- 
strong, 0. G 

Apollo lodge No. 877, K. of H., was 
organized Feb. 11, 1878, by D. G. D., 



532 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Jolin B. Booker, of the grand lodge K. 
ofH., of Illinoitj, with 20 charter mem- 
bers, to-wit: James Eads, John W.Vin- 
son, Caleb DuHadway, Joseph Malotte, 
Clarence M. Hamilton, Oscar B. Hamil- 
ton, Ludlow P. Squiers, Augustus K. 
Van Home, George F. Walker, Joseph 
M. Page, Frank W. Smith, Richard G. 
Fain, George E. Warren, Jr., Ellis E. 
Whitehead, James S. Daniels, Joshua 
Pike, Charles E.Miner, Milton E.Elling- 
wood, John C. Darby and William F. 
Krotzsch. The first officers were as fol- 
lows: John W. Vinson, P. D.; Charles 
E. Miner, D.; James S. Daniels, V. D.; 
Ludlow P. S(]uiers, A. D.; Oscar B. 
Hamilton, R.; Joseph M. Page, F. R.-; 
John C. Darby, treas.; Richard G.Fain, 
chap.; Joseph Malotte, G. E.; Geo. E. 
Warren, G. N.; T. \V. Smith, S.; Clar- 
ence M. Hamilton, James Eads and 
Caleb DuHadway, trustees. The pres- 
ent ofttcers are. John C. Gaskill, P. D.; 
Henry F. Bayer, D.. Frank W. Roerig, 
V. D.; Henry A. McClintock, A. D.. 
Lewis R.Meyers, R.; Clarence M. Ham- 
ilton, F. R.. Joel E. Cory, treas.; Wil- 
liam H.Parker, chap.; Casper Sabo,G.; 
John Mode, S.; James S. Daniels, John 
W. Vinson and Joshua Pike, trustees. 
The present membership is 68, and the 
lodge is in good condition at present. 
The membership is composed of some 
of the most prominent citizens of Jersey- 
ville, and the county of Jersey. 

Jerseyville Division, No. 16, Sons of 
Temperance was the first lodge of a 
secret order, not only in the city of 
Jerseyville, but in Jersey county as well. 
It was first organized August 4, 1847, 
with the following officers : B. C. 
Woods, W. P. ; A. B. Morean, W. A. ; 
Wm. B. Nevins, R. S. ; Thomas L. Mc- 



Gill, A. R. S.; W.J. West, F. S. ; Chas. 
H. Knapp, Treas.; Amos Brown, chap.; 
Peyton C. Walker, Cond.; A. P. Staats, 
A. C. ; George Wharton, I. S. ; Francis 
0.sborn, 0. S.; Elihu J. Palmer, P. W. 
P. The interest gradually died out, and 
tinally meetings were no longer held, 
and the division was disbanded. This 
division was reorganized February 11, 
1878, by Grand Worthy Patriarch Rev. 
J. Nate, of the grand division of Sons 
of Temj)erance of Illinois. The char- 
ter members were: Henry Gill, Lewis 
R. Myers, Wm. F. Gammel, Johnson 
Norris, Daniel McFain, George Morley, 
Eli D. Walker, Henry Delicate, Wm. 
H. Pogue, Benjamin C. Clayton, Daniel 
W. Phillips, Oscar B. Hamilton, Ste- 
phen Catt, James A. Barr, James C. 
Ross, George W. West, Francis Osborn, 
Lewis R. Phelps, Francis R. Dutton, 
Norman E. Landon, Charles W. Enos, 
N. H. Landon, and Wm. McBride. The 
officers elected to serve the first term 
were the following : Daniel McFain, P. 
W. P.; James A. Barr, W. P.; Benjamin 
Clayton, W. A.; Oscar B. Hamilton, R. 
S.; Chas. W. Enos, A. R. S.; Wm. H. 
Callender, F. S.; Alfred Price, treas.; 
Hengy Delicate, chap.; Wm. McBride, 
cond.; Wm. Eads. A. C; James C. Ross, 
T. S.; Johnson Norris, 0. S. The di- 
vision organized with 30 members and 
advanced to 200. At present the mem- 
bership is 67. The officers are as fol- 
lows : Ella Daniels, M'. P.; J. H. Duf- 
field, W. A.; Frank W. Embley, P. W. 
P.; Lewis R. Myers, R. S., Lawrence 
Enos, A. R. S"; A. J. O.'^born, F. S., 
Mrs. James A. Barr, treas.; Mrs. J. E. 
Boynton, chap.; Keller Maxwell, cond.; 
Jennie Davis, A. C; Emma Daniels, I. 
S.; Norman Landon, 0. S. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



533 



Jerseyville Lodge, No. 87, Independ- 
ent Order of Mutual Aid, was instituted 
and charter granted, July '20, 1880. The 
charter n)eml)ers were as follows : K. 
P. Shackelford, William Furd, Peter 
Dolan, Thos. A. Davis, William E. 
Hihble, H. Z. Gill, Phillip Block, John 
Mode, Henry Heller, Frederick Hart- 
zen, David M. Zeller, Christian Harms, 
Joseph W. VanCleve, John W. Vinson, 
John ]\I. Waller, Charles A. Edgar, 
Conrad Borgcr, Frederick Plund, Fred- 
erick Nagel, C. F. Hawkins, Geo. W. 
Wolfe, and G. W. Sheffer. The first 
ciflicers were : R. P. Shackelford, P. 
P.; Wm. Ford, Pres.; Peter Dolan, V. 
P.; T. O. Davis, R. S.; W. E. Hil)ble, 
F. S.; H. Z. Gill, treas.; J. W. Van 
Cleve, chajilain; John Mode, I. G.; 
Christian Harms, O. (i.; Fred Hartzen, 
conductor; 1). W. Zeller, Henry Heller 
and Phillip Block, trustees. There is 
now a membership of IG, all in good 
standing; they have no debts, the state 
order has paid off its indebtedness, and 
a season of prosperity now opens be- 
fore the local lodge. There have been 
no deaths in their ranks since organiza- 
tion. The ofHcers for the year 1885 are — 
Henry Helhr, P.; Geo. H. W^jlfe, V. 
P.; John C. (iaskill, R. S.; Robert 
Schmidt, F. S.; Phillip Block, treas.; 
Christian Harms, conductor; Conrad 
Borger, I. G.; Frederick Zinimerli, O. 
G..; John W. Vinson, Geo. H. Wolfe 
and Henry Heller, trustees. Meetings 
are held on the first and third Monday 
in each month, in the hall over Hamil- 
ton's store. The lodge has been repre- 
sented at the grand lodge meetings once 
each by II. C. Gill andT. A. Davis, and 
twice by Phillip Block. The latter is 
also representative to the next grand 



lodge, which meets in Sprinfield, in 
Feb., 1886. 

Mrxicir.iL. 

The town of Jerseyville was first in- 
corporated, as such on the 21st day of 
July, 1837. The first officers were: 
John W. Lott, president of the board of 
trustees; E. M. Daley, clerk; Samuel 
L. McGill, George W. Collins and Rich- 
ard Graham, board of trustees. 

It was incorporated as a city, Feb. 
21, 1867, at which time the following 
were elected the first officers, under the 
new orgnnization: Marcus E. Bayley, 
mayor; George H. Jackson, clerk; Jas. 
S. Daniels, marshal; King & Pinero, 
attorneys; N. \\'allace, constable, and 
Andrew Jackson, John L, White, Geo. 
EgellioH' and James S. lUythe, alder 
men. 

The following are the present officers: 

E. L. H. Barry, mayor; Will Hanlc}', 
clerk; Henry Whyte, marshal; Thomas 

F. Ferns, attorney; G. M. Eaton, A. K. 
Van Home, John Fox, F. J. Bertnian, 
Geo. Egelhofl" Henry Nevius, J. S. 
Daniels, and J. A. Shephard, alder- 
men. 

NEWSP.M'EKS. 

Jerseyville now has four newspapers. 
One of these is of daily issue, while 
the other three are weekly publications. 
In this line of enterprise, Jerseyville 
will rank with her sister cities of simi- 
lar size. For the histories of her news- 
papers of to-day, as well as of those of 
by-gone days, the reader is referred to 
the chapter on the Press of the county. 

CEMETERY. 

The Jerseyville cemetery occupies a 
portion of the southeast quarter of the 
northeast quarter of section 21. It was 



surveyed and platted by Henry M. 
Chase, county surveyor, July 17, 1856. 
The plat was recorded July 19, signed 
by A. B. Morean, president, and A. M. 
Blackburn, clerk of the council of the 
town of Jerseyville. The premises are 
kept in neat order, walks are laid out 
through all portions of the grounds, 
and everything about presents such an 
appearance as is a source of pride to 
the people of the city. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

The following sketches are of some of 
the prominent citizens of Jerseyville, 
many of whom have retired from life's 
busy cares, having nobly done their 
part in the development of the place. 
Many of the others are still identified 
with the active duties of life, and all 
are worthy of mention in this connec- 
tion. 

Isaac Snedeker, deceased, was among 
the prominent settlefs of this county at 
an early date. He was born at Four- 
Mile Ferry, near Trenton, N. J., Nov. 
22, 1812, the youngest of four sons of 
Isaac and Catharine Snedeker, His 
youthful days were spent at home under 
the paternal roof, and when sufficiently 
grown, aided in the work of the farm, 
and each year attended the neighboring 
schools a portion of the time, making 
fair progress in his studies until his 18th 
year, when a desire to do something for 
himself was developed by his leaving 
home and interesting himself in the 
public works, aiding in building the 
Trenton water-works, and when these 
were finished, engaging on the Delaware 
and Raritan canal, and from this to the 
building of the Camden & Amboy rail- 
road, spending the earlier years of his 



manhood in the practical duties required 
of him. When these great works were 
completed, he engaged in literary pur- 
suits, and was employed in gathering 
the material and data for compiling the 
New Jersey Historical Gazeteer, and 
Map of the State, spending several years 
in this work until it was completed, 
when he settled on a farm in Monroe 
county, N. Y. He was early known 
for his public spirit, giving aid to the 
building up of churches and educational 
institutions. He connected himself with 
the M. E. church, and with others es- 
tablished the Perrrington church in 
his neighborhood, and erected Perring- 
ton chapel, which bore the impress of 
his architectural direction, and was an 
ornament to the surrounding neighbor- 
hood — a model for other church build- 
ings to copy from. He was one of the 
stewards of that church until his re- 
moval from the state. He was active in 
the military organization of New York, 
and was commissioned by Governor 
Marcy, Aug. 1, 1836, as one of the offi- 
cial staff of the 52d N. Y. Inf., Colonel 
E. Sutherland, commanding, with rank 
from June 18, 1886, holding the office 
until July 17, 1841, when he resigned, 
and was honorably mustered out liy 
Brigadier-General Lathrop. He re- 
sided in New York until the spring 
of 1844, when he came to Jerseyville, 
111., where, in connection with his 
brother Samuel, he engaged in farming, 
each taking charge of parts of the busi- 
ness that their peculiar genius best 
fitted them, and for years their farm- 
ing investments were very successfully 
managed. He early identified himself 
with the reformatory and educational 
interests of his new location, and par- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



535 



ticularly in promoting the temperance 
work, becoming identified with the 
Sons of Temperance, and one of its 
most active members. He was also op- 
posed to the institution of slavery while 
in New York, and was president of an 
anti-slavery society. He believed it 
was wrong and opposed it with might 
and piiwer, and at an early day was 
instrumental in organizing an anti- 
slavery society in this comity, when it 
required nerve, firmness and pluck to 
dare to advocate their principles. He 
was frequently threatened, and even 
life endangered, because of his out- 
spoken principles. In June, 1846, he 
was married to Caroline Sunderland, 
daughter of John Sunderland, of Tren- 
ton, N. J., and sister of his brother 
Sanmel's wife. The union was a happy 
one, all through the years of his useful 
life. In Oct., 1849', Joseph Crabb, a 
justice of the peace, committed three 
young men, all nearly as white as him- 
self, to the county jail, under the au- 
thority of the black laws of Illinois. 
Mr. Snedeker had them taken out on a 
writ of habeas corpus, and taken before 
the circuit court, and they were dis- 
charged. It is claimed that this was 
tlie first time that the black laws, under 
the new constitution of 1848, had been 
tested, and the first time a negro had 
been released from a common jail, by a 
writ of habeas corpus, in Illinois. Mr. 
Snedeker's first vote was cast for Henry 
Clay, and he voted twice for Abraham 
Lincoln, a warm personal friendship 
existing between them. At the open- 
ing, and during the civil war of 1861, 
there was a strong disloyal element in 
this county, and it reijuired jiluck and 
courage to stand true to principle. Mr. 

TTl 



Snedeker dared to come out boldly and 
advocate the cause of the Union, and in 
him the soldier boys had atrue and firm 
friend. He was one of the chief promot- 
ers of the objects of the Illinois State 
Horticultural Society, a regular attend- 
ant on its sessions, and in connection 
with O. B. Galusha, Dr. E. S. Hull, 
Jonathan Huggins, A. Hilliand, W. H. 
Mann, Hon. A. M. Brown, 1). Wier, Dr. 
A. G. Humphrey, H. G. Minkler, M. 
M. Hooton, Dr. J. Long, M. L. Dunhip, 
and Hon. John M. Pearson, was instru- 
mental in jn'omoting the cultivation of 
fruit in all parts of the State. He never 
failed to attend the annual meeting of 
the society and take an active part in 
their deliberations, impressing his prac- 
tical knowledge and embodying it in 
their reports. His labors in this con- 
nection were not confined to this State 
but he attended the Missouri State Hor- 
ticultural Society meetings, and took 
part in its deliberations. He was emi- 
nently a social man. Blessed witli 
abundance, he never was so happy as 
when dispensing hospitality to his 
friends. In his family relations he was 
most happy. Isaac Snedeker departed 
this life July 4, 1877, at his home, after 
a sickness of nearly one year, termin- 
ating in cancer of the stomach. He 
contained within himself all the good 
qualities of head and heart that enno- 
bles a man, and should be emulated. 
Of him it can truly be said, "being 
dead, he yetspeaketh," for he will live 
in the remembrance of a large circle of 
friends for many j'ears. Mrs. Caroline 
Snedeker resides with her son OI■^•ille, 
in Jerseyville. 

Hon. Orville A. Snedeker, lawyer and 
real estate dealer, was born June 



536 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



12, 1848, at Jerseyville. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Jersey- 
ville, and entered Shurtlefif College, 
Upper Alton, arrd graduated, after 
which he spent two years in Chicago in 
mercantile life and reading law, and 
graduated from Bryant & Stratton's 
Business College: then he returned to 
Jerseyville and spent a year in the law 
office of Judge R. A. King, after which 
he was admitted to practice law in 
the supreme court, and has ever since 
been in practice here, being licensed to 
practice in all the courts. He also 
deals extensively in real estate, which 
business occupies much of his time. 
He was married in 1873 to Emma L. 
Dalzell, of Philadelphia. They are the 
parents of two children — Isaac and 
Samuel Frank. 

Sam'l J. Snedeker, the other son of 
Isaac Snedeker, was born in this county 
Aug. 7, 1851. He is the youngest of 
the children, and was brought up on 
the farm, remaining with his parents 
until 21 years old. He then rented 
land in Jerseyville township, which he 
cultivated until 1877, when he pur- 
chased 80 acres on section 22. He is 
still living on the old homestead, and 
now owns 22(5 acres of good land. He 
was married Oct. 12, 1875, to Anna E. 
Dalzell, in Philadelphia, a daughter of 
David and Marietta Dalzell, the 
former a native of New Jersey, and the 
latter of Philadelphia. They are the 
parents of four children — Harriet M., 
David, Orville G. and Olanas 0. Mr. 
Snedeker is amember of the I. 0. 0. F., 
lodge No. 53, and of the K. of P. No. 
20, and with his wife is a member of 
the Baptist church. He is a genial, 
whole-souled gentleman, and has the 



respect of the people of the community 
in which he lives, to a marked degree. 
The Edgar family, from which Col. 
William H. Edgar is descended, emi- 
grated from Scotland more than 2(M) 
years ago, and settled on the Rahway 
river, in New Jersey, on a homestead 
which is still in the family name. Wil- 
liam S.,anative of Philadelphia, Penn., 
was born on the 22d of Dec, 181(j; son 
of Alexander A. Edgar and Sarah Eliz- 
abeth, nee Crowell, both of whom 
were natives of Essex county, N. J., 
and consistent members of the Society 
of Friends. In 1833, removing to the 
west, they settled in St. Clair county, 
111. The son had enjoyed good educa- 
tional privileges in his native place, and 
upon his removal to the west with his 
family, was sent to Marion College, 
Missouri, an institution noted for its 
strong anti-slavery principles. After 
two years of close application, his health 
becoming impaired, he closed his 
studies, and, for a time, engaged in 
teaching. His early tastes had led him 
to choose the medical profession, and at 
the close of his engagement he began 
the study of medicine in the office of 
Drs. White & Tiffin, at St. Louis. After 
one year spent in blistering, bleeding, 
cupping and leeching, as was then the 
custom, he returned to Marion College, 
with improved health, intending to 
complete the full course of study. Be- 
fore he graduated, however, the slavery 
agitation became so strong, and jiopular 
opinion so opposed the school, that it 
was obliged to close up. One incident 
will serve to illustrate the state of the 
public mind, on one occasion. When 
Rev. Dr. Nelson, president of the col- 
lege, was officiating at a camp meeting, 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



a Mr. JIuldron handed him, to read, a 
notice of an anti-i<hivery meeting. A 
noted pro-slavery man, Dr. Bosley, of 
Palmyra, had threatened to kill the first 
hian who .should read another notice of 
that character, and, true to his word, 
rushed upon Dr. Nelson, with an up- 
lifted sword-cane. Muldron, who ob- 
served the movement, sprang in front 
of him, and received the blow intended 
for Nelson, drawing and exposing the 
glittering blade; at the same time draw- 
ing a jack-knife he stal)bed Bosley in 
the chest, inflicting a wound from 
which he recovered only after a long 
period of intense sufi'ering. Muldron 
was tried and acquitted. After leaving 
this institution Mr. Edgar entered the 
medical department of Kemjier College, 
ntivv Missouri Medical College, and 
graduated from the same in the spring 
of 184'2. After pursuing his professit)n 
in Collinsville, 111., for a few years, he 
went to St. Ivouis and remained till 
1853, and at that time removed to Jack- 
sonville, 111., in order to give his fam- 
ily the advantage of its superior educa- 
tional facilities. At the opening of the 
war, 1861, his sympathies were at once 
enlisted in the Union cause, and atter 
several months of efficient service in 
mustering troops for the service, and 
awakening a spirit of patriotism, he 
was on the 1st of Sept., 18(il, commis- 
sioned surgeon of the 32d 111. Inf. His 
first service was at Fort Donelson, con- 
nected with which are some most inter- 
ing incidents. On leaving the transport 
at Flirt Henry he observed a family 
group, consisting of the father (colonel 
of an 111. Reg.), his wife and two small 
children. After some earnest words 
with his wife, the colonel, with quick. 



nervous steps, left the boat, mounted 
his horse and galloped away. As the 
wife saw him vanish from sight, she 
uttered in a suppressed voice, "The 
last of my husband!" sank into a chaii . 
and buried her fiice in her hands. Ob- 
serving her mental agony. Dr. Edgar 
ventured a word of consolation, to 
which the lady replied, "You don't 
know my husband,'" and again buried 
her face. At the close of the first day 
at Fort Donelson, as the wounded were 
being gathered in, who can imagine the 
doctor's emotion, upon entering a cabin, 
used as a temporary hospital, to find 
the dead body of the same Illinois 
colonel, shot through the forehead. 
Then did he comprehend the signifi- 
cance of the words, "You don't know 
my husband!" Among the wounded 
under his charge here were Cols. 
John A. Logan and \\'illiam R. Mor- 
rison. Logan's wound seemed only 
sufficient to irritate and arouse him; he 
vowed that he would take the command 
over the rebel works next day. He 
consolingly assured Morrison that he 
would recover; that his wounds were 
just sufficient to send him to congress, 
and that his political fortune was made. 
Next day both were sore enough to 
keep (luiet. On the morning after the 
severe fighting, the doctor went to Gen. 
Grant to ascertain some facts respect- 
ing the wounded under his care. The 
general was at breakfast, and, seeing the 
doctor, said, "Go tell those wounded 
men the rebels have hung up the white 
flag in the fort. Go, doctor, and tell 
those poor fellows at once." Hasten- 
ing back he delivered his message, and 
at once there went up a shout for the 
old flag that made the woods resound. 



538 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



The news doubtless saved many a life, 
the object which the general had in 
view when he commuiiicated it. After 
the battle of Shiloh, George Johnson, 
the rebel governor of Kentucky, was 
brought upon the boat a wounded pris- 
oner. He was shot through tlie blad- 
der, and when told by the doctor that 
the wound was fatal, he said, "We have 
fought for constitutional liberty, and all 
is lost." He died during the night. 
From the west. Dr. Edgar accompanied 
General Sherman's army on the Atlanta 
expedition to Atlanta. By the early 
date of his commission, he ranked the 
surgeons of his division, and during 
most of the war acted as surgeon-in- 
chief of the 4th Div., 17th A. C. After 
the fall of Atlanta, he was ordere.d by 
the arm}' medical director to the hos- 
pital at Cairo, 111., where he served till 
the close of the war, and was mustered 
out after four years' active service, hav- 
ing made for himself a most worthy 
record. Returning to his home in Jack- 
sonville, he resumed his practice, but 
soon found that the country practice 
was more than his impaired health 
could endure, and accordingly, in 1869, 
removed to St. Louis, and there en- 
gaged in his profession. In 1872 he 
became editor of the St. Louis Medical 
and Surgical Jouni'il, and in 1873 was 
duly elected vice-president of the 
Medical Editors' Association of the 
United States, and in the following 
year, president of the same. In his 
religious communion. Dr. Edgar was 
formerly connected with the Presbyter- 
ian church, but in later years embraced 
Unitarian views. He was married, 
Nov. 1, 1839, in Burlington, la., to La- 
vania Phelps James, daughter of Judge 



William James, of Livingston county, 
N. Y., and by her has four sons and 
one daughter. His eldest son, William 
Henr\', graduated from Jacksonville 
college, in 1861, and served, with rank 
of lieutenant, in the 32d 111. Another 
son, Charles, enlisted in the same regi- 
ment, and was afterward made ,an as- 
sistant surgeon. Edward, a third son, 
accompanied his father, and assisted 
him in the care of the sick and wounded 
in the Atlanta campaign. At this time 
he is employed as clerk in the Conti- 
nental Bank, St. Louis. His youngest 
son, Frank, is of the firm of Edgar, 
Whitehead &Vandervort, dry goods mer- 
chants of Jersey ville. 111. 

Robert T. Brock, son of Tarlton F. 
Brock, was born Dec. 31, 1827, in the 
present limits of Greene county, and 
removed with his parents to Otter 
Creek Prairie, now in Jersey county, in 
1829. He attended school in the neigh- 
borhood, and also the "Stone school 
house," and a course through Jones' 
Commercial College, of St. Louis, Mo., 
in the year 1850, which finished his 
school education. He was married to 
Mary Jane, daughter of the late Dr. 
Isaac N. Piggott, in the year 1855. He 
was a merchant at Grafton during 1856, 
1857 and 1858, and removed to St. Louis 
in 1859. He was secretary of the war 
relief committee, of St. Louis, Mo., 
during the late war, and was elected to 
the general assembly of Missouri, from 
the city of St. Louis, for the years 1867 
and 1868. He was collector of water 
rates for the city of St. Louis for four 
year. He was a clerk in the registered 
letter and money order depnrtment of 
the St. Louis postoffice for two years. 
He removed back to Jersey county in 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



539 



1874, and to Jerseyville in 1875, where 
he is now engaged in the real estate and 
conveyancing Inisiness, and is a notary 
public and abstracter of land titles. 

Frederick S. Davenport, a native of 
Nottingham, England, was born Feb. 
17, l<Sli5, being the eldest of the six 
children of Edwin C. and Elizabeth 
(Palmer) Davenport. Edwin C. Daven- 
port, was educated for the ministry, but 
afterwards engaged in the manufacture 
of lace. When the subject of this 
sketch was six years old, his parents 
removed to France, and he resided two 
years at Calais, three years at Caen, and 
nine years at Rouen, remaining in that 
country till 20 years of age, there re- 
ceiving his education. When he was 
about 14 years old, an EInglish com- 
pany commenced the construction of a 
railroad between Paris and Rouen. 
For this company, Frederick acted as 
interpreter between the English and 
French, and being naturally apt, and 
possessed of much mechanical inge- 
nuity, he became interested in engineer- 
ing, of which he made a study. At the 
age of 20 years, he returned to England, 
locating in London, where he served a 
wealthy ship-building firm, as machin- 
ist and draughtsman, till 18.57. At that 
date he immigrated to America and came, 
soon after, to Jerseyville, where his 
brother, Lancelot, had previously set- 
tled. Here he found work in his line, 
somewhat scarce, but he put up engines 
and machinery in various mills, suc- 
ceeding thus, by the exercise of strict 
economy, in making a living. In the 
year 1864, David Hcaty, a prominent 
farmer of this county, brought to him, 
for repairs, a gang plow, a rudely con- 
structed affair, which was manufactured 



in Kentucky. Mr. Davenport imme- 
diately set to work to make improve- 
ments upon the same, and in the aut- 
umn of the same year, took outhis first 
patent for a riding gang-plow. The 
next patent granted him was on a de- 
vice for indicating Ioav water in steam 
boilers. He has since patented a Dia- 
mond mill-stone dresser, and also a 
wind power, for operating farm pumps, 
a number of other useful and ingen- 
ious contrivances; having been granted 
altogether, thirteen patents, several of 
which are upon plows. He lias real- 
ized some money upon each of his in- 
ventions, but his greatest success has 
been his latest patent, the "F. S. Dav- 
enport New Model Plow," which he 
sold to the Jerseyville manufacturing 
company, for $8,000. He has, during 
the last 17 years, connected with his 
other pursuits, that of solicitor of pat- 
ents, and so conducts all of his own 
cases, as well as many for other parties. 
He has for many years, been deeply in- 
terested in astronomy and made a study 
of optical instruments, and has construc- 
ted three telescopes, the last of which 
was completed in 1876. It is a six foot 
instrument, with a four inch object 
glass. He has in his possession, a fine 
turning lathe, which he made while in 
London, doing all of the work upon it 
after eight p. m. He has also a large 
collection of electrical, chemical and 
philosophical apparatus, the work of 
his own hands, and unique in structure, 
which has occupied, for its production 
and elaboration, nearly all the spare 
time of many of the best j'ears of his 
life. He has quite an extensive cabinet 
of geological and entomological speci- 
mens, also a fine scientific and general 



540 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



library. He is a deep thinker and pro- 
found reasoner as well as a mechanical 
genius. He was married July 15, 1847, 
in London, England, to Mary Loekley. 
They had two children, one of whom 
died in infancy, and one, Ada, is living. 
Mr. Davenport has never connected 
himself with any church or society. 
He is a man who takes much pride in 
having a pleasant home and is always 
ready to spend money freely for any- 
thing to add to home comfort, but never 
lives beyond his income, and rejoices in 
the consciousness that whatever he has 
achieved or acquired, is the fruit of an 
industrious and frugal life. 

Prentiss D. Cheney was born in Chau- 
tauqua county, N. Y., Aug. 2, 1836, and 
was but six weeks old when the family 
started for Jersey county. On their ar- 
rival here he was three months old, the 
journey having occupied six weeks. He 
was brought up in this county, receiv- 
ing his education under the tuition of 
Penuel Corbett. In 1851 he entered 
the recorder's office of Jersey county, 
where he was employed in writing two 
years. He then clerked for a time in 
the general store of Alex. B. Morean. 
In 1854, when A. M. Blackburn estab- 
lished a bank, Mr. Cheney entered his 
employ. Three years later he went to 
Carlinville, where for two years he had 
charge of a bank for Chesnut & Black- 
l.)urn. In 1859 he was married to Cath- 
arine M. D'Arcy, daughter of Dr. Ed- 
ward A. D'Arcy, and returned to Jer- 
seyville, where in partnership with Dr. 
D'Arcy he established the banking house 
of D'Arcy & Cheney, which contin- 
ued till 1866. He then went to New 
York city and engaged in banking at 
No. 27 Wall street, being a member of 



the firm of Murray & Cheney. He con- 
tinued in business there nearly tiiree 
years, after which he returned to Jer- 
sey ville, where he has since dealt in real 
estate. J\Irs. Cheney died in 1877, leav- 
ing two children, one of whom died 
within thirty days after the death of its 
mother. One son, Alexander, is now 
living. Mr. Cheney is a Knight Tem- 
plar. He is now president of the Jer- 
sey county fair. 

William Embley, architect, is a na- 
tive of Mercer county, N. J., born Dec. 
25, 1826. His father, Joseph Embley, 
was also born in New Jersey, and was 
by trade, a contractor and builder, but 
in later years, settled on a farm. His 
mother, Nancy (Mount) Embley, was 
born in the same state. William Emb- 
ley, in early life, became familiar with 
the carpenter trade, and soon applied 
himself to the study of architecture, 
becoming well versed in that science. 
In 1848 he was united in marriage with 
Mary E. Prime. Six years later, he re- 
moved to Illinois and settled at Jer- 
seyville, several of his friends having 
previously located here. Mr. Embley 
engaged here, in contracting and build- 
ing, and the study of architecture. The 
latter business gradually increased un- 
til in 1865, he abandoned contracting 
and devoted his attention entirely to 
architecture. Specimens of his work 
may be seen from the Atlantic coast, 
westward to Denver, Col. Nearly all of 
the best buildings in Jersey and adjoin- 
ing counties, were planned by him, and 
testify to his skill and good taste. He 
has the plan for the new Jersey county 
court house, now complete. Mr. and 
Mrs. Embley have had six children, of 
whom the eldest three died with scar- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



541 



let fever, soon after they removed to 
Jerseyville. The three now living are 
— William Franklin, Augustus Newell, 
and Alta Leaha. Mr. Embley has al- 
ways acted with the democratic party, 
and although he has no time to devote 
to politics, he has frequently been 
chosen by his fellow-citizens to serve 
them in local office. He is a Knight 
Templar in the Masonic fraternity. 

James H. Wedding, deceased, a pio- 
neer of 1834, was born in the District of 
Columbia in 1783. His parents were of 
English stock, but American born, rie 
received a good education, being partic- 
ularly well versed in navigation and 
surveying. He was united in marriage 
with Nancy Masters, also a native of the 
District of Columbia. He was one of 
minute men during the war of 1812, and 
was called out at the battle when the 
British took Washington. In 1814 he 
moved to Scioto co\mty, O., where he 
followed farming, and from whence he 
removed to Jersey county in 1834. He 
first stopped at Grafton, then resided 
two seasons upon a farm near Jersey- 
ville. In the meantime his son Thomas 
Wedding came to Jersey county in 1835, 
and entered land on the Illinois river 
bottom, in what is now Ilosedale town- 
ship, and Mr. Wedding went there to 
live with him. His death occurred in 1837 
and that of Mrs. Wedding in 1841. 
They had a family of eight children, 
of whom Thomas, the oldest, and Benja- 
min, the youngest, are the only ones 
now in tiie land of the living. Mrs. Wed- 
ding was a devoted christian woman 
and a consistent member of the M. E. 
church. 

Capt. Oliver Marston, deceased, came 
to Jersey county in 1842, and settled on 



a farm in Piasa township, where he en- 
gaged in farming until his death, which 
occurred in 1856. Capt. Marston was 
born in the town of Marston Mills, Cape 
Cod, Mass., In 1804. At an early age 
he became a sailor, and for 27 years fol- 
lowed a seafaring life. He was for a 
number of years captain of a vessel. 
He was married in Philadelphia, Penn., 
to Elizabeth Powers, July 22, 1826, who 
survived him in life, her death occurring 
in 1879. They reared eight children, 
two of whom, are now living. Two 
died in infancy in Philadelj)hia. Four 
lived to maturity, and dicid in Jersey 
county; and two, Joseph G.and Samuel 
T., are now living in this county. Capt. 
Marston was made an Odd Fellow in 
1832, joining Washington lodge No. 2, 
of Philadelphia. He continued a mem- 
ber of that organization during the re- 
mainder of his life. Politically he was 
a supporter of the whig party. He was 
a Universalist in religion, his wife being 
of Quaker faith. 

Ambrose S. Wyckoff was the first of 
this name, who settled within the pres- 
ent limits of Jersey county, locating in 
1832, in what is now Mississi])i)i town- 
ship. The following year he was 
joined here by his wife and children, 
and continued to reside here mitil his 
death, which occurred in 1872. His 
first wife was formerly Elizabeth Ham- 
ner, of New York. She died in 1837, 
leaving two children, one of whom is 
still living — John J., who now resides 
at Virden, Macoupin county, 111. Mr. 
Wyckofi' was afterward married to 
Sarah (!ilder, and by this union, had 
six cliildren — William, Sherburne, 
Spencer, Ambrose B., Charles and Eliz- 
abeth. Mrs. Wyckoff is still living, 






542 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



and now resides with her son, Amlirose 
B., in Philadelphia. The latter is a 
lieutenant in the United States navy. 
Mr. Wyckoff was a successful farmer, 
and at his death owned 400 acres of 
land. The father of Ambrose S. Wyc- 
koff was a native of New Jersey, was 
born Sept. 1767, and came here in 1835. 
He was by occupation a farmer, 
married in his native state to Jennie 
Barkley, and there remained until com- 
ing here. He died iu this county in 
1842, and Mrs. Wyckoff in 1857. They 
had a family of six children — John, 
Polly B., wife of Elijah Van Home; 
Nathan, Catherine S., wife of Dr. A. R. 
Knapp; Ambrose S. and Samuel B. 

Rev. Samuel Lynn, deceased, was 
born in Eastern Tennessee in August, 
1803. He was educated for the minis- 
try, and at an early age was ordained as 
a Presbyterian minister. For six years 
he was located at Springfield, Ky., for 
10 years at Newport, and for the same 
length of time at Richwood, Ky. In 
1857 he came to Jerseyville and took 
charge of the 2d Presbyterian church, 
remaining in charg.e to the date of his 
demise, which occurred in 1872. He 
was united in marriage in Cincinnati, 
0., with Frances W. Wilson, who still 
survives him, and is yet a resident of 
Jerseyville. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn were 
the parents of eight children, three of 
whom are now living — Sarah, William 
H. and Amanda. 

Rev. Geo. Ives King, whose portrait 
appears in this work, was born in 
Adams, N. Y., June 1, 1815, of New 
England parentage. From his grand- 
mother — King — who was a remarkable 
Bible student, and a Presbyterian, he 
received the greater part of his re- 



ligious training. He prepared for col- 
lege at Lowville, N. Y., and graduated 
from Union College, in 1838. He 
studied theology at Auburn Seminary. 
He was licensed by the Presbytery of 
Columbia, at Hudson, N. Y., in April, 
1840. He \^as married to Emily B. 
Sprague, Oct. 12, 1840, and died March 
12, 1873. He was installed as pastor of 
the First Presbyterian church, Jersey- 
ville, in 1868, which was his last charge. 
John Fox was born near Leeds, York- 
shire, Eng., June 7, 1824. When he 
was but six months old, his father, also 
John Fox, was killed in a mill. His 
mother was subsequently married to 
Dennis Cockshott. The sulijeet of this 
sketch grew to manhood in his native 
country, wliere in his youth lie learned 
the milling trade in the same mill in 
which his father was killed. In 1854, 
accompanied by his half brotlier, Spen- 
cer Cockshott, he inmiigrated to the 
United States and came directly to Jer- 
seyville, where they were joined one 
year later by their mother and sister. 
Here Mrs. Cockshott died in Septem- 
ber, 1855. Mr. Fox soon after removed 
to Grafton and went to work in the flour- 
ing mills where he continued fourteen 
or fifteen years. He then returned to 
Jerseyville, and has since been retired 
from active life, having accumulated a 
fortune sufficient for comfort during his 
later years. Mr. Fox was married in 
1877, to Mrs. Kate C. Marsh nee Rich- 
ards. She had bj' her former marriage 
two sons, John T. and Stewart C. Mr. 
and Mrs. Fox have one son-Marmaduke. 
Mr. Fox is a member of the Episcopal 
church and his wife is a Baptist. He is 
politically a democrat and has served 
several years in the city council. 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



543 



John Wyckoff, eldest son of John 
and Jennie Wyckoff, was born in New 
Jersey, July 31, 1790. He removed 
with his parents to Schoharie county, 
N. Y., and was reared on a farm. In 
1809 he was married to Eleanor Gray, 
who was horn in Dutchess county, N. Y. 
After marriage he continued to reside 
in New York until 1835. At that date 
he came to Illinois and settled in Jersey 
county, where he died in 1840. Mrs. 
Wyckoff survived him until 1871. They 
were the parents of ten children, only 
two of whom are living — David G. and 
Elizabeth. Those deceased are John, 
Nathan, Solomon, Theodore, Franklin, 
Charles, Augustus and James B. 

George H. Jackson, son of George H. 
Jackson, Sr., was born in Jersey ville, 
in Sept., 18G0. His early life was spent 
here, where he has always resided. He 
obtained his education in the Jersey- 
ville schools, but on account of ill 
health, he was compelled to abandon 
his studies before they were fully com- 
l)leted. He learned the tinner's trade, 
but his health would not permit him to 
follow that occupation. He then tried 
railroading, but was unable to continue 
it. When his father was taken sick and 
died, he succeeded him, and now carries 
on the same business in the city of 
Jerseyville, abstracting titles, etc. 

Cieorge W. Burke, an early settler and 
prominent citizen of Jersey county, 
was horn in Addison county, Vt., Nov. 
28, 1807, being the third child of Seth 
and Anna Burke, natives of Massachu- 
setts, who moved with their parents 
at an early day to Vermont. The grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, also 
Seth Burke, was a veteran of the Revo- 
lutionary war, and one of the martyrs 



of that struggle for liberty, as he died 
soon after the close of the war, from 
disease contracted while in the service. 
His father participated in the war of 
1.S12. He (Seth) fcdlowed the occupa- 
tion of farming through life. He had a 
family of seven children, three sons and 
four daughters, all except one, attaining 
mature years, and four are yet living. 
He died in the 70th year of his age, and 
his wife, in her 84th year. Seth Burke 
was a man distinguished for energy and 
moral worth. George W. received his 
early education in Onondaga county, N. 
Y., where his father died. He learned 
the blacksmith trade in that county and 
followed that occupation. He was first 
married, Dec. 26, 183B, to Sarah M. 
Barber, who died in Jersey county, 
July '21, 1851. He was again married 
Jan. 19, 1854, to Mrs. Elizabeth 
Searl, widow of Russell Searl, of South- 
hampton, Mass. Mr. Burke came 
to Illinois in the fall of 1834. and en- 
tered the land on which he now lives, 
the next spring after his arrival. There 
were at that time only four families in 
Jerseyville. During the first year of 
his residence here Mr. Burke followed 
blacksmithing, but later, engaged in 
farming; also devoted much time to the 
improvement of his city property, and 
to city improvements generally. He 
laid out the first addition to the city of 
Jerseyville, in 1840, and the second, in 
1858. Politically he was a whig, from 
christian principle an abolitionist, and 
as such took his stan<l for the right. 
When the Rev. E. P. Lovejoy was mur- 
dered in Alton, in 1837, Mr. Burke, 
with a few others, stood to the same 
principles for which Lovejoy suffered 
martyrdom, enduring the reproach and 



544 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



obloquy heaped upon the early aboli- 
tionists. At the present time, when 
slavery is unknown through the length 
and breadth of this fair land, one of his 
most ])leasing memories is that which 
recalls the bold and fearless stand 
which he then took in regard to slavery. 
His first clmreh connection here was 
with tlie Congregational church, of 
which he was one of the deacons, and is 
now the only original member left. 
That church was formed as a protest 
against the pro-slavery proclivities of 
the Presbyterian church, and had an 
existence of about six years only. He 
then became connected with the Con- 
gregational church at Chesterfield, 
Macoupin county. 111., with which he 
retained membership until after the 
war, when he united with the Presby- 
terian church of Jerseyville, of which 
lie is now a member. He lives on a 
tract of 40 acres, within the limits of 
Jerseyville. The remainder, three 
forties, of his original homestead he has 
platted and sold in town lots. He owns 
a farm of 180 acres in Jersey township, 
eight miles out from the city, also a 
farm in Christian county. As an enter- 
prising and public spirited citizen, Mr. 
Burke is well known in this community 
where he has spent more than 50 years 
of his active and busy life, and is highly 
esteemed for his many excellent qual- 
ities, throughout the entire county. 

C. B. Eaton settled at Grafton, Jersey 
county, in 1863. He is a native of 
North Hampton, Mass., born Nov. 13, 
1817, and a descendant of the seventh 
generation, from Francis Eaton, who 
came over in the May Flower. His 
parents were Ebenezer and Mary 
(Stuart) Eaton, the latter a descendant. 



upon her mother's side, of Governor 
Mayhew, of Martha's Vineyard. Ebe- 
nezer Eaton was by trade, a contractor 
and builder. The subject of this sketch 
was educated in a private school, and at 
the age of 14 years, began mercantile 
life as clerk in a general store, in the 
town of Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., 
near where the family had located the 
year previous. Here, in 1838, Mr. 
Eaton was married to Catherine Root, a 
native of Phelps, Ontario county. After 
marriage he engaged in the dry goods 
business, and later, in the manufacture 
of edge tools, continuing the latter un- 
til 1849. In 1854, he removed to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, where he operated a 
distillery four years. He then entered 
the employ of the C. & M. R. R. Co., 
connected with B. & 0. R. R. Co., as 
stock agent, continuing that occupation 
until the breaking out of the civil war. 
He assisted in shipping to Washington 
the first beef cattle for the supply of 
the army. The railroad became par- 
tially destroyed, and Mr. Eatc^n again 
engaged in running a distillery, and 
dealing in live stock, at Cincinnati, 
which business he followed till 1863, 
when as before stated he came to Illi- 
nois and settled in Jersey county. He 
engaged in a distillery at Grafton two 
years, then abandoned it and was ap- 
pointed the St. Louis agent for the stone 
quarries at that point. He afterward 
engaged in farming and stock dealing in 
Rosedale township, and now owns a 
farm there. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton had 
eight children born to them — E. P., now 
in Mississippi ; George M., of the firm 
of Eaton & Crawford, of Jerseyville ; 
Charles B., in Vicksburg, Miss.; Frank 
S., living in Quincy, 111.; Alice, wife of 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



545 



James M. Allen, of Grafton ; Elizabeth, 
wife of C. J. Slaten, of Grafton, and 
Beulah C, wife of A. H. Barrett, of 
Jerseyville. Mrs. Eaton died Septem- 
ber 14, 1884, and her remains were taken 
to Cincinnati for burial. Mr. Eaton 
holds the office of justice of the peace 
at Jerseyville, and he served two years 
as county supervisor from Rosedale 
township. He is a Royal Arch Mason, 
and, politically, a democrat. 

Frederick Bertman, deceased, was 
born in Prussia, May 17, 1821. He 
came to the United States in 1S45, and 
about three years later located in Alton, 
111., where he resided one year, and 
then came to Jerseyville and opened a 
tailoring establishment. He remained 
here engaged in the clothing and dry 
goods business until his decease. He 
was married, in 1S46, to Helena Goetten, 
of New York. Seven children were 
born to them — Setta, now the wife of 
J. B. Eck, of Dubuque, la.; Minnie, 
wife of Lewis Casavant, of Jerseyville; 
John F.; Mary, wife of William Figgen, 
of Quincy; Frederick J.; Nellie, wife of 
Heber Porter; and William A. Fred- 
erick Bertman died August 25, 1882, his 
death being caused by gangrene of the 
lungs. He had for several years been 
subject to a cough, and during the last 
year of his life was aiHicted with a car- 
buncle upon his neck, causing a sevi're 
drain upon his system, and although 
bis cough ceased for the time being, it 
rcuirncd with redoubled severity on the 
healing of the abscess, and continued 
until gangrene set in. A few days pre- 
vious to bis decease, realizing his con- 
tion, he declared his willingness to go. 
He was a man having many friends and 
few enemies, a kind, loving husband. 



an indulgent father and a good citizen. 
He was a great lover of music and thor- 
oughly understood the principles of 
that science. He was at one time a 
member of the Jerseyville band. He 
was elected to the office of councilman, 
which he held one term. By industry 
and energy he accumulated a compe- 
tency, which he left to his wife, trust- 
ing her to provide for the interests of 
their children. His funeral took place 
from the Catholic church, high mass 
being held by Rev. Father Harty, and 
was largely attended by his many 
friends and relatives. 

Harley E. Hayes is one of the early 
settlers of Jersey county, having come 
here in 1833, from Addison county, Vt., 
his native place. He drove a team 
through from that place, for his 
brother-in-law, Samuel Day. Mr. 
Hayes was born March 14, 1813, and 
was therefore, 20 years of age when 
he came here. Samuel Day settled four 
miles south of the present site of Jer- 
seyville, on section 9, T. 7 north, R. 
11 west, and engaged in farming. Mr. 
Hayes made his home here, but was en- 
gaged in various employments. He 
made a trip to New Orleans, and was, 
for some time, em[)loyed in Alton. 
Dec. 19, 1837, he was united in marriage 
with Mary Ann Day, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Maria (Spencer) Day. She was 
also a native of Addison county, Vt. 
After marriage, Mr. Hayes purchased 
8() acres of uiiimi)roved land, built a 
cabin and commenced housekeeping. 
In 1S48, he sold his original 80 and 
purchased 120 acres in the same (Miss- 
issippi) township. This land was 
partially improved, but had no build- 
ings upon it. In 1861, he again sold 



546 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



his farm and bought 160 acres, all im- 
proved, in the same township. Here 
he built good frame buildings and fol- 
lowed farmed until 1866. Mrs. Hayes 
died in 1862, leaving one son, now 
a farmer of Clay county, Neb. In 
1864, Mr. Hayes was married to Mary 
Ann Graves, nee Austin, who was born 
near Watertown, N. Y. In 1866 he 
sold his farm and removed to Jersey- 
ville. In 1867, he was appointed assist- 
ant United States assessor, and served 
three years, but not liking the business, 
tendered his resignation, which was 
finally accepted. Since then he has 
been retired from active business. Mr. 
Hayes' parents were Elam and Rachel 
(Knickerbocker) Hayes, natives of Con- 
neticut, but of English and German de- 
scent. They were the parents of four 
children — Harman B. and Harvey D., 
now living in Macoupin county, and 
Emoretta and Harley E. 

William B. Nevius, son of John and 
Maggie (Baird) Nevius, was born in 
Somerset county, N. J., Nov. 2, 1813. 
He grew to manhood in his native state, 
and in his youth, learned the wagon- 
maker's trade, which he followed till 
1837, in New Jersey. In that year he 
came to Illinois, and settled in .Jersey- 
ville, Jersey county, thus becoming one 
of the pioneers. He followed his trade 
here till 1851, when he went to Lee 
county, la., and engaged in farming. 
He remained there 18 months, then sold 
out, and returned to Jerseyville, and 
went into the milling business. In 18.58 
he sold his mill and engaged in general 
mercantile trade, on the corner now oc- 
cupied by the First National Bank, 
becoming a member of the firm of 
Knapp & Nevius. This partnership 



continued five years. In 1865, he pur- 
chased an interest in the Jerseyville 
mills, and continued a partner in the 
same, till the mill was destroyed by 
fire, since which he has been retired 
from active business. Mr. Nevius was 
for many years, an energetic and enter- 
prising business man, and has been 
generally successful. He was married, 
in 1841, to Laura A. Goodrich, daugh- 
ter of C. H. Goodrich. They are the 
parents of three children — Henry, a 
merchant of Jerseyville; Mary, wife of 
S. A. Holmes, of Morehead, Minn.; and 
Hattie A., who died at the age of 20 
years. Mr. Nevius is a man of very 
decided convictions. He is a republican 
in politics, formerly a whig, and has 
held local office. He is a Free Mason, 
and a member of the First Presbyterian 
church. He is a public-spirited man, 
always taking an active part in all 
worthy public improvements, and has 
many friends. 

Henry Nevius, son of William B. and 
Laura A. Nevius, was born in Jersey- 
ville, July 7, 1842, and here grew to 
manhood. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. 
C, of the 61st 111. Inf., and served until 
the close of the war, participating in all 
of the engagements of his company. 
He then returned to Jerseyville and en- 
gaged as clerk in a dry goods store, also 
worked in his father's mill. In 1868 he 
went to the Rocky mountains and re- 
mained there three years, during which 
time he was wagon-master of a govern- 
ment train one year; stock contractor, 
on year, and drove a team one year. 
Then, after traveling over several states 
and territories, returned to Jerseyville 
and engaged in the millingbusiness with 
his father. In 1876 when the mill was 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



547 



destroj'ed by fire, he was appointed 
deputy slieriff and collector, under J. 
M. Young and served four years. In 
Feb., 1S80, Mr. Nevius, in partnership 
with William Hall, succeeded Travis & 
Gillhani in the grocery business, the 
firm becoming Hall & Nevius. This 
partnership continued till Feb., 1885, 
when Mr. Nevius became sole proprie- 
tor. He carried a full and complete 
stock of groceries, provisions, queens- 
ware, glass, paints, oils, etc. He was 
married in 1879, to Miss G. A. Nott, of 
Jerseyville, daugliter of S. B. Nott, an 
early settler of Fieldon. They have one 
child — Laura A. Mr. Nevius has been a 
member of the city council several 
j'ears, and has also served as city clerk, 
and treasurer, and as a member of the 
board of education. He is politically a 
democrat, a member of the Knights of 
Pythias, the I. O. O. F, and a l!oyal 
Arch Mason. 

H. O. Goodrich, a ])roniinent early 
settler of Jerseyville, was born in Dela- 
ware county, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1819. He 
is the youngest of a family of three 
children of V. H. and Lydia"A. Good- 
rich, who were also early settlers of 
this State., having come to Greene 
county in 1889, and soon after to Jersey. 
Their ancestors were English, French 
and Scotch. C. H. Goodrich was for 
eight years .state's attorney for the first 
judicial circuit — being at that time one 
of the prominent lawyers of this por- 
tion of tlie State. He was a gentleman 
of jiolished education and in every way 
lilted to adorn the legal arena in which 
he moved as a practitioner. He died 
at his residence in Jerseyville in 181)8. 

H.O.Goodrich, tlie subject of this 
sketch, received his early education in 



the Genesee, N. Y., high school, ob- 
taining a good knowledge of the Eng- 
lish branches. He attended school un- 
til the age of 18, soon after which he 
became an apprentice to learn the har- 
ness-makers 's trade. He subsequently 
went to Towanda, Penn., and there re- 
sided about one year and a half, then 
came west, arriving in this county in 
1840, with 75 cents capital with which to 
commence his western life. His first 
employment was working at his trade 
in Carrollton, though in the fall of the 
same year he opened a shop in Jersey- 
ville and there continued in that l)usi- 
ness until 1846. In that year he en- 
gaged in partnership with C. H. Knapp 
in mercantile business, which he con- 
tinued about 11 years. Upon the 21st 
day of June, 1847, he was married to 
Jane Amelia Knapp, daughter of Dr. A. 
R. Knapp. They had born to them 
three children — Adams A., Kitty 
and Carrie Bell, In 1857 he built 
a large mill and distillery at Jer- 
sey Landing, which he oj)erated in 
partnership with A. L. Knajtp, until 
1859. In April, 1862, he went with the 
61st 111. Inf. as sutler, in which cajiaeitv 
he accumulated considerable money. 
He spent three years in the army, then 
returned to Jerseyville, and engaged 
quite extensively in the milling busi- 
ness, which he continued until 1876, 
when one of the mills was destroyed by 
fire, and the other was likewise burned 
up in 1879. In addition to other busi- 
ness interests Mr. (iardner was agent 
for the McCormick machines for a 
jjeriod of 28 years, for southern Illinois. 
In 1881 he went to Fai'go, Dak., and 
while there was persuaded by his 
friends to purchase land, and with Zina 



548 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



Dota, of New York city, purchased 960 
acres of land, also some property in 
Fargo. His land there is now all under 
cultivation, and is managed by a fore- 
man employed for its care. This land 
in 1884 produced 18,000 bushels of 
wheat, besides other grain. He has been 
twice elected mayor of the city, and was 
.one of the first trustees after its incor- 
poration. He was, also, one of the 
original workers in bringing ahout the 
organization of the Jersey County Agri- 
cultural Society, of which, in Nov., 
1871, he was elected president. Polit- 
ically, in early life, Mr. Goodricli was a 
whig, but afterward joined the demo- 
cratic party, to which he has since given 
his earnest support. He came to this 
county a poor man, and has by his own 
efforts gained a competence and a high 
and honorable position in society. Few 
men of southern Illinois have so exten- 
sive a business acquaintance as Mr. 
Goodrich, who, by the liberality and 
integrity of his dealings, has won the 
approbation of all. 

William R. Seago is a native of Jer- 
sey county, born Sept. 9, 1843. His 
parents, John and Mary A. (Campbell) 
Seago, were born in North Carolina, and 
immigrated to Illinois at an early day, 
locating in Jersey township. In 1869 
Jno. Seago went to Tennessee on a visit 
for his health, and there died, Dec. 13, 
1869. His wife died, Dec. 3, 1879. 
William was brought up on his father's 
farm until he was 21 years of age. 
Dec. 7, 1865, he was married to Mrs. 
Elizabeth T. Campbell, nee Melton, 
daughter of Wyley and Rebecca Melton, 
old settlers of Greene county. They 
have had five cliildren — Judith, Adol- 
phus, Olive, Sylvester and Cyrus; Olive 



is deceased. Her death occurred April 
3, 1874. In 1870 he purchased a small 
tract of land in Richwoods township, 
and four years later he bolight 12() acres 
more. He afterward bought 160 acres, 
all in the same township, and continued 
to reside there until the fall of 1880, 
when he moved to Jerseyville. The 
second spring he engaged in the butch- 
ering business, which he followed three 
years. In 1882 he bought 18 acres of 
land in Jerseyville with a good residence 
on it. In 1874 he was elected justice 
of the peace, and held that office until 
his removal to Jerseyville. Mr. Seago 
was a member of the I. 0. O. F. lodge, 
of Fieldon, until its charter was with- 
drawn, since which he has been uncon- 
nected with that organization. He is a 
democrat politically. 

Frank P. Henderson, son of Rich- 
mond and Mary A. (Douglas) Hender- 
son, was born in Jersey county 111., in 
1857. He was reared to agricultural 
pursuits, and attended the schools of 
Jerseyville, completing his education at 
McKendree College. He was married 
Oct. 25, 1877, to Nannie Cadwalader, a 
native of Fulton county. 111. They 
have one child — Addie M. Mr. Hen- 
derson has a farm in Jersey township, 
on which he resides. He owns also 
700 acres of land in Stone county. Mo. 
He is a member of the Anti-Horse-Thief 
Society, and has served three years as 
road commissioner of this township. 

Abram Remer, wagon manufacturer 
in Jerseyville, was born in Somerville, 
N. J., March 6, 1811. He served an ap- 
prenticeship to the trade of wagon- 
making, and followed that business in 
his native town until 1856, when he 
came to Illinois, and settled in Jersey- 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



549 



ville, where he has since resided and 
pursued his trade. He was married, 
March 18, 1837, to Deborah Nutt, who 
was a native of the city of Philadel- 
phia, born March 0, ISlo. Her father 
was Thomas Nutt, a farmer by occupa- 
tion. They have had seven children, 
five of whom are now living — George 
M.; Hannah Augusta, now the wife of 
John Van Pelt; Theodore F.; Henri- 
etta, now Mrs. Henrietta Rockwell; and 
Sarah M., wife of J. M Page. Mr. and 
Mrs. Reiner are members of the First 
Presbyterian church. 

Joseph S. Malotte Avas I)orn in Platte 
City, Mo., July 26, 1848, being a son of 
John S. and Elizabeth H. Malotte. 
John S. Malotte was born in France, 
and was among the early F"rench settlers 
of the state of ^Missouri, whert he died. 
On the death of his father, Joseph S. 
went tu \i\c with his sister in Peniisyl- 
vania, where he received his education 
and remained until he arrived at the 
age of 18. In the spring of 18B(l, he 
came to Jerseyvillc, 111., and here 
clerked in the clothing store of J. C. 
Tack until Dec, 1868, when he enlisted 
in Co. C, of the 124th 111. Inf., and 
served till the close of the war. He re- 
turned from the army to Jersoyville 
and engaged in clerking till 1869. He 
then became the partner of H. V. \'oor- ' 
hees in the grocery trade, which they 
carried on about two years. At the ex- 
piration of that time Mr. Malotte pur- 
chased his partner's interest and con- 
tinued the inisiness until his store was 
destroyed by fire. He then engaged in 
building and selling residence property 
and has done much to improve the west 
part of the city where he has erected five 
of the best dwellings in that part of the j 



town. Sept. 18-, 1867, he married 
Maria A. Tack, daughter of John C. and 
Henrietta (Miller) Tack. Two child- 
ren have been born to them — Frank and 
Walter. Mr. Malotte is a member of 
the G. A. R., and, politically, a sup- 
porter of the republican party. 

James W. Calhoun was born in Ly- 
man, Grafton county, N. H., Oct. 19, 
1824, and came with his parents, Solo- 
mon and Rhoda Calhoun, to this county 
in 1883. He followed farming, and in 
1849 was married to Lucinda Robliius, 
nee Crowell. He continued to reside 
on the farm until 1870, when, on ac- 
count of the feeble health of his wife, 
he removed to Jerseyville, and has 
since been clerking most of the time. 
Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun have one child 
— Emily L., wife of W. Leigh, who re- 
sides at Jerseyville. 

Patrick Dunphy came to Jerseyville 
in 186.T, and at first worked on a farm 
for Hugh N. Cross. He then estab- 
lished a grocery business in Jerseyville 
which he continued till 1877, when he 
engaged in the saloon business. In 
1884 he erected his present building, a 
brick structure, 26x80 feet, and two sto- 
ries in height. Patrick Dunphy was 
born in county Tipperary, Ireland, 
March 9, 1844. In 1862 his father died, 
and the same year his mother came to 
America accompanied by three children, 
four chilcren having preceded her. Six 
of the family are still living. Tiie 
mother died in Jerseyville in 1871. 
When Patrick first came to the United '' 
States he worked on a farm in Wiscon- 
sin, after which he was in the employ 
of the government at Nashville, Tenn., 
until ISi;."). In February, 1867, he was 
married to Mary Dwyer, of Jerseyville, 



550 



HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY. 



but a native of Ireland. Six children 
have been born to them, one of whom 
died in the third year of his age. Those 
now living are : Annie, John, Maggie, 
Katie and Nellie. Mr. Dunphy is a 
democrat in politics and a member of 
the Catholic church. 

Charles Neumeyer was born in Arns- 
berg, Westphalia, Prussia, Germany, 
Oct. 5, 1849. He remained in his native 
country until 1867, there receiving a 
good education. He then came to the 
United Scales, and first stopped with 
his uncle, Louis Poettger, a farmer near 
Jerseyville. In 1869, he came to Jer- 
seyville and served as bartender for, P. 
Leresche, which firm he succeeded in 
business, in 1875, and still continues 
the same. In Jan., 1872, he was mar- 
ried to Anna Seehauscn,then of Fieldon , 
Jersey county, but a native of Ger- 
many. She is a daughter of J. C. See- 
hausen. Mr. and Mrs. Neumeyer have 
one daughter — Julia. He is a member 
of the German Lutheran church, of 
which he :s secretary; and a democrat. 
William McAdams, Sr., deceased, 
was born in Middletown, Butler county, 
O., April 25, 1809, his parents being 
Thomas and Elizabeth McAdams. Thos. 
McAdams was a native of Scotland, and 
when 16 years of age he immigrated to 
this country and settled in Philadel- 
phia. In 1798 he was married to 
Elizabeth Noble, daughter of James 
and Rebecca Noble, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. By this union there were eight 

' children, four sons and four daughters. 
Mr. McAdams enlisted in the war of 
1812, as a volunteer, and was taken pris- 
oner at Detroit. His occupation through 
life, was farming. In 18o3 he died and 
his wife survived him until the spring 



of 1836. William, the subject of this 
sketch, was educated in the common 
schools of his native state, and on 
the 6th of Nov., 1831, married Eliza 
Farris, oldest child of -loseph and Nancy 
Farris, whose ancestral descent was 
Scotch and Irish, and who were among 
the early settlers of Ohio. This union 
was blessed with nine children, four 
sons and 'five daughters, six of whom 
are still living — William, Jr., of Alton; 
Mary Jane, wife of John Anten, of 
Alton; Charles A., a physician at Wich- 
ita, Kas.; Lewis Y., of Whitehall; 
Eleanora and Anna. Mr. McAdams be- 
gan life as a carpenter but soon changed 
from that to the mercantile business, 
he followed about 20 years, or until 
1850, when he engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, in which he continued until 
his sad and sudden death. In the fall 
of 1857, he immigrated to Illinois, and 
settled one mile southwest of Jersey- 
ville, where he remained until the 
spring of 1S64, when he removed to 
the farm near Otterville, where he 
ever afterwards resided. He died very 
suddenly July 23, 1885, being taken 
away with heart disease. But a day 
or two before he was pleasantly greet- 
ing actjuaintances in the city. The high 
social and financial position he enjoyed 
was due to his amiability, untiring en- 
ergy and good management. Any eulo- 
gy is unnecessary as his merits are so 
well known, his acquaintance being so 
extensive, and he was respected by the 
entire community as an upright, honor- 
able and public-spirited citizen. He 
left his family in very comfortable cir- 
cumstances, having 640 acres of valua- 
ble land, and a large, two story brick 
residence in Otterville. 



HISTORY 



OF 



GREENE COUNTY, 



1 1^ L I N o I s . 



OHAPTRR I. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Lessening each year, under the re- ' the bright eye, the firm glance, tell that 
lentless hand of death, the little band of I they have conquered, as only a noble 
hardy pioneers, who first broke the way [ band of heroes could conquer, and they 
for civilization and planted the broad i seem spared to sanctify the liomes that 
marks of progress upon the virgin J they have founded in this, to them, 
prairies and in the primeval forests of | pristine wilderness. Their deeds <lc- 
(irccne county, are fast passing away, ; serve a place in history, (hat will long 
and l)cf()re they have all been gathered survive the monuments of mai-ble that 
to their rest, let us hasten and gather must soon mark the place where tin y 
from their lips the tale of by-gone days, will be at rest. Let us then gather the 
when adventurous pioneers, both men details from them before they go, that 
and women, leaving the shelter of the we may honor them as they deserve, 
old home and parent roof-tree, pushed And here let us draw the contrast be- 
out into the then domain of the wild tween the then and now. Altlu)Ugh 
beast, and his scarce less wild brother, : settled at a late date as compared with 
the savage redman, and here essayed to those of the Atlantic seaboard, this 
carve them out a new home, amid the parallel seems startling; those who 
haunts of nature in her wildest mood. I have lived quietly upon their farms 

Their bent forms, their furrowed i where they settled when they first came 
bro'vs ami hoary Iwir, tell of the fierce ' here, can hardly realize the change, 
battle with trial and hardsliip — tlie having seen it grow up so gradually, 
light for life with penury and want, but But like the years of man, the country 

n ■ 



554 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



has been steadily growing on. Seventy 
years ago, these now productive acres, 
these rich grazing lands and fertile 
farms, were lying an almost unbroken 
wilderness of tree and grass, the hunt- 
ing ground and often the battle field of 
the red Indian. 

The soil was rich and productive, but 
what sterling nerve and determination 
was required to make it a suitable habi- 
tation for man and to reclaim to the uses 
of civilization its virgin soil; verily, to 
turn the back on the older homes of our 
race, and literally carve out a new one 
in the bosom of the forest, or upon the 
wind swept prairie, was no light task. 
No roads, and few if any trails, and the 
pioneer was often compelled to go 40 or 
50 miles to mill, and happy was he if 
he had grist to grind at all. 

Those days, agricultural and domestic 
implements were scarce and crude at 
that, and hard, manual labor replaced 
them to a great extent. Contrast in 
your minds the difference between the 
rude appliances of those early days, O, 
ye pioneers, with the manifold labor- 
saving machinery of to-day, both in 
husbandry, and in household affairs. 
The bar share with the sulky plow — the 
harvester with the sickle or scythe — 
the sewing machine with its more 
humble sister, the sewingneedle, and so 
on, through all the long list, and then 
you can realize the change. 



Contrast the rude log school house 
which served its multiform purpose of 
school, church, and often the only pub- 
lic building within the radius of a day's 
journey, with the elegant and commo- 
dious churches, school houses and pub- 
lic buildings of the present day. 

In those early days, "that tried 
men's souls," their nerve and backbone, 
no handy market was there for the lit- 
tle surplus farm i)roduce, nor conven- 
ient store, where could be purchased 
all that needs called for, but a long 
journey over a lonely, dreary road, 
often over 50 or 60 miles, before the 
pioneer could reach a plaice advanced 
enough to boast of a buyer and seller 
of country produce and merchandise, 
and his only mode of conveyance, the 
slow, plodding farm team, and rough 
lumber wagon. Now the iron horse 
snorts, almost at the very door, and 
towns and villages dot the land, bring- 
ing in their train all the conveniences 
of civilized life, and all the luxuries of 
the older home he left in by-gone days. 

But of the hardy Argonauts of this 
portion of the state, but few are in the 
land of the living, but their memories 
still are kept green in the recollections 
of the survivors, and from them has 
been collected the following annals. 
None have been intentionally omitted, 
but all diligence has been given to hunt 
up the minutest items of interest. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



55.5 



QHAPT^KR II. 



GEOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 



(ircenc county lies in the southern 
part of the vallej' of the Illinois river, 
hear the western border of the state. 
It is hounded on the north by Scott and 
Morjian counties, on the east by Ma- 
coupin, on the south by Jersey, and on 
the west by Pike and Calhoun, from 
which it is separated by the Illinois 
river. It contains 14 full congressional 
townships and seven fractional ones, or 
about equivalent to Ifi full townships, or 
67(i S()Uare miles of territory. It is well 
supplied with running streams that me- 
ander through its fertile acres in count- 
less number. The more im])ortant of 
these, besides the Illinois river, which 
washes its western boundary, are Ma- 
coupin and .\pple creeks. Macoupin 
creek first enters Greene count}', from 
Macoupin, on the cast line of Sect. 4, in 
T. '.), R. 10, and flows in a southerly di- 
rection, passing into Jersey county from 
section Ifi; here it takes a westward 
course, and again enters Greene county 
on the south line of section 18, of the 
same township and range, and flows 
witii tortuous course toward the west, 
tlirough T. '.), R. 11 west, near the west- 
ern boundary of which it inclines its 
course more to the southwest; from the 
Southwest corner of T. 9, R. 12, it forms 
the souihern boundary of the county. 
Ai)i)le creek has its headwaters near the 
northeastern part of the county, and 
flows with pellucid waters in a general 



southwesterly course through the town- 
ships of Athensville, White Hall, 
Wrights and Walkerville, and forms 
the boundary line between White Hall 
and Carrollton. These streams, with 
their numerous affluents, drain, and 
at the same time fertilize the hind. 
Fine springs are abundant in the blulf 
country along the river, and where 
the limestone crops out, and water can 
be reached almost anywhere by wells of 
not over 40 feet. Several mineral 
springs have been discovered. Mr. 
Clapp, in his excellent liistory of the 
county, thus speaks of some of tlu'in, 
whicli we quote by kind permission: 
"The old precinct of Mineral Springs, 
in the northern part of the county, re- 
ceived its name from fountains of this 
sort which at one time attracted a great 
deal of attention. They are situated on 
the west half of the northwest quarter 
of Sec. 22, T. 12, R. 11, and were dis- 
covered soon after the first settlement 
of the county, by a party who were fol- 
lowing an Indian trail. Shortly after, 
in 1825, Gov. Reynolds and a gentle- 
man named Cook, of Springfield, en- 
tered the land, believing that the 
presence of the springs would make the 
l)ropcrty valuable. For many years 
people, sufiering with various diseases, 
resorted thither from all parts of the 
adjacent country to obtain the l)euetit 
of the waters and, in many cases, re- 



556 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ceived immediate relief. Sometimes 
from 200 to 350 would be camped near 
the springs at one time. In Oct., 1852, 
the property was purchased by B. G. 
Hopkins, having previously been owned 
by Samuel Hopkins, Abraham Easton 
and others, who built a large hotel the 
same year. The main building was 40 
feet long bj' about 30 feet wide, with a 
commodious L in the rear and a wing 
40 feet long on either side of the main 
building, giving a total front of 120 feet. 
From this time the springs were very 
popular. Often more persons applied 
for board than could be accommodated 
attlie hotel, and the neighboring dwell- 
ings were frequently filled. Later the 
property came into the possession of 
B. McGlothlen, under whose manage- 
ment the springs began to lose their 
popularity. In 1862, while the hotel 
was occupied by McGlothlen and owned 
by C. G. Simonds, it was burned to the 
ground. The waters of the springs un- 
doubtedly have a pronounced medicinal 
effect. They are described as being 
'strongly diiiretic, rather more than 
slightly cathartic and diaphoretic, a 
good tonic and apjjetizer.' Dropsy, 
rheumatism, kidney complaints, dys- 
pepsia, and sore eyes are prominent 
among the ailments they have been 
known to cure. Just northeast of 
Greenfield are the Greenfield Springs, 
which are impregnated with iron, mag- 
nesia, calcium, and other ingredients. 
For debilitated persons they act as a 
tonic, and assist nature in its work of 
rejuvenating the system. Many stories 
are told of the successful use of the 
waters, by persons who came a long 
distance, sufiering with rheumatism, 
white swellings, fever sores, etc. Many 



who have visited Saratoga and the Sul- 
phur Springs, of Virginia, consider the 
Greenfield Springs their equal in every 
regard. An effort was at one time made 
to establish a watering place here but 
without success. The town is a pleas- 
ant one, the scenery delightful, the 
railroad facilities excellent and the en- 
terprise may yet be revived. Some 
three or four miles northeast of Carroll- 
ton, on land now owned by Malachi 
Carmody, there is another natural font 
of healing, and Parham Thaxton well 
remembers when as many as 50 people 
habitually congregated there on Sunday 
and spent the day in drinking the 
waters, and in quiet repose, in the im- 
mediate neighborhood. A similar 
spring, on the farm of Thos. Luneen, 
southeast of Carrollton, just beyond the 
limits of the city, was much resorted to 
in years past, and at other points they 
may be found." 

In the matter of timber, Greene county 
is abundantly supplied with all the 
trees indigenous to this latitude, and in 
large quantities, there not being a sin- 
gle township without its liberal supply 
of well wooded land. Among the most 
common kinds are the bass, or linden, 
red maple, sugar maple, honey locust, 
persimmon, white ash, white and red 
elm, Cottonwood, black and white wal- 
nut, shellbark hickory, and post, 
swamp, white, black, red, pin and 
shingle oaks with their numerous rela- 
lives, together with all the smaller va- 
rieties with which the American forests 
are so lavishly filled. 

The surface of the county is gener- 
ally of a rolling description, but in the 
western tier of townships, in the neigh- 
borhood of the river, and the bluffs 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



557 



that line it, it becomes quite broken and 
liilly ; the valleys of tlie smaller streams 
being from 100 feet to 200 feet below the 
level of the uplands. As the country 
proceeds eastward it is of a milder, 
gentler form, rising and falling in airy 
undulations like some frozen sea. In 
the western portion of the county, in 
the bottom land of the Illinois river, 
are numerous lakes of all sizes, shapes 
and forms, but none of them worthy of 
special mention. The blufi' lands are 
well adapted to the cultivation of fruits, 
as well as wheat and other cereals, and 
the soil rich and fertile. The prairies, 
which are small, are covered with the 
rich, warm, black, alluvial loam, char- 
acteristic of the prairies of northern and 
central Illinois, and whose fecundity 
and fertility is not surpassed by any 
land in the world. As an agricultural 
region Greene county takes a front rank 
in the galaxy of counties that go to 
make uj) this noble State, and its excel- 
lent railroad facilities and pro.xiniity to 
the great rivers, its rich and varied min- 
eral resources, point out a proud and 
prosperous future. 

Several lines of railroad cross the 
county, each having several stations 
within its borders, and thus bringing 
the cities, towns and villages of the 
county into direct communication with 
the markets of the world. The R. I. & 
St. L. branch of the C, B. & Q. R. R. 
enters the county from the north on Sec. 
2, T. 12, R. 12, passing about a mile 
west of the town of Roodhouse, to 
White Hall, where it crosses the C, A. 
it St. L. R. R., thence running south- 
easterly to Greenfield, and from thence 
southward, passing out on the south line 
of T. 10, U. 10. Besides the towns named 



above there are several other stations 
within the limits of the county on this 
line of road. The C, A., & St. L. R. 
R. enters the county on the north line 
of Sec. 5, T. 12, R. 11, and passes 
through the cities of Roodhouse, White 
Hall, Carrollton, and the villages ot 
Berdan and Kane. The Kansas City 
branch of this road, leaves the main 
line at Roodhouse, and running west, 
crosses the Illinois river, on its way to 
the rising young metropolis of the 
west. 

GEOLOGY. 

The following account of the geology 
of Greene county, is taken from the 
report of Prof. A. H. ^\'^)rthen, state 
geologist. No man was more thor- 
oughly conversant wtth the subject, or 
so able to treat of a matter which he has 
so exhaustively investigated. No his- 
tory of the county would be complete 
without it, and no one so (junlilied to 
give it as he. He says: 

The geological features of this county 
are by no means so varied as those pre- 
sented in the adjoining county of Jer- 
sey, for the reason that the disturbing 
influences that have elevated the De- 
vonian and Silurian beds above the 
surface, in that county, did not extend 
into this, and consequently we do not 
(ind any beds exposed here below the' 
lower carboniferous limestones. The 
following vertical section of the several 
formations in the county will illustrate 
their thickness and relative position: 

(Jii.itenuu y deposits, allii- 

viuui, loess and (irift Hio to I3i feet. 

Coal nieiisures l-'iO to lUO " 

St. Louis limestone 8 to 40 " 

Ketikiik limestone 100 to 12.5 " 

iJurliiiffton limestone 120 to l.'iO " 

Kinderliook group .10 to 00 " 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



ALLUVIUM. 

The principal alluvial deposits in 
this county are those forming the., bot- 
tom lands on the Illinois river, com- 
prising a belt from three to five miles 
in width, and extending the whole 
length of the county from north to 
south. These lands are exceedingly 
fertile, and, are amongst the most val- 
uable and productive farming lands in 
the county. The greater portion of 
these bottom lands are prairie, sufh- 
(■(mtly elevated to be susceptible of culti- 
vation and exceedingly productive. 
Adjacent to the river bluffs, they are 
elevated entirely above high water 
mark, and are not subject to overflow 
from the anniaal river floods. Belts of 
heavy timber occupy some portions of 
these bottom lands, and skirt the small 
streams liy which they are intersected. 

LOESS. 

This formation is usually confined to 
the vicinity of the river bluffs, which it 
caps to the depth of from 40 to 60 feet, 
and gives origin to the bald, grassy 
knobs, which forms so notable a feature 
in the topography of the bluff, both on 
the Illinois and the Mississippi. It is 
largely composed of beds of marly 
sand, which sustains a thick growth of 
wild grass, and occasionally a stunted 
growth of oak. It is unconformably to 
the drift clays below it, and presents its 
greatest thickness at the river bluffs 
growing thinner toward the highlands 
of the adjacent region. It has been 
formed in the quiet waters of the lakes 
which once occupied the present valleys 
of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. 
These marly beds of loess form an ad- 
mirable sub-soil, being sufficiently por- 



ous to allow a thorough drainage; and 
where they underlie a gently rolling or 
tolerably level surface, they form a 
quick, warm and very productive soil. 

DRIFT. 

Some few sections of drift may be 
seen in the bluffs of Bear creek, below 
Blanehard's coal bank, of 40 to 42 feet 
in thickness. The lower part is com- 
posed of bluish colored clays, so gener- 
ally characteristic of this formation. 
Large boulders of metamorj)hic rock are 
not so abundant in the drift of this re- 
gion as in many other portions of the 
state; but a few are found of moderate 
size, composed of greenstone, porphyry 
and granite, giving unmistakable evi- 
dence of their northern origin. Speci- 
mens of drifted copper and galena are, 
also, occasionally found in the clay and 
gravel beds of this region, which cover 
the whole surface of the county, except 
the valleys of the streams. These have 
been transpoi'ted, also, from the north 
— the copper from Lake Superior, and 
the galena from the lead regions of 
northern Illinois or Wisconsin, and were 
transported at the same period and by 
the same agency that brought the bould- 
ers of metamorphic rock. 

COAL MEASURES. 

The coal measures of this county 
comprise about 150 feet in thickness of 
sandstones, shales, and thin bands of 
limestone, including three seams of 
coal, and comprise all the strata from 
the horizon of coal No. 6 to the base of 
the measures, as they are developed in 
this portion of the state. The sub- 
joined general section, compiled from 
many local sections in various parts of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



559 



the county, will show their general 

thickness and relative position : 

Feet. 

(^1InllM(•t brown hiiiestdiie 2 to 4 

IJitmiiinoiis sliale 1 

Coal Xo. li (S 

iSlialy clay and iiiiiliilar liiiiestone S to 4 

Sliale 15 to 20 

Hitiiniinoiis shale 2 to o 

( 'oal Xo. 5 2 to o 

.Vlcnafcons sliale and sanilstoiic 25 to ;!0 

Hitniiiinous sllale,]la^^singtocoal No. 3 2 to ." 

Sandstont'and shale 40 to 50 

Coal Xo. 1 2 to ;! 

Xodiilar steel Kniv liniestone 4 to (i 

Shale and sandstone, conglomerate. . .15 to 20 

1.53 
The only outcrop of the Belleville, or 
No. 6 coal, that is found in this county, 
is on the northeast quarter of Sec. 
3(), T. 10, R. 10, just on the county 
line, between Greene and Macoupin, in 
tlie blufl' of Hodge's creek. This bank 
was owned and worked in 1864, by 
Thomas Rice, and the seam is here very 
variable in its thickness, ranging froni 
four to seven feet. The upper part of 
the seam is considerably mixed witli 
sulphuret of iron, and is only fit for 
steam purposes; but the middle and 
lower ]H)rtions afford a good smith's 
coal. The seam at this locality dips to 
the eastward; and this may probably be 
considered as its most westerly outcrop. 
There are only a few inches of shaly 
clay separating the seam from the nod- 
ular argillaceous limestone below, ex- 
hibiting here the phenomenon of a 
heavy seam of coal directly enclosed 
between beds of marine limestone. The 
noduhir limestone below the coal 
abounds in fossils at this locality, 
among which a massive coral, the cha- 
etctes milliporaeeous, is most conspicu- 
ous. This coral is generally hcmisper- 



ical in form, and often attains a diame- 
ter of six to 12 inches. The limestone 
also contains many univalve shells be- 
longing to the genera naticopsis, pleuro- 
tomaria, loxonema, etc. 

The limestone which forms the roof 
of the coal is a compact, bluish-gray 
rock, which weathers, on exposure, to a 
rusty-brown color, and contains ])ro- 
ductus longispinus, spirifer lineatus, 
fusulina, and joints of crinoidea. 

Below this coal there is another seam 
that outcrops on the creek in this vicin- 
ity. It has not yet been worked to any 
extent; and no good exposure of it is 
to be seen, but is reported to be about 
two feet in thickness. It is, undoubt- 
edly, the equivalent of coal No. 5, of 
the general section, and the Howlett 
coal, near Springfield, but ismucli thin- 
ner here than the seam above it. Bassett's 
coal, on the southwest quarter of Sec. 
27, T. 10, R. 11, is about IS indies iti 
thickness; and the coal is overlaid, 
first, by three or four feet of bitumiiicius 
shale, and thisby a septariau limestone, 
or four feet more in thickness. The 
coal is underlaid by a blue clay sliale, 
from four to six feet thick, and tliis, l)y 
a brown sandy shale, passing into sand- 
stone, which outcrops down the creek 
for a distance of half a mile or more, 
and shows a thickness altogether, of 25 
or 30 feet. This scam probably over- 
lies the coal at Tulison's, on Wolf 
river, as well as that on Birch creek; 
but that point could not be positively 
determined. It is probable that it rep- 
resents coal No. 2 of the general sec- 
tion. The coal in the scam appears to 
be of good (juality; but it is too thin to 
be profitably mined at the present time. 
At many points there is a heavy bed of 



r>m 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



sandstone intervening between this 
seam and the coal on Birch creek; and 
a similar bed, though perhaps a higher 
one in the series, is well exposed in the 
bluffs of Macoupin creek, at Rock- 
bridge. The exposure here is from 35 
to 40 feet in thickness, the lower 
part consisting of blue sandy shales, 
which are overlaid by a massive brown 
sandstone, passingupward into a brown, 
sandy shale. The sandstone is partly 
concretionary in structure, the concre- 
tions being quite hard and forming a 
durable building stone. On Birch creek 
a similar sandstone is well exposed, 
overlying coal seam No. 1, with a thick- 
ness of 25 to 30 feet. Nettle's coal 
bank is on the northeast quarter of Sec. 
25, T. 12, R. 11, about four miles 
east of Roodhouse. The coal aver- 
ages about three feet in thickness, 
and is overlaid by from three to five 
feet of bituiuinous shale, which forms a 
good roof to the coal. Above the shale 
there is abed of massive sandstone, 
20 feet or more in thickness, similar to 
that at Rockbridge. Under the coal, 
there is a bed of shaley clay, not more 
than a foot or two in thickness, which 
rests upon a hard steel-gray nodular 
limestone about four feet in thickness. 
The bed crops out along the creek for a 
distance of about three miles above 
Nettle's place, the fall of the creek 
being just about equal to the dip of the 
coal, and in the same direction, which 
is to the southeast. On Wolf run, 
about a mile and a half east of White 
Hall, a seam of coal outcrops along the 
creek for the distance of a mile or more 
and has been opened at several points. 
It is from two feet to two and a half in 
thickness, and is a clear, bright coal. 



breaking in regularly shaped blocks, 
and quite free from sulphuret of iron. 
It is overlaid by about two feet of bi- 
tuminous shale, which passes upward 
into a blue clay shale, which is overlaid 
by sandstone. Below the coal there is 
an excellent bed of fire clay, from 8 to 
10 feet thick. The upper openings on 
this creek are on the lands lately owned 
by David Rankin, and the lower one on 
the lands of Isaac Tulison. 

On the southeast quarter of Sec. 36, 
T. 11, R. 12, about four miles northeast 
of Carrollton, a coal seam has been 
opened on the west fork of ^^'hitaker's 
creek, which, with tlie associated rocks 
form the following section : 
< 'oal liieasiiifs: Feet. 

Hrowii s;ni(l_v shale 10 to 12 

]5ituininiiiis shale 2 

Coal 1'^ 

Shaly coal, sandy coiigloiiierate. lU to l.'» 

Band of iron ore Hj 

Hydraulic limestone 4 to ij 

Keokuk limestone 15 to 20 

The beds above the bands of iron ore 
in this section belong to the coal meas- 
ures, and those below to the lower car- 
l^oniferous limestone. It will be ob- 
served in tills section, that the St. 
Louis limestone, upon which the 
coal measures usually rest in this 
county, are not represented, unless 
it be by the bed of hydraulic 
limestone. The Keokuk limestone 
is well marked, representing the usual 
characteristics that distinguish it at 
other localities. The iron ore above 
the hydraulic limestone is an earthy- 
brown hematite of good quality. This 
coal seam is only about 18 inches in 
thickness. This coal has been opened 
the east fork of Whitaker's creek ; and 
also on Bear creek, on Mrs. Blanch- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



561 



ard's place, about a mile and a half 
above the mouth of the creek. Blanch- 
ard's coal bank is on the northwest 
quarter of S. 14, T. 11, R. 11. The 
The coal varies in thickness from two 
to three feet, and is overlaid by bitu- 
minous shale, and massive sandstone. 
This seam appears to be the same as 
Nettle's coal, on Birch creek. A mile 
and a half below Blanchard's, the St. 
Louis limestone is to be seen on the 
bluffs of the creek; but the intervening 
beds between tlie coal and limestone 
are not exposed. In sinking the well 
for the steam mill in Carrollton, a thin 
seam of coal, about si.x inches thick, 
was passed through at a depth of about 
70 feet below the surface. Althougli 
the coal measures underlie nearly all of 
the eastern half of the county, they 
comprise only the horizon of the lower 
coal .seam, over a considerable portion 
of this area; and, along the extreme 
western borders of tlie coal field, even 
this is too thin at many localities to be 
worked to advantage, and the eastern 
range of townships must be mainly re- 
lied on for a supply of coal. The 
measures in this county comprise the 
whole range of the productive coal 
measures, as they are developed in this 
portion of the state; but the two prin- 
cipal coals, No. 5 and 6, only extend a 
little over tlie eastern line of the 
county, and consequently underlie but 
a very small area in this county, while 
the lower part of the measures, which 
underlie all the eastern portion of the 
county, only have two of the four lower 
seams develoj)ed, and these range in 
thickness from 18 to 36 inches. The 
seam at Nettle's mine, on Birch creek, 
and at Blanchard's, on Bear creek, are 



probably the the same as the Exeter 
coal in Scott county, and Tulison's 
bank, two miles northeast of White 
Hall, may be referred to the same hor- 
izon. Burrow's coal probably holds a 
a higlier position, and perhaps repre- 
sents either No. 2 or 3 of the general 
section of the coal measure in central 
and northern Illinois. 

ST. LOUIS LIMESTONK. 

This formation is quite variable in 
this county, both of regards its thick- 
ness and its lithological characters. 
On Link's branch, south of Carrollton, 
and about a half mile east of the state 
road from Carrollton to Jerseyville, a 
fine quarry has been opened in this 
limestone on tlie lands of Joseph Stohr, 
and leased liy Michael ShalJue. The 
thickness of the rock at these quarries 
is about 15 feet; and the lower 10 is a 
heavy-bedded magnesian limestone, 
some of the layers being from two to 
three feet thick. The prevailing colors 
are light yellowish-gray and brown; 
and these colors often replace each other 
in the same stratum. The rock is even- 
textured, free from chert or other 
siliceous material, and dresses easily ; 
and these quarries afford most of 
the cut stone used at Carrollton. The 
lowest strata at these quarries ap- 
pears to be hydraulic limestone, and is 
about 18 inches tliick. At the cross- 
ing of the state road, a half mile 
or more, further up the creek, the 
rock is not so even-textured, some of 
the strata being too hard to dress read- 
ily, and others too soft to stand ex- 
posure to the atmosphere. The whole 
thickness of the beds exposed, from the 
state road to Stohr's quarries, may be 



5fi2 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



estimated from 25 to 30 feet. In the 
upper part of this group, near the state 
road, there is also another stratum of 
what appears to be a hydraulic lime- 
stone, about two feet thick. On the 
road from Carrollton to Turpin's mill, 
this limestone is found outcropping in 
the beds of the small creeks that empty 
into the Macoupin. Turpin's mill is on 
Sec. l(j, T. 9, R. 11, and the St. Louis 
limestone is found well exposed on a 
small branch about a quarter of a mile 
west of the mill. The lower part of the 
bed, a.s it appears at this locality, is a 
brown arenaceous limestone, while the 
upper is of grey and mottled color, and 
sufficiently pure to be burned for lime, 
though not a very good material for 
that purpose. The entire thickness of 
the beds exposed here is only about 1-5 
feet. At Thompson's mill, on the 
northeast quarter of Sec. 10, T. 11, R. 
11, there is an exposure of about 1'2 feet 
of this formation. The upper four feet 
is a brown magnesian limestone, and 
the lower eight feet, an earthy, gray- 
ish-brown, hydraulic limestone, exactly 
resembling in appearance the hydraulic 
layers of this formation at otlier local- 
ities. This is the thickest bed of this 
kind of rock found in the county; and if 
it should j)rove on trial to be as good a 
hydraulic rock as its appearance would 
indicate, it will become valuable for the 
manufacture of cement. It is no doubt 
the equivalent of the hydraulic lime- 
stone noticed at the coal mine on the 
west fork of Whitaker's creek, and is 
here nearly twice as thick as that local- 
ity. Fossils are quite scarce in this 
formation, at nearly every locality ex- 
amined in this county. Some interest- 
ing forms of bryozoa were obtained at 



the quarries on Link's branch, and a 
fine specimen of conularia, probably 0. 
verneuiliana, is in the possession of 
Dr. Farley, of Jerseyville, that was 
found at this locality. 

KEOKUK LIMESTONE. 

This formation, with the overlying 
St. Louis limestone, occupies a belt im- 
mediately beyond the western bor- 
ders of the coal measures, and 
intervening between them and the 
Burlington limestone in the vicinity 
of the river bluffs. This belt is from 
three to four miles in width ; and the 
Keokuk limestone which forms the 
greatest portion of it, outcrops on the 
tributaries of the Macoupin and Apple 
creeks, and on the last named creek it- 
self, a half a mile below the bridge, on 
the main road from Carrollton to ^\'hite 
Hall. On the small creek a half a 
mile south of White Hall, the upper 
part of the Keokuk limestone is found 
outcropping for the distance of a mile 
and a half or more on each side of the 
creek. The rock is here a thin-bedded, 
cherty, gray limestone, with thin part- 
ings of calcareo-argillaceous shale. It 
seldom affords strata more than six 
inches thick, and is therefore not a de- 
siralile building stone, except for light 
walls. It affords some characteristic 
fossils at this locality, among which are 
Archimede> Owenana, platycerus equit- 
atera, agaricoerinus Americanus, pro- 
ductus punctuatus, spirifer cuspidatus 
and S. Keokuk. The fossils of this 
formation are not so numerous or well 
preserved at the localities examined in 
this county, as they are in the same beds 
in Jersey county. On the west fork of 
Whitaker's creek, these same beds are 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



563 



exposed, between the coal bank and the 
mouth of the creek, and atl'ord the same 
varieties of fosi'ils obtained in the vicin- 
ity of White Hall. On Apple creek, a 
.«hort distance below the bridge, on the 
Carrollton and White Hall road, the 
lower beds of this limestone are ex- 
posed, affording layers from 12 to 18 
inches thick. No point was found in 
the coimty where the whole of this 
formation could be seen in a single sec- 
tion ; and for a general description of 
its characteristic features as well as the 
determination of its thickness, it is 
necessary to rely upon the results of 
local examinations of such portions of 
the formation as could be found ex- 
]>oscd in different j)arts of the county. 
Its thickness has been estimated ap- 
jiroximately, at 100 to 125 feet; but it 
may be somewhat greater even than 
tliat. 

ni'RI.TX<;T0N LIMKSTONK. 

The outcrop of this formation is con- 
fined to the western part of the county. 
It forms the main ])orti(in of the river 
blufif's throughout the whole extent of 
the county, from north to south, and 
extends eastward from the bluffs, form- 
ing a belt from three to four miles in 
width. At the south, line of the county, 
where Macoupin creek intersects the 
river bluffs, the lower j)art of this lime- 
stone, about 70 feet in thickness, forms 
the upper part of the bluff, and is un- 
derlaid by 54 feet of the ash-colored 
shaly limestones of the Kinderhook 
group. From this point to the north 
line of the county, this limestone is 
seen ill a continuous exposure, except 
wliere intersected by the valleys of the 
small streams ; and it often presents 
mural elilf of limestone along the face 



of the bluffs, from 75 to 100 feet in 
height. 

At James J. Eldred's place the lime- 
stone measures 100 feet in thickness, 
above the road at the foot of the bluff, 
and is capped by a mound of loess 60 
feet high ; and the bluffs verj' generally 
culminate in this vicinity in bald knobs, 
covered only with grass, giving a, 
very picturesque outline to the land- 
scape. The limestone at Eldred's place 
is a light-gray crinoidal rock, in (|uite 
regular beds, with comparatively but 
little cherty material, and forms an ex- 
cellent building stone, which is exten- 
sively used not only at this locality, 
but by wealthy farmers occupying the 
bottom lands at the foot of these blufls 
throughout the county, for dwellings 
and barns, and also for fences. About 
half a mile below the comity line, be- 
tween Greene and Scott, the limestone 
bluffs are about one hundred feet high, 
and are capped with 40 feet of loess. 
At this point there is a bench of brown 
limestone, projecting a few feet beyond 
the face of the bluff, and only a few feet 
above the base, that is covered with 
rude figures, cut upon the surface of the 
limestone by some of the aboriginal in- 
habitants of this country. Among these 
figures are the outlines of a human foot, 
and also that of a bear, several that 
were evidently designed to represent 
the tracks of birds, and others that do 
not appear to represent any natural ob- 
ject, but seem rather designed to record 
in hieroglyphics, some historic or myth- 
ological events. These figures were cut 
upon the surface of the stone with some 
hard instrument, to the de])th of per- 
haps one-sixteenth of an inch. The 
surface of the stone on A'hich thev were 



564 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



engraved, has been worn almost as 
smooth as glass, probably by the tread 
of human feet. The bluffs of the Illi- 
nois and the adjacent bottoms appear to 
have beeu favorite resorts of some of 
the primeval races ; and their rude an- 
tiquities, consisting of stone axes and 
knives, discs, flint arrow-heads, and an 
instrument resembling a mason's plum- 
met, made apparently from the com- 
pact iron ore of the Iron mountain in 
Missouri, are quite common to the coun- 
ties of Green, Jersey and Calhoun. 
Fossils are not very numerous in the 
Burlington limestone, at the localities 
examined in this county, but the follow- 
ing species were obtained : spirifer 
Grimesi, S. Forbesii, athyrisincrassata, 
A. lamellosa, productus punctatus, and 
actinocrinus concinnus. 

KINDERHOOK GROUP. 

The upper half of this formation, in- 
cluding a thickness of about 50 feet, 
may be seen at the point where the Ma- 
coupin intersects the river bluffs. 80 
far as could be seen, it consists of ash- 
colored shales and shaly limestone, and 
afforded no fossils at this locality. 
Above this point its out-crop along the 
bluff is hidden by the talus from the 
overlying beds. 

COAL. 

About one-third of the entire surface 
of the county is underlaid by the coal 
measures; and they include the horizon 
of three or four coal seams, though but 
two of these appear to ]>e mined at the 
present time to any considerable extent. 
The upper one is the No. 6, or Belle- 
ville seam, which is only found on the 
east line of the county, on Hodges' 
creek. It underlies a very limited area 



in this county, and the exposures above 
named are probably nearly or quite on 
the western limit of its outcrop. Its 
line of outcrop indicates that it might 
be found on Apple creek, in the vicin- 
ity of Athens. It is by far the thickest 
and most valuable seam of coal that is 
developed in this part of the state, 
though at points further north the coal 
immediately below it — No. 5 — is equally 
well developed, and attains an average 
thickness of six feet. The two lower 
seams are comparatively thin, and 
nowhere above three feet, where they 
have been examined in this county. 

No. 6 varies in thickness in this 
county from four to seven feet; while 
the lower seams, of which there are 
three, vary in thickness from one and a 
half to three feet. The two lower 
seams will probably be found to under- 
lie nearly all the eastern portion of the 
county; and they will yield an abund- 
ant supply of coal for home consump- 
tion. The seam that outcrops on Birch 
creek is probably the same as that on 
Tulison's land, near White Hall, and it 
ma}' be mined at almost any point in 
the eastern part of the county, at a 
depth ranging from 50 to 150 feet below 
the surface. Where it is desirable to 
mine it at a point where it does not out- 
crop at the surface, a boring should first 
be made to ascertain the thit-kness of 
the coal and its depth below the sur- 
face; and, when these points are de- 
termined, an exact calculation can be 
made of the expense of opening the mine 
and the amount of coal it will afford to 
a given area. The expense of boring 
ought not to exceed $2 a foot for the first 
150 feet. On Wolf run and Birch 
creek, where the lower seam is exposed. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



565 



it will average two feet and a half in 
thickness, and will yield 2,500,000 tons 
of coal to the square mile. It is the 
same as the Exeter coal in Scott county, 
and the coal it aftbrds is better than the 
average (luality, being quite as free 
from the sulphuret of iron, in this 
county, as the No. 6, or Belleville coal. 
The seam at Bassett's on the southwest 
quarter of Sec. 27, T. 10, R. 11, appears 
to be of a local character, and cannot be 
relied on as a productive bed, over a 
large area of surface. 

rl.AVS. 
The best clay for the potter's use, and 
for lire brick, is the bed under the coal 
seam, on ^\'olf run. At sonic points 
the clay is from eight to 10 feet thick, 
and outcrops at the surfa(-e, in many lo- 
calities, from one and a half to three 
miles from White Hall. The thickwess 
of this bed, and its proximity to the 
railroad, makes it one of the most val- 
uable deposits of potter's clay known in 
the state; and the near proximit}' of ex- 
cellent coal, which may often be mined 
in the same drift with the clay, makes 
this one of tlie most desirable points 
for the manufacture of fire-brick or ))ot- 
tery, on a large scale, that can be found 
in the state. At Blanchard's mine no 
exposure of tiie clay under the coal is 
to be seen, and on Birch creek the seam 
is underlaid by Umcstone, below which 
the beds were not seen; but in the vi- 
cinity of Winchester, and at some other 
localities in Scott county, the limestone 
below this eoal is underlaid by a thick 
bed i)f nearly white clay, almost ex- 
aitly like that east of White Hall; and 
it is (|uite probable a similar clay may 
be found underlying the limestone on 
Birch creek. 



HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE. 

The St. Louis limestone affords some 
layers that seem to possess hydraulic 
properties, at several localities in this 
county, though they are generally rather 
too thin to be of much value at the 
present time. The thickest bed seen in 
the county is at Thompson's mill, on 
xVpple creek, where it is about eight feet 
in thickness. This locality would aflbrd 
a sufficient amount of material to jus- 
tify the erection of a cement mill at this 
point, should the rock prove, on trial, 
to be as well adapted to this purpose as 
its api)earance would indicate. 

IKON ORE. 

On the west fork, at \\'hitaker's 
creek, there is a seam of iron ore, under- 
lying the coal at that locality, about 
18 inches in thickness. The ore is a 
hematite of a dark, brick-red color, and 
appears to be of a good quality. Coal 
and limestone, for reducing it to a me- 
tallic iron, are abundant in the vicinity 
of this ore. 

LI.MESTIINE I-'OK I.I Ml;. 

The best material for tliis iiur})ose 
that has been met with in this county, 
is that afforded by the light-gray, semi- 
crystalline beds of the Burlington lime- 
stone, along the river bluffs. Some of 
these are a nearly pure carbonate of 
lime, and are not surpassed for this 
])urpose by any limestone in the cnunty. 
The lower part of tlic Keokuk lime- 
stone, as it appears below the bridge on 
Apple creek, will afford a very good 
limestone for this purjtose; but the St. 
Lciuis group, wbi<h usually aftbrds the 
purest limestone of all, aftbrds no ma- . 
ferial adapted to this purj)ose'at any of 
the localities examined in this countv. 



566 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



BUILDING STONE. 

All the principal limestone forma- 
tions in this county afford good Imilding 
stone for ordinary purposes; and some 
of them afford a superior article, suitable 
for cut-stone work and ornamental 
architecture. The most abundant sup- 
ply, as well as the finest material of 
this kind, will be furnislied by the 
Burlington limestone, which outcrops 
in the vicinity of the river bluff's. The 
rock is tolerably even-bedded, in strata 
varying from six inches to two feet in 
thickness, and can be very easily and 
cheaply quarried, so that it is now 
used, not only for all the ordinary pur- 
poses for which building stone is re- 
quired, but also for fencing the farms 
along the foot of the bluff's. Several 
elegant farm houses liave already lieen 
built in tliis county from this material; 
and, as the wealth of the country in- 
creases, something like a correct taste 
in architecture will obtain among the 
people, and a desire for more substan- 
tial and elegant buildings will be the 
result. This will give increased value 
to our supplies of fine building stone; 
and quarries that are now reckoned of 
little value to the owners will eventually 
become sources of wealth to an extent 
that can not at present be realized. 

The St. Louis limestone will perhaps 
rank next in value for supplying the 
wants of the citizens of this county with 
good building stone. The quarries on 
Link's branch, near Carrollton, are 
capable of sujjplying the wants of that 
town, and the surrounding country. 
The rock obtained at this locality, is a 
yellowish gray, or brown, magnesian 
limestone, soft enough to be cut with 
facility, when freshly quarried, and 



make a fine building stone, either for 
cut-work or for heavy walls. Some of 
the beds are thick enough to furnish 
dimension stone of a large size. This 
bed will furnish a good material for 
heavy walls, at everj- locality where we 
saw it exposed in this coimty. The 
Keokuk limestone will also furnish a 
very good building stone, wherever the 
lower part of the bed is found exposed. 
This portion of the bed aff'ords layers of 
light, bluish-gray, compact limestone, 
from six inches to a foot in thickness, 
that may be used for all the ordinary 
purposes for which material of this 
kind is required. In the upper part of 
the bed the layers are rather thin and 
cherty. 

The sandstone overlying the coal 
seam on Birch creek, has all the charac- 
teristics of a reliable building stone. It 
is a massive micaceous sandstone, con- 
taining considerable ferruginous mat- 
ter, withstands atmospheric infiucnces 
well, and forms a bold mural wall 
along the bluffs of the creek, from 15 to 
20 feet in height. It will furnish an 
abundant supply of building stone for 
this part of the county. On Bear creek 
the sandstone is more unevenly bedded, 
and somewhat unevenly textured, some 
portions of it showing a disposition to 
crumble on exposure to the atmosphere. 
If quarried for binldiug stone, when it 
presents this appearance, it should be 
selected with care; and the soft portions 
of the rock should be rejected. In a 
word, this county has an abundant sup- 
jily of building stone, not only for the 
use of the inhabitants within its bor- 
ders, but also a large surplus for the 
supply of the people in other portions of 
the state. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



567 



OHAP^TEIR III. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



The subject of tlie early settlement 

of a county, a state, or a section of our 

country, possesses an interest for all, but 

to the keen student of men and events, 

it i)resents itself as the source of much 

thouirht and investisration. Upon the 

characteristics of the lirst settlers in 

any land, upon their early training and 

general ways, upon tlieir religious be- 
liefs and methods, depends, in a great 

measure, the future life, prosperity and 

even form of government. The stern, 

unyielding Puritan, who settled on th<' 

almost sterile shores of rocky New 

England, has left his hard stamp upon 

the whole of that (|uarter of our beloved 

republic, just as much as the jovial, 

hospitable Cavalier who first made his 

home on Virginia gr(jund lives again in 

hisdesccndents,orthe French Huguenot 

of the Carolinas in the easy, polite and 

cultured ))eople of the southern states, j were just beginning to put on their 
Most of tliiisp who came to (ireene many hued autumnal foliage, six men, 

county in an early day came from i Daniel Allen, his three sons, ami James 

'neath the genial skies and from warmer ' and Paul Harriford came to the northern 

clime of the "Sunny South,"' and the ; part of .Jersey county and made asettle- 

well known hospitality of that favored ment, as detailed in the history of that 

land was transported to these pristine . county. In the latter part of liillj, 

wilds. Sonu> immigraTits, however, ! Daniel .Mien, Sr., and two of his sf)ns, 

Danii 1 and .James, moved aliout six 
miles noith and west of their first loca- 
tion, into what is now Greene county, 
and settled on land now owned by his 
grandson. E. W. Allen. John Allen, 
another grandson of Daniel's, settled 
also in Ivanc township. Thus the 



nion sense of the Yankee, making tlte 
Ijcst combination possible, ^^'ith these 
ideas in our minds, it is with more than 
ordinary interest that the subject of the 
early settlers of (ireene county is entered 
upon, and the native heath and training 
of each is brought to view, seeing the 
men from so many diverse sections of 
this country, and the kingdoms and 
empires of the old world, seeking a 
home in this earthly paradise, and all 
mingling in one homogeneous mass, 
vmtil it has become one united people. 

PIONEEKS OF CKKENK COINTV. 

To say, at this late day, who was the 
first to settle within the limits of Greene 
county, is well nigh impossible. No 
doubt there were peoi)le here as early 
as 1<S13 or 1814, but if there were, they 
left no trace. In ISlo, when the trees 



came from the New England and Mid- 
<lle states, and these tvvt) diverse ele- 
ments becoming amalgamated iiere, has 
added to the warm-hearted, generous 
disj)osition of the sons of Iventucky, 
Tennessee, Virginia, or the Carolinas — 
the hard-headed, cool, calculating com- 



568 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Allen's are the first known settlers in 
this county. 

During the year 181R, Samuel Thomas, 
who had passfd througli this county on 
his way back and forth after the In- 
dians, when he was in the ranger ser- 
vice, came to Greene county, and cross- 
ing the Macoupin creek, selected a 
place on which he intended to locate 
and make a home. He cut and stacked 
a considerable quantity of hay, and 
made some other preparations toward 
taking up his residence. He returned 
to his home on the Wood river, but his 
back had hardly been turned ere the 
redskins burned his hay and destroyed 
all trace of his labors. Two years 
longer he and his young wife lingered 
in the settlement around the forks of 
Wood river, but in the summer of 1818, 
he set o\it with John Huitt and Thomas 
Carlin for this beautiful land. In Au- 
gust tlie three adventurers came to the 
Macoupin creek, crossing which they 
ascended the bluffs, and here the most 
glorious panorama spread out before 
them. Mv. Thomas selected a spot on 
Sec. 33, T. 10, R. Vi, for a home. A 
beautiful grove and a clear spring of 
water were among the attractions that 
fixed his choice. Here Mr. Thomas 
killed a deer, cut a boe-trce and en- 
graved his name on the bark of a mon- 
arch of the forest, to indicate that the 
land was claimed. He also built a 
cabin, made some other preparations, 
and returned for his wife and house- 
hold goods. With these loaded upon 
an ox cart he arrived at his new home 
on the ninth day of November, 1818, 
and thus bec.ime the first settler in 
Greene county north of Macoupin creek. 

Thomas Carlin pushed further north, 



inclining a little more to the east, and 
chose for his home a fine piece of land, 
including that on which the city of Car- 
rollton was afterward built. His cabin 
he erected in the southern portion of 
the present corporation, and occupied it 
late in 1818, or the spring of 1819. 

Thomas Allen settled in what is now 
White Hall township in 1818, among 
the first in the county. Here he lived 
until his death, which occurred in April, 
1874. 

Mathew Dayton made his appearance 
in Greene county in 1818, and the next 
year made a settlement in Woodville 
township, where he lived until Oct., 
1872, when he died. 

James Stone and his wife were also 
settlers of the year 1818, coming in the 
early winter of that year. They set- 
tled, at first, near where the town of 
Carrollton was afterward laid out, on 
the farm now occupied by William and 
C'harles Ward. From there he removed 
to Woodville township, and located on 
the northeast quarter of Sec. 6, T. 9, 
R. 12, which, by hard work and rigid 
economy, he succeeded in saving the 
money to enter. He died there about 
1854."' 

Luther and Calvin Tunnell came to 
this county in 1818, and made a perma- 
nent settlement. Both of these gentle- 
men were prominent in the afl'airs of 
the county. Lutlier located in Linder 
township on coming here, and Calvin in 
Carrollton township, on the farm now 
owned by Jackson Tunnell. 

Dr. H. Clay Thaxton, a native of Vir- 
ginia, came to this county in 1818, and 
settled in the Apple creek bottom. He 
was born Aug. 5, 1799. When the land 
was open for entry, he entered 80 acres 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



569 



of land on section 20 of what is now 
Wriglits township, where he is still liv- 
ing. 

William Speaks, in company with the 
Aliens, Morrows and others, who were 
relatives of his, came from Tennessee, 
where he had been living, to what is now 
White Hall township, north of Apple 
creek, in the late fall or early winter of 
1818. On arriving there it was too late 
to build a house, so they camped out by 
the side of a large log. To such straits 
were the early pioneers of this country 
put. While enduring the inclemency of 
the weather that winter, a son was born 
to Mrs. Speaks. Mr. Speaks died at 
Greenfield, of cancer in the face. 

William Allen settled at what is well 
known as Belltown, in 1819, where he 
lived until April 4, 1875, when he was 
called on to pay the debt of nature. 

Zachcriah Allen, also, came at the 
same time, and made a settlement on 
Sec. 3, T. 11, R. 12. 

Thomas Rattan made a settlement 
north of Ajjple creek, in 1819. With 
him came also Levi Reader. Rattan did 
not live here long, but moved to Carroll- 
ton, where he kept the first tavern. 

John Allen and Isaac Hill, attracted 
by the settlement north of Apple creek, 
in 1819, located in that part of the 
county. 

Thomas Hall, a native of North Car- 
olina, came to Illinois in 1818, and after 
a year spent at the Wood river settle- 
ment, in 1819, came to Greene county, 
locating on the northwest quarter of 
Sec. :]2, T. 10, R. 12. His wife, formerly 
Mary McVeigh, was born in South Car- 
olina, Init they were married in East 
Tennessee, in 1815, from which state 
they came to Illinois. They lived on 



this farm some 15 years, when he moved 
his house to another quarter of the same 
section. He died here, March 18, 1854. 

Benjamin Ogle made a settlement this 
same year, 1818, south of the present 
county seat, in Carrollton townshij). 
Abraham Clark entered the land and 
sold it to Ogle, who was to pay for it by 
digging out two grindstones from pale- 
zoic or lost rocks, which he did. He 
had settled on this land, but not having 
the money to enter it at the first entry, 
Mr. Clark did so, but the neighbors 
feeling outraged, he sold it to the settler 
as above. 

William Costley, his son, also Wil- 
liam Costley, afterwards known as the 
Major, and Robert Means, came to the 
neighborhood south of the Macoujnn 
creek, in Kane township, in 1819, where 
they made a settlement. The elder Mr. 
Costley died the following year; liis son 
was for many years a leading and influ- 
ential citizen of the county. He died 
in 1869. 

John Greene made a settlement south 
of Macoupin creek, in 1819, on the 
northwest (juarter of S. 20, T. 9, R. 11. 
Here he remained until his death. Mr. 
Greene was very prominent in the 
affairs of the county, and in common 
with nearly all of these pioneers, is 
noticed at length in their proper place 
elsewhere. 

Francis Bell came with his family to 
this county, in 1819, and settled on 
Apple creek prairie, north of the creek. 
He was a native of Tennessee. He died 
in 1866, at Talula, 111. 

Joel Johnson settled upon a farm on 
section 21, of Linder township, in 1819. 

Robert Whitaker came to the county 
in 1819., and made an improvement in 



570 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



what is now Wrights township. Whit- 
aker's creek is named after him. 

Thomas Allen, one of the prominent 
figures in the history of the early days, 
came to what is now New Providence or 
Belltown, 1819, where he built a mill, 
and resided until he died, about 1833. 

Elam Bowman came to Greene county 
from Ohio, in 1819. He was, at the time 
a young man, but afterwards married 
here, and later removed to California, 
where he became quite rich. He was 
the father of two sons, who became 
quite prominent on the Pacific slope. 

Jesse Morrow made a settlement in 
Greene county, during the year 1819, 
and resided here until his death. 

Martin and Young Wood made a set- 
tlement in this county in 1819. Young 
^\'ood was afterwards the sheriff" of the 
county. 

Cajitain James Whitlock came to 
Greene county in 1819, and settled in 
what is now Kane township, where he 
entered some 900 acres of land. In 
1850, he started for California and died 
on the way, of cholera. 

Cyrus Tolman came to Greene county 
in 1820, and located upon 120 acres of 
land near White Hall, where he resided 
several years. He died in Jersey 
county in 1876. 

Ransom, Jesse and Edward Flatt 
came to Greene county the same year, 
and pitched their tents upon land which 
they settled in Blufi'dale township, and 
became permanent residents of the 
county. 

In 1820, John Drum located near Car- 
roUton, where he lived several years. 
He afterward removed to Rubicon town- 
ship, where he resided some years. He 
is long been numbered with the dead. 



Hartwell Hunnicutt located in what 
is now Blufi'dale township, in 1820, 
among the first in that section of the 
county. He was a resident here until 
his death. 

Benjamin Smith came to Greene 
county in 1820, and made a settlement 
on section 12, in White Hall township. 
He was a native of Connecticut, born 
in 1799, and came to Alton in 1818, 
where he resided until coming here. 

Charles Kitchen, afterward a Baptist 
preacher, Lewis Roberts and John 
Thompson, came to this county in 1820, 
settling in T. 12, R. 12, in what is now 
White Hall. 

Among the settlers of 1820 was Wil- 
liam Kincaid, who settled in Rock- 
bridge township, one of the earliest in 
that neighborhood, where he resided 
until called on to cross the dark river. 
These summons came to him in 1876. 
Andrew Kincaid settled the same year. 
The place of their settlement was 
known for many years as Kincaid's 
point, an angle of timber projecting 
into the prairie at that place. 

Daniel Henderson came to this county 
in 1820, and settled in what is now 
Wrights township, on section 7. He 
lived in this county until his death. 

Carrollton township received several 
settlers during the year 1820, among the 
more prominent of whom were James 
and Andrew Pinkerton, Peter Dodgson, 
M. Bowman, and William Pinkerton. 
These all made permanent improve- 
ments, and long resided in this county, 
being largely identified with its growth 
and development. 

Thomas Lorton, one of the pioneers 
of Greene county, came here from Cum- 
berland county, Ky., in 1820, and be- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



571 



coming the owner of some land on sec- 
tion 8, in Wrights township, built there 
his cabin, and resided on that spot until 
his death, in 1863. 

Among the pioneers of the year 1820 
was Davis Carter, with his family, who 
came from Edwardsville, but who was a 
native Tennessean. He located in 
what is now BlufFdale township, then 
moved to Walkerville, where he lived 
until 1847, when he died. 

A man by the name of Swanson made 
a settlement in 1820, within the territory 
now embraced in Patterson township. 

Elijah Little came to Greene county, 
and located in the same neighborhood, 
in the same year. 

George W. Clendennen, a Virginian, 
settled in what is now Woodville town- 
ship in 1820, taking up a farm on section 
27, where he lived the balance of his 
life. He was quite prominently identi- 
fied with the early history of the town- 
ship, having been the first justice of the 
peace therein. He died in 1841. 

William Potts, in 1820, located in 
^\'llit(' Hall township, on section 33, 
and lived here until 1862, when he died. 

John Dodson, a native of England, 
came to America in 1820, and coming 
direct to Greene county, made his set- 
tlement in Carrollton township the same 
year. In 1848 he died in this county 

Robert, Charles and S(domon Raines 
made settlements in White Hall town- 
ship, north of Apple creek, during this 
eventful year, and resided here for the 
balance of their lives. 

.Tames Caldwell and Thomas Crane, 
looking for a home, came to Greene 
county in 1820, and in the fall of that 
year had their cabins built east of Car- 
rollton, in Linder township. 



David Hodges settled in 1821. He 
kept a store on Apple creek prairie; also 
built a mill. He afterward went to Ga- 
lena. He is now dead. Mr. Hodges 
was a party in the first marriage that 
occurred in the county after- its organi- 
zation . 

David Heaton came to Greene county 
in 1821, and selected land in Wright's 
township on which to make a home, 
where he lived for many years. 

Martin Burt made a settlement in 
1821. in what is now Rubicon township, 
making improvements. 

Charles Gregory, afterward so prom- 
inently indentified with the history of 
the county and state, made a settlement 
in White Hall township in 1821, where 
he resided until taken from here by 
death in 1845. 

About the year 1821, James H. White- 
side, who had been living in what is 
now Jersey county, since 1817, moved to 
Apple creek prairie, in White Hall 
township, in this county, where he 
lived until March, 1862, when he died. 

David Pierson came from the state of 
New York in 1821, and cast his lot 
among the pioneers of Greene county, 
selecting a farm north of Carrollton, 
where he lived for several years, when 
he removed to Carrollton, where he is 
now living. He has been for many 
years connected with the mercantile and 
banking interests of the county. 

Rev. C. J. Gardiner came to Greene 
county in 1821, locating in what is now 
Kane township. 

In the spring of 1821, Richard Robley 
came to (ireene county, and taking \\\) 
his residence in what is now BlullWale 
township, lived there until in the full- 
ness of time he was called "home." 



572 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Asahel North located upon a farm on 
a farm on section 8, in what is now 
White Hall township, in 1821, and be- 
came one of the early settlers of the 
county. He died here in 1846. 

John Morfootand Richard Ward were 
among the band of pioneers who came 
to Greene county in 1821. They located 
in CarroUton township. 

John Johnson made a settlement in 
1821, in a part of section 3, Linder 
township, which he had entered. He 
was a native of North Carolina, and a 
veteran of the war of 1812. He died in 
this county. 

Ward Eldred and a cousin left their 
home in New York state, in 1818, and 
journeyed on foot to Greene county, in 
search of a home. They remained all 
the winter, and in the spring returned 
to their eastern home. In 1821, Wil- 
liam, Elon and Ward Eldred came to 
this county, and took up their residence 
here, becoming permanent settlers. 
The name of Eldred is quite a jiromi- 
nent one in the annals of the county. 

Alexander King was among those 
hard}' pioneers of 1821, who came to 
this county. He settled in Linder 
township, where he resided until 1872, 
■when he died, full of years. 

Thomas Meek made a settlement in 
what is now CarroUton township, in 
1821, casting in his lot with the pioneers 
of this section of the state. 

Absalom Frames and William Hudson 
came to the same locality, in 1821, and 
made a settlement. 

Redmond Strickland made a settle- 
ment in T. 12, R. 11, during the sum- 
mer of 1821. He died a resident of this 
county, in 1849. 

David Williams was a settler of the 



year 1821, locating on section 11, in the 
eastern part of Kane township, where 
he died in Nov., 1828. 

William J. Brown, in 1822, made a 
settlement in what is now CarroUton 
township, about two miles south of the 
county seat, where he lived until 1846, 
when he removed from the county. 
Nov. 3, 1853, he returned to this county, 
and now resides in section 16, in Linder 
township. 

Edward Prather came to this county 
in 1822, and settled in what is now 
known as Athensville township, the 
first in that section of the county. 
There he resided for some years. 

During the year 1822, Archibald Lee 
and an uncle came to this section of the 
country, in search of a home, and re- 
turned to Hamilton county. 111., that 
fall. In the spring of the following 
year, he and his young wife came here 
and settled on Cook's prairie. Later 
he removed to Greenfield and engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, where he died. 

Lindsay H. English came to Greene 
county about the year 1822. He was a 
native of Kentucky, and was a son of 
Elisha English. When but a young 
man he came to this county, where he 
afterward became quite prominent in the 
development of this section of the state. 
He probably worked as a farm hand on 
coming here, but subsequently became 
an auctioneer and trader. The first 
office he ever held was that of district 
constable. When the Black Hawk war 
broke out he was serving as deputy 
sheriff, but immediately went to the 
front. After the war he built a sub- 
stantial building in CarroUton and be 
came the successful proprietor of the 
Greene County House. For the greater 



^ak^^^^^detmm 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



678 



part of his life he lived in Carrollton. 
His first wife was Arabel Turney, whom 
married in 1828, but who died in 
1864, leaving 11 children. In 1870 Mr. 
English married Emily Brunk, and re- 
moved to Springfield, where he died in 
1880, in affluent circumstances. 

Benjamin Smith came to Greene 
county in 1822, and settling upon a farm 
southeast of where White Hall now 
stands, opened up a farm, where he 
lived until Aug. 7, 1879, when he died. 
His widow still survives him. 

In 1822, quite a colony of English 
people, men, women and children left 
their homes on that island and came 
direct to Greene county, by way of New 
York. Their names were — Elizabeth, 
Peter, John, Thomas, Mary, Robert, 
James, and C. F. Hobson, David, Will- 
iam, Thomas, Margaret, John, and 
Elizabeth Black, Isaac, .Ruth, Jere- 
miah and Elizabeth Richardson, and 
George Baty. They settled in what is 
now Carrollton township. Many of 
them became quite prominent in the 
history of the county, as a perusal of 
these pages will show. 

David Wooley, a native of New 
York, with his family, traveled by team 
from Washington county, to Glean, in 
that state, at the head waters of the Al- 
leghany river, and building two flat 
boats, floated down that river into the 
Ohio, and thus to Shawneetown. From 
there they moved to Hamilton county, 
and from there here. They settled, at 
first, in 1822, on Sec. 21, T. 10, R. 13, 
where they resided until March, 1826, 
when they removed to Blufidale where 
Mr. Wooley lived until 1860, when he 
died. 

William Hart settled on Lorton's 



prairie, in 1822, where he lived some 30 
years. He moved ±o Piatt county. 111., 
but in his later years came back and 
died here. 

William Crane was among the early 
settlers of what is now known as Lin- 
der township, coming there in the spring 
of 1823. 

Anthony Stewart Seeley, afterward so 
prominently identified with the official 
and business life of the county, came to 
Greene county, in 1823, and located in 
Patterson township, where lie lived 
until the fall of 1885, when he was 
called on to put on immortality. 

Reuben Martin settled in the same 
township the same year. 

During the summer of 1818, John W. 
Huitt, and his brother, Hiram, came to 
this part of the state, locating in what 
is now Ruyle township, Jersey county. 
He was a native of Franklin county, 
Ga.; his wife, Rosanna (Harriford) 
Huitt, of Tennessee. The brothers 
entered a half section of land at that 
place, where they remained until 1S23. 
In the spring of that year, John W. 
purchased 80 acres of land in Linder 
township, where he removed, and 
where he resided until 1878, when he 
removed to the city of Carrollton. It 
was in this latter place that his death 
occurred, April 21, 1880. 

David Norton was among the settlers 
in Carrollton, in the year 1823. Here 
he took up a farm and made some fine 
improvements. 

Jesse Stout, a native of New Jersey, 
and a veteran of the last war with Great 
Britain, moved to Tennessee at the close 
of that conflict, but afterwards removed 
to Madison county. 111. In 1823, he 
came to this county and settled in 



574 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



W'liglits township, where he died, in 
l.S;j.l. 

Samuel Gates settled on section 21, 
Bhiiidale township, in 1823. He was 
a native of Maine, but came here 
fiom Ohio. He died here in 1836. He 
was a man of family, and raised two sons 
and four daughters. Two live in Mor- 
gan county, one in Scott, and one in the 
state of Iowa. 

About the year 1824, Jesse White lo- 
cated in Kane township, where he died 
at a later day. 

Chuza Bushnell and William Mc- 
Adams settled in Bluffdale township, in 
the year 1824, and took an active part 
in the developement of that part of the 
county. Mr. Bushnell was a local 
preacher, and raised a large family. 

James Kincaid came to the county in 

1823, and located in Rubicon township. 
He was always quite a prominent figure 
here. 

Linder township had another settler 
in 1824, in the person of A.J. Johnson. 
He went to Eureka springs in Aug., 
1884, for health, he having a cancer, 
and died there in that month and year. 

John, James, William and Edward 
Hardcastle, came to Greene county in 

1824, and locating at the village of Car- 
rollton opened a cabinet and carpenter 
shop. They also had farms which they 
tilled. They were all largely identified 
with the growth of the county. 

Dudley Brannan was a settler of 1824, 
in Wrights township. He resided in 
Kentucky previous to his coming here, 
although he is believed to have been a 
Virginian by birth. He resided here 
until his death. 

Samuel Martin, a native of Kentucky, 
settled in what is now Woodville town- 



sliip, in 1824 or 5, under the bluff. He 
died while a resident of the township. 

Ephraim and Temple Nix, Henry 
C'ook, John Barnett and others made a 
settlement in the eastern part of Linder 
township, in 1825. All these parties 
are numbered with the dead. 

Among the settlers of 1825, was 
George Meldrum, who located, with his 
family, in Linder township. He lived 
here until December, 1841, when he was 
called away by death. 

Jesse Rogers, in 1825, came to this 
county and settled in what is now Bluff- 
dale township, where he died in August, 
1838. 

Joseph Buck, the same year, made a 
settlement in the northwestern part of 
the county, in Patterson township. 

Charles Gooding came to CarroUton 
township in 1825 and made a settle- 
ment, where he died in 1834. 

William Lee, another old settler, 
came to Greene county, in 1826, and 
made a settlement in CarroUton town- 
ship. 

Elisha Stout, a native of Pennsylva- 
nia, came to this county from Ohio in 
1826, and made a home in Linder town- 
ship, where he resided many years. 

Isaac and Alfred ^\'ood came to the 
county in 1826, and located in Rock- 
bridge township. Alfred died here at 
an early day. 

David Miller settled at the same time 
in the same township. 

Among the settlers of 1826, was Absa- 
lom Clark with his family, among whom 
was his son Joshua. They settled in 
what is now CarroUton, on the f;irm now 
owned by Jackson Tunnell, where Ab- 
salom paid the debt of nature. Joshua 
also died in the county in 1866. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



575 



William and Thomas Finley were 
also settlers of the year 1826, they com- 
ing here and locating in what is now 
Rockhridge township in the fall of that 
year. 

James Miller was a settler in what is 
now Linder township in 1826. He was 
a resident of that part of the county for 
many years and finally died there, full 
of years. 

Thomas Piper was the first settler in 
what is now Rubicon township, settling 
there in 1826, on section 10, where he 
died. 

Benjamin G. Tompkins settled in 
Kane township as early as 1826, on a 
farm on section 28, where he resided 
until his death in 1878. 

John N. Whitlock came from beneath 
the genial skies of Tennessee in 1826, 
and settled in what is now Rockbridge 
township, where he made his residence 
until his death. 

Howard was also among the early 

settlers of 1826, locating at Carrollton. 
Jordan, Stephen, Eliakim, Tilton, Jane 
and Katie were children of this pioneer. 

Franklin Witt settled in what is now 
Kane township in 1826, where he made 
his home until his death, in 1851. He 
was both a representative and senator 
in the general assembly of the state, 
and is noticed at length in that connec- 
tion. 

Elisha Brown made a settlement in 
that part of the county now known as 
Patterson township, in 1S26. 

Thomas Sharp was among the pio- 
neers of the year 1826, coming to the 
county at that time, and locating in 
what is now Athensville township, 
where he at once commenced making 
improvements. 



Among the settlers of the county in 

1827 was Lemuel Stubblefield, who came 
from Randolph county, 111., where he 
had been living for some six or seven 
years, and settled in White Hall town- 
ship, arriving there some time in March. 
He was a North Carolinian. He died in 
Greenfield, in 1859. 

Thomas Groce, an early settler of 
Patterson township, located there in 
1827, on coming to this county. 

Andrew Hamilton, with his wife, for- 
merly Elizabeth Kineaid, came to this 
county in 1837, and settled near the site 
of the town of Greenfield. They were 
residents of Bourbon county, Ky., but 
Mr. Hamilton was a native of the Brit- 
ish Isles, born June 12, 1776. Mrs. 
Hamilton's natal day was July 19, of 
same year. They died at the home of 
their daughter, Mrs. John Hardcastle, 
in Linder township. 

Jeremiah Hand made a settlement in 
what is now called Rockbridge town- 
ship, in 1827, and made some improve- 
ments. 

Isaac Landis was also one of the set- 
tlers of 1827, locating in Linder town- 
ship. He now lives near Carrollton. 

William Gough,one of the settlers of 
1827, moved to Linder township that 
year, and improved a farm on section 
15. He is long since dead. 

Leonard Brace, a New Yorker, came 
west in 1828 and located in Greene 
county, on land now included in the 
town of Carrollton, where he soon died. 

John Russell, one of the most tal- 
ented men of this section of the country 
at that time, came to Greene county in 

1828 and settled under the blufi', at 
what is called Bluti'dale, where he died, 
at a later day. 



576 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



William Halbirt settled the same 
year in Bluficlale township, as did, also, 
his brother, John. The latter was mur- 
dered some years since by a tramp. 

John Stevens, a native of Virginia 
and a Baptist minister, made a settle- 
ment on Sec. 9, T. 9, R. 11, in 1828. 
He made this his residence until his 
death in 1853. 

Henry Brooks came to this county in 
1828, making a location about three- 
quarters of a mile west of Carrollton, 
where he lived for many years and 
finally paid the debt of nature. 

Robert Scroggins, with his family, 
came to Greene county in 1828, and 
located in Woodville township, where 
he lived for some time, when he moved 
to Carrollton township. He subse- 
quently removed to Kane township, 
where he resided some four years, when 
he removed to the American Bottom. 

William Thomasson, a Tennessean 
by birth, made Greene county his home 
in 1828, settling first in T. 9, R. 12, but 
later removed to Blufl'dale township. 
In 1847, after a winter spent in Texas, 
he removed to Sec. 18, T. 9, R. 12, 
Woodville township, where he died. 

James Ashlock made his settlement 
in Greene county in 1828, on section 22, 
Linder township. He died a resident 
of this place, April 12, 1862. 

David, Joel and Eri Edwards, three 
brothers, from Vermont, came to Greene 
county in 1828, and after a short stay 
in the neighborhood of Carrollton, in 
the fall of 1829, settled on sections 28 
and 33, Rubicon township. There they 
lived and died — David, in 1856, Joel, in 
1859, and Eri, in 1866. 

William Mason, came to Greene 
county in 1828, and located upon a farm 



near Rockbridge, where he lived for 12 
years. He then removed to Macoupin 
county, and later to Jersey county, but 
about 1856, he came back to this county, 
settling in Kane township, where he 
resided until his death, in 1870. 

James Curnutt was, also, among the 
settlers of 1829, settling for a time in 
Rockbridge township, but later, he 
moved to Rubicon, where he died in 
1851. 

R. Stoddard made a settlement in 
1829, in what is now Athensville town- 
ship. 

David Hahn came to Greene county, 
in 1829, and located in the northwestern 
part of the county, in that sub-division 
known as Patterson, where he lived 
many years. 

Among those who settled in Rock- 
bridge township in 1829, were Ichabod 
Valentine, Howard Finley, Joel Griz- 
zle and Herod Grizzle. Most of these 
parties lived here for many year.s. 

Louis J. Ballard, a native of North 
Carolina, but for sometime a resident of 
Tennessee, came to this county in 1829, 
and settled upon section 7, of Wrights 
township, where he lived until 1878, 
when he died. 

William H. Goode opened a farm on 
section 31, in Wrights township, locat- 
ing there in 1829. In 1856, he moved 
to Davis county, la., where he died in 
1874. 

Among the pioneers of Greene county 
was William Winn, who located about 
four miles west of the town of Carroll- 
ton, Nov. 12, 1829. Here he lived until 
his death, Nov. 27, 1866. 

J. Harvey Weisner came to this 
county from Tennessee, in 1829, and lo- 
cated in Rockbridge township. He was 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



577 



a North Carolinian, and died in Green- 
field, in 18.S4. 

Marvil Morris became a resident of 
Greene county, in 1829, locating upon a 
farm on Sec. 26, T. 9, R. 12, now Kane 
township, where he lived many years. 

Jacob Young came to Greene county, 
and settled in what is now Rubicon 
township, in 1829, where he lived until 
his death, in 1863. 

John Reynolds, a native of Washing- 
ton county, Va., came to Greene count\', 
in 1829, and made a temporary settle- 
ment in Carrollton township, but after- 
wards moved to what is now Rockbridge 
township. In 18^38, he removed to what 
is now Woodville township, where he 
died March 15, 1858. 

Elder Stephen Coonrod, in 1829, 
settled with his family, on the north- 
west quarter of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 33, in what is now Rubicon 
township. Here he resided until his 
death, in 1872, of small-pox. His wife 
survived him until 1879. 

John Brown, and Elizabeth, Ids wife, 
with their family left Kentucky, in 1829, 
and came to Greene county, which they 
made their home for many years. 

Willis Hardwick, with his family, 
settled in Woodville township, in 1829, 
about two miles south of the village of 
that name, where Mr. Hardwick and his 
wife died at an advanced age. 

James Wood and family came to 
Greene county about the year 1830, from 



the neighborhood of Lexington, Ky., 
and made a settlement in what is now 
Woodville township. 

Solomon Dixon settled in Rockbridge 
township, in 1830, and lived there until 
1870, when he immigrated to Kansas, 
where he died. 

Isham Adcock came to Greene county, 
in 1830, and settled in what is now 
Bluffdale townbhip. 

David Griswold was also a settler of 
this year, taking up his residence in 
what is now White Hall township, on 
section 9, where he died in 1876. 

William Askins settled in Rubicon 
township, the same year. 

John Mason and G. H. Hopkins 
made settlements in Athensville town- 
ship, where Mr. Hopkins died, in 1866. 

Leonard Carriger located in Patter- 
son township, in 1830. 

Moses Wylder, an old Revolutionary 
veteran, with his family came to Greene 
county in 1830, settling in Rockbridge 
township. In 1832, he returned to 
Tennessee, and there died, in 1839. 

Peter M. Brown, in 1830 came to the 
town of Carrollton and worked at his 
trade of carpenter. He was afterwards 
engaged in the mercantile trade, but 
shortly engaged in farming. He is 
now in the land of the hereafter. 

David I. Brown and his family came 
to Greene county in 1830. They were 
natives of Tennessee, who had immigra- 
ted to Madison county at an early day. 



578 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



OHAPT^KR IV. 



GOVERNMENT AND 

The annoyance and inconvenience of 
going some 30 miles to Edwardsville to 
transact any business was strongly felt, 
and early in the year 1820, the subject 
of county organization began to be dis- 
cussed. The feeling on the subject 
grew stronger and stronger and steps 
were taken to further that end. The 
nuvtter was brought to the notice of the 
general assembly, which convened the 
winter of 1820-21, at Vandalia, and in 
January of the latter year the following 
bill was introduced in the house, passed 
and approved by the governor, Jan. 20, 
1821: 

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE COUNTY OF 
GREENE. 

"Section 1. Be it enacted by the 
people of the state of Illinois represent- 
ed in the general assembly, that all that 
tract of country within the following 
boundaries, to-wit: Beginning at the 
southeast corner of T. 7 N., R. 10, west 
of the third principal meridian; thence 
north between ranges 9 and 10 to the 
northeast corner of T. 12 N.; thence 
west along the line between townships 
12 and 13 to the middle of the Illinois 
river; thence down said river to its 
junction with the Mississippi river; 
thence down the middle of the Missis- 
sippi river to a point parallel with the 
southwest corner of T. 6 N., R. 10 W.; 
thence north with the range line be- 
tween 10 and 11 to the township line 



OFFICIAL MATTERS. 

between 6 and 7; thence east with said 
township line to the place of beginning, 
shall constitute a separate county to be 
called Greene. 

"Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, that 
for the purpose of establishing the scat 
of justice for said county, the following 
persons shall be commissioners, to-wit: 
Thomas Rattan, John Allen, Thomas 
Carlin, John Green, and John Huitt, 
Sr.; and the said commissioners, or a 
majority of them, shall, at some con- 
venient time, between the passage of 
this act and the 1st day of March next, 
meet at the house of Isaac Pruitt, in 
said county, and proceed to fix the per- 
manent seat of justice of said county, 
and give the same some appropriate 
name; provided the owner or owners of 
the land whereon said seat of justice is 
about is to be fixed give to the county 
commissioners of the county a good 
deed of conveyance, in fee simple, for 
not less than 20 acres of land, for the 
use of the county. If the ■ owner or 
owners of said land refuse or neglect to 
give the same, then to fix the seat of 
justice on the next suitable place where 
the said owner or owners will give the 
quantity of land aforesaid, and in all 
cases the said commissioners shall take 
into consideration the situation and 
geography of the country, and the future 
population of the county, to have the 
same as near the centre of the county 
as practicable. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



579 



"Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, that 
the siikl coiiiniissioners, or a majority 
of them, shall make a report of their 
proceedings to the next county commis- 
sioners' court of the county, and have 
the same recorded on the records of 
said county. 

Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, that 
all that tract of country within the fol- 
lowing boundaries, to-wit: Beginning 
at the southwest corner of T. 7 
N., R. 9. west of the third prin- 
cipal meridian; thence east to the 
southeast corner of T. 7 N., R. (i 
W.; thence north to the northeast 
corner ofT. 12 N.; thence west to the 
northwest corner of T. 12, R. 7 W.; 
thence along the prairie between the 
waters of Sangamon and Mauvaisterre 
to the head of Balance creek; thence 
down said creek to the Illinois river; 
thence down the said river to the north- 
west corner of said county, shall be at- 
tached to said county, and shall consti- 
tute and be a part of said county for all 
purjioses, until otherwise disposed of 
by the general assembly of this state. 

"Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, that 
said county, and the attached part 
of the same, be and compose a part 
of the first judicial circuit of this state, 
and the inhabitants of the same shall be 
entitled to all the privileges of other 
counties of this state. 

"Sec. 6. Be it further enacted, that 
the commissioners appointed to perform 
the services required by this act shall be 
allowed, out of the county funds four 
dollars for each day's lalior and attend- 
ance in performing sucii services. 

Approved Jan. 20, 1821. 

SiiADKAcH Bond, Governor. 

By this it will be seen that the Greene 



county of that day was made to include 
all of what is now Jersey, and to this 
was attached, temporarily, the present 
counties of Macoupin, Scott and Mor- 
gan. 

The newly created county was named 
in honor of General Nathaniel Greene, 
of Revolutionary fame. 

Of course the first thing to be done 
toward organization was the selection of 
a site for the future seat of government, 
and some of the enterprising land- 
owners of the county, began to plan 
how they could get the county seat lo- 
cated on their land. About a mile and 
a half west and one south of the pres- 
ent site of Carrollton lay the town of 
Mount Pleasant, the first town ever 
laid out in the county. This was a 
beautiful site. An article in the Car- 
rollton Press, of 1860, written by W. A. 
Tunnell, in speaking of it says: "It 
was located on a beautiful mound in the 
midst of as fine country as ever occu- 
pied a place on the map of the globe, 
in the prairie, just where a cool, shady 
grove or point of timber had found its 
way up the east side, nearly to the sum- 
mit. * * The deep, cool shade af- 
forded a delicious retreat to the wearied 
huntsman as he reposed on the 
moss covered logs 'neath the tall waving 
trees. The gentle slopes shone in the 
bright simshine, beneath a clear, blue 
sky, like some enchanted spot, clothed 
in all the gaudy colors of the rainbow. 
It is probable that the sun in all his 
wanderings has seldom shone on a love- 
lier spot of earth since the day on whicii 
the flaming sword was placed at the 
gates of Eden. This mound at present 
is deprived of every vestige of its prim- 
itive beauty except its elevation. " 



580 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



The public lands in this district were 
offered for sale at the land office at Ed- 
wardsville, in January, 1S21, and the 
place above mentioned was one of the 
places for the possession of which there 
was a friendly contest. The principal 
parties, however, were John Evans, an 
Irishman, and Robert Hobson, an Eng- 
lishman; both men of means. Mr. 
Hobson, however, bought off his rival 
for $50 and purchased the coveted prop- 
erty. He immediately marked out a 
town site, naming it Mt. -Pleasant, 
erected a dwelling and a store building, 
and in the latter placed a stock of goods. 
With commendable enterprise he offered 
liberal inducements to settlers to make 
their homes in his town. When the 
county was organized a strong efJ'ort was 
made to have the seat of county gov- 
ernment located here. Another eligi- 
ble site was a wooded mound a mile or 
more southeast of the present court 
house. It was claimed for it that it was 
nearer the center of the county, etc. 
Mr. Clement L. Clapp, in a previous 
history of Greene county, in speaking 
of this location of the county seat, says: 
" But the man who held in his hands the 
key to the situation was Thomas Carlin. 
In a struggle with such a man as he was, 
for the location of the county seat, Rob- 
ert Hobson suffered from every disad- 
vantage. He had money, but in every 
other regard his cause was very weak. 
He was an immigrant fresh from Eng- 
land, and that was sufficient to win for 
him the dislike of all native Americans. 
The war with England had ended but a 
few years before, and hatred for Britain 
and the British still rankled in the 
hearts of all the sons of Revolutionary 
fathers. The situation of Mount Pleas- 



ant was a beautiful one-, but had its 
site been doubly enchanting, and had it 
possessed every advantage over the rival 
location, Thomas Carlin's personal pop- 
ularity would have carried everything 
before it. Few natives would have 
courted a struggle with him, but a for- 
eigner, and particularly an Englishman, 
could hope for nothing but defeat. But 
besides this it was urged against Mount 
Pleasant that, although its site was 
beautiful, the mound on which it was 
proposed to build the town was far too 
small to furnish eligible building lots 
for the capital of a great county. More- 
over, Mount Pleasant was some distance 
west of a direct road from Alton to Jack- 
sonville, and from the entire centre of 
the county. Few then, excey)t the circle 
of personal friends with which Mr. Hob- 
son was surrounded, had any doubt 
what would be the decision of the com- 
missioners, appointed by the legislature 
to locate the seat of justice. 

"The first movement that was made 
toward perfecting the organization of 
the county, was the meeting of the com- 
missioners appointed by the general 
assembly, to select a place for the county 
seat. These gentlemen assembled at 
the residence of Isaac Pruitt, one of the 
most substantial members of the settle- 
ment. He had entered land a few miles 
west of CarroUton, and built a cabin 
very near the present position of the 
David Black residence. Thence, after 
some preliminaries, they rode to the 
land of Thomas Carlin. 

"The commission was a representa- 
tive body. Thomas Rattan had been a 
pioneer all his life, and was an excellent 
business man and money-maker. He 
was reared on Rattan's prairie, in Mad- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



581 



ison county, whither his parents had 
came among the earliest settlers. Here 
he entered land, but soon left it, and 
for some time owned and managed a 
ferry at Carlisle, where he was very suc- 
cessful in a financial point of view. 
Subsequently he sold his land in Mad- 
ison county, and made a settlement in 
Greene county, north of Apple creek, as 
previously mentioned. Here Cyrus 
Tolman and Charles Gregory, after- 
ward opulent farmers, were in his em- 
ploy. Mr. Rattan, soon after the orga- 
nization of the county, moved to Car- 
rollton, and kejjt the first hotel there. 
He was short and heavy, but a thorough 
man of business. John Allen was from 
Kentucky, and was a cousin of Zachariah 
Allen, mentioni'd elsewhere. John 
Greene was a brother of ^^'illiam 
Greene, and father of Singleton F. 
Greene, afterwards sheriff of the county, 
and the oldest native of Greene county 
now living. He was tall and spare. 
John Huitt, Sr., was the father of John 
W. Huitt, and had followed his son to 
this county. He was a Georgian, and 
an upright man of good mind. Mr.Carlin 
was one of the commissioners, but he 
was interested and refused to act in 
the matter. After some consultation, it 
became evident that the commissioners 
were unanimous in their opinion that 
the court house should be built on the 
land of Mr. Carlin. They were stand- 
ing near the east side of the present 
square when they reached that decision. 
Whereupon, John Allen paced 50 yards 
to the west, drove a stake, and said, 
"Here let the courthouse be built."' And 
so it was decided. The town was im- 
mediately laid out, and named in honor 
of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Md." 



At this time there was not a house 
upon the site of the town, as will be 
seen in the history of Carrollton. 

On the first Monday in April, 1821, 
an election was held, the polls being at 
the house of Thomas Rattan, for county 
officers. This resulted in the choice of 
Seymour Kellogg, Jehu Brown and John 
Allen, for county commissioners; Thos. 
Carlin for sheriff, and Jacob Waggoner, 
coroner. 

The first entry upon the records of 
the county commissioners' court of 
Greene countj"^ is the following: 
St.\te of Illinois: 

Be it remembered, that the county' of 
Greene having been established by an 
act of the general assembly of the state 
of Illinois, and John Allen, Jehu Brown 
and Seymour Kellogg having been duly 
elected county commissioners for said 
county, and having taken the several 
oaths required liy law, before Samuel 
Lee, Jr., clerk of the circuit court of 
said county, whereupon a special term 
of the county court, for the county of 
Greene, is begun and held at Carrollton, 
the seat of justice of said county, on the 
1st day of May, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight luindrcd and twenty- 
one." 

At this meeting there were present 
John Allen, Jehu Brown and Seymour 
Kellogg, all three of the newly elected 
commissioners. Samuel Lee, Jr., being 
api)ointed clerk of the court, qualified 
for that position by the usual oaths. 
He also presented his bond, with Jacob 
Linder and Jacob Rattan as sureties, 
for the faithful performance of his 
duties in connection with tliat office. 
The first business that came before tlie 
court is recorded as follows: 



582 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



"On application of John Wilkins, it 
is ordered that license be granted him 
to keep a tavern at his place of resi- 
dence, on the Piasa creek, in said 
county, upon his entering into bond, 
with Samuel White, his security, in the 
sum of flOO, conditioned as the law 
directs, and paying a tax of five dollars 
for the use of the county and the clerk's 
fees." This bond was entered and tax 
paid the clerk in court. 

Thomas Rattan was also granted a 
license for a tavern, to be kept in the 
town of Carrollton. 

It was also ordered "that the follow- 
ing rates for tavern keepers or this 
county be, and the same are hereby al- 
lowed and established, to-wit: For 
each meal of victuals, 25 cents; for 
lodging in a bed, per night, 12 cents; 
for keeping a horse, with corn or oats, 
and hay or fodder, per night or 12 hours, 
375 cents; for keeping a horse, without 
hay or fodder, per night or 12 hours, 
18; cents; for each feed for a horse, 12 
cents; for French brandy or wine, per 
half pint, 50 cents; for gin or rum, per 
half pint, 25 cents; for apple brandy, 
cherry bounce, or cordials, per half 
pint, 181 cents; for whiskey, per half 
pint, 12 j cent." 

By the act of the general assembly 
that organized the county, Thomas Car- 
lin, Thomas Rattan, John Allen, John 
Green and John Huitt, Sr., were ap- 
pointed commissioners to fix the perma- 
nent seat of justice of the county, and 
they came before this court, on the day 
and date above mentioned, and reported 
that "having met at the house of Isaac 
Pruitt, as required in said act, and after 
examining the most eligible situations of 
said county, giving due consideration as 



set forth in said act, as to the present 
and future population, situation, geo- 
graphy, etc., of the county, are of the 
opinion that a point 88 poles south from 
the northeast corner of Sec. 22, T. 10, 
north, R. 12, west, of the 3d princi- 
pal meridian, is the most suitable place 
for the said seat of justice, and accord- 
ingly, and in pursuance i>f said act, have 
fixed the permanent seat of justice, for 
the said county of Greene, at the point 
or place above described, the same 
being on the line between sections 22 
and 23. Thomas Carlin, the owner of 
the land whereon the said seat of jus- 
tice is fixed, having executed a deed to 
the county commissioners of the county, 
for the use of said county, as required 
in said act, for 22 ■ acres of land, which 
is bounded as follows: Beginning 88 
poles south of the northeast corner of 
section 22, as above described, thence 
running east 10 poles, thence north 10 
poles, thence west 90 poles, thence 
south 43 poles, thence east 80 poles, to 
the line between sections 22 and 23; 
thence north 23 poles, thence east 10 
poles, thence north, to the first corner 
mentioned after the place of beginning; 
and have given to the said seat of jus- 
tice the name of Carrollton." This re- 
port was signed by all five of the com- 
missioners. 

The 20 lots in the new town of Car- 
rollton, belonging to the county, were 
directed to be placed on sale by this 
court, the sale to take place on the 12th 
day of June, 1821, and the terms of 
sale to be 6 and 12 months credit. 
Seymour Kellogg was also recommended 
to the governor as a suitable person to 
act as a justice of the peace. 

The next meeting of the county com- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



583 



missioners' court was held on the 4th 
of June, 1821, when the court proceeded 
to lay the county ofi' into company dis- 
tricts, in pursuance of the first section 
of an act entitled " An act aniendintr an 
act entitled an act organizing the militia 
of this state." Whereupon it was 
ordered, tliat the first company district 
should consist of the following terri- 
tory: The territory south of the line 
hetween townships 7 and 8; the second 
company district, to consist of T. 8, R. 
10, 11, 12, 18 and 14; the third company 
district, from the southeast corner of T. 
9, R. 10, thence north to the Macoupin 
(or Maquapin, as it is spelled upon the 
records) creek, thence down the same to 
its mouth, and south to the line divid- 
ing townships 8 and 9; the fourth com- 
pany district was to be bounded as fol- 
lows; Beginning where the line be- 
tween ranges 9 and 10, crosses the Ma- 
coupin creek, thence north with said 
line to the line between the fourth and 
fifth tier of sections in T. 10, R. 10, 
thence west to the Illinois river; t)ie 
fifth district, liouhded as follows: Coni- 
nicnciiig four miles south of the north 
line of T. 10, R. 10, thence north 
to Ajiple creek, thence down said creek 
to the Illinois river, thence down the 
river to a point due west of the point of 
beginning; the sixth district bounded as 
follows: Commencing at the range line 
between range 9 and 10, where the 
same crosses Ap])le creek, thence 
north to the north of township 12, 
thence west to the Illinois river and 
down the same to the mouth of Apple 
creek, thence up said creek to the place 
of beginning; the seventh comjiany dis- 
trict was to include all persons liable to 
military duty that reside within that 



part of the attached part of Greene 
county, in the tract of country known 
by the name of Mauvaisterre, east of a 
line to run five miles east of the range 
line between ranges 10 and 11 ; the 
eighth company district included all that 
part of the Mauvaisterre settlement 
within eight miles west of the west line 
of the above district ; the ninth com- 
pany district included all that part of 
the same settlement within 12 miles 
west of the eighth district, and the tenth 
included all of the same settlement 
between the latter and the Illinois river. 
Elections were at the same time ordered 
to be held in every company district 
for company officers, on the last Satur- 
day in June, 1821. The court then ap- 
pointed the judges of election in the the 
several districts, which were as follows: 
1st dist.— -John D. Gillham, .Tohn Wad- 
dle and Samuel Kinkade; 2d dist. — (ier- 
shom Patterson, William Adair, and 
Nathaniel Rowden; 3d dist. — John 
Green, Walker Daniel and Harrison 
Higgins; 4th dist. — Joel Meachem, Jaf, 
C'olwcll and Absalom Clark; 5th dist. — 
John Drum, Young Wood and Philip 
Fry; 6th dist — James McNeary, Alvin 
Coe and William Potts; 7th dist. — Sam- 
uel Scott, Benjamin Berkman and Peter 
Shephard. The balance were not in this 
county as at present constituted. 

At this term of court was also chosen 
the first jury in tiie county. Zachariah 
Allen, Francis Bell and Daniel Duvall 
were, at the same time, appointed 
trustees of the lands reserved for the 
use of schools in T, 11, R. 12 west; 
John Stout, W^aiker Daniel and Joseph 
Piggott, trustees of the same in T. 9, R. 
12; Benjamin C. Brown, Philip (irimes 
and James Whiteside to be trustees in 



584 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



T. 8, R. 12; and Martin Woods, Philip 
Fry and Joel Meacham, trustees in T, 
10, R 12. 

John W. Scott was also appointed 
trea.'^urer of the county of Greene at this 
term of court, and he filing his bond, en- 
tered upon the discharge of his duties. 

On the 6th of June of the same year 
the court proceeded to lay the county 
ofi' into townships and thus divide the 
county : All of the territory south of 
the line between townships 7 and 8 
was to be kn jwn as Otter Creek town- 
ship; all that part of the county, and 
the attached part of the same lying 
north of the north line of township 7, and 
south of Macoupin creek, to be known 
as Macoupin township; that part of the 
county, with the attached parts of the 
same, lying between Macoupin and Ap- 
ple creeks, to be known as Centre town- 
ship; all lying north of Apple creek to 
the north line of what is now Greene 
county, to be known as Apple Creek 
township. Diamond Grove and Mau- 
vaisterre townships were north of these, 
in what is now Scott and Morgan coun- 
ties. 

The first warrants drawn on the county 
treasury were to John Allen and Thomas 
Rattan, and were for $4 each, com])en- 
sation for two days' work, locating the 
county seat of Greene county. 

At a special meeting of the commis- 
sioners' court, held on the 13th of June, 
1821, a contract was let to William and 
Thomas Finley, to build a court house 
for the sum of $380. And in the follow- 
ing September, a contract was entered 
into with Thomas Rattan for the erection 
of a chimney to the same, for $.55, he to 
have 6,000 bricks delivered to him by Mr. 
Eldred, other material to be furnished by 



the contractor. This building was fin- 
ished about the 1st of June, 1822. Asa 
court house without the -adjunct of a 
jail was not quite the thing, at a session 
of the court held on the 21st of Dec, 
1821, the contract to build a jail for the 
use of the county was let to John Dee 
and Henry Teagardner, the lowest bid- 
ders, for the sum of S240. The latter 
building was 12x22 feet in ground area, 
one story high, and had an upper and 
lower floor. It was partitioned through 
the center. It was built of square 
hewed timbers, floors and partitions in- 
cluded, each of which was 10 inches 
thick, well and closely laid up. White 
oak was the kind of wood used. The 
building was covered with a good 
shingle roof. 

At the regular session of the county 
commissioners' court held on the 2d of 
Sept., 1822, Joseph Piggott, Thomas 
Arnett and Charles Gregory, the newly 
elected county commissioners, took 
their seats, and proceeded to the trans- 
action of the business of the county. 
These gentlemen entered into a settle- 
ment with John W. Scott, the county 
treasurer, at the March term, 1823, 
whereby it was shown that, ''the sheriff" 
had paid into the county treasury, the 
county tax of '22, amounting to $436. 161; 
amount paid over for fines, etc., 
$76.50; amount remaining in the treas- 
ury at the settlement in March, 1822, 
$86.22 ; in all amounting to $598.89. 
From which deduct county orders paid, 
amounting to $545.39, and the treasurer's 
per cent., amounting to $29.74, leaves 
in the treasury the sum of $23.76." 

At the June session of the court, 
John Dunn took his place as one of the 
august commissioners, in the place of 





l-^t ) 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



587 



Thomas Arnett. The usual routine 
business of the court was carried on, 
and roads located and laid out, and the 
bills against the county audited and 
paid. 

On the 6th of Sept., 1824, a new com- 
missioners' court came into being, con- 
sisting of Jehu Brown, Abraham Bow- 
man and Charles Gregory. At this first 
meeting came up the alj important sub- 
jects of roads, the laying out of which 
is so necessary for the development of 
a new country. All through the records 
of this time runs the petitions, etc., for 
new roads, and the appointments of 
viewers and locations of the same. 
These, with the settlement of claims 
against the county, make up the greater 
part of the business of the court. 

On the 7th of June, 1825, in pursuance 
of an act of the general assembly, the 
court proceeded to lay the county off 
into school districts, which were to be 
known by their respective numbers. 

These districts were 10 in number, 
they occupying a large extent of terri- 
tory, as the settlers were but few and 
scattered over what now constitutes two 
counties or more. They also laid off 
the county into 18 road districts, and 
appointed the following supervisors: 
Alfred W. Caverly, for district No. 1; 
A. P. Scott, district No. 2; Calvin Tun- 
nel, No. o; Uriah Miller, No. 4; Rich- 
ard Robley, No. 5; Joseph Reynolds, 
No. 0; David Norton, No. 7; Thomas 
Rattan, No. 8; David Barrow, No. 9; 
Cyrus Griswold, No. 10; Charles Kitch- 
ens, No. 11; Dennis Carrico, No. 12; 
and John Harnett, No. 13. Previous to 
this the roads were as districts, with a 
supervisor having control of one only. 

September 4, 1826, the incoming 

5S 



county commissioners' court was com- 
posed of Joseph Piggott, Jeremiah 
Smith and Jehu Brown. At this term 
of the court the sheriff of the county 
was allowed fees "for attending the 
special term of the circuit court, for the 
trial of Simons and for whipping said 
Simons." 

At a meeting of this court, held upon 
the 7th of March, 1828, the clerk was 
instructed to give notice, ''by putting 
up advertisements, that a special term 
of tliis court will be held on the first 
Monday in April next, for the purpose 
of receiving proposals for the building 
of a brick court house for this county." 
Nothing came of it at this time. They 
also, in levying a tax, this same term, 
laid a tax of one-half per centum on 
town lots in Carrollton, on slaves, and 
indentured and registered negro or mu- 
latto servants, and other property. 

The county commissioners entering 
upon the duties of office Sept. 1, 1828, 
were John Barnett, Alexander King and 
Charles Gregory. 

Again, on the 2d of ISIarch, 18o0, did 
the subject of a more substantial court 
house, in the center of the square, come 
up. The commissioners decided to hold 
a special meeting for the better consid- 
eration of the subject, and for the pur- 
pose of receiving proposals for the 
building of the same. Moses Stevens 
at the same time was instructed to draft 
a plan of a building for the purpose. 

At the special session in question, a 
contract for the erection of a brick court 
house was entered into with Thomas 
Rattan, who agreed to finish the same 
and deliver it to the county, except the 
painting of it, for the sum of $7,000, to 
be paid to him in yearly suras of 81 ,000 



588 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



or more. The contract also contained 
a proviso, that if a special tax was 
levied of one-half per cent that year, 
that when $5,500 was collected, Mr. 
Rattan agreed to accept that in full sat- 
isfaction for his bill. Work was at once 
commenced on the building. 

Cavil Archer, Cyrus Tolman and 
Thomas Cummings constituted the court 
which came into power on the 6th of 
Sept.,J830. At a special term of this 
court held in March, 1832, a contract to 
build a county jail was let to William 
Meldrum for $3,560, said jail to be 
located in the town of CarroUton. 

John Lorton, Cyrus Tolman and Jesse 
V. Mounts were the next county com- 
missioners, taking their places as such in 
Sept. 1832. At the September term of 
their court, in 1833, they received and 
spread upon the records, the incorpora- 
tion of the town of CarroUton. The 
finances of the county not being in a 
satisfactory condition, the court bor- 
rowed, on Sept. 21, 1833, the sum of 
$200, of George Finney, giving the note 
of John Lorton, Cyrus Tolman, as 
county commissioners, and William 
Meldrum. This was done, only as a 
temporary expedient, as the note only 
ran for five months, but 12 per cent, in- 
terest had to be paid. 

At the special term of this court, held 
on Monday, Jan. 27, 1834, the office of 
clerk was proclaimed as vacant, accord- 
ing to the law, for the reason that Mor- 
timer Kennett, had failed to renew his 
official bond at the regular September 
term, and Moses 0. Bledsoe was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Ken- 
nett strongly objected, and gave notice 
of appeal to the circuit court. 

On the 1st day of Sept., 1834, a new 



county commissioners' court was or- 
ganized with Alexander King, Thomas 
McDow and Cyrus Tolman as the com- 
ponent parts thereof. They, after due 
qualification for the oflice, took their 
places, and entered upon the business of 
the county. Permission was given by 
this court, in Oct., 1835, for the erection 
of a market house on the west side of 
the court house square at CarroUton. 

Thomas McDow, Alexander King and 
Cyrus Tolman, having been re-elected 
to the office of county commissioners, 
took tlieir places on the 5th of Sept., 
1836, and proceeded to reorganize the 
court. This court, at a special term, 
holden in Dec, 1837, appointed three 
commissioners to manage the funds re- 
ceived by Greene county, under the in- 
ternal improvement law. The county, 
for this purpose, was divided into three 
districts; all that south of the Macoupin 
creek was placed under the management 
of John W. Slaten ; between Macoupin 
and Apple creek, that of Moses 0. 
Bledsoe ; and north of the latter stream, 
Charles Gregory. These commissioners 
were instructed to loan the funds placed 
under their care, but in no case to place 
more than $200 with any one person. 

At the county commissioners' court, 
held in the court house, at CarroUton, 
on the 3rd of Sept., 1838, Alexander 
King, John Thompson and Chilton 
Smith appeared and severally took the 
oath of office, and their respective 
seats, having been elected to thereto 
Aug. 6, 1838. A change having taken 
place in the law governing county com- 
missioners' courts, by which that officer 
was to hold office for three years, one 
to be elected each year, therefore to 
definitely determine who was to go out 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



589 



of office first, lots were cast, according to 
statute in such cases made and provided 
and Alexander King drew the three 
years term; Chilton Smith the two 
years, and John Thompson the term 
for one year. In November, following, 
Franklin Witt, who had been appointed 
agent and attorney for the county, to re- 
ceive of the state fund commissioners, 
the share of Greene county in the in 
ternal improvement fund, made a report 
that he had received the sum of $oO,20.5. 
The court rescinding the appointments 
made at a previous session, for agents to 
loan the fund, the court made new ap- 
pointments: Charles Kitchens, for the 
district north of Apple creek; William 
Carlin, the district between that stream 
and Macoupin creek, and Thomas Vance, 
in what is now Jersey county. These 
were instructed to loan only $100 to each 
person, for one year only, on approved 
security, at 10 per cent interest, payable 
semi-annually, in advance, and to keep 
the princi[)al and interest continually 
loaned. 

It was under the administration of 
this court that the ((uestion of the sepa- 
ration of Jersey coiuity from that of 
Greene was sulnnitted to the people, 
and being endorsed by them, consum- 
mated. The vote on the question of the 
division was as follows: For the erection 
of Jersey county, l,2o9; against the 
same, 714, a clear majority of 525 votes 
in favor (if the measure. Martin How- 
man was the new member of the court, 
in place of Chilton Smith, who took his 
place in the fall term,of 18:-]9, Mr. Smith 
living in Jersey county, liis term of ser- 
vice ceased wlien that county was 
ereeti^d. 

A the September session, 1840, of 



this court, Masheck Browning took his 
place as commissioner, vice Martin 
Bowman. The usual amount of routine 
business, such as ordering the viewing 
of roads, building bridges, auditing 
claims, etc., was transacted, but little of 
any general interest occurs upon the 
records of that term. 

In Sei)t., 1841, two now commissioners 
took their places, William Blair and 
Thomas S. Blair, who, with Mesheck 
Browning, constituted the court at its 
organization. The internal imjJUJve- 
meut fund, or the interest thereof, was 
sometimes used toward building bridges, 
or in improvements on important county 
roads. In the spring of 1842, Masheck 
Browning dying, at the March term of 
that year, Anthony S. Seely, who had 
been elected to fill the vacancy, aj)- 
peared and took his place as a member 
of the court. It is under tliis court that 
the first mention of the county poor- 
house occurs, and it is then recorded 
that George Pegram was ajjpointed as 
superintendent of such. The bridge 
across the Macoupin creek, on the road 
from Carrollton to Alton, was built this 
year by Thomas Rattan, and he was 
paid therefor, out of the internal im- 
provement fund, the sum of 85,978.91. 

Isham Linder, in Sept., 1842, took his 
place as county commissioner, in place 
of William Blair, whose term had ex- 
pired. At this term of the commission- 
ers' court, the purchase of a farm for a 
poor farm for the county, of Benjamin 
M. Pegram, was consummated. The 
purchase money jtaid was $800. In De- 
cember it was determined to let out the 
poor-house and the keeping of the ]iau- 
pers of the county therein, to the lowest 
bidder, and bids were advertised for. 



590 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



William Goode was awarded the contract 
for $300, on the basis of four paupers, at 
that time at the poor-house, with pro- 
portionate increase or decrease witli any 
changes in the number. Thos. S. Booth 
was appointed to oversee the matter, 
and see that Mr. Goode performed his 
duty to the paupers in a proper manner. 

The county commissioners' court, 
which organized for the first time in 
Sept., 1843, was composed of the same 
gentlemen as the year previous, A. S. 
Seely, whose term had expired, being 
re-elected, and took his place. They 
transacted the usual business. 

The court that met for the first time 
Sept. 2, 1844, consisted of Isham Lin- 
der, Anthony S. Seely and Thomas S. 
Booth, the latter having been re-elected. 
For the next few years but little of in- 
terest took place, the whole business of 
the court being taken up with the neces- 
sary but tiresome routine business of 
the county. The following gentlemen 
composed the county commissioners' 
court, for the years indicated, commenc- 
ing with Sept., 1845: 

Thomas S. Booth, Anthony S. Seely 
and James Cannady. 

1846 — Thomas S. Booth, James Can- 
nady and Charles Bradshaw. 

1847 — The same, Thomas S. Booth, 
having been re-elected. 

1848 — Charles Bradshaw, Thomas S. 
Booth and Joshua W. Armstrong. This 
was the last commissioners' court un- 
der this law, as under the state consti- 
tution of 1848, a new mode of adminis- 
tering the affairs of the county was 
adopted. This was known as 

THE COUNTY COURT. 

The first meeting of this court was 



held, according to law, on the first 
Monday in Dec, 1849, and was com- 
posed of Mathias S. Link, judge and 
Adam I. Whiteside and Anthony 8. 
Seely, associate justices. These gen- 
tlemen, with the clerk of the court, 
Francis P. Vcdder, constituted the gov- 
erning power of the county. This 
court, at the September term, 1850, 
divided this county into new precincts 
and election districts, to which were 
given the names of CarroUton, North- 
western, White Hall, Walkerville, Min- 
eral Springs, Mount Airy, Greenfield, 
Eastern, Fayette, Kane, Bluffdale and 
Woodville. Under head of March 
term, 1852, is the following entry: 

"At the request of M. S. Link, 
county judge, one of members of this 
court, the following protest is spread 
upon the records of said court, which 
is as follows — to-wit: 

" In order that the people of Greene 
county may understand the reason why 
I cannot, at this term of court settle, aid 
or assist our county court in a set- 
tlement with our slierifl', and receive all 
the county orders and jury certificates, 
offered by said sheriff, to our county 
court, on his liability for the revenue 
of said county for the year 1851, is that 
our sheriff fails to make his monthly 
payments in which he collects bf the 
tax payers, into the county treasury, 
according to my understanding of the 
44th section of the revenue laws of 
1848. And for the purpose, and in or- 
der that the county treasurer may be 
enabled to pay over cash on county 
orders, as the law directs, which I 
charge is not done, owing to a neglect 
of duty on the part of our sheriff, our 
county treasurer, and our county court. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



591 



I lidl.l that it is the law, that all the 
gold, silver and current money, that is 
paid over to our sheriff" as taxes, should 
be paid over to our county treasurer, 
which I charge is not done, and against 
which I solemnly protest, for the reason 
that I believe a grave evil hath been 
going on in this way, injuring Greene 
county and her fiscal afl'airs and jtro- 
fiting the sheriff over and above his 
lawful per cent." 

At a special term of the court, held 
on the 16th day of Feb., 1858, called for 
that purpose, the following order was 
made: 

"Ordered, That an election be held 
on the 19th of March, 1853, in said 
Greene county, by the qualified voters, 
to determine whether said county shall 
subscribe $5U,0(XJ to the capital stock of 
the Jacksonville & Carrollton Railroad 
Co." 

These bonds, if used, were to be for 
stock, for the county, were to run until 
1875, drawing 6 per cent interest. The 
election was held at the time api)ointed, 
and as there was 1,662 votes east in 
favor of such subscription by the county, 
and ol30 against it, the court ordered 
Judge Link to subscribe for $50,000 
worth of stock in the name of Greene 
county, and also authorized him to issue 
the necessary bonds. 

The court as above constituted held 
until Dec, 1853, when it was succeeded 
by a county court, of which Charles D. 
Hodges was county judge, and L. E. 
Worcester and Thomas J. Short were 
associate justices. 

It appearing that Judge Link, who 
had been instructed to subscribe for the 
$50,fKK) worth of stock in the Jackson- 
ville & Springfield, railroad, and issue 



county bonds to pay for the same, had 
gone out of office without doing so, the 
court instructed Judge Hodges to do it, 
and to cast the vote of the county for 
directors at an election to be held at 
Carrollton on the 27th of Dec, 1853. 
In Sept., 1857, in response to a petition 
signed by John Amos and 120 others, 
an order was made submitting to the 
qualified voters of the county the ques- 
tion of Greene county subscribing for 
S50,000 worth of the capital stock in the 
extension of the Rock Island & Alton 
railroad, the county to again issue 
bonds for such stock, payable March 1, 
1875, and to bear interest at the rate of 
7 per cent, per annum. The election 
was to be held at the same time 
as the general eleetion in Novem- 
ber. At this same term of court 
the Jacksonville, Alton & St. Louis 
Railroad Company, the successors to 
the Jacksonville & Carrollton Rail- 
road Company, presented a re- 
quest for the SoDjOiX) bonds voted to 
that road, and the same were issued 
under the seal of the court and delivered 
to the company. 

At the regular election in 1857, the 
county judge and both associate justices 
were re-elected to the same positions. 

Judge Hodges resigning his position, 
a special election was held, Feb. 22, 
1859, to fill the vacancy, and Thomas 
H. Boyd was chosen to fill the position 
of county judge. Early in the year 
1859, it becoming evident that the old 
jail was entirely unfit for the purpose 
used, the county determined to build an 
edifice of that character. Therefore, 
bids were advertised for, and at the 
April term of the county court held that 
year, bids were received and opened as 



502 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



follows: Edgerton & Sages, $9,000; 
Headrick & Martin, |9,339; Alfred Hin- 
toii, $9,875; and Speaks & Hudson, 
$10,200. The first mentioned firm hav- 
ing made the lowest figures, were 
awarded the contract. Francis P. 
Vedder, T. H. Boyd and E. H. Frine 
were appointed to purchase a town lot 
in the town of Carrollton on which to 
erect the new jail, dwelling, barn, 
smoke-house, etc., and to superintend 
the erection of the building. 

In December, 1859, Levi T. White- 
side succeeded L. E. Worcester as asso- 
ciate justice of this court, and took his 
seat accordingly. 

At the general election of 1861 Thom- 
as H. Boyd was re-elected countyjudge 
and Robert Green and John Ruyle 
chosen associate justices, and on the 2d 
day of December they took their places, 
and at once opened court. For several 
years back nothing but gold and silver 
had been received for taxes in the 
county, with the possible exception of 
notes of the State Bank of Missouri, but 
in June, 1862, the court authorized the 
treasurer to receive treasury notes of 
the United States for the taxes and other 
debts due the county. A war tax of 
fifteen cents on each $100 of taxable 
property in the county was levied for 
the support of the families of volun- 
teers in the service of the United 
States. 

At the January term, 1865, the ques- 
tion of the recent call for troops for the 
service of the United States, made De- 
cember 19, preceding, and the order for 
a draft to fill quotas, came up for dis- 
cussion and the court ordered the issuing 
of bonds enough to purchase substitutes, 
or pay recruits a bounty to induce 



enlistiuonts, not to exceed $100, (XX) in 
amount, and placed in the hands of 
Judge Boyd the matter of distributing 
them, in sums not to exceed $450 per 
recruit. H. L. Clay was appointed 
agent to procure recruits. The bonds 
were issued and the necessary men pro- 
cured, and the danger of the draft re- 
moved, 

Thomas H. Boyd was re-elected to 
the office of county judge at the general 
election of 1865, and together with Lem- 
uel J. Patterson and Frederick M. Fish- 
back, his new associates, opened court 
on the 4th day of December, 1865. 
Judge Boyd remained on the bench until 
the fall of 1866, when he resigned and 
was succeeded by Judge Alfred Hinton. 

The county court ordered in June, 
1868, another special election on the 
question of the advisability of the 
county subscribing $50,000 worth of 
bonds toward tlie capital stock of the 
R. I., A. & St. L. R. R. Co., The bonds 
to bear eight per cent, interest, and to 
run for 10 years. For the lull vote on 
tliese bond questions the reader is re- 
ferred to the official vote of the county. 

The court that met for the first time 
time on the 6th of December, 1869, was 
composed of John Ruyle, countyjudge, 
F. M. Fishback, and J. H. Rives, asso- 
ciate justices. 

COUNTY CO.MMISSIONERS. 

The first session of the commission- 
er's court commenced upon the 1st of 
Dec, LSTo, when Joseph F. Ballinger, 
William H. Barrow, and Curtius W. 
Brace, after due qualification, took their 
place. On organization, they cast lots 
as to the lengtli of time each was to 
serve, when Mr. Ballinger drew the 



HISTORY O'F GREENE COUNTY. 



593 



llirec year, and Mr. Barrow, the two 
year tonii. Mr. Ballinger was elected 
chairman of the board. This court 
was composed of the foUowing gentle- 
men for the years succeeding this: 

1875 — Josepii F. Ballinger, W. H. 
Barrow and J. H. Greene. Mr. Bal- 
linger still in the chair. 

1876 — George H. Amos, John H. 
Greene and William B. Robinson. The 
latter gentleman was chosen chairman. 

1877 — George H. Amos, John H. 
Greene and William M. Morrow. J. 
H. Greene was honored with the chair- 
manship. 

1878— George H. Amos, W. M. Mor- 
row and Singleton F. Greene. W. M. 
Morrow was chosen to fill the chair. 

1879— W. M. Morrow, S. F. Greene 
and W. M. Maberry. Mr. Morrow, 
re-elected chairman. 

1880— S. F. Greene, W. M. Maberry 
and George H. Amos. S. F. Greene 
was chosen to fill the position of chair- 
man for the year. 

1881— W. M. Maberry, G. H. Amos 
and L. F. Williams. Mr. Maberry 
was the chairman. 

1882— George H. Amos, L. F. Will- 
iams and John Snyder. The first 
named was chosen to fill the chair. 

1883— John Snyder, L. F. Williams 
and Williani I*. Gilmore. Mr. Williams 
was elected chairman. 

1884— John Snyder, W. P. Gilmore 
and James H. Smith. John Snyder 
was chosen as chairman for the year. 

188.")— On the 1st of Dec, 1884, the 
board met for tl>e first time. It con- 
sisted of W. 1'. Gilmore, James H. 
Stnith and Elon 11. p:idred. Mr. Gil- 
more was chosen chairman. This was 
the last board of commissioners. 



BO.\RD OF COIINTY SUPKRVISORS. 

The first meeting of this, body took 
took place upon the loth day of July, 
1885, when the following members took 
their seats: J. G. Pennell, F. M. Fish- 
back, E. A. Eldred, M. C. Thompson, 
W. B. Robinson, J. D. McLain, J. H. 
Rives, Robert Vantuyle, J. B. Robards, 
J. M. Otey, Henry Tunison, E. B. 
Pegram, J. L. Johnson. W. B. Robin- 
son was elected chairman. 

MATRIMONIAL. 

Marriage licenses have always been 
required in the state of Illinois, and the 
facts given here are taken from the 
records in the oflice of the county clerk. 

The first marriage in the county, of 
which there is any record, is that of 
David Hodges and Louisa Wentworth. 
On the first day of May, 1821, Mr. 
Hodges made a^i application for a mar- 
riage license, which was cheerfull}' 
granted, and upon the (itb of the same 
month, John Allen, a justice of the peace, 
united the happy pair. 

The second license was issued to 
John Johnson and Rachel Buchanan, on 
the 26th of June, 1821, but when and by 
whom the ceremony was performed, the 
records bear no testimony. 

Robert Piper and Rebecca Lynn re- 
ceived a license on the 2d of July, 1821. 

Morris Welch and Mary Shelly, July 
14, 1821. 

William Moore and Huldah llunni- 
cutt, July 24, 1821, and were united in 
marriage the same day by Rev. Aaron 
Smith. 

Whitmell Ryley Crane and Elizabeth 
Crane, July 30, 1821. 

Josepli Pierce and Sally Ennis, July 
31, 1821. 








;1 

594 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


William Stockton and Margaret Mc- 


May 15; married by John Allen, county 


Fadgin, Aug. 4, 1821. 


commissioner. May 16. 


During the remainder of the year. 


Joseph Vanmeter and Peggy Taylor, 


licenses were granted to the following 


May 28, married June 2, by Samuel 


people: 


Lee, Jr., a justice of the peace. 


Robert Sinclair and Anna Vaughn, 


George Finney and Margaret Cri.swell, 


Aug. 18, married Aug, 23, by John Allen, 


May 29. 


a justice of the peace. 


Robert James and Eleanor Pea, June 


John Medford and Rachel Little, 


17. 


Sept. 3. 


Alfred Hinton and Letitia Pruitt, 


William Allen and Polly Pinkerton, 


June 19. 


Sept. 4; they were married the Bth of 


Jedediah Webster and Lucy Smith, 


the same month, by John Allen, J. P. 


July 9. 


Hugh Carlin and Sally King, Oct. 13. 


James Dulen and Betsey Handley, 


David Miller and Mourning Finley, 


July 20. 


i Oct. 13; married Oct. 14, by Rev. Aaron 


Stephen Pierce and Edie Lee, Aug. 8. 


Smith. 


Andrew Bowen and Peninah Harding, 


John Piper and Juliana Fahnestock, 


Aug. 16. 


Oct. 23. 


Jacob Tabor and Matilda Ammonds, 


Levi Larrison and Rebecca Ennis, 


Sept. 3. 


Oct. 24. 


James Williams and Mary Gragen, 


Robert McDow and "Esther Lofton, 


Oct. 5. 


Oct. 30. 


James Scott and Mary Cowhick, Oet. 


John Williams and Chancy Johnson, 


14. 


Dec. 2.5. 


Felix French and Polly Thomas, Nov. 


During the year 1822, licenses were 


5. 


issued as follows: 


Nathaniel Pinckardand Sally Lindsey 


Borden Wilcox and Almira Kellogg, 


Nov. 6. 


Jan. 10. 


Thomas Asher and Sally Swanson, 


Peter Barrow and Nancy Pullam, Jan. 


Dec. 5. 


10. 


Isaac Morrow and Betsey Cox, Dec. 7. 


Jacob Young and Jennv Kincaid,Jau. 


Joseph Wasson and Phoebe Barrow, 


22. 


Dec. 18. 


John Costley and Peggy Allen, Feb. 


Hiram Duff and Lucinda Thacker, 


19; married by Jehu Brown, county 


Dec. 25. 


commissioner. 


Archibald Cooper and Polly Mont- 


John Vaughn and Hester Crane, Feb. 


gomery, Dec. 26. 


19. 


James M. Lyon and Polly Miller, 


Samuel Pinkney and Polly Reed, 


Dec. 30. 


March 28. 


The following table shows the num- 


Oliver Lund and Eulalie Ruble, April 


ber of marriages contracted in Greene 


24. 


county from 1821, to 1884, both years 


Isaac Sinclair and Melinda Pruitt, 


inclusive. This is believed to be a 


- - ■ - - 1 



complete record, with the exception of 
the years 1S2S and 1829, which are de- 
fective upon the records : 



1821 _. 


.. 17 


1853 


152 


1822 


. 28 


1854 


155 


1823 


.. 38 


1855 


167 


1824 


.. 27 


1856 


157 


1825 


.. 34 


1857 


151 


1826 


.. 45 


1858 


160 


1827 


. 56 


1859 


158 


1828 inij)erfect 


30 


1860 


167 


1829 imperfect 


14 


1861 


188 


1830 


.. 74 


1862 


170 


1831 


73 


1863 


206 


1832 


82 


1864 ........ 


185 


1833 


84 


1865 


204 


1834 


109 


1866 


280 


1835 


112 


1867 


262 


1836 


146 


1868 


201 


1837 


157 


1869 


189 


1838 


124 


1870 


184 


1839 


167 


1871 


266 


1840 


122 


1872 


203 


1811 


124 


1873 


193 


1842 


114 


1874 


242 


1843 


121 


1875 


214 


1844 


121 


1876 


208 


1845 


111 


1877 


196 


1846 


123 


1878 


218 


1847 


121 


1879 


222 


1848 


144 


1880 


252 


1849 


128 


1881 


223 


1850 


139 


1882 


221 


1851 


136 


1883 


234 


1852 


139 


1884 


231 


Total 






8,515 



POPILATION. 

The first census taken after the or- 
ganization of the county was that of 1830, 
and in this the population of the entire 
county, now constituting Greene and 
Jersey', was set down as 7,674. In 1840 
a second census was taken, and notwith- 
standing that the county of Jersey had 
been cut off from Greene, in the interim 
the population was shown to have in- 
creased to 11,951. In 1850 ithad 12,429; 



in 1860, 16,093, and in 1870, 20,277. In 
1880, by the United States census the 
population is fixed at 23,010, of whom 
21,462 are of American birth, and 1,548 
of foreign. 

The population of 1880 was distributed 
among the precincts and towns of the 
county, as follows: 

.Vtliensville prefiiu-t 1,842 

Herdau jirecinct 471 

Bhittdale precinct iMB 

Carrollton precinct, including city 4,225 

< "arroUtoii city l,!i:!4 

Fayette precinct MKi 

(Jreentield precinct, including town . . . 1,977 

(ireentield town 98.5 

Kane precinct, including village l,;Kf> 

Kane village 408 

Roodhouse precinct, including city. . . 3,214 

Sliettield i)recinct 28fi 

Walkerville precinct 880 

White Hall i)recinct 4.145 

Wilmington precinct 1,.504 

Woodville itrecinct 1,4:50 

Wrightsville precinct 144 

REGISTRY OF DEEDS. 

Samuel Lee, Jr., was the first recor- 
der of the county of Greene, having 
been appointed to that office in the sum- 
mer of 1821. 

The first instrument recorded is a 
mortgage which was filed for record on 
the 2d of May, 1821. This was dated 
Feb. 24, 1821, and by it Richard Wil- 
helm conveyed to Elizabeth Seymore 
the east half of the southeast quarter 
of Sec. 24, T. 7 north, R. 7 west, which 
contained 80 acres, and was given to 
securs the payment of SIOO. This 
property lies in what is now Jcrse}' 
county. 

The first deed, to land within the 
present limits of Circene county, was 
given in 1822, and by it Robert Hobson 



596 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



conveyed to Elijah Woodman the tract 
of land known as Mount Pleasant, 
whereon the original proprietor had 
hopes of placing the county seat. 

PLATS. 

The plats of the original towns in 
the county were filed for record on the 
dates given below. To nearly all of 
them additions have been made, but 
space forbids the mention of them, and 
as they are a matter of record, it is 
needless. 

CarroUton was surveyed March 13, 
1821, for Thomas Carlin, but the plat 
was not filed for record until Jiily 30, 
1S25. 

White Hall, filed for record March 9, 
1832, by David Barrow. 

Camden, filed for record May 11, 1832, 
by George Finney. 

Zenith, filed Feb. 17, 1834, by Joseph 
Piggott. 

Athensville, filed Oct. 2, 1834, by 
Green Weaver. 

Greenfield, filed Dec. 5, 1834, by 
George W. Allen. 

Biiippings Port, filed May 11, 1835, 
by John and William Beeman. 

Fayette, filed Sept. 19, 1835, by Man- 
oah Bostwick, James Metcalf and Wil- 
liam Blair. 

Columbiana, recorded Sept. 24, 1835, 
by Salmon Bushnell. 

Rivesville, filed for record Nov. 11, 
1835, James Rives, proprietor. 

Delaware, filed Nov. 27, 1835, by 
Charles Gregory and Henry Floyd. 

Woodville, filed March 36, 1836, by 
Anion Wood, Seawright Wood, Cyrus A. 
Davis, Squire Wood and Harrison S. 
Poindexter. 

Albany, filed April 4, 1836, by Res- 



carrick Ayers, Sherman Goss, Enos 
Ayers and Lafayette McCrillis. 

Newport, filed April 30, 1836, by John 
and William Beeman, Jesse H. Rogers, 
Robert S. Negus and John W. Scott. 

Wilmington, filed May 21, 1836, by 
Messrs. Young, Henderson, Lane, 
Higby, Thomas Hanks and Groce. 

Walkerville, filed for record July 18, 
1836, by John Walker. 

Bluttdale, filed Aug. 26, 1836, by John 
A. and Jordan Calvin. 

Concord, filed Sept. 13, 1836, by 
Daniel Maynard. 

Norwalk, filed for record Oct. 25, 1836, 
by Robert Close and Gabriel Manly. 

Middleton, filed March 6, 1837, by 
John Harnett. 

Centerville, filed April 18, 1837, by 
Charles Maxfield. 

Bloomfield, filed Oct. 28, 1837, by 
Amasa Vamatre. 

Holliday's Station, recorded Nov. 12, 
1864, by Tobias Holliday. Vacated 
Nov. 2, 1865. 

Berdan, filed Sept. 20 1865, by Wil- 
liam R. Kellogg, Lewis S. Olmstead and 
Linus E. Worcester. 

Hollidaysburgh, filed Nov. 2, 1865, 
by Tobias Holliday. This was after- 
ward changed to Kane. 

New Providence, filed Feb. 20, 1866, 
by F. M. Bell, Jesse L. Allen and John 
Bell. 

Kane, filed Sept. 4, 1866, by Thomas 
H. Boyd. 

Mount Pleasant, filed for record Nov. 
8, 1S40. 

Roodhouse, filed for record Feb. 15, 
1869, by John Roodhouse. 

Thompson City, filed March 18, 1870, 
by Robert Thompson. 

Homer, filed Dec. 14, 1837, by Na- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



59/ 



tlianiel M. Perry, Abraiii 


B. Harris and 


Hank's Station, filed for record .Julv 


W. W. Mvriok. 




21, 1871, by Thoniat; Hanks. 


Barrow, filed March 1, 


1871, by A. 


Rockbridge, laid out in the spring of 


Barrow. 




1871, by Sheffield and Hudson, the plat 


Shcfiiel.l, tiled July 18, 


1871. 


being filed in May of that year. 



OHAPT^KR V. 



THE COURTS OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Man in bis proneness to go astray re- 
quires the strong arm of law for his 
government. If he had no law, and no 
penalties attached to the violation of 
such law, he would, in the license of 
such a state of society, degenerate into 
a state of barbarism, yes, wt>rse than 
l)arbarism. From the first creation of 
man, humanity has been placed under 
the restraining hand of law, and penal- 
ties, more or less severe, have been 
affixed to the violation of the statute, be 
tlie same oral or written. "In the day 
whereof thou eateth, thou shalt surely 
die," was as much a law and a penalty 
fur its violation, as is the whole statute 
book of the state of Illiaois. The ex- 
istence of laws necessarily implies the 
<reation ami existence of courts for the 
interpretation of all questions involved 
in obscurity, and for the impartial trial 
of the violators of the safeguards of civ- 
ilization. 

Tlie first constitution of the state de- 
elared that the judicial power should 
be vested in a supreme court, and such 
inferior courts as the general assembly 
should ordain and establish. The su- 
preme court then consisted of one chief 



justice and three associates, who, in ad- 
dition to their duties as an appellate 
court, were required to hold the circuit 
courts in the several counties. The 
state was accordingly divided into four 
judicial circuits, within which the chief 
justice and associate justices were as- 
signed to hold circuit courts. This they 
did until Dec, 1824, when five circuit 
judges were appointed by the general 
assembly, and the state divided into five 
judicial circuits, but the circuit judges 
were only permitted to remain in 
office two years, as all the act creating 
them was repealed Jan. 12, 1827, and 
the circuit courts once more placed in 
the hands of the judges of the supreme 
court. In 1829, one circuit judge was 
appointed by the general assembly to 
hold court north of the Illinois river, 
the 5th judicial district being createil 
for the purpose, the justices of the su- 
preme court continuing to perform their 
duties in the other four circuits. These 
courts were held in this manner until 
January, 18;>5, when five additional cir- 
cuits were established, and six circuit 
judges appointed to perform the duties 
therein. 



598 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



The judiciary of the state remained in 
this shape, additional circuits being 
organized, and additional judges ap- 
pointed from time to time, as the grow- 
ing business seemed to warrant, until 
1841, when, by act of legislature, the 
circuit judges were legislated out of ex- 
istence, and their duties again placed 
upon the supreme judges, now increased 
in number to nine, the state being di- 
vided into that number of judicial cir- 
cuits. It thus remained until 1848, 
when circuit judges became a perma- 
nent part of the judiciary of the state. 

The first term of the circuit court 
held in Oreene county commenced on 
the 2(Hh day of April, 1821, and was 
presided over by Hon. John Reynolds, 
at that time associate justice of the 
supreme court. Samuel Lee, Jr., was, 
by the judge, appointed clerk of the 
court, and had filed his bond with 
Thomas Rattan, Thomas Carlin and 
Willis Webb, as sureties, and took his 
place. After opening the court Thomas 
Carlin, sheriff of the county, presented 
to the court a venire of grand jurors, 
and the following gentlemen having 
been elected were empaneled as the 
first grand jury and duly '"sworn to en- 
quire for, and in behalf of, the county of 
Greene:" John Finley, foreman; Mar- 
tin Wood, Thomas Gilliland, Nathaniel 
Wass, Cyrus Tolman, Isaac Pruitt, 
James McFadgin, John Morfoot, Walter 
McFarland, Hugh Jackson, Jacob Fry, 
Charles Gregory, Willis Webb, Chris- 
tian Link, John Costley, William Webb, 
William Costley and Philip Fry. There 
being no jury room, these gentlemen 
retired to the prairie to consider over 
the matter laid before them, and soon 
returned with the following indict- 



ments, each endorsed ''true bill:" Peo- 
ple of the state of Illinois, vs. William 
Greene, assault and battery; the same 
vs. Thomas Lumley, assault and bat- 
tery; the same vs. William Morris, 
same offence. There being no further 
business before the grand jury they 
were discharged and capias ordered to 
issue against each of the above defend- 
ants, returnable at the next term of 
court. There being no cases upon the 
docket, court adjourned to court in 
course. 

The second term of the circuit court 
commenced Oct. 4, 1821, Hon John Rey- 
nolds presiding as judge. A grand jury 
was empaneled, consisting of the fal- 
lowing gentlemen: John G. Lofton, 
foreman; Nathaniel Wass, Cyrus Tol- 
man, Thomas Finley, Robert Whitaker, 
John Moore, Hughston Reynolds, Sam- 
uel Costan, James Davidson, John 
Wiatt, Thomas Gilliland, Zachariah 
Allen, William Pruitt, Joseph Rey- 
nolds, Henry Teagarden, Hugh Jack- 
son, Thomas G. Lofton, Clark Bcebe 
and John Huitt. These gentlemen re- 
tired for deliberation, and court pro- 
ceeded to try the cases on the docket. 
The first one called was that of the 
state against William Green, who was 
indicted at the last term of court, as 
having committed an assault and bat- 
tery. The defendant appeared in court 
and plead not guilty of the misde- 
meanor, as charged, so a jury was em- 
paneled to try the case. This, the first 
petit jury in Greene county, was com- 
posed of the following gentlemen : 
Young Wood, John Finley, John Drum, 
James Whiteside, William Davidson, 
James Colwell, Joel Meacham, William 
Hoskins, Calvin Tunnel, Gershom Pat- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



590 



terson, Walker Daniel and Aivin Coe. 
After hearing the evidence in the case, 
and been charged by the court, they 
gave in a verdict of guilty, and the 
court assessed a fine of five dollars and 
costs against the defendant. 

The next two cases were of a similar 
nature. The first civil suit ou the 
docket was that of Samuel L. Irwin vs. 
Rowland Shephard, but the defense not 
being entirely prepared, asked for and 
was granted a continuance. The next 
case was that of Jason Whiting vs. 
Ebenezer Horton, and was a suit for 
debt on attachment. The defendant not 
appearing, judgement in default was 
rendered for the plaintiff' in the sum of 
$300. •'>7, and costs. .Judgement was is- 
sued, and the constable who had charge 
of the goods was ordered to turn them 
over to the sherifl', who was onlered to 
sell the same at public sale. There were 
((uitc a number of other cases tried at 
thib term. The grand jury made a pre- 
sentment against William B. Whiteside 
and liiiliirt Sinclair, for burglary. This 
was one of the most celebrated cases of 
those early days, and grew out of the 
following circumstances. Many of the 
j)ioneer8 of this country brought with 
them considerable sums of money, to 
purchase land with. This was mostly 
in gold and silver coin, and although 
inconvenient, it was necessary, in the 
total absence of banks, to keep it in their 
cabins. Such was the general character 
for honesty and integrity possessed by 
these early pioneers, that but little care 
was taken to conceal it, nor was it safely 
secured with barred doors or locked re- 
ceptacles. In 1821, however, this mu- 
tual confidence in each other received a 
severe shock, by a heavy robbery that 



took place in the southern part of the 
county. It seems that there lived at 
Lofton's prairie, an Englishman and his 
wife by the name of Dixon, people well 
advanced in years, who were known to 
have considerable money in their pos- 
session. One night several men came 
to the cabin of this couple, which was 
some distance from any neighbor, and 
by threats and demonstrations of per- 
sonal violence, extorted from the old 
gentleman, some $1,200, and then made 
off. As soon as they were gone, the old 
man communicated with his neighbors, 
an alarm was raised and a number of 
men, headed by Judge Lofton, started 
in pursviit. Mr. Dixon recognized two 
of the men, Robert Sinclair and Wil- 
liam B. Whites^ide. The latter was a 
resident of Madison county, had been 
.■sheriff, and a prominent citizen of that 
locality; ]\Iajor Sinclair was also a ijuite 
a prominent citizen of Madison county. 
They were overtaken near Alton and 
brought to trial at Carrollton. On l)e- 
ing placed in the dock, Mr. Whiteside, 
pleaded " not guilty," and asked for a 
continuance of the case, but was over- 
ruled l)y the court. Sinclair pleaded 
the same, and asked the same in<lul- 
gence, but was also overruled. The 
state's attorney, however, asking the con- 
tinuance of the case it was granted. At 
the term of the court which commenced 
April 2.5, 1822, William B. Whiteside 
was placed on trial, beft)re the following 
jury and tried for his ofTense: Lewis 
Abrains, Joseph Klein, Charles Kitch- 
ens, Rulofi'Stei>hens, Abraham ]?owmnn, 
Daniel Duvall, John Finley, Francis 
Bell, Charles Gregory, William Eldred, 
Timothy Ladd and James Beeman. 
Thomas II. Benton, tlien a rising 



600 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



young lawyer, appeared for the prosecu- 
tion. On this jury was a strong friend 
of the prisoner, Charles Kitchens, who 
is said to have hung the jury. This, 
of course, caused delay which was 
taken advantage of by the attorneys 
for the defense, and soon the death 
or departure of important witnesses, 
and finally the decease of Mr. Dixon, 
left the state without any testimony, 
and the case was dropped. Robert 
Sinclair was also tried and convic- 
ted of burglary, the value of the 
property being placed at $1,209.33, 
but while either out on bail, or the 
hands of the sheriff, accoimts differing 
in this particular, he contrived to slip 
away, and mounting a fine, fast race 
horse, which was placed in readiness 
for him near the David Black farm, he 
sped away to the southward, hotly pur- 
sued by the sheriff, but the speed and 
bottom of his noble steed gave him the 
inside track, and he finally escaped. 
He went to Arkansas, where he after- 
wards arose to distinction. The court 
that tried these men was presided over 
by Hon. Joseph Phillips, at that time 
chief justice of the supreme court of 
the state. 

At the September term of the circuit 
court, in 1828, Judge Thomas Reynolds 
presided. This gentleman was a very 
talented lawyer of his day, the peer of 
Benton, Marshall and others. He re- 
moved to Missouri and attained consid- 
erable reputation, and was finally elect- 
ed governor of that state. 

Judge John Reynolds again presided 
over the September term, 1S23, and- 
faithfully discharged his duties. He 
was one of the foremost men of his 
time. In 1822 he was made chief jus- 



tice of the supreme court. In 1830 he 
was elected governor of Illinois on the 
democratic ticket, and afterward served 
three years in congress. He was a 
Pennsylvanian by birth, born in 1788, 
and came to Illinois with his parents 
when but 12 years of age. He died at 
Belleville, St. Clair county, in 1865. 

John York Sawyer, one of the circuit 
judges appointed by the general assem- 
bly, was commissioned January 19, 1825, 
and assigned for dut}' in the 1st judi- 
cial circuit, in which Greene county 
then was. The first term of court in 
this comity over which he presided com- 
menced on the 16th of May, 1822. He 
held the office of judge until January, 
1827, when circuit judges were legis- 
lated out of office. 

At the April term, 1827, Samuel D. 
Lockwood, one of the associate justices 
of the supreme court, presided as cir- 
cuit judge. Judge Lockwood was quite 
a popular lawyer, and was attorney-gen- 
eral of the state during the years of 
1821, and 1822, and on the 19th of Jan- 
uary, 1825, was appointed to the su- 
preme court, and remained upon that 
bench imtil Dec. 4, 1848. 

In 1835, Stephen T. Logan was ap- 
pointed circuit judge of the 1st judicial 
circuit, under the law of Jan. 7, of that 
year, and entered upu the discharge of 
his duties, with the spring term of 
court in tliis county. Judge Logan, 
was a finished scholar, a deep student, 
but of a retiring disposition, and served 
but a short time, resigning in the spring 
of 1837. He was succeeded on the 
bench by A\'illiam Brown, who was 
commissioned March 20, 1837, but re- 
signed the office July 20, of the same 
year. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



601 



The next to hold the office of circuit 
judge in this, the 1st judicial circuit, 
was Jesi^e B. Thomas, Jr., who was ap- 
pointed in July, 1837, and remained on 
the hench until early in 18.39, when he 
resigned the office. Judge Thomas was 
afterward quite a prominent member of 
the supreme court of this state, being 
appointed in 1843, to succeed Stephen 
A. l)ouglas. 

Hon. William Thomas was the next 
ju(if;c of the circuit court, being com- 
missioned as such on the 2.5th of Feb., 
1S.'59, and remained upon the bench un- 
til the reorganization of the juiliciary 
in 1841, again legislated these judges 
out of office. Judge Thoiuas was an 
able lawyer, and ijuite a jironiinent 
man. 

On the abiilisliment of the (ithce of 
circuit judges, in 1841, the duty of 
holding the circuit court again devolved 
upon the judges of the su])reme court, 
and Judge Stephen 1). Lockwood, again 
came upon the circuit, and held court 
until the first election for circuit judges, 
under the constitution nf 1848. 

The first judge, (dectcMl under this 
law in the 1st judicial circuit, was Hon. 
I)avid Meade M'oodson, who was 
elected in Sept., 1848, and commissioned 
on the 4th of Dee., of the same year. 
He performed the duties of this respon- 
sible oflice so unpartially, and to tlie 
satisfaction of the people, that he was 
twice re-elected to the position, holding 
the same for 18 successive years, and 
declined the tendered nomination for a 
fourth term in 18ti7. 

Hon. David Meade M'oodson, late 
juilge of the 1st judicial circuit in the 
state of Illinois, was born in Jessamine 
county, Ky., May 18, 180G. He was 



a son of Samuel H. Woodson, an emi- 
nent lawyer of that state. David re- 
ceived his education at the classical 
schools near Lexington, and at Tran- 
sylvania University, and at the age of 
17 began the study of law under one of 
the professors of that institution. He 
finished the term in his father's office, 
but iu 1827 his father died, and the care 
of a large and complicated estate, and 
that of a mother and 7 minor children, 
devolved u])on him and his brother, so 
he was compelled to give up his pro- 
fession for the time being. In 1832 he 
was elected to the legislature over a 
large democratic majority, and there 
cast one of the votes which sent Henry 
Clay to the U. S. senate. He was the 
youngest member in the legislature. 
Oct. (>, 1832, he was married to Lucy 
McDowell, daughter of Maj. John Me- 
Dowell, of Fayette county, Ky. In the 
fall of 1833 he came to Illinois and 
selected Carrollton as his future home. 
Here he practiced law in partnership 
with Charles D. Hodges, for 14 years, 
and in 1848 was elected to a judgeship. 
In 1835 he returned to Kentucky and 
spent another session in Transylvania 
University, where he graduateil with 
honor. In Aug., 1836, his wife died in 
Kentucky. She left one child — now 
the Hon. John M. Woodson, of St. 
Louis. On Nov. 1, 1838, he was again 
married to Julia Kennett, daughter of 
Dixon H. Kennett. They had one 
daughter — now the wife of H. C. 
Withers, late partner of her father. 
In the legislature of 1838-39, he was 
elected to the office of state's attorney, 
to fill a vacancy. He continued in this 
office until 1840, when he was elected 
by the people of Greene county to the 



602 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



legislature, over a democratic majority 
of from 400 to 500 — a flattering success. 
In 1S43 he was nominated to a seat in 
congress, but was unsuccessful on ac- 
count of the popularity of his opponent, 
Stephen A. Douglas. In 1847 he was 
elected to the convention called to 
amend the constitution, and did all in 
his power to oi)pose the result of the 
convention, which was the degrading of 
the primary law of our state. He then 
devoted himself to his profession until 
1848, when he was elected circuit judge, 
and filled the position with ability and 
impartially until 18(37, when he again 
engaged in practicing law. He was 
again elected to the legislature on the 
democratic ticket, in 1868, thus showing 
the popularity and estimation in which 
he was held, both personally and 
politically. Judge Woodson died in 
1877. 

Hon. Charles D. Hodges was elected 
to the bench of the circuit court, in the 
spring of 1867, and was duly commis- 
sioned upon the 27th of .June, 1867, and 
served six years. Judge Hodges rep- 
resented this district in the 55th con- 
gress, and is noticed under that head. 



The general assembly by act of March 
28, 1873, divided the state into 26 judi- 
cial districts, in each of which one judge 
of tlie circuit court was elected on the 
2d day of June, 1873, for the term 
of six years. Greene county was placed 
in the 18th judicial circuit, and Hon. 
Cyrus E|)ler elected to the office of cir- 
cuit judge. 

The general assembly, in 1877, how- 
ever, reduced the number of circuits, 
placing two together, and giving each 
circuit three judges. By this Greene 
countv became a part of the 7th circuit, 
having forjudges Hon. Cyrus Epler and 
and Hon. Lyman Lacy, and on the elec- 
tion for the third judge, Hon. Albert G. 
Burr, of Carrollton, was elected. All 
three of these gentlemen were elected 
in 1879. Albert G. Burr was the rep- 
resentative of the district in the 4Uth 
and 41st congresses of the United States, 
and a sketch of this eminent gentleman 
is given elsewhere. 

At the election of June, 1885, Hon. 
Lyman Lacy, Hon. Cyrus Epler and 
Hon. George W. Herdman, were elected 
to the bench, and occupy the positions 
at the present writing. 



aHAPXKR VI. 



EDUCATIONAL. 

In respect to educational facilties the I differs much from that of early days, 
county of Greene is fully up to the > and is a great improvement, for, as it 
average of the other counties of tlie always is with all innovations, the law in 
state. The present method of govern- this respect has run the gauntlet, and 
ment of public or common schools | finally arrived at what must be con- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



603 



sidered as nearly filling about all the 
requirements. 

The educational system of Illinois 
has reached a degree of perfection and 
efficienc)' attained by but few states in 
the Union, and surpassed by a less 
number, and those the newer ones, 
where no early prejudices existed to 
overcome. 

COMMISSIONERS OF SCHOOL LANDS. 

In the pioneer days, when the county 
of (ireene was organized, there was no 
such thing as public schools, the rough 
cradles of learning of those times be- 
ing supported by subscription, or were 
private schools The office of county 
superintendent of schools was not yet 
created. The only oflScer connected 
with the schools, in any way, under the 
constitution of 1818, was the com- 
missioner of the school lands, who had 
charge of the funds arising from the 
rent or sale of the Kith sections donated 
in each congressional township for ed- 
ucational purposes. This officer was 
appointed l)y the county commissioners' 
court, who were empowered to fix the 
compensation of the same. 

For some years after the organization 
of the county, these lands were placed 
in the hands of trustees in each town- 
ship, but at)out the year 1835, the com- 
missioners' court appointed Samuel 
Sniitli as the coniniissioner of the scliool 
lands of the county. He served in this 
capacity until the year 18:58, when he 
was succeeded by Moses O. Bledsoe, so 
long connected with the official life of 
the county, in the most responsible po- 
sitions. A sketch of him is given else- 
where and need not be repeated. 
In 184U, Luther Tunnel was elected to 



-TT 



this office and served for about a year 
and was succeeded by James 0. Graves 
in the month of Sept., 1841, and served 
until the spring of 1842, when Calvin 
Tunnel was installed in the office and 
served three years, until his successor 
was appointed. 

D. Pinkerton was the next to fill the 
position and held it for two years. 

Joseph Pierson served as county com- 
missioner of School land for the next 
10 years, from 1847, being re-appointed 
his own successor every alternate year. 
He was an excellent man and a faithful 
officer. 

Dr. J. B. Samuel, a sketch of whom 
appears in the Medical chapter of this 
work, was the next incumbent of the 
office, being elected in 1857, and filled 
it for two years. 

Stephen F. Corrington was elected to 
the office of commissioner of the school 
lands in 1859, and re-elected in 18(il, 
18(53, 1865 and 1867, oceupyingthe office 
for ten years. Mr. Corrington is, at 
present, a prominent member of the 
bar of Greene county, and is noticed at 
length in that connection. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

Rev. C. A. Worley was the first elected 
to this office, in 1869. He was a well 
educated, able officer, and served the 
county in this capacity for four years. 

Mrs. Catherine Hojjkins succeeded 
Mr. Worley in this office, defeating S. 
F. Corrington at the general election of 
1873. She served one term of four years, 
most creditably. 

D. F. King, the present state's attor- 
ney, was elected to the office of sujjer- 
intendent of schools in Nov., 1877, and 
ably filled the position for the succeed- 



604 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ing four years. Mr. King is also noticed 
at length in tlie chapter devoted to the 
Bar of Greene county, in this volume, 
to which the reader is referred. 

W. J. Roberts, the present affable su- 
perintendent of schools, was elected to 
fill that office in Nov., 1882. He is no- 
ticed in connection with the Press of 
the county. 

DEVELOPMENT. 

(ireene county, like all new counties, 
in its infancy was not blessed with pub- 
lic or district schools, and the rising 
generation was limited to draw what 
knowledge they, did attain from spas- 
modic attempts at subscription schools, 
that were established wherever the pop- 
ulation was large enough to warrant 
the attempt, and which sprang up and 
died out with surprising regularity. The 
rude log cabin school, the only "benign 
mother" of some of the most eminent 
men of the country, and the foundation 
of the education of most of the mem- 
bers of the older resident families was 
laid in these humble cradles of learn- 
ing. The 16th section of land in each 
congressional district was granted to 
each county for educational purposes, 
but there was little or no sale 
for it, at more than the govern- 
ment price, of$l.'2.5 per acre, and the 
income from that source was small. 
About the year 1835, public attention 
was drawn to the matter of educational 
advantages, and the district schools be- 
gan to dot the prairie, or nestle in the 
woods throughout the county. Here and 
there they were scattred, log cabins of 
humble appearance, often miles apart, 
while mischievous urchins, of both sex, 
trudged through dust or mud, for long 



distances, to receive the rudiments of 
an education. With the progress of 
years, the development of the school 
system went on, until, to-day, it is not 
inferior to any county in the state of a 
like age and population. The following 
statistics are taken from the report of 
the county superintendent of schools for 
the year ending June, 1885. At that 
time there were: 

Number of males in the county between 

the ages of 6 and 21 4.(»7i) 

Number of females :'..S4-") 

Number of districts in the county 'M 

Number of graded schools <> 

Number of ungraded schools s7 

Number of male teachers employed. ... liT 
Number of female teachers employed.. !U 
Number of males enrolled in graded 

schools l.(«() 

Number of females 1, l:!7 

Number of males enrolled in ungraded 

.schools 2.(i.'i4 

Number of females 1,7":! 

Whole number enrolled .5,!i!t4 

Wliole number of public high schools. . . :! 

Number of brick school houses 11 

Number of stone school houses 1 

Number of frame school houses si 

Number of school houses built diu-ing 

the year :! 

Number of districts having libraries. ... !• 

Number of volumes in same 2iii 

Average monthly wages paid male 

teachers * -iLtW 

.Vverase for female teachers :i^>M 

.\mount of district tax levy for 

scliools .5(),4V!.21 

Estiniated value of school property ini,.")n().oO 
Estimated value of school libraries. V.inM 
Estimiited value of school apparatus I.(i(i7.()0 
Holders of state certificates employed in 

county '- 

Number of first grade teachers' certifi- 
cates issued -'•") 

Number of second grade loi 

Number teachers' certificates to males "ifi 
Number to females 1^ 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



605 



Xuniber of male applicants rejected 

Xiimber of fenutles 

First grade certificates renewed during 

the year 

Second grade certificates 



l.j I Xumber of days spent in institute 

10 I work ID 

Number of teachers' meetings held in 

4 I the county lii 

12 1 Amountof boiukil school debt * o.2M.m 



QHAPTTRR VII. 



COUNTY SOCIETIES. 

(rreene county has two societies that ! northwest of the city of Carrolltoii, on 
are county in.stitutions, and of which ' the I'ith of Oct., I804. Judging from 
they are justly proud. Tliese are the the newspapers of the day, this was a 
Agricultural Association and the Old brilliant success in every way, and the 
Settlers' Society. No liistory would be \ display of stock, especially horses, was 
complete without an account of each of superior to most anything in any other 



them and thev are herewith given. 



county or state fair. Among the lead- 
itig competitors for premiums, were 
most of the leading citizetis of the 
period, among whom were Anthony 



GREENE COU.N'TY .\C4RICULTf RAI. SOCIETY. 

On the 15th of April, 1854, was insti- 
tuted a society, ktiovvn as the Greene Potts, James J. Eldred, Eri Edwards, 
County Agricultural and Mechanical ' Silas Eldred, James W. Gregory. Jere- 
Association. The first officers were as miah Turpin, Elon Eldred, Elijah Dee, 
follows: Luman Curtius, president; R. N. Neece, Williatii Cratie, J. H. 
Joshua C. Winters, vice president; A. Waller, Michael Kinser, J. P. Hender- 
W. Bridges, treasurer; Francis P. Ved- son, Daniel Morfoot, Benjamin Rood- 
der, secretary; and Samuel Thomas, house, Anthony S. Seeley, Peter Rood- 
Jacob Bowman, Linus E. Worcester, B. house, William Black, G. L. Burruss, 
Baldwin, L. J. Patterson, A. J. White- L. H. Thomas, J. E. Brace, Samuel 
side, A. Sweeten, Michael Kinser, Wil- Longstreet, and others. Neither were 
Ham Halbert, J. W. Calvin, T. W. the ladies behind-hand in their depart- 
Vigus, W. L. Greene, Samuel Long- ments, preiniums being awarded to Mrs. 
street, David Thompson, J. H. VanArs- J. J. Thomas, Mrs. William I'otts, Mrs. 
dale, (}. L. Burruss, W. H. Ellis, I. R. Benjamin Baldwin, .Mrs. J. I. Thomas, 
Istrom, John Rives, ^Llrtin Thorpe, T. Mrs. E. Morfoot, Mrs. John T. Wil- 
J. Short, Benjamin King, Perry .McCon- Hams. Mrs. Dr. Hardtner, Mrs. Luman 
athy, J. D. ^Lirtin, Elon Eldred and Curtius, Misses Pierson, Mrs. J. B. El- 
Williain Black, executive committee. ! dred, Mrs. David Dodgson, and others. 

The first annual fair was held on the , At that time the society numbered some 
farm of J. E. Brace, a short distance \ 230 members, which kept rapidly in- 



606 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



creasing. Since the organization of the 
association tlie following gentlemen 
have filled the position of president: 
D. M. Woodson, George L. Burruss, 
Joseph Ballinger, Jacob Bowman, B. 
F. Baldwin, E. M. Husted, L. S. Eldrde, 
Benjamin Roodhouse, George W. Davis. 
Benjamin Roodhouse is the present 
president, and N. J. Andrews, secre- 
tary. 

The second annual exposition was 
held on grounds belonging to the soci- 
ety, or to 160 stockholders, south of 
Carrollton, near the present site of the 
public school building. They had 
fenced this in and built stalls, and other i 
conveniences, and it was used by the 
society, "until the fairs grew to such 
a magnitude that the place was incon- 
veniently small, so, in 1860, the present 
large and beautiful grounds were pur- 
chased by the association. The im- 
provements from the old park were 
moved here, and many new ones added. 
One beautiful and convenient feature of 
these grounds, is the great abundance of 
trees, afibrding a delightful shade from 
the midsummer sun, and adding to the 
beauty and picturesqueness of the 
place. 

The first financial statement of which 
there is any record, is that of the year 
1856. It is as follows: Receipts from 
annual fair, $950.15; paid for premiums, 
$500; expenses, $45.95; balance on 
hand, after paying all indebtedness, 
$404.20. 

At the earlier exhibitions, the premi- 
ums were almost always of silverware, 
and frequently, on running over the old 
treasurer's reports, there is often found 
a list of silverware left on hand. Dur- 
ing successive years the receipts of the 



fairs were as follows: 1857, $1,338.15; 
1858, $1,615.37; 1859, $1,882.85; 1860, 
$2,025.82, and so on, the expenses, of 
course, increasing in the same propor- 
tion. 

In 1866, the present neat, tasty and 
convenient amphitheater was built. In 
1872, the name of the association was 
changed to that of Greene County Agri- 
cultural Board. During the dark days 
of the war, when people's minds were 
filled with other things besides fairs, 
these exhibitions did not pay, and when 
brighter days dawned, which was not 
until 1874, the board found itself ham- 
pered with a debt something like $6,000. 
In order that this might be paid off, 
and that the future prosperity of the as- 
sociation insured, in the fall of the j'car, 
a resolution was passed to form a new 
corporation, and D. M.Woodson, J. W. 
Gregory, G. L. Burruss, J. H. Rives, 
S. F. Greene, L. F. Wheeler and John 
Kaser were appointed incorporators. 
License was issued Feb. 27, 1875, which 
authorized G. W. Davis, J. F. Ballinger, 
L. S. Eldred, G. L. Bnrruss, N. J. 
Andrews, J. H. Rives and George W. 
Witt, as commissioners, to open the 
books of subscription, to the capital 
stock of the Greene County Agricul- 
tural and Mechanical Association. 
Eighty-three persons subscribed for 
stock, at $50 per share. With this, the 
$6,000 of indebtedness was paid off, and 
the charter of the association was 
granted, by the secretary of the state, 
bearing date March 26, 1875. The cap- 
ital stock was afterward increased to 
$8,000. The new society took posses- 
sion of the property of its predecessor, 
and a more prosperous era dawned. 
The more recent fairs have beeen highly 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



607 



successful, until to-day, the county fairs 
of Greene county have been raised to 
such a degree that they are now ranked 
among the first in the state. 

OLD settlers' association. 

The society grew outofameetingheld 
in Oct., 1871, in response to the follow 
ing invitation which appeared in the 
Carrollton GitzeUe, in the issue of Sept. 
30, of that year: 

"As the matter has been so often spoken 
of in the papers, and by a large number 
of the old settlers of Greene county, and 
it would seem appropriate that such a 
meeting sbould be held on my farm, a 
cordial invitation is hereby extended to 
all citizens who were residents of the 
county before the deep snow, to assem- 
ble in the grove one-quarter of a mile 
south of my residence, it being on the 
south end of the first 80 acres of land 
settled in this county, on Saturday, Oct. 
21, 1871, at lU o'clock a. m. The object 
of the meeting will be to organize an 
Old Settlers' Association for Greene 
county, and to listen to addresses appro- 
priate for the occasion. Should the 
weather prove unfavorable for an out- 
door meeting at the time, I am reijuested 
to say that the meeting will be held at 
the court house, in Carrollton, instead 
of the grove on my premises. As this 
matter has now been so generally agreed 
upon by our old citizens, it is expected 
that a large and interesting meeting will 
be held, and that all will give special 
heed to this first meeting of the old 
settlers. Respectfully, 

Samuel Thomas." 
The 21st of Oct. was a bright, pleas- 
ant day, and about 150 old settlers, to- 
gether with a large concourse of younger 



persons, assembled i;i the beautiful 
Thomas grove, southwest of Carrollton. 
This wood is located on the south end 
of the first 80 acres of land entered by 
Mr. Thomas, in 1818, and selected as a 
squatter's claim some time previous. 
At about 11 o'clock tlie Carrollton cor- 
net band played an old time selection, 
and the company was called to order bj' 
David Pierson. Col. Jacob Bowman 
was chosen chairman, and on taking 
the chair, invited Rev. C. J. Crardiner, 
to oiler prayer. This venerable and 
reverend gentleman kneeled upon the 
grass and leaves in front of the S]ieaker's 
stand, and, while the many aged he-uls 
were bowed, a solemnity was manifested 
befitting the occasion, and words appro- 
priately impressive were uttered, in- 
voking the blessing of God upon those 
whose lives had been so long spared in 
his mercy, and beseeching a continuance 
of divine favor. The chair then sug- 
gested that the appointment of a com- 
mittee on permanent organization would 
be in order. Whereupon, Hon. David 
Pierson, Thomas Black, C. J. Gardiner, 
Jordan Howard, and T. J. Short were 
chosen. On motion, Hon. D. M.Wood- 
son, Judge A. Hinton, Peter Hobson, 
Tsham Binder, and Martin Bowman 
were selected as a committee on resolu- 
tions. At this point, the chairman, 
than whom there is none more skilled 
in the management of a dinner party, 
remarked that the committees would 
need some little time in which to pre- 
pare their reports — that the good wives 
and daughters were present with bounti- 
fully ladened baskets — that the hour 
had arrived and the tables would be 
spread upon the green, and, while the 
band struck up another good old tunc. 



(;()8 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



the meeting adjourned for dinner. The 
dinner was bountiful in quantity, dainty 
in preparation, and the best in quality, 
and was . thoroughly enjoyed by all. 
After an intermission of an hour, the 
hand rendered another selection, and 
that being finished. Col. Bowman called 
the meeting to order, and asked for the 
report of the committee on permanent 
organization. David Pierson, the chair- 
iLian of till' same, presented the fol- 
lowing: 

Your committee would respectfully 
rt'commend: 

1. That a society be formed to be de- 
nominated the Old Settlers' Society of 
Greene county. 

2. That the officers consist of a presi- 
dent, 10 vice-presidents, a secretary, 
and a treasurer. 

3. That the following persons be 
chosen as such officers: Capt. Jacob 
Robley, of Bluifdale, president; Sam- 
uel Thomas, Judge Alfred Hinton, Gen- 
eral Jacob Fry, Major J. C. C. Parks, 
Anthony Potts, Peter Hobson, Martin 
Bowman, Rev. C. J. Gardner, Judge 
Thomas J. Short and David Pierson, 
vice-])residents, H. S. Clay; secretary, 
Col. Jacob Bowman, treasurer. 

Remarks and addresses, chiefly rem- 
iniscences and anecdotes of early times, 
were then made by Samuel Thomas, the 
pioneer of the pioneers of Greene 
county, Alfred Hinton, J. C. C. Parks, 
Jacob Fry, David M. Woodson, and 
several others. These occupied the 
time until quite late, and the interest 
was fully kept up. In the course of 
these various remarks, it became known 
that Marvel Morris and Isham Linder 
had been residents of what now con- 
stitutes the state of Illinois longer than 



anyone present, the former for 62, the 
latter for 61 years. Richard Robley 
was the oldest person present, having 
been born in 1790. 

On Nov. 11th, at meeting held in Car- 
rollton, held according to a resolution 
passed at the first meeting, D. W. 
Woodson, Isham Linder, Dr. J. B. 
Samuel, Alfred Hinton, and T. W. 
Vigus were appointed a committee to 
draft a constitution and set of by-laws 
for the government of the organization. 
The meeting then adjourned. 

At an adjourned meeting held at C!ar- 
rollton on the 8th Jan., 1872, the above 
committee presented the following con- 
stitution, which was adopted: 

( 'onstttutioti . 

Article I. — This society shall be 
called the ' ' Greene County Old Settlers' 
Association," and shall consist, 1st. Of 
all persons, who, at any time prior to 
the year 1830, were residents of Illinois, 
and such persons upon signing the con- 
stitution, shall be designated as senior 
members. 2d. All persons residents of 
Illinois, who shall have resided in the 
county of Greene since 1845. Such per- 
sons upon signing the constitution, shall 
be designated as junior members. The 
rights privileges and immunities of the 
senior and junior classes shall be held 
in common, without distinction or pref- 
erence. 3d. Honorary members, who 
may be received by vote at any regular 
meeting of the association. 

Art. II. — The officers of the associa- 
tion shall be a president, vice-president, 
secretary, assistant secretary, and treas- 
urer, to be chosen annually, and whose 
duties are indicated in their titles. Also 
one vice-president in each precinct in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



609 



the county, whose duty it shall be to 
aid the other officers of the association 
in obtaininfj historical incidents, bio- 
graphical sketches, and statistical in- 
formation of our pioneer history, and 
also to ascertain and report to the sec- 
retary from time to time, all the deaths 
or removals from the county of mem- 
bers of the association, that may occur 
in their several precincts during the 
year. 

Art. III. — This association shall hold 
its annual meeting at some convenient 
place in the county, to be selected by 
the president of the association, on the 
hist Wednesday of August in each year. 
The president and secretary shall have 
jiower to call special meetings of the as- 
sociation. 

Art. IY. Every member of the asso- 
ciation on signing the constitution, shall 
furnish the secretary, either orally or 
in writing, a statement, giving the time 
and place of his birth, the year in which 
he became a resident of Illinois, and of 
(ireene county, and shall pay to the 
treasurer the sum of 50 cents, and annu- 
ally thereafter the sum of 50 cents, 
which shall constitute membership tor 
himself and wife. The money thus 
paid shall be used to defray the contin- 
gent expenses of the association, and 
for no other purpose. 

Art. Y. — The treasurer shall report 
at eacii annual meeting, a statement of 
all receipts and exjjenditureS, and no 
moneys shall be paid out by him, ex- 
cept by vote of the association, or by 
the unanimous consent of the president, 
vice-president and secretary, who are 
hereby constituted the executive com- 
mittee of the association. 

Art. VI. — The association bv a vote 



of a majority present at a regular meet- 
ing, may expel any member for habitual 
intoxication or grossly immoral con- 
duct. 

Art. VII.— It shall he the duty of 
each member of the association, as far 
as may be,, to furnish in a form suitable 
for preservation, such facts and inci- 
dents of his early life, and in relation to 
the first settlement of the county, as he 
may deem of sufficient interest to be 
preserved ; and the secretary shall i)re- 
serve them in such form as he may deem 
proper. 

Art. VIII. — The secretary shall keep 
a book, to be called " The Old Settler's 
Record," in which he shall enter this 
constitution, and keep the proceedings 
of each meeting of the association ; he 
shall also keep a register of the names 
of the different members, the place of 
their birth, the year they became resi- 
dents of Illinois, so far as he can ast'er- 
tain the same, and at each annual meet- 
ing he shall read the names of those 
who have ilied, or who have removed 
from the county during the year. 

Art. IX. — This constitution may lie 
amended at any regular meeting of the 
association. A vote of two-thirds of 
the members present at such meeting 
shall be required in favor ofsvicli amend- 
ment. 

An election was then held, which re- 
sulted in the choice of the following 
officers: Samuel Thomas, pres.; Alfred 
Hinton, vice-pres.; H. L. Clay, sec.; 
Dr. Clinton Armstrong, ass't sec; Jor- 
dan Howard, treas.; and John W. Huitt, 
of Carrollton; James W. Gregory, of 
White Hall; Isham Lindcr, of Green- 
field; N. M. Perry, Kane; John Rood- 
hou'^e, Roodhouse; Martin Thorpe, Fay- 



(UO 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ctte; Richard Robley, Bluflfdale; G. L. 
Burruss, Eastern; Jesse C. Parks, Mount 
Airy; L. J. Patterson, Northwestern; 
Perry McConathy, Mineral Springs; 
Perry Clendennen, Woodville; Michael 
Kinser, Walkerville; and Michael Wal- 
trip. New Providence, precinct vice- 
})residents. 

The second regular meeting of the 
association was held at the fairgrounds, 
at Carrollton, and the pioneers listened 
to addresses by Dennis Davis, of Mis- 
souri, Judge D. M. Woodson, Cyrus 
Tolman and others. In 1873, a third 
meeting was held, and was very inter- 
esting. Ren)arks were made by Col. 
Joshua C. Winters, Everett Griswold, 
Rev. H. A. Guild and others. 

In 1874, one of the nuost interesting 
meetings of the society was held, on the 
authority of the county newspapers, and 
was one of the largest ever held, of the 
kind. Dr. S. H. Culver, Dr. B. C. 
Wood, D. M. Woodson, and Newton 
Cloud, of Morgan county, enlivened the 
proceedings with addresses. Appropri- 
ate resolutions were passed, on receipt 
of the announcement of the death of 
Samuel Thomas, Heman Goodrich, 
Titus Vigus, J. C. C. Parks, and Ever- 
ett Griswold. 

In 1875, the annual meeting was held 
at the fairground, when about 3,500 per- 
sons were present. The speakers were 
Rev. B. B. Hamilton, of White Hall; 
Hon. W. C. Flagg, of Madison county; 
and Hon. Joseph Morton, of Morgan 
county. The death of Dr. J. B. Samuel 
was duly reported. A special commit- 
tee made a report of those present who 
were over 70 years of age; there were 
o over 90,; 7 over 80, and 46 between 70 
and 80. 



Every year these pleasant reunions 
have been kept up, the last occurring on 
the '26th of Aug., 1885, when a large 
number were present. 

The call to order was made by the 
president, Edwin Woolley, at noon. 

Mr. McPherron, of Carrollton, led in 
singing. 

Rev. Davidson made a short prayer, 
and the jiresident, after a few remarks, 
appointed the following committees: 

On resolutions and obituaries, Rev. D. 
H. Stubbletield, Ed. Miner, E. J. Pearce 
and T. J. Price. 

On nominations, N. J. Andrews, Alex. 
King, W. H. Cannedy, ETlgar Griswold 
and S. F. Greene. 

On finance, to assist the vice-presi- 
dents, F. M. Fishback and Edgar Gris- 
wold. 

The president then announced that no 
further business would be transacted 
until after dinner. 

The speakers were James Slaten, B. 
B. Hamilton, Nelson English, J. C. 
Winters, R. H. Davis and Nathan Mi- 
ner. 

The addresses were all short, but were 
in the main ijuite interesting. 

The following are the present officers, 
chosen at this meeting: 

President — Edwin Woolley, CTreen- 
tield. 

Secretary — Ed. Miner, Carrollton. 

Treasurer — John Howard, Carrollton. 
And the following vice-presidents: 

Athensville — F. M. Grider. 

Rubicon — M. S. Melvin. 

Rockbridge — L. F. Williams. 

Kane — S. G. Gardiner. 

Linder — G. L. Burruss. 

Wrights— A. J. Wright. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Gil 



Roodhimse— E. M. Husted. 
White Hall— J. C. Winters. 
Carrollton — C. Armstrong'. 
Woodville — W. Maberry. 
Bluffdale— F. M. Fisliback. 



Walkerville — B. Gillingham. 

Patterson — A. S. Seely. 

Executive committee — N. J. AndrCws, 
T. J. Carlin, John Hardcastle, Ornan 
Pierson, A. M. Cunningham. 



OHAPTEIR VIII, 



From the commencement of tlie gov- 
ernment there have been two antago- 
nistic principles contending for mastery 
— slavery and freedom. Sometimes 
smouldering and even invisible; but the 
seeds were there and ever and anon 
would burst into flames, carrying de 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

which deluged the Roman empire in 
blood. 

But the nobles regained foothold, and 
regardless of these lessons, renewed 
their oppression. Again they com- 
menced sowing the seed which must 
surely bring forth terrible fruit. Over 
struction, death and desolation with it. | 200 years ago the aristocracy of France, 
A repetition of that great conflict which, housed in magnificent palaces, mounted 
for ages, agitated our globe — the conflict ; on war horses, with pampered men-at- 
between aristocratic usurpation and arms ready to ride rough-shod on every 
popular rights. History is crowded embassage of violence, trampled upon 
with descriptions and scenes of this | the suff'ering serfs, until humanity could 
irrepressible conflict. Two thousand no longer endure it. The masses of the 
years ago, when the aristocracy of Rome people were deprived of every privi- 
was headed by Caius Pompey, Julius ; lege, save of toiling for their masters. 
Ctesar, espousing the cause of the pec- \ The aristocracy so deprived the pco- 
l>le, unfurled the banner of ecpial rights, ' pie, whose wives and daughters, through 
and striding througli oceans of blood their brutality were forced to go to the 



which tossed their surges over every 
portion of the habitable globe, over- 
threw the aristocratic commonwealth 
and reared over the ruins the imperial 



field bare-headed and bare-footed, and 
be yoked to the plow with the donkey, 
that they never dreamed that the 
wretched boors would dare even to look 



commonwealth. Again on tlie field of in defiance tort'ard the massive and 
Pharsalia, the aristocratic banner was ' stately castles whose noblemen proudly 



trailed in the dust, and democracy, 
although exceedingly imjicrfect, became 
victor. It was aristocracy trying to 
keep its heel on the head of democracy 



strode along the battlements in meas- 
ureless contempt for the helpless peas- 
antry below. But the pent up vials of 
vengeance of ages at last burst forth. 



612 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



These boors, these Jacques, rose and 
like maddened hyenas, rushed upon 
their foes. Imbruted men, who for 
ages had been subjected to the most out- 
rageous wrongs, rose by millions against 
their oppressors, and wreaked upon 
them every atrocity which fiend-like 
ingenuity could devise. All the brutal 
and demon passions of human nature 
held high carnival, and it can truly be 
said France ran red with blood. But at 
length disciplined valor prevailed. Af- 
ter one-half of the peasantry of France 
had perished, the knighted noblemen, 
the aristocrats had resumed their sway, 
and the hellish bondage, worse than 
slavery, was again placed on the peo- 
ple. This war or rebellion of the 
Jacquerie is one of the most interesting 
and warning events of the past, yet it 
was all unheeded. 

The oppression went on, growing 
more and more outrageous; the people 
were kept ignorant that they might not 
know of their wrongs; poor that they 
might not resent them. That tlie lords 
might live in castles, and be clothed in 
purple, and fare sumptuously, the people 
were doomed to rags, hovels and black 
bread. The peasant must not place the 
bit of dough on the ashes by the fire- 
side — he was compelled to have it baked 
at the bakery of his lord, and there pay 
heavy toll. He dare not scrape to- 
gether the few crumbs of salt from the 
rock of the ocean's shore, he must buy 
every particle from his lord at an ex- 
horbitant price. "Servants obey your 
masters," was interpreted to apply to 
all save of noble birth; religion was con- 
verted into a method of subjecting the 
masses. As associates for lords the 
idea would have been considered as 



contrary to reason. Louis XV, sur- 
rounded by one of the most dissolute 
courts in Europe, once said : "I can 
give money to Voltaire, Montesquieu or 
Fontanelle, but I can't dine or sup with 
these people." If the peasant, with his 
wife and child, toiling in the field, in 
cultivation of a few acres of land 
managed to raise 650 francs worth 
of crops during the year, 600 of it went 
to king, duke, seigneur, baron and 
and church, while the 50 francs was left 
to clothe and feed the emaciated family. 
Thomas Jefferson, in the year of 1775, 
wrote from Paris to a friend in Phila- 
delphia: 

"Of 20,000,000 of people supposed to 
be in France, I am of the opinion that 
there are 19,000,000 more wretched, 
more accursed in every circumstance of 
human existence, than the most con- 
spicuously wretched individual in the 
whole United States." 

It was this state of affairs that 
brought on the wars of the French rev- 
olution, inaugurating the most terrific 
of all time's battles. Such combats 
earth never saw before, probably never 
will see again. Two worlds, as it were, 
came clashing together. Twenty mil- 
lions of people, trampled in the mire, 
rose ghastly and frenzied, and the 
flames of feudal castles, and the shrieks 
of haughty oppressors, appalled the 
world. All the combined aristocracy of 
Europe were on the other side to crush 
the demand of the people for the equal- 
ity of man. Russia, Austria, Prussia, 
England, Sweden and Spain — all the 
kings rallied their armies to the assist- 
ance of the aristocracy of France, to 
help them to subdue an uprisen people, 
who, believing in the right, marched 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



613 



heroically onward to Valniy and Jem- 
appes, and to the victories of Marengo, 
Watrrani and Austerlitz. But in the 
linal victories of the despots, aristo- 
cratic privilege again triumphed in 
Europe. In the mean time, a similar, 
though less bloody and terrific, battle 
had taken place in England; the same 
ever-rising conflict between the united 
courtiers and cavaliers under Charles I, 
and the Puritans under Cromwell. 

With prayer, fasting and hymn, the 
common people who had for ages been 
under the yoke of servitude, took to 
arms in defense of their rights, and 
many cavaliers bit the dust through 
their sturdy blows. But Charles II., 
returned to his throne, and again aris- 
tocracy triumphed. The oppressed 
were our Puritan fathers; again they were 
troilden under foot. Then it was that the 
lieroic resolution was adopted to cross 
the ocean :5,(X)(1 miles, and there in exile 
establish and found a republic Avhere all 
men in the eye of the law should be 
equal. The result is too well known to 
need rehearsal. How they fought their 
way through all the dangers of the sav- 
age new world, and succeeded in the 
object. How the aristocracy of Eng- 
land made the desperate effort to again 
bring the yoke to bear; to tax us with- 
out allowing us to be represented in 
jiarliament — to place the appointment 
of all important oHices in the hands of 
the king, who would send over the sons 
of England's noblemen to be our gov- 
ernors and our judges, and who would 
fill all the posts of wealth, dignity and 
I>ower with the children of the lords. 

Hence the war of the Revolution. 
We, the people, coniiuered, and estab- 
lished our government, independent of 



all the world, placing as corner-stone of 
the edifice, that "all men are born free 
and cfjual, and are alike entitled to life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness." 

Then coming down to the great conflict 
of America, the Rebellion, it was a 
continuance of that irrepressible con- 
flict which has shaken the world to its 
uttermost depths for ages. It was 
based upon slavery, that which has 
caused the shedding of oceans of blood, 
and making millions of widows and or- 
phans. 

The Constitution under which we are 
bound together, is, in its spirit and le- 
gitimate utterance, doubtless one of the 
most noble documents ever produced by 
the mind of man, and even now, when 
the advancement of a century has 
dawned upon its use, not a paragrajih 
recjuires changing to make it true to 
humanity. But yet, ingloriously and 
guiltily, we consented to use one phrase 
susceptible of a double meaning, "held 
to labor." So small, and apparently so 
insignificant, were the seeds sown, from 
which such a harvest of misery has 
been reaped. In the North, these hon- 
est words meant a hired man or an ap- 
prentice. In the South, they were 
taken to mean slavery, the degradation 
and feudal bondage of a race. A privi- 
leged class assumed that the constitution 
recognized it, and the right of pro])erfy 
in hunnm beings. This class endeav- 
ored to strengthen and extend their 
aristocratic institution, which was 
dooming ever increasing millions to 
life-long servitude and degradation. 
All wealth was ra])idly accumulating in 
the hands of these few who owned tlieir 
fellow man as property. The poor 
whites, unable to buy slaves, and con- 



614 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



sidering labor which was performed by 
them degrading, were ra])idly sinking 
into a state of frightful misery. The 
sparse population which slavery al- 
lowed, excluded churches, schools and 
villages. Immense plantations of thou- 
sands of acres, tilled by as many slaves, 
driven to work by overseers, consigned 
the whole land to but few. The south- 
ern country generally presented an ap- 
pearance of desolation which Christian- 
dom no where else could parallel. The 
slaveholders claimed the right to extend 
the institution over new territory, and 
the conflict of free labor and sla-ve 
labor began, as it was impossible for 
those men, with the sentiment of equal- 
ity could live on peaceful terms with 
those who claim aristocratic privileges. 
From the year 1790, the strife grew 
hotter and hotter every year. The 
questions arising kept congress, both 
the senate and house, in one incessant 
scene of warfare. There could be no 
peace in the land until this aristocratic 
element was effectually banished. 

The Hon. Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, 
speaking of the antagonism of the two 
systems, aristocracy and equality, said, 
in the senate of the United States, Dec. 
5, 1S60: 

"Sir, disguise the fact as you will, 
there is enmity between the northern 
and southern people, which is deep and 
enduring, and you can never eradicate it 
— never! Look at the spectacle exhibited 
on this floor? How is it? There are the 
northern senators on that side; here are 
the southern senators on this side. You 
sit upon your side silent and gloomy; 
we sit upon our side with knit brows 
and portentous scowls. Here are two 
hostile bodies on this floor, and it is but 



a type of the feeling which exists be- 
tween the two sections. We are enemies 
as much as if we were hostile states. 
We have not lived in peace. We are 
not now living in peace. It is not ex- 
pected that we shall ever live in peace." 

Hon. Mr. Mason, of Virginia, in con- 
tinuation of the same debate said: "This 
is a war of sentiment and opinion, by 
one form of society, against another 
form of society." 

This feeling continued to grow stron- 
ger. One incessant cry became, " Ab- 
jure your democratic constitution, which 
favors equal rights to all men, and give 
us in its place an aristocratic constitu- 
tion, which will secure the rights of a 
privileged class." They insisted that 
the domestic slave trade should be 
nurtured and the foreign slave trade 
opened, saying in the coarse and vulgar 
language of one of the most earnest 
advocates of slavery! "The north can 
import jackasses from Malta, let the 
south, then, import niggers from 
Africa." 

The reply of the overwhelming ma- 
jority of the people of the United 
States was decisive. Lincoln was elec- 
ted and inaugurated, despite the con- 
spiracy to prevent it. 

Volumes could be, and have been 
written upon these actions, but they 
are well known. We will merely men- 
tion the most prominent features, tran- 
spiring until the havoc of war actually 
set in. 

On the 7th of Nov., 1860, it was 
known that Abraham Lincoln was elec- 
ted president of the United States, and 
was to enter upon his duties on the 4th 
day of the following March. In the 
meantime the executive government 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



615 



was virtually in the hands of the slave 
power. James Buchanan, the president, 
had been elected to the office, openly 
pledged to pursue the general policy the 
slave-holders enjoyed. The cahinet 
where all slav-e-holders and slave-mas- 
ters. The United States navy was 
scattered all over the face of the several 
oceans, leaving only two war-vessels for 
the defense of the country; the treasury 
was left barren; the army was so scat- 
tered in remote fortresses in the far 
west, as to leave all the forts where they 
would be needed, defenseless; the U. S. 
arsenals were empty, the secretary of 
war sending their guns to the slave 
states, where bands of rebels were 
organized and drilling, prepared to re- 
ceive them. One hundred and fifteen 
thousand arms, of the most approved 
pattern, were transferred from Sjjring- 
field, Mass., and from Watervleit, N. 
Y., together with a vast amount of can- 
non, mortcr, balls, powder and shells 
were also forwarded to the rebels. 

On the ISth of Feb., 1861, the inaug- 
uration of Jefferson Davis, as president 
of the Southern Confederacy, took place 
at Montgomery, Ala. Four days later 
the collector of customs, appointed by 
the Confederate gDvernment in Chailes- 
ton, S. C, issued the manifesto that all 
vessels, from any state out of the Con- 
federacy, Would be treated as foreign 
vessels, and subject to the port dues, 
and other charges established by the 
laws of the Confederate States. Thus 
by a stroke of the pen, the immense 
commerce of the northern states was 
declared to be foreign commerce, be- 
neath the guns of the forts which the 
United States had reared, at an expense 
of millions of dollars. 



Already a number of states had pass- 
ed the ordinance of secession. 

On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham 
Lincoln was inaugurated president, and 
assumed official duties. 

At half-past four o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 12th of April, 1861, the rebels 
opened fire upon Fort Sumter, and, 
after enduring terrific bombardment 
from all sides, the heroic defenders 
abandoned it, and were conveyed to 
New York. Fort Sumter was the 
Bunker Hill of the civil war. In both 
cases, a proud aristocracy were deter- 
mined to subject this country to its 
sway. In both cases the defeat was a 
glorious victory. 

On the ne.xt Monday, April 15, Presi- 
dent Lincoln issued a call for 3 months' 
setvice of 75,000 volunteers. The effect 
was electrical. AA'ithin 15 days it is es- 
timated that 350, OtK) men offered them- 
selves in defense of our national flag. 

Thus the civil war had burst upon 
the United States, with almost the sud- 
denness of the meteor's glare. It was, 
however, but like the eruption of the 
volcano, whose pent-up fires had for 
ages been gathering strength for the 
final explosion. The conspirators had 
for years been busy jjreparing for the 
conllict. In the rebel convention, 
which met in South Carolina to con- 
sumate the conspiracy, !Mr. Inglis said: 
"Most of us have had this subject 
under consideration for the last 30 
years." Mr. Keitt said: ''I have been 
engaged in this movement ever since I 
entered political life." Mr. Rhett said: 
"It is nothing produced by Mr. Lin- 
coln's election, or the non-execution of 
the fugitive slave law. It is a matter 
which has been gathering for 30 years." 



616 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



But more need not he said; the result is 
too well known. Call followed call in 
quick succession, the number reached 
the grand total of 3,339,748. The calls 
were as follows: 

April 15, isci, for three months 7.j.00() 

May 4, 18G1, for live years 64,748 

July, istil. for three years .500,000 

July IS. 18C.2, for tlnee years 300,000 

jVugust 4, lS(i2. for nine months ;!00,0(k) 

June, isi;:',, for three years :!00,()00 

Octdher 17, Iso:!, for three years :!IMJ.000 

February is. is(i4, for three years .'iiMMtoo 

July 1(1, isti4. for three years 200,000 

July 1(1. lS(i4, for one, two and three 

years .500,000 

December 21, isii4, for three years 800,000 

Total 8,:W9,74S 

Greene county was not in the rear of 
her sister counties of the state in pour- 
ing out men and money to sustain the 
cause of the Union, furnishing 1,371 
men to the United States army. Of 
these, 195 were killed, or died of 
wounds or disease, during their term of 
service. 

In 1862, a war tax was levied in 
Greene county, for the purpose of pro- 
viding a fund for the support of the 
families of the volunteers, who might 
be in need of the necessaries of life, 
and at the January term of the county 
court, the sum of $1,55.5 was placed in 
the hands of commissioners for distri- 
bution in the quarters where most 
needed. 

At a meeting of the county court, held 
in March, 1862. the following jjreamble 
and order was made and spread upon 
the records of that court: 

"Whereas, many of the brave and worthy 
citizens of this comity, wlio have volunteered 
and are now patriotically tiKhting the battles 
of our common country, have left families in 



our midst, many of whom are dependent up- 
on the charities of their ueisjhbors for the 
common necessaries of life; 

It is ordered. That for the supi)ort of such 
families, the sum of iSi.^o be api>ropriated out 
of the county fluids, not otherwise appropri- 
ated. Hiram Reach. Dr. J. Hardtner and W. 
A. Davis are constituted a committee for the 
proper distribution of the same; and are or- 
dered to report their proceedings herein, at the 
next J une meeting of this court." 

Appended is given a roster of the gal- 
lant sons of Greene county who partici- 
pated in the war, compiled from the 
official report of the adjutant-general of 
the slate, and corrected by parties liv- 
ing in the county. A history of some 
of the regiments having been given in 
connection with the history of Jersey 
county, in this volume, is omitted in 
this connection, as needless. 

.SEVENTH ILLIXOIS INFANTKV. 

COMPANY F. 

Private : 

John White. 

NIXTH (COX.SOLI DATED) IXFAXTllY. 

COMPANY G. 

Private: 

Tliomas O'Reilly. 

TWELFTH ILLIXOIS IXFAXTKY. 

COMPANY' A. 

Private: 

Henry Jackson. 

FOUKTEEXTH ILLIXOIS IXFAXTKY. 

Adjutant: 

Kobert P. McKiiiglit. 

I'OJIPANY B. 

Private: 
A. T. A\'hittemore. 

COMPANY I). 

('ai)taiiis: 
Thomas J. IJryaiit. -lames K. Williams, 
t'arlos ( '. ( ox. 
Lieutenants: 
Robert P. McKnight, James E. Williams, 
C. V. Cox, Tliomas A. Weisner. 

Sergeants: 
William U. Love, Richard D. Ribb. 





HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 617 


Corporals: 


VETERAX BATTALION 14th AND loth 


Tlionias A. Weisner, Keiibeii K. Weisiier, 


IXFAXTUV. 


John II. lloi^aii, HcjljtTi .larvis. 


Major. 


Jos('i>li ('. Carnill, 'riimnas A. .Milllionse. 


Carlos C. Cox. 


William II. Wilson. 


Commissary Sergeant: 


Privates: 


Isaac Meltou. 






COMPANY A. 


Jaiiifs W, .Mtuiu', .lacol) jiowiiiaii. 


Private: 


W. S. Clark. C. ii.Cash. 


John A. Kilpatrick, 


•lolm Cuiminsliaiii, Samuel Culbertson. 


COMPANY H. 


.loliii Dunn. (ieorge 11. Davidson, 


Privates: 


Jasper Dennis, W. 11. J)avicIson, 


(ieo. A\'. Thompson, Seymour K. ^Virts. 


Almarine Farmer, James Kelly, 


COMPANY I). 


AV. A. Lakin. Michael Lynch. 


Captain: 


J. X. Montgomery, I!. V. My tinker. 


Carlos C. Cox. 


V. M. Mytinger, (ieorge McDonald, 


Sergeants: 


I. \. .Melton. Sanniel Monder, 


Jos. C. Carroll. ^ David Baker. 


James Xeece, Thomas I'attersou, 


CoriKU-als: 
Isaac N. Melton. ('has. Brown. 


Kills Neece. K. .s. Keynolds, 


Michael Howen, T. .1. .Short, 


AValter (). A\'atsou. James M. Baring. 


Cornelius Scott, (). !>. Wilder. 


Musician: 


IJluford A\'ylder, Kobert A\'yl{ler, 


Isaac P. Barton. 


Robert AValker. Henry Hackns. 


Privates: 


David l'.aker, .1. .M. I'.arinir. 


James .Mtune. Kngene Carroll, 


Charles I'.rown. .lohn L. lieli. 


J. II. Cannedy, Patrick Camion. 


D. M. Co.x. .lohn Conley, 


,I(dui Conley, Daniel M. Cox, 


Kugene L. Carroll, I'alrick Cauiuiu, 


Henry C. Cox, John Dunham, 


.1. II. Cannedy. .lolui Durham, 


J.J. Evans. W. II. Klson, 


James .1. Kvaus. .lohn (iriswold. 


A. Fanner, .V. (irisworld. 


John Ileiuer. AV. L. Ilalbert, 


Rosvvell Harden. W. L. Ilalbert, 


Koswell Harden, .lames L. Hill, 


.1. W. Henderson. J. S. Hill, 


.1. W. Henderson. .lohn .left'ries. 


James Xeece, E. C. Xeece, 


John .\. .Mytinger. W. I'". Xeece, 


A\'illiani Xeece, Saml. Pitman, 


Samuel Pitman. .lohn II. Pitman. 


John H. Pitman. .1. P. Pinegar, 


J. P. Pinegar. C. 1). Taylor. 


C. D.Taylor, (i. B. Wylder. 


.V. .1. Worcester. W. (». Watson. 






I'OMl'AXY F. 


(ie(M-ge I!. Wylder. 


Captain: 


CDMI'.VNV K. 


Thos. .V. AVeisner. 


Privates: 


( 'orporal : 


Charles Court. William Wilson. 


AV. I). Close, Julius Kldred, 


W. II. Dawson. W. II. Hlson, 


Private: 


Seymour Wirts. 


.\Ionzo AVells. 


< o.Ml-.v.NY II. 


A history of the 14th infantry is given 


Private: 


in the historj' of Jersey county, in this 


Christo))her C. Wright. 


volume, to which the rea(ier is referred. 


COMl'.VNV K. 


SIXTEEXTH IXFAXTA-. 


Privates: 


COMPANY <'. 


\V. D. Close, Julius Kldred, 


Privates: 


1 Lorenzo A. Wells. 


Samuel Kenimis, Mathew Proude. 









618 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


COMPANY E. 


TWENTA'-NINTH INFANTRY. 


Private: 


COMPANY K. 


Thos. Davenport. 


Private: 


EKJIITEENTII INFAXTRY. 


Frank Foils. 


COMPANY D. 


THIRTIETH INFANTRY. 


Corporal: 


COMPANY I. 


J. -W. Bleakley. 


Private: 


COMPANY E. 


Samuel Drake. 


Private: 


THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 


(Jallaiit A. Uonswell. 


Colonel: 


co:mpany g. 


George H. English. 


Lieutenant: 


Assistant Surgeon: 
John J. (iilmer. 


Edward M. Bates. 


(Sergeant: 
Peter AVilliams, 


Commissary Sergeant: 
John E. Barnard. 


Corporals: 


COMPANY A. 


C. S. ( 'otter, Thos. Watson. 


Privates: 


Musician : 


Charles T. Backus, E. I). Scott, 


F. V. Close. 


John (ierry, Henry Melville, 


Privates: 


M. J. :S[. Sessler, L. II. Turk. 


Francis Biehin, C. B. Ely, 


COMPANY B. 


John Ryan, Henry AVells. 


J. B. Brewer, J. M. (Jalbraith, 


XINETEEXTH INFANTRY. 


R. .I.Stewart. 


Private: 


COMPANY c. 


Bernard Walbery. 


A. J.O.strum, R. A. Rushen. 


T\VENTA'-SEC( )N 1 ) IN F A NTR Y. 


CO'MPANY' D. 


tjartermaster Sergeant: 


Captains: 


David C. Barrow. 


George H. English, Daniel McLennan, 


T WEN T Y- SEVENTH INFANTRY. 


Jefferson Dunn. 




First Lieutenants: 


COMPANY K. / 


Daniel ^McLennan, Thomas A. Smith, 


Private: 


Francis M. M'alton. 


Thos. ( )'Reilly. 


Second Lieutenants: 


TWENTY - EIGHTH CONSOLIDATED 


S. S. Sampson, Jefferson Duini. 


INFANTRY. 


James (Jibbons. 


company a. 


Sergeants: 


Private: 


Thomas A. Smith, Josephus Moore, 


Alfred Rodgers. 


Robt. A. Smith, S. S. Patterson. 


company c. 


Corporals: 


Private: 


John .V. Reeves. Richard Tyas, 


Isaac Allen. 


Dwight Reynolds, John E. Barnard, 


company I). 


Richard .V. Hall, A. J. Wilder. 


Private: 


ilusicians: 


B. F. Wright. 


Frederick Dick, Frank Sackston. 


company e. 


Privates: 


Private: 


Francis M. Allen, TIkiuuis Barnett, 


Patrick Braunon. 


lleiu-y C. Boring, Sanniel Brasher, 


COMPANY K. 


Charles W. Boring, Thomas Bagwell, 


Private: 


James Black, John Brow^n, 


James Quackenbush. 


R. J.Cariton, J. M.Cooper, 







HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



621 



Chai'les Carroll, 
J. X. Cole,- 
(i. 15. Crane, 
S. 1). Kdwards, 
J. M. (icarhcart, 
A.. I. Hill. 
Willi.s .lac'ksoii, 
Kchvani Keating, 
.Vng-ustiis Lewis, 
I't'ter Lee, 
T. .1. Mflt(ni, 
.Idlin Mcdfonl, 
.1. .1. Xori'is, 
W. 15. Piper, 
(i. M. Hanev, 



John Clardy, 
]). W. Calaway. 
.letterson Dunn, 
.lanie.s (;il)l)ins, 
Wni. Ileaton, 
.hmathan .Ionian, 
.J. .M. .lack.son, 
('has. Lynch, 
John Lenard, 
W. n. Melvin. 
William iMcXeil, 
J.C. Me Bride. 
John Oar, 
M. 11. r.obbins, 
Levi Stringer, 



Xewton Spradley, J. M. Sanders, 

C. U. 15. Thomas, J. II. Taylor, 

S. .S. Temple, Joseph A'aii Meter, 

(i. W. Wylder, F. M. Walton, 

Frederick Dick. 1{. X. Hall, 

W. T. I'ickett, Stephen Hives, 

Dwight ReynoUls, H. H. Harnett, 

Wm. I'. Caapen, 1!. J. Carlton, 

F.dward Clary, (i. T. Smith. 

(IIMP.WV K. 

First Lientenant : 

John P. Campbell. 

.Second Lieutenant: 

John W. Lee. 

Sergeant: 
J. (J. (iilmer. 
Corporals: 
Martin Ihiglies, .\nderson lii'aughr. 

Privates: 
William .\llen. Patrick Carroll, 

^■inton .Mien. Kobcrf Cather, 

('has. Atwood, \\esley Cather, 

Klisha 15arrett, Henry HufTman, 

Michael Holing, J. H. Headrick, 

I. I. Holmes. J. W. Lee, 

.M \V. .Moore, J. H. liobinet, 

Daniel !{eedy, T. F. Wills, 

Kdward Williams, .lames Watson, 
Theo. X. Watts. Kdwin .V. Woodman, 

Thos. W. HobertS. 

TIIIUTY-HKro.ND ILLINOIS I.\K.\.\TKY. 

This gallant regiment was organized 
at Camp Butler, near iSiiringfield, 111., 
by Col. John Logan, and mustered into 

■Ah 



the service of the United States, Dec. 
31, 1861, with the following staff offi- 
cers: John Logan, colonel; John W. 
Ross, lieutenant-colonel; Wm. Hunter, 
major; James F. Drish, adjutant; Clias. 
A. Morton, quartermaster; W. S. P2d- 
gar, surgeon; and A. C. Vanderwater, 
chai)lain. Co. D. was almost wholly 
made up of volunteers from (ireene 
county, beside others scattered through 
the various other companies. 

On the 28th of Jan., 1862, it moved 
for the seat of war, by way of Cairo 
and Bird's Point, and on the 9th, ar- 
rived at Fort Henry. Here it was as 
signed a place in the 1st Brig., 4th 
Div., the latter under command of Gen. 
S. A. Hurlhut. From here it proceeded 
to Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived 
on the 15th of March, and went into 
camp. The regiment bore a conspicu- 
ous and honorable part in the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1S62, losing some 
40 killed, and 2(X) wounded.; Lieut. - 
Col. Ross, mortally wounded; Lieut. 
J. S. Rice, killed; Lieut. John Laboy- 
teaux, killed; Lieut. C. A. Fames, 
killed; and Lieut. John York, killed. It 
was also engaged in the advance on Co- 
rinth, and pursuit to Cold Water, Miss., 
and returned to Lagrange, and from 
there to Memphis, arriving at the latter 
place, July 21. On the 13th of Sept., 
was ordered to Bolivar, and on the 20th 
to Grand Junction, but were forced to 
retire to Bolivar, from the latter place, 
by an overwhelming force of the enemy, 
and on the 4th of Oct., was ordered to 
Corinth, to reinforce General Rosccrans. 
The next day, at the crossing of the 
Hatchie, they met a force of the enemy 
five times their own number, and engag- 
ing them, were victorious over them; 



622 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



this is called the battle of Matamora. 
The 32d did good service, losing 7 killed, 
and 29 wounded. They returned to 
Bolivar, the next day, where they re- 
mained until Nov. 3, when they moved 
to Lagrange. On the 8th, making a 
forced march southward, they surprised 
and captured over KO cavalry at Lamar, 
and routed the enemj' at that place. 
They weie marched to within four miles 
of Holly Springs, by way of Lumpkin's 
Mill, and Yacona creek, but finding the 
former place in the hands of the enemy, 
and themselves on half rations, the}' 
retraced their steps. On their arrival 
at Lumpkin's Mill they commenced 
to subsist on the country, and Jan., 
1863, again moved to Holly Springs, by 
this time again in our hands. Thej' did 
considerable marching now, moving 
upon the enemy wherever he was found, 
cutting off supplies, etc., until in March, 
when they were ordered to Memphis, 
where they remained until May 11, 
when they were removed to Young's 
Point, La., and on the 15th joined the 
division 10 miles below Vicksburgh. 
The next day they were sent to Grand 
Gulf, where they remained as garrison 
until June 12, when that point was 
abandoned, when they returned to the 
lines about Yicksburg, where they par- 
ticipated in the siege operations until 
the 27th of June, when Col. Logan was 
ordered with the 32d Illinois and 114tli 
Ohio, and a section of artillery, to com- 
mand the post at Warrenton. On the 
4th of July they were ordered to join 
their brigade, and on the 5th, started 
with Gen. Sherman's column toward 
Jackson. This was the most trying 
marcli tlie regiment made, as thej' were 
tired and worn out during the siege. 



During this summer they did considera- 
ble marching, assisting in the capture 
of several places, among which were 
Harrisonburg and Natchez. In Jan- 
uary, 1864, moved to Yicksburg, where 
the regiment mustered as a veteran or- 
ganization, and on the 4th of February, 
started with Gen. Sherman on the Me- 
ridian expedition, with the 1st Brig. 4th 
Div., 17th Army Corps, and with it 
marched some 3(10 miles. On the 16th 
the regiment started for home on their 
veteran furloughs, after enjoying wliich 
on the 28th of April they reassembled at 
Camp Butler, and again started for the 
front, joining Gen. Shernnui's army at 
Ackworth, June 11, 1864. On the 12th 
the siege of Kenesaw mountain began, 
and the 17th corps, of which the 32d was 
a part, occupied the left of the line, and 
this regiment the most exposed position. 
On the 2d of July the corps was triins- 
ferred to the right of the line, where 
it skirmished with the enemy on 
the 4th and 5th. On the latter date 
the 4th division assaulted the ene- 
my's works at Nickajack creek; the 32d 
was the first to plant its colors thereon. 
The enemy then withdrew to the Chat- 
tahoochie, and on the 17th to Atlanta. 
July 18, the regiment was transferred to 
the 2d brigade and Col. Logan made the 
commander of the brigade, Lieut. -C(d. 
English conniianding the regiment. The 
2d brigade was now sent to Marietta to 
guard the depot of supplies at place. 
September 8, a party of 30 men 
under Lieut. Alexander Campbell, 
while out foraging, were captured, after 
a spirited resistance, only nine escaping. 
On the 1st of October the regiment 
moved to a point near Kenesaw moun- 
tain. On the 3d, the enemy, in strong 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



623 



force, attacked the line, and driving 
back the guard, killed and captured I'i 
men. Tlie regiment lay in camp near 
Marietta until the commencement of 
".Sherman's march to the sea," when it 
moved from Atlanta, Nov. 15, 1864, 
having moved to that place two days 
previous. They accompanied that 
niatclilcss soldier, Sherman, on his tri- 
umphant march through the heart of 
the confederacy, and while engaged in 
the siege of Savannah, from Dec. 10 to 
21, lost Capt. E. C. Lawson, and four 
! men wounded. P'roin the !Sth to the 
ISth the regiment was on less than one- 
I'ourth rations, some days not even hav- 
ing that. They remained in camp here 
until .Jan. 5, 1865, when they embarked 
for Beaufort, South Carolina, where 
they remained until Feb. 1. On the 3d 
of that month, the division under the 
command of Gen. Giles A. Smith, waded 
the Salkahatchie river, at a point wliere 
it had been deemed impossible, by the 
enemy, to cross. The river here spread 
out some two miles wide, was from two to 
five feet deep, and ice-cold, but general, 
staff and line officers as well as men 
waded across, and after half an hour's 
skirmishing on the opposite bank, com- 
pelled the enemy to evacuate their 
strong line of defense. 

On the 12th of Fc^b., they arrived at 
the North Edisto river. The bridge 
being strongly guarded, the 32d was or- 
dered one mile above, where it waded 
the stream, and ths enemy finding some 
of <iur troo])s on (hat side of the river, 
fled, and ()rangel)urg was f)ccupied by 
the 17th corps. On the 16th, the divis- 
ion arrived on the south bank of the 
Congaree river, opposite Columbia, 
S. C, and (lur batteries commenced 



shelling the enemy, who were still in 
the city. During the night the confed- 
erates evacuated the place, and in the 
morning two companies of the 13th Ja. 
Inf., and Co. C, of the 32d 111., crossed 
the river in flats, with the colors of each 
regiment. The flag of the 13th la., was 
placed on the State House, and that of 
the 32dlll., on the City Hall. From 
here the corps engaged in its northward 
march; were engaged at Benton ville, N. 
C, where the 32d lost heavily while on 
the skirmish line. And still moving 
northward until tlie close of the war, 
took }>art in the grand review at Wash- 
ington, May 24, 1865. It then pro- 
ceeded west to Fort Leavenworth and 
Kearney, and returning to the former, 
was mustered out Sept. 16, 1865, and 
were ordered to Camp Butler for final 
pay and discharge. 

TIIIUlV-TlIlIil) IN'IW.N rilV. 

L'O.MPANV U. 

Williaiu il. J5oriiig, Aiitlioiiy Caiuiilic-ll, 
iSaniuel Campbell. 

CO-MPANV II. 

AVilton Hisley. 

OO.MPANY I. 

Ell OS ^\. ^Vood. 
THIKTY-FOrUTII IXFAX'I'KV. 

CO.Ml'ANY B. 

Dennis Collins. 

C )Ml'ANY G. 

]'. .v. Davenport, T. T. Miildleton, 

Samuel Alexaiuler, .lames Calloii. 

TIlIUTY-EKiliril l.NFAXTKY. 

Colonel : 

William 1'. Oarliii. 

COMPANY A. 

Lieutenant ami ("aplain: 

Walter E. Carliii. 

rORTY-NIXTH IXFANTKY. 

Chambers, .leffrey. 

FIFTIETH IXFANTKY. 

fOMPA.VV C. 

M. E. Carrico, H. C. Cooper. 



624 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



FIFTY-THIRD IXFANTKY. 

COMPANY B. 

Frerl. A. Keniietli. 
FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY A. 

Corporal: 
Myron Wheeler. 

Privates: 
1j. p. lleiuUyx, T. Hendryx-, 

William Wheeler, Allen Wheeler. 

COMPANY G. 

Joseph Wheeler. 
FIFTi'-EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY B. 

Mundeville Wiiislovv 

F IFTY-NINTH INFANTRY. 
Lieutenant Colonel: 
Joshua C. Winters. 

COMPANY- E. 

Privates : 
Presley Edw ards, F. M. Jackson, 

II. P. Powell, James Welsh. 

COMP.\NY G. 

Captains: 
Joshua ('. Winters, Joseph !S. Hackney, 
Horace W.Starkey, S. S. Burrows. 

Lieutenants: 
Joseph S. Hackney, Horace W. Starkey, 
Hi ran) Wendt, f>. S. Burrows, 

Thos. B. Johnson, Marion II. Walker. 

First Sergeants: 
S. S. Buriows, Horace W. .Starkey. 

Sergeants; 
Haniel IVitter, W. W. Oaks, 

^\-. R. March, P. V. Adiue. 

Corporals : 
James Cade, James H. Day, 

AVilliani Ilines, Grace Holder, 

Charles H. Cndraan, Henry (irirtin, 
John C. "Wells, Aaron S. Davis. 

Musicians: 
(i. R. .Strickland, Smieon Ross. 

Privates: 
James Admire, Andy Adnar, 

Henry Beiterman, Daniel Bee, 
A.C.Barber, S. S. Burrows. 

Calvin Blackburn, Andrew Barton, 
(leorge Bilks, W. A. Cornelius, 

Wm. Cummins, R. A. Cummins, 



James Catlier, 
Geo. Dawson, 
Isaac Emley, 
J. I). Flora," 
Jose|ih (iering, 
.Joseph Garrison, 
Micluiel llarjiin, 
.Vdmo Ilanknis, 
Frank Hankins. 
Richard Isoon, 
Robert Lyman, 
W. F. McLemmin, 
Robert Patterson, 
James Reed, 
Mathew Swan, 
Wui. Silkwoiid, 
John Thomas, 
Hiram AVendt, 
Henry Grithn, 
Geo. W. Lowrance, 
Simeon Ross, 
John C. Wells, 
Joseph Buck, 
.1. R. Champlin, 
Obediah Denham 
Isam Edwards, 
H. L. Fields. 
Elijah Ilenson, 
H. Ilu.aiicutt, 
William Kcim, 
Clias. Martin, 
F. M. Myers, 



Chas. Dodson, 
AV. P. Davis, 
John Edwards, 
John Gilbert, 
.lames Gibson, 
AVm. Ilenson, 
John Ilenson, 
Wm. Hankins, 
I{lnglehart Ive, 
AVilliam Keine, 
R. Millhouser, 
James ^Sledfoid, 
John Ratclitf, 
J. E. Robertson, 
Jesse Suttles, 
.lolin Sim])son, 
Marion ^Valker, 
Josei)h Fegar, 
Will, nines, 
M. X. Powell, 
G. R. Strickland, 
AV. P. Admire, 
Elam Bain, 
James Davis, 
Woodson Dciihani, 
Alfred Fuller, 
Thomas Font, 
Sol. Hensoii, 
AA'. L. Herron, 
Frank Kendall, 
II. .1. McClenning, 
William .McDonald, 



James McClenning, James ilahloiie, 

Samuel McClenning, Davidson May, 

Abraiii Pruitt, S. B. Silkwooil, 

Samuel Turner, James Silkwood, 

S. AV. AVinters, F. M. Winters, 

Zach. T. AValker, J. AY Walker, 

AVilliam Hankins, James Powell, 

AV. A. Powell, AV. E. Powell. 

COMPANY K. 

Luther Dickerson, Jacob Downs. 
AVilliam Looker. T. F. Reynolds, 

Philip Wells. 

FIFTY-NINTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

In Aug., 1861, a company for service 
in the United States service was raised 
in Greene county, of which Joshua C. 
Winters was chosen captain. On his 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



625 



proceeding to Springfield, it was found 
that the quota was full from this state, 
and one of the officers proceeded to St. 
Louis, where a contract was entered into 
with Gen. Fremont, that this companj', 
with nine others, should be mustered 
into the service of the United States, se- 
curing their officers from the regular 
army. On the 18th of Dec, 1861, the 
regiment was organized, and John C. 
Kelton, of the regular service made col- 
onel, but the other staff officers were 
taken from the Missouri militia, and 
were but luke-warm, to say the least, in 
the cause of the Union. The regiment 
was mustered in as the 9th Mo. Inf. 
Charles C. Frederick was lieutenant- 
colonel; D. McGibbon, major; P. Sidney 
Post, adjutant; Frederick Brasher, quar- 
termaster; J. D. S. Haslett, surgeon, 
and Nathan Shumette, chaplain. The 
companies composing the regiment had 
been mustered at various times in Aug- 
ust and September, and the organization 
effected as above. On the 21st of Sep- 
tember they were ordered to Jefferson 
City, and on the 30th the regiment was 
moved to Booneville, where it was 
j)laced in the same brigade with the 27th 
111. Inf., oth la. Inf., 1st Kan. Inf., and 
Davidson's 111. Bat'y. This brigade 
was placed under the command of Col. 
J. C. Kelton, and the division, to which 
it was attached, by Gen. John Pope. 
Oct. 13, marched via Syracuse to Otter- 
ville, arriving at the latter place four 
days later, and on the 21st set out for 
Springfield, Mo., where they went into 
camp on the .'>d. Nov. 9, they started 
back for Syracuse. On the 2t)th of the 
same month, Col. Worthington, of the 
5th la. Inf., took command of the 
brigade, only to turn it. over to Col. 



.Julius White, of the 37th 111. Inf. About 
this time there arose much dissatisfac- 
tion with the staft' officers, and Col. Kel- 
ton withdrawing, Gov. Gamble commis- 
sioned P. Sidney Post as colonel of the 
regiment. 

Feb. 12, 1862, by an order of the war 
department, the regiment was changed 
to the 59th 111. Inf., a name which it 
bore until the end of the war. It was 
at this time engaged with the army un- 
der Major-General Samuel Curtis, in the 
pursuit of General Price, and on the 22d 
moved to a place called Cross Hollows. 
On the 6th of March they marched, 
through snow and sleet, to Pea Ridge, 
where on the 7th, the division of Gen. 
Jeff. C. Davis, to which the 59th l)e- 
longed, was engaged with the enemy all 
day. Here it was that Maj. P. Sidney 
Post was severely wounded. The ne.xt 
day they moved to reinforce Gens. As- 
both and Carr, who had been forced to 
take up a new position in the rear of 
their old one, and were soon hotly en- 
gaged. Lieut. -Col. Frederick was 
wounded, and Capt. Llale commanded 
the regiment during the balance of the 
day. On the 10th the regiment moved 
to Sugar creek, and on the 15th to Cross 
Timbers. Considerable marching and 
counter-marching was now done by this 
regiment, and on the 28th tliey found 
themselves at West Plains, from whence 
Capt. EUett, three lieutenants and 50 
men were detached to serve witli Col. 
i'^llett's ram fleet. The division arrived 
at Cape (iirardcau on tlie 20tli of May, 
and there eml)arked for Hamburg Land- 
ing, Tenn., and on the 27th moved to 
Farmington, and were placed in reserve 
on the left of Gen. Pope's army, near 
Corinth. On the evacuation of that 



626 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



]>lace, pursued the enemy as far as 
Booneville, and then returned to Clear 
creek. On the 5th of August they had 
a smart skirmish with the enemy's cav- 
alry at Bay Sprinns, Miss., and arrived 
at iuka on the 8th. On tlie 18th they 
crossed the Tennessee river, at Eastport, 
and camped at Waterloo. Col. Post, 
who had returned, now took charge of 
the brigade, and Gen. R. B. Mitchell of 
the division. Thej^ marched to Florence, 
Ala., and from there to Franklin, 
Tenn., and to Murfreesboro, and on 
the 3d day of September, commenced 
the northward march with Gen. Buell, 
arriving at Louisville, Sept. 26. Here 
they rested a few days, and on the 1st 
of Oct., the 59th,' 74th and 75th 111. 
Inf., and the 2d Ind. Inf., were placed 
in one brigade, known as the 30th Brig., 
Army of the Ohio, and assigned to 
the 9th Div., 3d A. C. They, now, 
with the army under Buell, moved out 
after Gen. Bragg, and on the 8th of 
Oct. met him at Chaplin Hills, where 
there was a hotly contested battle, the 
59th liising 113 men, killed and wound- 
ed, out of 361 going into action. Maj. 
Joshua C. Winters was in command of 
the regiment. On the 10th they were 
engaged in pursuit of the enemy, and 
on the 14th found him at Lancaster, 
Ky., and had a severe skirmish. They 
then returned to Nashville, where they 
went into winter quarters. 

VETERAN ORGANIZ.\TION. 

The 59th Reg. 111. Vet. Inf., was at- 
tached to the 1st Brig., 1st Div., 20th 
A. C, and on the 25th of Oct., 
1862, was in camp eight miles from 
Nashville. This brigade was composed 
of the 59th, 74th and 75th 111. Inf., 22d 



Ind. Inf., and 5th Wis. Bat'y. 
The brigade was commanded by Col. 
P. S. Post, the division by Gen. Jeff. 
C. Davis, and the corps by Gen. A. M. 
McCook, On the 25th of Dec, Col. 
Post's brigade, to which was added the 
21st 111. Inf., made a reeonnoissance 
toward Franklin, and skirmished with 
the enemy all day. The 59th pressed 
down the road from Brentwood toward 
Nolensville On the 26th the army of 
the Cumberland was put in motion for 
the Stone river eam])aign. Col. Post's 
brigade taking the advance toward 
Nolensville. The 59th was deployed as 
skirmishers and drove the enemy be- 
fore them for nine miles, until it was 
found in force at Nolensville. It, also, 
took part in the assault on that town, 
from which the Confederates were 
driven in confusion, and also in the 
combined attack of Cols. Post's and 
Carlin's brigades on Pilot Knob. On the 
27th, the enemy was driven to Triune, 
where our regiment lay until the 29th. 
when it marched toward Murfreesboro. 
On the 30th, the enemy was found in 
force and entrenched. An unsuccessful 
attempt was made to drive him from 
his position, and the regiment lay, dur- 
ing the night of the 30th, within a few 
hundred yards of the enemy's works. 
Early on the morning of the 31st, the 
enemy turned the right flank of the 
20th corps. The 59th changed front to 
the rear, and supporting the 5th Wis. 
Bat'y, for a long time held the enemy 
in check, and when withdrawn, brought 
with it the guns of the battery, from 
which the horses had all been killed. 
It was then put in position on the Mur- 
freesboro pike, which it held until Jan- 
uary 2, when Col. Post's brigade crossed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



627 



tlie Stone river, to the extreme left of 
the army, to drive back the enemy, who 
had succeeded in turning the left flank. 
The regiment forded the river, swollen 
by recent rains, and assisted in driving 
back the enemy, and held their posi- 
tion on the extreme front, until the 
morning of January 4, when it recro.ssed 
Stone river, and the enemy evacuated 
Murfrecsboro. 

On the '2lid of June, the Tullahonia 
campaign was commenced. Col. Post's 
brigade marched to Liberty (Jap, and 
engaged the enemy from tlie 24th to the 
27th, when he pressed the enemy back 
to Winchester. He remained at this 
latter place until August 17, when the 
l)rigade set out, and during the night of 
I7l!i and day of the 18th, was engaged 
in hauling a train of 200 wagons up the 
Cumberland mountains. On the 20th, 
they reached Crow creek, near Steven- 
son, and 10 days later it left here, and, 
crossing the Tennessee river, ascended 
Sand mountain, and then pushed out 
for Lookout valley, and reached Wins- 
ton's on the 4th. On the 18th, the 
brigade marched 2G miles to Steven's 
(!ap, and from thence to Crawfish 
Springs, bringing it directly in the rear 
til' the enemy. Hastening on to rein- 
I'lirce Chattanooga, now threatened by a 
ihuing enemy, Col. Post and his gallant 
In-igade reached that point on the 22d, a 
march over rough country of 122 miles. 

During the siege of Cliattanooga, the 
oUth was constantly under the lire of the 
enemies batteries. On the 21st of Oct., 
the army of the Cumberland was re- 
organized, and the oUth became a jiart 
of the M Brig., 1st Div., 4th 
A. C. On the 25th the regiment, 
with the brigade, was ordered to White- 



sides, Tenn., and on the 23d of Nov. 
the regiment started on the Lookout 
Mountain campaign. On the 25th the 
59th led the brigade in the assault oir 
on Mission Ridge, from which the 
enemy was driven in confusion. Pursu- 
ing the fleeing confederates for 15 miles, 
to Ringgold, where they were again 
brought to a stand but soon routed. 
On tiie 30th of Nov. the regiment was 
sent to the battlefield of Chickamauga, 
to bring the dead that thickly strewed 
that plain. From there they returned 
to Whitesides. Jan. 12, 18B4, the reg- 
iment was mustered as a veteran or- 
ganization, and on the 27th marched to 
to Chattanooga and on tiic (Jth of Feb. 
started for Springfield, 111., which it 
reached on the 10th, to enjoy the fur- 
lough granted to all veteranizing troops. 
On the 19th of March, the regiment, 
fully reorganized, left Springfield for 
the front, and arrived at (Cleveland, 
Tenn., in a day or two. On the 3d of 
May the Atlanta campaign conuuenced, 
and on the 7th, the regiment sui)ported 
the attack upon Tunnel Hill, and on 
the 8th, commenced the attack on RdcU)^ 
Faced ridge, where it was constantly 
engaged until tlie 13th, when the enemy 
abandoned the jjosition. On the 14th 
and 15th the 59th was wainily engaged 
at Resaca,and on the Kith again came in 
contact with the enemy, at Adairsvillc; 
thence to crossing the Chattalioocljie, 
the 59th was engaged at Kingston, 
Dallas. Ai^kworth, Pine Top, Kene- 
saw Mountain, Smyrna Camp-meeting 
groun besides innumerable skirmislies, 
On the 12th of July, the regiment (-rosscd 
the Chattahoochie, and presented itself 
before the fortifications that surrounded 
Atlanta, and from that time until the 



628 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



25th of Aug. it was continually assailing 
the works of the enemy, and was under 
fire night and day. 

On the 18th of Aug., the 59th was 
assigned for duty to the 2d Brig., 3d 
Div., 4th A. C, and was well and ably 
commanded by Col. P. Sidney Post. On 
the 25th of August, the regiment marched 
round Atlanta, with the array, in the 
direction of Jonesboro, and on the 28th 
and 29th, was engaged in skirmishing 
with the enemy at Red Oak.' On the 
31st it reached the enemy's line of com- 
munication, and destroyed the railroad 
at Rough-and-Ready. On the 2d of Sep- 
tember, the battle of Lovejoy's Station 
was fought, and the 59th gained fresh 
laurels to her deathless crown. On the 
6th the regiment started for Atlanta, 
and encamped on the 8th, between that 
city and Decatur, where it remained un- 
til Oct. 2, when Gen. Hood's army hav- 
ing evacuated Atlanta, had commenced 
destroying the railroad between Atlanta 
and Chattanooga, they set out, with 
other troops in pursuit. On the 3d the 
Chattahoochie was crossed, and the 
enemy first found at Pine Top. The 
chase was now continued through 
Kingston, Rome, Resaca, and across the 
mountains to Snake Creek Gap, and to 
Galesville, which latter it reached on 
the 20th. On the 27th the regiment 
started for Chattanooga, but left the lat- 
ter almost on arrival, for Athens, Tenn. 
It marched to Pulaski, and commenced 
fortifying that place, Nov. 1, but on 
the 23d it was deemed best to evacuate 
the place, and on the 24th they com- 
menced a skirmish with the enemy at 
Columbia. Shortly after this, Col. 
Post crossed Duck river, and with his 
brigade attacked the Confederate army 



in the flank, as it was marching toward 
Spring Hill. The fight continued all 
day, and at night the regiment nmrched 
20 miles, and reached Spring Hill on 
the morning of the 30th. Resting here 
but an hour, the little force was pushed 
on to Franklin, where a fierce and 
bloody battle was fought that afternoon. 
On the morning of Dec. 1, the regiment 
reached Nashville, which they helped 
to fortify. 

Dec. 15, the battle of Nashville 
commenced. Col. Post's brigade as- 
saulted Montgomery hill, and, in tlie 
language of Gen. Thomas, "took the 
initiative in the brilliant deeds of that 
day." The 59th was in the first line of 
the assaulting column, and planted the 
first colors on the captured works. In 
the afternoon it assaulted and captured 
the enemy's works on the Hillsboro 
pike. The next day, Dec. 16, Col. 
Post's brigade made the ever memorable 
assault upon Overton's hill. In this 
battle the regiment lost, in killed and 
wounded, one-third of the number en- 
gaged, among whom were nine officers, 
including Col. Post, who was severely 
wounded by a grape shot. The regi- 
ment started in pursuit of the flying 
enemy, driving them across the Tennes- 
see, and on the 3d of January, camped 
at Huntsville, Ala. On the 31.st it re- 
turned to Nashville, but was sent back 
to Himtsville, in February. IMareh 15, 
it was moved to Strawberry plains, 
East Tennessee, thence to Greenville, 
in the same state, and on the 6th of 
April, to Warm Springs, N. C, and 
from there back to Greenville and Nash- 
ville. On the 16th of June, the regi- 
ment left Nashville for New Orleans, 
and on the 9th of July, arrived at In- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



629 



(liaiiola, Tex, from whence-it marched 
to San Antonio, and was stationed at 
Ni'vv Brauufi'ls, Tex., until the Sth of 
Dec, 18(35, when it was niustere(l out of 
service, and ordered to Springfield, 111., 
for final payment and discharge. 

SIXTY-FIKST LNFANTKV. 
Colonels : 
.liicol) Fry, .Ii-roiiie I!. Nulton. 

ihijois: 
J),iinel S. Kt'clcy, S. 1*. Olir. 

Atljutuiil: 
Francis M. Mylinger. 
(JiiaiteiiiiastiTs: 
Francis 1'. Vcddcr, William M. I'otts. 
Cliaijlaiii : 
iienJHinin B. Ilaniiltdu. 
Sers^eanl-Majois: 
('has. II. Ayres, William CaUlwcU. 

('omnils.sary Ncinvaiits: 
\\. II. lionfoy, TliDMias F. ]'iei(U'. 

Iliisjiital Steward : 
lleiiry M. Mcirrison. 

COMPANY A. 

Captains: 
(Jrccii I'. Hanks. A\'illiani II. Ariiistroiig. 

Lieiitciiaiits; 
David ({. Ciilvei, W. M. I'otts, 

^\'. II. .VrmsUdni;. Cliailes II. .Vyrps, 
William .). Allen. 

Sergeants: 
iMarsliall I'utts, S. F. Winters, 

T. .1. \Varreii, II. .\I. Morrison, 

.1. 15. l)()d,i;suii. 

Corporals : 
.lolm Dinwiddie, H F. Iligliee, 

W. II. (larrison, T. T. Crabtree, 

K. WiJitliiiiHldii, A. W. .hickson, 

r. I>. Coelirane. 

Musicians: 
Mm tun Campbell, N. .1. Folaski. 

I'rivates: 
C. II. Ayres, William Clariilay, 

Huny Allen, John Cookson, 

.1. X. Ashiuck, William Kngle, 

X. L. Hallaril, (i. M. I). Fngle, 

.lames Hlaiiklield, 'I'lmmas Kdwards. 

Stephen Crow, William Francis, 

George (iriswoUl, (iregory (iarrison. 



.John Holland, 
E. L. Ilager, 
AVni. Iliilt'man, 
W. I). Holland, 
H. .Jone.s, 
1. F. Li-ster, 
Israel Long, 
.lohn Marslirtll, 
William Moore, 
.lohn Xichois, 
Kicliard Pruitt, 
W. A. Polaski, 
Squire Reamer, 
.1. K. Kogers, 
.1. .1. Higgs, 
.1. M. Swaggerty, 
.lacob Sallow, 
1). K. Walker, 
Isaac AN'illianis, 
Deniiis Welch, 
Ueuben Allen, 
S. ,1. Fears, 
.John S. Harrison, 
.Josiali Si pies, 
Henry Brown, 
A. Campbell, 
Alvis Fetlig, 
Saninel (iates, 
F21isha Howard, 
J. W. Hastings, 
lieuben Kesiiiger, 
.1. S. Marshall, 
G. W. Uyno, 
Henry Stockman, 
1'. W. Vinson, 



.J. S. Harrison, 
.1. .M. Humphrey, 
(i. I'. Hanks, 
('has. .Jewett, 
Samuel Lockliart, 
Franklin Long, 
.John .\Iullins. 
K. II. .Maloue, 
(i. W. Mason, 
Zadoc Ovei berry, 
'J'. F. Fierce, 
.John liomines, 
J. A. llobhiiis, 
.1. H. Reeday, 
L. M. Strtrkey. 
Ij. C. Spaulding, 
i). W. Wells, 
John Woods, 
S. A. Warner, 
J. X. Williams, 
A. Cami)liell, 
Win. Huffman, 
W. I). Holland, 
John Allen, 
W. L. Bonas, 
Win. Clark, 
(i. H. Freeman, 
Leonard (ireeii. 
Will, llutclii.son, 
F. M. Jone.s, 
K. \\. Lee, 
W. H. Pinkertoii, 
Win. Swainey, 
II. R. Taylor, 
R. AVarriinack, 



liobt. Warren. 

COMI'.NNY B. 

Capiaiiis: 
.Martin .1. .\Ianu, Samuel T. Carrico, 

.\ If red D. Nash, 
liieiitenauts: 
George Chism, Samuel T. Carrico, 

Chas. W. Mann. 
Privates: 
James 1). Adams, James Donnelly, 

(ieoige C. Bybrand, 1. C. Devault, 
.1. A. Dradley, John Donnally, 

I.,e\vis Bartlett. AN'arren Kuiilish, 

Jacob Rowers, Wm. I'^more, 

J.S. Benner, lialph Elmore, 



1 


630 


HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


Conrad Bush, 


James England, 


J. H. ]Mayhall, \Vm. Powell, 


W. T. Billbi-ook, 


M. V. Gamble, 


G. W. Rowdeu, J. W. Seago. 


Josepli Breine, 


George Guthery, 


COMPANY E. 


R. n. Crane, 


G. S. Gunn, 


Cajitain: 


R. L. Clark, 


A. C. Gamble, 


Henry AV. Manning. 


John Cojjelev, 


Jacob (ireen. 


Lieutenants : 


J. H. Clark, ■ 


J. M. Hill, 


Henry W. Manning, Luther Grundy, 


E. J. Clark, 


J. Ililderbrandt, 


James D. Ballow. AV. H. Bonfoy, 1 


W. R. Campbell, 


P. R. Hill, 


Privates: j 


Paul Covier, 


Chas. Ervin, 


Leven Atkins, J. Q. Adams, 


A. T. Johnson, 


J. S. Johnson, 


A\'. IL Bonfoy, James D. Ballow, 


John Jones, 


AV. T. Jovvidan, 


(leorge Boyle, A. C. Bronson, 


Alex. Johnson, 


W. B. King, 


W. S. Baird, S. A. Brown, 


Jolm Keayton, 


T. W. Kennedy, 


Wm. Caldwell, W. B. Clarke, 


llenny Kiihn, 


G. T. Kirkwood, 


P. R. Cooke, Mordecai Cnoke, 


J. Y. Lawhouse, 


Jacol) Laubscher, 


M. S. Cory, J. W. Dujan, 


J. ^\'. Lorance, 


' J. R. jSIatheny, 


Harrison Estes, F. J. Foulbeauf, 


T. E. Martin, 


C. W. Mann, 


T. ^L Forbush, L. Grundy, 


John Marsli, 


J. Musselman, 


J. A.frentry, Jas. Hayes, 


G. W. Marsh, 


John Maier, 


W. H. Hart, S. S. Hughes, 


J. D. McClimans 


J. F. Nelson, 


AV. Z. Howard, C. Irw in, 


John Ott, 


W. M. Pope, 


Frank Keller, John Lowndes, 


C. R.Perry, 


E. Pennington, 


James Miller, Peter Moore, 


T. B. Hains, 


Wni. lingers. 


Newman Newhamor, AVm. Potts, 


James Reno, 


G. AV. Reyno, 


Stone Shiion, Robert Seward, 


Louis Siller, 


Heniy Smith, 


(ieorge Seroggins, T. M. Snow, 


Josepli Sluber, 


J. ^V. Stailey, 


George Seward, Ludwell Snow, 


T. T. Stine, 


H. W. Taylor, 


L H. Smith, Amos Talbott, 


S. D. Tlionipson, 


AV. J. AVhiteside, 


T. J. Thompson, AV^m. Vernon, 


P. M. Weai-, 


R. F. AVhiteside, 


A\". R, AValker, J. AV. AVinkler, 


J. K. Ward, 


James Clark. 


Joel AVhiteside, Lawrence Carey, 


J. H. Elkinton, 


1). J. Goodpasture, 


L. G. Davis. AV. J. Hunt, 


Isaac McMillan, 


Alfred L). Nash, 


John Milner, L. T. JNIcGee, 


James Rodgers, 


James Smith, 


W. B. Smith, L. D. AVeisi.er. 


F. Stubblefield, 


Parham Thaxton, 


COMPANY F. 


B. Trimble, 


AV. F. A\'ard, 


Lieutenants: 


F. M. Ward. 


J. H. AVhiteside. 


X. A. Corrington, E. B. Corrington. 




COMPANY C. 


Privates: 




Privates: 


N. A. Corrington, E. B. Corrington, 


Geo. W. Marserum, J. D. Shepliard, 


L X. Corrington, Ximrod Bartlett, 


F. M. ^Vlytinger, 


Henry AV. \\'illiams. 


D. H. Gilson, M. D. McKiuney, 




Company d. 


J. H. Ruark, C. H.Sturman. 


Captain : 
Daniel S. Keeley. 
Privates; 
Lester B. Filley, Thomas Hageii, 


COMPANY G. 

Lieutenants: 
W. B. Taylor, Thos. H. Dayton, 
P. T. Rice, J. L. Marshall, 


T). S. Keeley, 


E. Pitchford, 


Privates : 


" Philip Potter, 


James AV. Jones, 


James Abney, Joseph Abney, 


Benj. Noe, 


^Vm. Curry, 


R. S. Austin, AV. L. Brooks, 


Owen McGrath, 


P. D. Mills, 


R. E. Carpenter, Andrew Cummings, 





HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



031 



N. J.ruinniings, 
EliasChiik, 
John Ciipe, 
Huston Davis, 
(Jeorjie Epler, 
.lolin 1). Fleak, 
Joseph (lounds, 
H. (Jibersoii, 
Keller Iliist, 
Thos. irarjrett, 
(r. A. Harmon, 
K. H. Jones, 



J. ('. Curamings, 
Natlian ( 'ockrell, 
\V. S. Dayton, 
T. H. Dayton, 
Henry Franby, 
R. H. Fields, ' 
T. J. (iaftney, 
.Samuel Heusou, Jr., 
J. W. Harmon, 
J. N. Handashett, 
S. M. Johnnessee, 
Jesse Kimball, 



( hris. Laclimund, George Lenow, 

J. ]., Marshall, W. M. McCalla, 

A.S. Milson, T.J.Miller, 

J. F. Mattison, Eobert Owens, 

Patrick O'Keefe, Isaac Rayfield, 

\Vm. Kayfield, J. L. Reynolds, 

P. T. Rice, J. P. Rice, 

Xatliuniel Rigsby, Henry Richardson, 

J. L. Fiobinett, S. M. Sanders, 

\V. II. Scroggins, J. F. Simms, 

I). K. Smith, Elisha Stout, 

Leroy Stephenson. J. D. Stewart, 

l>. K.Stone, W. B.Taylor, 

W. .1. Tally, Reuben Towiisend, 

.V. J. Thomasson, Jubba Taylor, 

Philip Varble, .Samuel Alexander, 

<leo. Harlow, .John Bucknell, 

Oscar Clendennin, Perry ("rotcliett, 

P. M. .lones, J. E. ileOovern, 

•I. .\. Thomasson, N. B. Trimble, 

•lohu 'rully, B. T. Trimble, 

Geo. W. Warren. 

COMPANY H. 

Captain : 

Thomas II. Dayton. 

Privates: 

John T. Miles. F. B. Roberts, 

S. D. Eldred. 

COMPANY I. 

Privates: 

Thomas W. Hester, J. F. Lytle, 

■|'. J. -Murray. S. B.Smith, 

Parliam Thaxton, J. W. Tucker, 

Franz .\her. P.Caldwell, 

C. M((;auniinuy, John Miller. 

Xicholas Rider, P. B. Thompson. 

COMPANY K. 

S. .V. Carrico, Patrick O'Keefe, 

Charles Potter, Anthony Vogels. 



SIXTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

During the winter of 1861-2, a nu)ve- 
ment was put on foot at Carrollton, 111., 
to organize a regiment of men from 
Greene and atljoining counties, by Jacob 
Fry and others. Three full coinpauics 
were mustered into the service, Feb. 5, 
1862. On the 21st of the same montli, 
the regiment, still uncomidcte, wa.s 
ordered to Benton Barracks, where re- 
cruits enough were received to make 
nine full companies. Here the regi- 
ment completed its organization, with 
the following staff officers: Jacob Fry, 
lieutenant-colonel, commanding; Simon 
P. Ohr, major; F. M. Posey, adjutant; 
Francis P. Vedder, .quartermaster; Leo- 
nidas Clemmons, surgeon; ICdward Hut- 
ledge, chaplain. On the 26th of March, 
1862, the regiment embarked for Pitts- 
burgh Landing, where our troops lay, 
and upon their arrival there were as- 
signed to the brigade commanded by 
Col. Madison Miller, of the 18th Mo., 
in the division of Brig. Cien. B. M. 
Prentiss. On the morning of Sunday, 
April 6, 1862, came the impending con- 
flict, the fierce and sanguinary battle of 
.Sliiloh, so often and so well de.-^cribed, 
that it is not necessary to give any ex- 
tended history of it here. Some 40() 
men of the 61st were formed in line in 
time to receive the first assault of the 
confederate soldiers, the forerunner of 
the general engagement that struck 
Gen. Prentiss' division first, as it was 
the most advanced in that part of the 
field. The 61st stood their ground 
right manfully for about an hour and a 
([uarter, and until every other regiment 
in the division had given way, when it 
was ordered to retire. Upon falling back 
from this position, it was highly com- 



632 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



plimented by Gen. Prentiss, for its gal- 
lant stand, and when it is remembered 
that these were entire raw, green troops, 
scarcely a month from their peaceful 
homes, the verdict will be that they 
deserved high credit for their gallantry. 
The regiment was then detached from 
Prentiss' division, and ordered to the 
support of the 1st Mo. Batt'y, which 
saved it from the disaster that compelled 
the surrender of the brave and daunt- 
less division of Gen. Prentiss, and its 
commander, who so long liad stood in 
the front and gave our troops time to 
make a new disposition of their forces. 
The 61st, at one o'clock in the afternoon, 
were ordered to the support of Gen. 
Stephen A. Hurlbut's hardly pressed 
division, coming upon the ground at a 
very critical moment, and helped main- 
tain his line until relieved b}' a fresh 
regiment, and when its ammunition was 
entirely exhausted. When the second 
line broke, the regiment retired in good 
order, and took a position supporting 
the heavy battery of siege guns. Its 
loss upon this bloody day was 80 killed, 
wounded and missing, including First- 
Lieut. David G . Culver, of Co. A, killed, 
and two other commissioned officers, 
wounded. On the 7th of April, when 
our forces victoriously swept the enemy 
from the field, the 61st, resting on its 
well earned laurels, was in the reserve. 
On the 18th of April, the 61st was as- 
'signed to the 1st Brig., commanded by 
Col. L. F. Ross, of the 17th 111., and in 
the 3d Div., which was shortlj' after 
placed under command of John A. 
Logan, then brigadier-general. On the 
6th of June the brigade moved, in obe- 
dience to orders, to Bethel, Tenn., un- 
der the command of Col. Haynie, of the 



48th 111. Inf. On the 16th they moved 
to Jackson, and on the day following, 
being placed in Ross' Brig, of Logan's 
Div., again moved to Bolivar, Tenn. 
On the 16th of Sept., 1862, they traveled 
by rail to Brownsville, Miss., by the 
way of Jackson and Corinth, and re- 
turned to Bolivar, after the battle of 
luka, Sept. 25. 

On the 10th of Oct. Brig. -Gen. M. Bray- 
man was assigned to the command of the 
brigade, and Lieut. -Col. Fry, of the 
61st, ordered to take command of the 
post at Trenton, where, Dec. 20, he was 
captured by Gen. Forrest, and paroled. 
The brigade remained at Bolivar, the 
general commanding having charge of 
the post. Dec. 18, 1862, a part of the 
men of the regiment, to the number of 
240, proceeded to Jackson, by rail, and 
from there moved out on the Lexington 
road, with the 43d 111. Inf. and a detach- 
ment of cavalry, all under command of 
Col. Engelman. They took a position 
at or near Salem cemetery, and here, on 
the morning of the 19th, met and re- 
pulsed the enemy under Gen. Forrest, 
with three pieces of artillery, and on 
receiving re-inforcements from Gen. 
Sullivan, pursued the Confederates some 
distance. Tliey then returned to Boli- 
var. 

On the 21st of May, the regiment, 
with the balance of the 16th corps, 
moved to Vicksbnrg by rail, via Mem- 
phis, and from thence by transports. 
On the 3d of June it reached Chicka- 
saw, and from that time took part in all 
the siege operations. On the 4th they 
went up the Yazoo river, with an expe- 
dition, landed at Sartartia, and march- 
ing four miles out, to Mechnnicsburg, 
captured some prisoners. On the 6th 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



633 



they were ordered to Haynes' Bluff', 
where they remained until the 2()th, 
when tliey were moved to Snyder's 
liluli'. Lieut. -Col. Fry having resigned 
the command of the regiment, and his 
commission, Maj. Simon P. Ohr was 
appointed to till the vacancy, to take 
rank from May 14, 1863. 

On the 17th of July the regiment 
moved to Black River Bridge, but on 
the 2'2d returned to Snyder's BhifF. 
where it remained until the 27tli, wlicn 
it proceeded to Helena, Ark. On the 
13th of August, the regiment was as- 
signed to the column of Maj. -Gen. 
Steele, destined for the capture of Lit- 
tle Rock, and started via Duvall's Bluff' 
and Brownsville for tlie capital of Ar- 
kansas, skirmishing with the enemy 
after leaving Brownsville, but reaching 
Little Rock Sept. 10, which they en- 
tered next day. It may not be generally 
known that this Arkansas expedition of 
(Jen. Steele's was one of the most de- 
structive (if life, of any campaign, of 
efjual duration, during the war. Steele 
started with 1,200 men, and received re- 
inforcements of at least three brigades, 
making at least 15,000 eff'ective men. 
Of this force, 1(K) would cover all his 
loss in killed and wounded, and yet, by 
the time he had possession of Little 
Hock, and was fairly settled down to 
his gambling and horse-racing, he had 
barely o,10(J effective men. Of Gen. 
Steele, the writer has the best authority 
for saying, that he had no symjiathy in 
connnon with the T'nion soldier, save 
his opposition to the abstract idea of 
secession. 

The regiment was mustered out at 
Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 8, 1865, and ar- 
rived at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., 



on the 12th of the same month, where 
they received final pay an<l discharge. 

SIXTY-SECOND INF.VXTl! Y. 

COMPANY C. 

David S. Martui. 
.SIXTY-FOURTII INFANTIIY. 

COMPANY C. 

.lames Ena;land. (J. F. Moore. 

SLXTY-SIXTJI INFANTKY. 

COMPANY A. 

William Kdwards, Owen Mullen. 

SEYENTY-SIXTH INFANT I! Y. 
William ]?aker. 

NINETY -Fl HST I X FA XT 1! V. 

Chaplain: 

John C. Sargent. 

Musician; 

(ieorge S. (iosnell. 

COMPANY a. 

Captain : 

F^benezer J. Pearce. 

Lieutenants: 

.lolm C. Sargeut, Isaac N. Oaks, 

Ebenezer J. Pearce. 

Sergeants: 

E. .1. Pearce, I. N. Oak.s. 

Corporals: 
.lames Allen, .1. II. Seele\, 

T. L. I'aukey, .lohu C. (iillespie. 

Privates: 
.). 1>. .\skins. .losejih .Vmbrose, 

.1. n. r.enear. William IJlair, 

.Idlin lieathard, 1". M. Hicham, 

-lames L. Bandy. C. P. Cole, 

.lohn Crabtree, .1. T. Doupherty. 

J. V. Davidson, Ernest F'ggert, 

Alex. Edwards, John Edwards, 

Robert Holt, David Lindernian, 

A. J. Lakin, (!. A. Lee, 

K. ]?. .Meek. Joseph .Milnes, 

S. B. McBride, N. J. Mc.Mahon. 

Thos. McCabe, G. W. .McMalioii. 

Chesley X'eely, Elisha OrIc. 

T. AV. Pritchett, W. M. H. Pinkerton, 

William Hens. J. .M. Smith. 

A. A. Shumway, \V. ^\'. Thaxton, 

Jesse 'I'etterton, J. C. Tetterton, 

H, M. Thaxton, Howell \'inyard, 

Isaac Davidson, AV. C. Ferguson, 



634 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


F. M. Kirkpatrick, Patrick McElroy, 


James Sikes, J. W. Scott, 


Elislia Maberry, N. H. Steannett. 


J. C. Wells, William Scott, 


COMPANY H. 


W. L. Wells, W. H. Wiggins, 


Captains : 


Henry E. Wood, James Brissay, 


Jordan Lakin, Joseph A. "Wells. 


Wm. Crane, W. R. Cunningham, 


Lieutenants : 


John Gorings, J. R. Hazelwood, 


James C'oats, Jos. A. Wells, 


S. F. iNI. Hicks, William Hazelwood, 


Massy Cox, John Jones. 


W. P. Hitch, Edward Martin, 


W. A. Wells. 


John Pickett, AV. F. Strickland, 


Sergeants : 


Joseph Vinyard, John R. Vinyard. 


Joseph A. Wells, Wm. Wilkerson, 


COMPANY I. 


W. F. Wood. W. H. Mall. 


Captains : 


Corporals: 


Slocum II. Culver, Robert Dennis. 


Massy Cox, F. M. Gurley, 


Lieutenants: 


K. C. Lovelace, Robert Henry, 


Robert Dennis, Theo. P. Hackney, 


John W. Jones, George Garrison, 


John S. Jiidd, Samuel Martin, 


Peter Smith, F. M. Smith, 


Thomas M. Wallace, "Warren T. ^Monroe. 


N. Evermont. 


Sergeants: 


Musician: 


T.M.Wallace, JohnS. Judd, 


E. A. Almon. 


Samuel Martin, W. T. Monroe, 


Privates: 


AVesley C. Peter, W. B. Shanklin, 


Henry Handy, Newman Bandy, 


Thos. A. Bell, W. P. Smith. 


Andrew ]5erline, J. M. Beverly. 


Corporals: 


Henry Brently, S. S. Beaman, 


Levi Fuller, A. 0. Vossler, 


(Jeorge lirant, Felix Brown, 


J. R. Toneroy, Wm. Hawk, 


Robert Boyd, A. J. Carter, 


W. L. Lawrence. 


Alex. Cumby, G. W. Cunningham, 


Musician: 


James Conner, D. G. Cole. 


Joseph Seavey. 


Jolm Criswell, L. Deshazer, 


Privates: 


James Deeds, Mathew Dorman, 


Amasa Armstrong, RoUin J. Adams, 


Wm. Dagley. Elias Dagley, 


Finsa Armstrong, G. R. Adams, 


J. :M. Edwards, E. E. Edwards, 


George Armstrong, Stephen Andrews, 


W. IL Edwards, (i. 11. Fry, 


Daniel Allen, W. R. Bates, 


Peter Geis, James (iaskill. 


Joseph Allen, W. II. Boggess, 


James Gardenshire, Pleasant Grimes. 


J.M.Allen, J.J.Bell, 


G. W. Garrison, B. S. Hughes, 


W. P. Allen, Philip Brantzel, 


J. B. Henson, Riley Hamilton, 


Clias. Brown, J. C. Baker, 


Isaac Henson, J. N. Hogan, 


S. H. Bacon, W. P. Ballard, 


R. F. Henson, W. L. Hazlewood, 


C. N. Baker, Isaac Barnett, 


Stephen Iliet, G. T. Hazelwood. 


P. R. Benear, Wm. Beatliard, 


John Hancock, W. D. Hazelwood, 


Alfred Conway, James Cullimore, 


John Johnson, James Link, 


J. H. Coleman, Wm. A. Cullimore, 


J. C. Lewis, .Tames Morrison, 


Manland Craig, J. W. Campbell, 


George Mai"tin, Sylvester Moore, 


Ralpli Dodsworth, (i. J. Delany, 


Benjamin Martin. Jeremiah Moore, 


I. R. Fisher, B. F. Dinwiddle, 


Reuben :\Iartin, Daniel ilarsh. 


G. W. Dinwiddie, W. H. Fridley, 


Benj. Ogle, S. R. Prior, 


G. .S. Gasnell, Sebastian Gropp, 


M. Pointer, J. A. Ferine, 


W. B. Grimes, J. R. Gnthrey, 


• W. G. Rexroat, John Rains, 


Mark Heaton, Chas. Holliday. 


Jacob Shinwnult, S. F. S'.:inner. 


A. B. Hubbard, Chas. Hasso, 





HISTORY OF GRP:ENE COUNTY. 635 


AVm. Kelly, H. C. Lewis, 


J. G. Dryden. 


John Kirby, 


J. F. Lewis. .Tames Lodge, 


J. C. Dryden. 


Joshua Kelly. 


11. X. Loiton, .lolm ^lay. 


J. P. B. Dryden, 


AVni. Louragin, 


James Martin, rriah Aloore, 


D. G. DeAVilt. 


Thomas Lawrence, 


T. ,J. JIartin, 8. D. ]\[oore. 


M. W. Dickerman 


Armisted Lewis, 


Andrew McDonald, J. M. McOnathy, 


J. AV. Elkinton, 


AV. II. Maxftekl, 


.I.R.Monroe, J. B. Neece, 


Jasper Erthal, 


AV. S. :Moore, 


AVm. ( )sb()rn, A. X. Neece, 


A. L. Frencli, 


J. C. Menu, 


Lewis Oswald, I'hilip Keamer, 


Nathan Fesler, 


J. AV. Martin, 


F. Pinkertiiu. (ieo. Robertson, 


lienj. (iriz/.le. 


L. 15. Million, 


Hcnj. Kodgcrs, Lawrence Rody, 


R. L. Gill, 


Geo. E. JSIason, 


.1. M. Kussell. W. A. Stark, 


James Ilogan, 


Jo.seph Miller, 


!'.(;. Slianklin. .1. L. Stout, 


(Jeorge Hall, 


David L. Nix, 


Isaiah Spaiigenburg, II. ('. Stout. 


A. F. Henson, 


H. AV. Philip, 


J. X. Thurmau, Daniel 11. Stout, 


D. J5. Henderson, 


AV. E. Pridgen, 


AV. J. Tucker, W. K A^reeland, 


Columbus Ilowar 


d, T. M. C. Plogger, 


.1. P. Vossler, (J. AV. Winn, 


S D. Juda, 


J. L. Parks, 


\V.(;. Wells, ('. B.Baker, 


B. F. Piper, 


Saml. Piper, 


C. L. AVillianis, W. C. Baker, 


J. C. l^aflerty. 


T. A. Rafterty, 


W. 1*. Worcester, Reuben Barrow, 


AV.C. Raney, 


W. T. Saxton, 


Bird Wakrip, Jn-eph Barnett, 


W. H. Ralterty, 


James Sturnian, 


J. R. Farnalian, Wm. Goodall, 


Jacob Shelt, 


J. T. Slaughter, 


.lacob lIami)ton, Jolni Ileltcniian, 


.lohn Speelman, 


AVyatt Scott, 


.M. W. .McCollister, D.L.Smith, 


i-:. ]J. Short, 


R. B. Strawn, 


.1. S. Sliankin, AVm. Teter, 


(ieorge Shlosser, 


AV. H. Thorp, 


Thomas Tuft, AV. J. A''anderheyden, 


Wm. L Taylor, 


Samuel Taylor, 


AVilliam AVeaver. 


James Tanner, 


A. T. Thomas, 


COMPANY K. 


Frairk Aancil, 


G. C. Weisner, 


Captain: 


Richard AVilhite. 


Jacob AVinters. 


John Parks. 


Josepli H. Walton 


11. I. Yarnell, 


Lieutenants: 


D. AV. Burk, 


J. II. Craiifleld, 


.Iiihn F. <'ollins. .lohn Parks. 


John Hancock, 


J. M. Rich, 


.lames W. \\alker, A.S. Denton, 


Azariali Baker, 


Perry Cade, 


.lohn W. Kidd, (J. II. Robinson. 
Sergeants: 


J. R. Vinyard, 


\\'m. Webb. 


NINETV- 


FIRST INF.\NTRY. 


Jiihn W. Kidd. John Parks. 






J. W. AValker. 


The 91st in. 


Inf. Regt. was organized 


Corporals: 


at Camp Butler 


, 111, in Sept., 1862, by 


C. H. Wilhite, Win. Derose, 


CoL Henry M. 


Day, and was mustered 


F. P. Hudson, (i. H. Hobinson. 


in Sept. 8, LS62 




Henry Caswell. \V. L. Kincaid. 


It was ordered to Louisville, Ky., | | 


James .V. I'ipcr. D.S.Wilson. 
Musician: 


Oct. 1, and was 


assigned to duty, guard- 


Wm. ({. Secor. 


ingthc L. & N. 


R. R., in Gen. Gilbert's 


I'rivates: 


division. 




Bryant liufTaloe, K. .\1. Bradley, 


On Dec. 27, 


1862, at Elizabethtown, 


Leonard Bower, S.J.Bowman, 


Ky., after a fierce encasement, the regi- | 


-Anderson I5arnard, F. M. Cameron, 


• ' 


red by Morgan, and after 


Kduiund Craw, IL L. Coonrod, 


ment was capti 


J. B. Corrington, Sanl'ord Croucli, 


being paroled, 


was sent to Benton Bar- 


AV. H. Drake, Andei-son Keof, 


racks, Mo. 





636 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



July 24, 1863, having been exchanged, 
it arrived at Vicksburg, Miss. It moved 
to Port Hudson on the 26th. Aug. 12 it 
marched to Carrollton, La. Embarking 
for Morganzia Sept. 6, it arrived there 
on the 6th, and moved out toward Atch- 
afalaya river. It had a skirmish with 
the enemy under Col. Greene, losing six 
or seven wounded. The enemy was re- 
pulsed. On Oct. 10, it moved to Mor- 
ganzia. 

The regiment was in the 2d Brig., 
Col. H. M Day commanding; 2d Div., 
Maj.-(Ten. N. J. T. Dana commanding, 
of the loth A. C. It eml>arked for New 
Orleans, going into camp Oct. 12. 

The 91st was then transferred to the 
1st Brig., and embarked, Oct. 22, for 
Brownsville. It landed at Brazos San- 
tiago, Nov. 3, and at once proceeded to 
Brownsville, capturing the fort and city, 
and driving the enemy, imder Gen. Bee, 
from that part of Texas. 

In July, 1864, the division was or- 
dered to leave Texas, and the 91st 111. 
Inf., and two regiments of colored 
troops, were left at Brazos Santiago, as 
garrison. Col. Day commanding the 
post. 

About the last of December, the regi- 
ment was relieved by the 34th Ind. Inf., 
and sent to New Orleans, where they 
were placed on provost duty, and was 
assigned to the 2d Brig., 3d Div., 13th 
A. C. 

In February, the 91st 111. Inf. joined 
the corps at Fort Morgan, Col Day being 
placed in charge of the brigade. 

Toe 91st 111. Inf., also took an active 
part in the campaign which resulted in 
the capture of Spanish Fort and Fort 
Blakeley, and caused the surrender of 
Mobile. 



After the surrender of Mobile, the 
division moved up the Tennessee river, 
some 60 miles, in i)ursuit of the enemy, 
and overtook the rear guard at Eight- 
Mile creek, the 91st 111. Inf. being in 
advance. At this place a sharp en- 
gagement took place, the enemy being 
driven from the field at the point of the 
bay(jnet, the regiment losing a few 
men wounded. This engagement was 
probably the last one of the war, east of 
the Mississippi river. 

The regiment was mustered out of 
service July 12, 1863, at Mobile, and 
arrived at Camp Butler, 111., July 22, 
when it received tinal payment and dis- 
charge. 

NINETY-SEVEXTH INFANTRY. 

COJ[I'.\NY G. 

Serg'e;mt: 
.Tames E. Hobson. 
ONE lIlXDliEI) AND FIRST INFAN- 
TRY. 

COMPANY F. 

Privates: 
Wm. Haywood, J. S. Welil), 

\V. .1. ^\'allaee, Tlios. Davenport. 

COMPANY I. 

Privates: 
15. F. Martin, James Marshall, 

S. Neifjhbors, W. T. Neighbors, 

Thomas Shaw. T. 15. 15enton. 

.Teremiah Ruyle. 
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH INFAN- 
TRY. 

COMPANY F. 

Private: 

Sidney Ewing. 

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH 

INFANTRY. 

COMPANY F. 

Private: 

Levi (iearhart. 

ONE lUJNDRED AND FOURTEENTH 

IXFAXTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

Private: 
W.J. lUaekledge. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



637 



OXE IIUXDRKD AXD NINETEENTH 
INFANTRY. 

tOMTAXY O. 

Privates: 
Eriustus Perry, David Sliiart, 

LaFayette Vance. 

ONE HUNDRED ANDTWENTYSECOND 

INFANTRY. 

Quartermaster .Sergeant: 

Charles 11. Mervine. 

COMPAXY B. 

("orporal: 
G. AV. t'astleberry. 

Privates: 
Frauklin ( astleberry, T. B. Hicks, 
H. H. Wilkinson, Nathaniel Walker. 

COMPANY c. 

Caj) tains; 
Lucian King, .Jacob L. Pope. 

Sergeants: 
Clayton Gaskill, .lames y\'. A\'atldell, 

Gentry .Scrojrgins. 

Corporals: 
('has. E. Mervine, C. W. Adams, 

.1. 1). Woolsey, George Stokes, 

W. H. Swain, E. R. King, 

Boswell Brown. 

Musicians: 
.lames .V. Adams, C. E. Berry. 

I'rivates: 
E. W. Allen. .Joseph .V. Harris, 

James Antrobos, AN'illiam Hays, 

.1. .V. .\dams, Arthur Hagon, 

(). Jl. Bangh, .J.L.Irwin. 

JJichanl liniwn, (Jarrett Kelly, 

E. W. Bnllis. U-dYtm King. 

(i. W. Bridges, .James E. I..ovelace, 

.J.C. Berry, H. B. Lovell, 

C. W. Curry, .J. (i. Luckey, 

.1. T. Curry, ('has. McCow, 

H. P. Cook, Samuel Massy, 

Israel ("oon. Perry Miller, 

J. T. Dodsoii, Thos. Magee, 

.1. R. Estes, .John .McKabney, 

W. T. Estes, .John Oakley, 

• liihli JI. (iambic, Samuel Pope, * 

.IiiliM (ireentield, Lewis I'latto, 

C. .V. Ilnlnies, Alex. I'age, 

il. !•'. Haven, W. A. Rutherford, 

Joseph Rutherf(u-d, Edward Race, 



W. F. Stiles, James Utt. 

George Woolsey, G. W. AVagstaff, 

A\'estern Wriglit. 

COMPANY G. 

Private : 
Francis H. Clark. 

CO.MPANY K. 

Private: 
W. H. II. Drish, fieorge (Jersten, 

Henry ^Varren. 

A history of the 122d 111. Inft. regi- 
ment is given in the history of Jersey 
county, in this volume, in connection 
with the gallant " boyt; in blue " from 
that county, in this favorite regiment, 
to which the reader is referred. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- 
FOURTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

Privates: 
W. F. Norris, J. M. YanArsdale, 

A. J. Cornell. 
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SI.XTII 
INFANTRY. 
Private: 
Benjamin F. Wright. 
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- 
SEVENTH INFANTRY. 

COMPANY U. 

I'rivates: 
Tlios. W. (iage, C. I. Pope, 

M. Sarstield, John Tinsman, 

John W. Phinney. E. L. Train. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- 
EIGHTH INFANTRY^ 

COJtPANY I. 

Sergeant: 
J.T. ]51unt. 
Privates: 
John .Alexander, R. B. .\ullspaugh, 

Joseph Hunter, Jesse Kimball, 

Robert Moore, Daniel \\'roughton. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- 
NINTH INFANTltY. 



L. J. MilUr, 



COMPANY II. 

Privates: 

PhiUp Goller. 



UU 





638 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


ONE HINDRE]) AND THIRTY-THIRD 


Jacob Dohan, E. C. Fletcher, 


INPAXTRY. 


Moses Freer, J. L. Gilliland, 


C'dJIPANY B. 


Isaac Hardin, .T. H. Duller, 


rvivates: 
Frank Kiiidel. Josepli Pierce. 


(Jeo. F. Henry. W. F. Honer, 
Robt. Jewell. J. M. Kinby. 


COMPAXY c. 

Captain: 
Walton M. Collins. 

Lieutenants: 
AV. H. Carroll, :M. A. Patterson. 

Sergeants: 
^\^ T. Piper. Geo. W. Rives, 

E. B. Smith. 

Corporals: 
S. M. AVilhite, (1. W. Piper. 
W. R. Chany, H. A. Barnett, 
(J. W. Jones, W. A. A'iney, 


Daniel Xaunon, J. L. Norman, 
W. R. Nizner, W'm. Rysby, 
R. Y. Smith, Rufus Smith, 
Franklin Witt, (;eo. Witt, 
James K. Washburn. 

COMPANY H. 

Sergeant: 

Malcolm Tunstall. 

Private: 

Francis Molair. 

COMPANY K. 

Privates: 


John Hand. 
Privates: 
J. F. Barton. John NT. Bacon, 
F. N. Barnett, J. T. Barrow, 
(Icorge Cole, J. A. Coourod, 
W.I. Crow, B. F. Crow, 


Lawson Pettijohn, 'W. M. Patterson. 

133d ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

During the summer of 1864, Gens. 
Grant and Sherman being actively en- 


T. C. Cooley, A. W. Cashing, 


gaged with large armies against the 


J. \V. Calhoun. F. M. Dunn, 
F. A. Griswold, Timothy Hurd, 
J. W. Henderson, Adam Jackson, 
Daniel ilarch, D. "W. :Melton, 
.1. K. Maxlield, W. M. ilason, 
V. M. Peck, R. A. Piper, 


enemy, the governors of the northwest- 
ern states proposed to the authorities of 
the war department, to send into the 
field a considerable number of troops 
for a short term of service, who might 


(J. W. Palmer, J. P. Ruark, 


relieve others on guard and garrison 


.Idhn Koueu. ^Y. J. Reeve, 
Edmund Sherman, W. J. Slaughter, 
J. T. Shipley, J. H. Scott, 
B. F. Scott. S. H. Smith, 


duty at the rear, thus adding largely to 
the force of drilled and disciplined men 
at the front. This proposition, after a 


J. .V.Smith. N.M.Smith. 


time, was accepted, and the term of 


J. F. Sanders, J. H. Whitman, 


service was jdaced at 100 days. The 


Isaac Walton, Marion Wright. 


governor of this state issued a procla- 


COMPANY K. 

Private; 

James Simpson. 

COMPANY (i. 

Lieutenant : 


mation for the requisite number of men, 
who were soon forthcoming. The 133d 
111. Inf. was organized under this call, 
at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., by 


J. H. Valentine. 


Col. Thaddeus Phillip, and mustered 


Sergeant: 
T. B. Robinson. 


into the service for 100 days, May 31, 
1864. 


Corporals: 
I). W. Campbell, E. A. Shannon. 
Privates : 


On the 3d of June, the regiment was 
moved to Rock Island barracks, and 


Hardin Armstrong, Lucius Bowman, 


was assigned to the duty of guarding 


(ieorge Brown, Thomas Draper, 


prisoners of war. The regiment per- 


1 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



639 



formed its duty faithfully and efficient- 
ly during its term of service, and wap 
mustered out Sept. 24, 1864, at Camp 
Butler. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOURTH 
INFANTRY. 

COMPANY B. 

\V. ].. ( ry, Z. T. Harris. 

Tiniotliy HoRan. 

COMPANY I). 

.Setli Fuller. 

COMPANY K. 

Lieutenant : 
George H. .Sargent. 
Privates: 
1. M. Asliford, C. F. Benton, 

Jos. JJrouks, Rioliard Blalock, 

W. F. Coyl, ^y. U. Carrigo, 

.lames ("umniings, A. .1. Cunimings, 
W. II. Dullany, li. F. Day, 

.S. F. (Jilliland. .1.0. Ilendrickson, 

Michael Ilarrigaii, t'yrus Hazel. 
I). A. .Johnson, J. 15. Ladd 

R. F. .Mar.sliaU, W. E. Martin, 

.lames I'erry, R. O. Ferry, 

A. .). Kntherford. .1. M. Seago. 

.1. A. Taylor, R. T. Taylor, 

.fames While, L. K. Williams. 

COMPANY r. 

A. J. Holmes. 
COMPANY o. 
Edward Adams, Wni. Adams, 

Chas. Dewes, J. W. Hicks, 

James Kinser, Wm. Stevenson. 

COMPANY H. 
Martin Cannedy, (ieorge Meister, 

Jackson Odell, Morris Amljrose. 

COMPANY I . 

M. Uraenninger, J. R. Adams. 

I COMPANY K. 

W. K. Asli. 

UNASSIGNED RECRUITS. 

Wm. Dorris, .John King, 

(Jeo. Haney. John .'^tei>hens. 

A history of the 144th 111. Inf. Regt. 
is given in the history of Jersey county 
in this volume, and is omitted in this 
connection to avoid needless repetition. 



ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH 
INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

Private: 

H. R. Metcalf. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY -.SIXTH 

INFANTRY. 

COMPANY I). 

L. II. Kilmer, E.L. Sutton. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTV-XINTH 
INFANTRY. 

COMPANY G. 

Private: 

Alonzo White. 

ONE HUxVDRED AND FIFTY-SECOND 

INFANTRY. 

COMPANY U. 

Privates : 
James Raird, R. W. Taylor, 

John Johnson, J. C. Rallard, 

Newton Ililley. 

COMPANY E. 

Private: 

(ieorge Schraag. 

OXE HUNDRED ANDFIFTY-FOURTH 

INFANTRY. 

OOMPANT G. 

Privates: 
J. S. Dailey, W. E. Leonard. 

COMPANY K. 

Privates: 
Thomas Draper, Isaac Hardin, 

\\'. (i. Hunter, .lolin Law rence. 

Wm. Hunter, Harvey Mitchell. 

THIRD CAVALRY. 

CO.MPANY li. 

Private: 
Jolni Jones. 

CO.MPANY «. 

Pi ivates : 
W. F. IJrown, Horatio Hobsoii, 

T. K. Cline, F. M. Painter, 

Wm. (iuinn. H. N. Robh, 

AV. I), (irigg, 1). H. Root, 

John S. Wood. 

COMPANY H. 

Privates: 
15. F. IJcck, Wm. Miller, 

Thos. 15. Root. 



640 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



SIXTH CAVALRY. 

COMPAifY C. 

Lieutenant: 

^V. p. Rigg. 

Sergeant: 

D. K. Spencer. 

Corporal: 

\Vm. Rigg. 

Privates: 

A. J. Craig, ( i. ^\. Holladay, 

.J. X. McDonald. 

COMPANY H. 

Private: 
T. .J. Mitchell. 

COMPANY L. 

Privates : 
Koliert E. Forester, A. Mytingei', 
D. K. Spencer. 
Unassigned : 
John M. Allred, .John Burns, 

Henry Brown, John Mackey, 

J. X. Martin. D. R. Spencer. 

SEVENTH CAVALRY. 

COMPANY E. 

Private: 

Henry Myers. 

NIXTH CAVALRY. 

Unassigned : 
Peter Shephard, James Smith. 

TENTH CAVALRY. 

COMPANY B. 

Privates: 
P. H. Hill, C. C. Hill, 

A. S. Hill. 

COMPANY G. 

Private: 
Edward McCarty. 

COMPANY H. 

Privates: 

A. J. Merriman, K. IL Malone. 

William Malone. 

COMPANY M. 

Privates : 

B. F. Toller, Delos Patten. 

p:levexth cavalry. 

COMPANY A. 

Privates: 
Wm. Hess, Henry Lappe, 

John Uthe, Wm. Voland. 



Unassigned: 

George Hornliack. 

TWELFTH CAVALRY. 

COMPANY A. 

Privates: 
J.F. Duncan, Shubael Gear, 

Patrick ilaher, J. R. Sparks, 

Thos. Skaggs. 

COMPANY p. 

Captains: 
Epbraim M. Gilmore. Heuly L. Reuns, 
Jackson Drennan. 
Lieutenants: 
H. L. Reans, Jackson Drennan, 

J. M. Matlock, Dennis Paiuur. 

Jasper Johnst)n. 
Sergeants; 
Jackscni Drennan, X. B. Kemper, 
J. M. Matlock. H. M. (;eorge, 

Samuel Spradley, B. C. W. 'NVooldridge. 

Corporals: 
R. E. Forrester, T. J. Kern per, 

J. M Goodpasture, J. L. Abliott, 
Jesse (ioodpasture, Sam"l Montgomery, 

Buglers: 
Joseph K. Simpson, Asa Grizzle. 
Niddier: 
Abram Belknap. 
^\'agoner: 
A. G. Kiiikead. 
Privates: 
W. G. Allen, David Bartley, 

W. H. Barrow, N. S. Brunson, 

W. W. Clark, Philij) Caton, 

W. P. Farmer, (J. D. P. Coonrod, 

W. F. Goodwin, J. F. Duncan, 

William Morris, (). ]5. Edwards, 

William Wilkerson, Thos. Evans, 
William Woods, S. S. Garratt, 

W. R. Byxl)e, A. C. Hartwcll, 

W. B. Challaconibe, Jasjjer Jolinson, 
James IL Barrow, Leonard Ketcbuin, 

J. M. Cameron, Isbani Liuder, 

Jesse Davis, J. B. Mullen, 

Joseph By.xbe, Xewton Mitchell, 

B. B. Byxbe, Richard Maxfiehl, 

D. H. Brown, Joseiih McCann, 
A. S. Yost, Grannis Pitchtord, 
John Wall, D. A. Simmons, 
Josejib We.rney, Thos. Skaggs. 

E. L. Woodbridge, AlbertusSilby. 





HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 641 


('layliourne Easley, (!. L. Gilford, 


COMPANY H. 


Al>i;iin (Jonlon, J. M. (irizzlc, 


Privates: 


J. M. Hill, Kichanl Hill, 


J. M. (ioodpasture, Wm. Pitehford, 


Moses Ilayiies, AVmer Haynes, 


I. H. Rhoades, A. E. Rhoades. 


( yiiis Ilaywaril, Win. JIanil, 
David KeU-lunii, \V. T. .Mitchell, 


FIRST ARTILLERY. 


.1. W. Mauley. Isaac Odell, 


BATTERY A. 


W. H. Pitclifoid, J. K. I'atton, 
W. L. Koach, 1. II. Klioailes, 


Private: 
Barnet Baxter. 


J. H. Rlioades, A. E. Khoades, 


SECOND ARTILLERY. 


John Rogers, James Scott, 


BATTERY A. 


E. M. Sheiinaii, ^V. V. Spuilock, 


Privates- : 


(i. W. Samples, Hardin Skajigs, 


C. Phincorson, J. E. Robertson. 


W.U. Wilson, Chas. Ilehern. 


BATTERY B. 


As Consolidated. 


Private: 


COMPANY D. 


John Keramer. 


Lieutenant: 


BATTERY E. 


Patrick Maher. 


Private: 


COMPANY F. 


Gottlieb Hermann. 


Lieutenant : 
Allen C. Hartwell. 


BATTERY F. 

Private: 


Sergeant : 


Fred Dorries. 


L. Keti'hum, James F. Duncan. 


B A TTFR Y K 


A. C. Hartwell. 


Sergeant: 


Blacksmith: 


Frank Schrackner. 


B. C. ^\. \\'ooldridge. 

Privates: 


2!»th U. S. COLORED INFANTRY. 


B. 15. Byxbe, David Ketduim, 


COMPANY A. 


Joseph Hyxbe, Jos. McCann, 
W. K. Byxbe, J. W. iManly, 


Privates: 
Thomas Dorsey, Thomas Smith, 


J. H. Barrow, Richard JIaxlield, 


COMPANY B. 


(J. D. P. Coourod, X. L. Mitchell. 


Private: 


W. 15. Challaconibe, I. Odell, 


Albert Xorth. 


Jesse Davis, J. R. Patton, 


COMPANY D. 


J. M. (irizzle, Wm. Roach, 


Privates: 


Asa (irizzle, J. 11. Khoutlcs, 


Oliver Malme, Samuel Pandegrass, 


(i. L. Cifford, Hardin Skaggs, 


COMPANY K. 


Abrani (iordon, ('has. Skaggs, 


Private': 


J. M. Hill, K. M. Sherman, 


James Bradley. 


Hichard Hill. W. C. Spurlock, 


COMPANY F. 


Moses Hayiies, C. W. Samples, 


Private: 


Abner Haynes, W. II. Wilson, 


James Pendegrass. 


(_'. \V. Hay ward, John Wall, 


COMPANY G. 


J. M. Cameron, AVm. Hand, 


Private: 


Chas. Hebern. 


Robert Maylield. 


COMPANY (1. 


COMPANY K. 


Privates: 


I'rivate: 


J. .M. Cameron, J. JI. (ioodpasture. 


Chas. Fisher. 


W. F. (loodwin, W'm. Hand, 


Unassigned. 


Richard \\'allis. 


James Allen. 





642 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



L'lui HK(i. r. s. ^t;teeax vol. 

COMPANY A. 

Private: 
William Evans. 

COMPANY H. 

Private : 
Xathaiiiel Owens. 

4tii r.vji. V. s. ^t;terax vol. 

COMPANY B. 

Private: 
Thomas Sliannon. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

The following comprises a list of 
those gallant soldiers who left their 
homes, their wives and babies and took 
up the musket for the defense of their 
their country's honor, never to return, 
finding graves in southern soil; who 
laid down their lives in defense of the 
Union. ''It is sweet and honorable to 
die for one's country," should be en- 
graved over the grave of each, in char- 
acters that will perpetuate throughout 
all coming time, and proclaim to the 
future generations their noble sacrifice: 

Henry Jackson, died July 30, 1862. 

A. T. Whitteniore, died in Oct., 1862. 

Reuben E. Weisner, died April 21, 
1862, of wounds received atShiloh. 

John Dunn, killed in action, at 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Geo. H. Davidson, died April 17, 
1862, of wounds received at Shiloh. 

James Kelly, died May 14, 1862, of 
wounds received at Shiloh. 

Benjamin F. Mytinger, killed at the 
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

John A. Mytinger, died Feb. 17, 1862. 

William H. Dawson, died March 25, 
1862. 

Sergeant David Baker, died April 18, 
1865. 



James S. Hill, died Nov. 30, 1864. 

John A. Reeves, killed at the battle 
of Shiloh. April 6, 1862. 

Samuel Brasher, killed at battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

John Clardy, died at Memphis, Tenn., 
July 31, 1862. 

Andrew J. Hill, died of wounds, Oct. 
5, 1662. 

Jonathan Jordan, died at Pittsburg 
Landing, March 25, 1862. 

Edward Keating, killed at battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Charles Lynch, died of wounds, Oct. 
5, 1862. 

William H. Melvin, died at Memphis, 
Tenn, Aug. 4, 1862. 

John G. McBride, killed in action at 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Newton Spradley, died at home, Sept. 
8, 1863. 

DeWitt C. Callaway, died at Louis- 
ville, Ky., Feb. 25, 1865. 

Edward Clary, killed at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Lieut. John W. Lee, killed July 7, 
1864, near Atlanta, Ga. 

Martin Hughes, died April 20, 1862, 
of wounds received at Shiloh. 

William Allen, killed at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Elisha Barrett, died at Marietta, Ga., 
Aug. 7, 1864. 

Milton Risley, died at Pocahontas, 
Ark., May 22, 1862. 

Percy A. Davenport, killed at the bat- 
tle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862. 

Chambers JeftVe^', died at Camp But- 
ler, Springfield, 111., March 29, 1865. 

Morris M. Carrico, died at Louisville, 
Ky., March 26, 1862. 

L. P. Hendry.x, died at St. Louis, Mo., 
April 17, 1863. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



643 



Francis M. Jackson, killed at Perry- 
ville, Ky., Oct. 8, LSG'i. 

James Welch, died Dec. 10, 1863. 

Sergeant William R. March, killed at 
ChapHn Hills, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862. 

James Cade, killed at Chaplin Hills, 
Ky., Oct. 8, 1862. 

Charles H. Cudnian, killed at Pea 
Ridge, Ark., March 8, 1862. 

Sergeant Alfred C. Barber, killed at 
Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Calvin Blackburn, died at Otterville, 
Mo., Jan, 20, 1862. 

Joseph (xering, killed at Chaplin Hills, 
Oct. 8, 1862. 

Joseph Garrison, died at Linn Creek, 
March 15, 1862. 

John Hcnson, died at St. Louis, Mo., 
April 2, 1862. 

Admo Hankins, died at Syracuse, Mo., 
Dec. 20, 1861. 

Frank Hankins, died at Ozark Moun- 
tains, Ark., Nov. 16, 1861. 

James Medford, killed at Lookout 
Mountain, Nov. 20, 1863. 

Henry Griffin, died at home, Feb. 8, 
186.5. 

William Hines, drowned Feb. 7, 1864. 

John R. Champlin, died April 4, 1864. 

William Looker died at Greenville, 
Ala., April 17, 1865. 

Lieut. David G. Culver, killed at Shi- 
loh, April 6, 1S(;2. 

John Dinwiddle, died at Memphis, 
Tenn., Oct. 18, 1863. 

Tyler B. Cochran, died at St. I^ouis, 
Mo., May 32, 1862. 

Mortou Campbell, died at St. Louis, 
Mo., Oct. 16, 1S63. 

William Claridy, died at Quincy, 111., 
•hme 22, 1862. 

Thomas Edwards, died at Pittsburg 
Lauding, Tenn. 



William Francis, died at Memphis, 
Tenn., Sept. 13, 1863. 

Gregory Garrison, killed at Shiloli, 
April 6, 1862. 

John Holland, died at St. Louis, Mo., 
March 25, 1862. 

Edward L. Hager, died May 30, 1862. 

R. Jones, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 
1862. 

John Mullins, died at Snyder's Bluft', 
Miss., June 28, 1863. 

Jacob Sallow, died at Pittsburg Land- 
ing. 

David W. Wells, died at Pittsburg 
Landing, April 1, 1862. 

John Woods, died at St. Louis, April 
10, 1862. 

Dennis Welch, died at Corinth, Nov. 
1, 1862. 

John Allen, died at St. Louis, May 
22, 1862. 

Samuel Gates, died at Little Rock, 
Ark., Sept. 16, 1864. 

Elisha Howard, died at Duvall's 
Blufl; Dec. 20, 1862. 

Elisha W. Lee, died at Quincy, 111., 
May 24, 1862. 

W. H. Pinkerton, died at Little Rock, 
Ark., Feb. 24, 1864. 

Lewis Bartlett, died at St. Louis, 
March 25, 1862. 

Conrad Bush, died at Carrollton, 111., 
Feb. 23, 1862. 

Joseph Breine, died at Duvall's Bluli', 
Oct. 5, 1863. 

Richard L. Clark, died at White Hall, 
111., May 20, 1862. 

Elijah J. Clark, died at Savannah, 
Tenn., April 20, 1862. 

James Donnelly, killed accidentally 
at Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 21, 1862. 

John Donnelly, killed at Gregory's 
Landing, Sept. 5, 1864. 





G44 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


Martin V. Gamble, died at St. Louis, 


Ludlow Snow, died at Bolivar, Tenn., 


Mo. 


May 16, 1862. 


Alexander Johnson, died at Hender- 


Amos Talbott, died at St. Louis, June 


son, Ky., June 7, 1862. 


25, 1862. 


John V. Lawhouse, died at Duvall's 


T. J. Thompson, missing since battle 


Bluff, August 31, 1863. 


of Shiloh, and believed to have fallen. 


J. D. McClimans, died at White Hall, 


William B. Clark; died at Annapolis, 


May 15, 1862. 


Md., a paroled prisoner, June 11, 1865. 


John Ott, mortally wounded at Shi- 


James H. Gentry, died at Little Rock, 


loh, April 6, 1862. 


Ark., May 21, 1864. 


' William M. Pope, died at St. Louis, 


Robert Seward, died in Andersonville 


August 8, 1862. 


prison pen, April 15, 1865. 


E. Pennington, died in Missouri, 


Lieut. Elijah B. Corrington, killed 


j Sept. 6, 1862. 


Dec. 4, 1864. 


1 James Reno, died at Bolivar, Tenn., 


Charles H. Sturnian, died at Duvall's 


1 May 13, 1862. 


Bluffs, Ark, July 18, 1864. 


Henry Smith, died at St. Louis, Feb. 


James Abnoy killed Dec. 14, 1862. 


27, 1862. 


William L. Brooks, died at Milliken's 


Joseph Stuber, died May 10, 1862. 


Bend, July 29, 1863. 


Samuel D. Thompson, died at St. 


Andrew Cunimings, died at Jackson, 


Louis, May 12, 1862. 


Tenn., July 1, 1862. 


Jacob Laubscher, died at Franklin, 


N. J. Cummings, died at Keokuk, la.. 


Tenn., May 29, 1865. 


of wounds received at Shiloh. 


Isaac McMillan, died at St. Louis, 


J. C. Cummings, killed at the battle 


May 10, 1862. 


of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 


George W. Margerum, wounded at 


John Cape died while a prisoner at 


Shiloh, supposed to have died. 


Macon, Ga., Sept. 20, 1862. 


John D. Shepherd, died May 3, 1862. 


John D. Fleak, died at Jefferson Bar- 


Thomas Hagan, died January 17, 


racks, Nov. 16, 1863. 


1864. 


Samuel Hensoij, Jr., died at Evans- 


Philip Potter died of wounds, Dec. 8, 


ville, Jan. 14, 1863. 


1864. 


John W. Harmon died at St. Louis, 


': J. W. Seago died at St. Louis, Mo., 


May 14, 1862. 


\ May 24, 1862. • 


James N. Handashelt, died while a 


Lieut. James D. Ballow, died, place 


prisoner, date not known. 


and date not given in report. 


James F. Mattison, died at St. Louis, 


Stephen A. Brown died at Little Rock, 


May 5, 1862. 


Ark., Feb. 24, 1864. 


Robert Owen died, date and place not 


Marshall S. Cory, killed at Shiloh, 


reported. 


April 6, 1862. 


John L. Reynolds, died at Jackson, 


Clifford Irvin, died Aug. 21, 1863. 


Tenn., July 1, 1862. 


■ Frank Keller, died at Jeflerson Bar- 


Sergt. Joseph P. Rice, died at Pitts- 


i racks. Aug. 14, 1863. 


burg Landing, April 6, 1862. 







HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 645 

1 


James L. Robinett, killed at Shiloh, 


Rowell Vineyard, died at Brownsville, 


April fi, 1862. 


Te.x., Nov. 28, 1863. 


Elisha Stout, killed at Jackson, Tenn., 


Sergt.Wm. F.Wood, died Jan. 13, 1863. 


Dec. 19, 1862. 


Henry Bandy, died at Brownsville, 


Daniel E. Stone, died at St. Louis, 


Tex., May 31, 1864. 


June 1, 1862. 


Andrew Berline, died at Carrollton, 


Reuben Townsend, died at St. Louis, 


La., Aug. 13,1863. 


July IS, 1862. 


James Conner,died at Bowling Green, 


Perry Crotchett, drowned in the Cum- 


Ky., Dec. 30, 1862. 


berland, Nov. 25, 1864. 


William H. Edwards, died at Brazos 


Reuben Carpenter, died of wounds re- 


Santiago, Tex., Nov. 18, 1864. 


cieved Dec. 7, 1864, near Nashville, 


James R.Henson,died at New Albany, 


Tenn. 


Oct. 20, 1862. 


Nathaniel Rigsby, died of wounds re- 


Isaac Henson, killed at Elizabeth- 


cieved Dec. 15, 1864, at Nashville. 


town, Ky., Dec. 27, 1862. 


William Rayfield, died of wounds re- 


Riley Hamilton, died at Cairo, 111., 


ceived at Nashville, Dec. 15, 1864: 


Sept. 25. 1863. 


Thomas W. Hester, died in Pike 


W.L.Hazelwood,died at Brownsville, 


county, 111., Dec. 21, 1863. 


Tex., July 8, 1864. 


James F. Lytle, died at Benton Bar- 


George T.Hazelwood,died at Browns- 


racks, March 23, 1862. 


ville, Tex., May 4, 1864. 


Thomas J. Murray, died at Jefferson 


James Link, died at New Orleans, 


Barracks, 3Iay 24, 1862. 


Nov. 19, 1863. 


Seth B. Smith, died at Jefferson Bar- 


James C. Lewis, died at Brownsville, 


racks, July 13, 1862. 


Tex., June 22, 1864. 


George F. Moore, died at Fort Schuy- 


Benjamin Martin, died at Brownsville, 


ler, Jan, 31, 1865. 


Tex., Jan. 5, 1864. 


Thomas L. Pankey, died at CarroU- 


Benjamin Ogle, died at Brownsville, 


• ton, III., Jan. 16, 1864. 


Tex., May 6, 1864. 


John C.Gillespie, died at White Hall, 


John W. Scott, died of wounds, Jan. 


111., Oct. 22, 18G2. 


10, 1863. • 


Francis M. Bighani, died at Carroll- 


William Scott died at New Orleans, 


ton, 111., Nov. 14, 1863. 


Feb. 10, 1865. 


Lieut.-Col. S. P. Ohr, died Sept. 14, 


John C. Wells, died at Benton Bar- 


1864. 


racks, July 9,. 1863. 


George A. Lee, died at Brownsville, 


Sergeant Wesley C. Peter, died at 


Tex., Dec. 16, 1863. 


Memphis, Te-Vin., Aug. 21, 1863. 


W. M. H. Pinkerton, died at New 


Anuisa Armstrong, died at Carrollton, 


Orleans, Sept. 24, 1863. 


La., Oct. 5, 1863. 


A. A. Shumway, died at Carrollton, 


James C. Baker, died at home, April 


La.. Oct. 3, 1863. 


27, 1863. 


Jesse Tetterton, died at Carrollton, 


William Beathard, died at Elizabeth- 


La., Nov. 18, 1863. 


town, Ky., Dec. 27, 1862. 





646 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 


Benjamin F. Dinwiddie, died at 


James L. Parks, drowned Feb. 25, 


Brownsville, Tex., July 17, 1864. 


1864. 


Henry C. Lewis, died at Shephards- 


William C. Raney, died Nov. 20, 


ville, Ky., Dec. 13, 1862. 


1864. 


James Martin, killed at Elizabeth- 


R. B. Strawn, died at Brownsville, 


town, Ky., Dec. 27, 1862. 


Tex., Nov. 18, 1863. 


Thomas J. Martin, died at Cairo, 


George Shlosser, died at Dover, 111., 


111., Sept. 25, 1863. 


March 9, 1864. 


Unah Moore, died at Brownsville, 


Richard E. Wilhite, died Nov. 19, 


Tex., April 8, 1804. 


1864. 


W. J. Vanderhayden, died at Browns- 


James S. Webb, died at Bridgeport, 


ville, Tex., May 23, 1864. 


Ala., Feb. 8, 1864. 


Frank P. Hudson, killed at Spanish 


Samuel Neighbors, died at Memphis, 


Fort, Ala., March 27, 1865. 


Tenn., Jan. 15, 1863. 


Sergeant Charles Wilhite, died at 


Levi Gearhart died in Andersonville 


New Orleans, of wounds, April 28, 


prison pen, Oct. 1, 1864. 


1863. 


Sergeant James W. Waddle, died in 


Bryant Buffaloe, died at Brownsville, 


Andersonville prison pen, Aug. 25, 


Tex., June 10, 1864. 


1864. 


Edgar M. Bradley, died at Cairo, 111., 


Ezra W. BuUis, died at Carlinville, 


Feb. 18, 1863. 


111., May 12, 1863. 


Francis M. Cameron, killed at Eliza- 


Charles McCow, died at Benton Bar- 


bethtown, Ky., Dec. 27, 1862. 


ricks, April 26, 1863. 


Henry L. Coonrod, died at Browns- 


Perry Miller, killed at Fort Blakeley, 


ville, Tex., April 3, 1864. 


Alabarna, April 9, 1865. 


James B. Corrington, died at Browns- 


Alexander Page, died at Corinth, 


ville, Tex., March 6, 1864. 


Miss., July 27, 1863. 


Sanford Crouch, died at Greenfield, 


John W. Phinney, died Aug. 13, 


111., Jan. 18, 1863. 


1863. 


John W. Elkinton, died at Browns- 


Edwin L. Train, died at Chicago, 


ville, Tex., Jan. 24, 1864. 


Oct. 31, 1862. 


Jasptr Erthal, died at Vicksburg, 


Philip Goller, died at Chattanooga, 


Miss., Aug. 4, 1863. 


Tenn., July 3, 1864. ! 


Nathaniel Fessler, died at Brazos 


Francis M. Dunn, died at Rock 


Santiago, Tex., Oct. 30, 1864. 


Island, July 26, 1864. 


Columbus Howard, died at Browns- 


William M. Mason, died at Rock 


ville, Tex., Dec. 23, 1863. 


Island, Aug. 20, 1864. 


John Kirby, died at New Orleans, 


William Nizner, died at Rock Island, 


Aug. 27, 1863. 


July 24, 1864. 


John W. Martin, died at St. Louis, 


Joseph Brooks, died in Greene county, 


July 21, 1864. 


111., Jan. 25, 1865. 


L. B. Million, killed in Greene 


James White, died at St. Louis, Feb. 


county. 111., Feb. 2, 1865. 


16, 1865. 


1 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



647 



William Hunter, died at Camp But- 
ler, Springfield, Feb. 20, 1865. 

John Lawrence, died at Murfrees- 
boro, Tenn., March 14. 1865. 

Lieutenant James M. Maddox, died 
Feb. 9, 1S64. 

Sergeant N. B. Kemper, died of 
wounds, at Culpepper Court House, Va., 
Sept. 14, 1868. 

Thomas J. Kemper, died Nov. 8, 
1863. 

Joseph K. Simpson, died at Harper 
Ferry, Va.., Sept. 2U, 1S62, of wounds. 

Pliilip Catton, died at Camp Butler, 
in April, 1862. 



Albertus Silby, died at (iuinrv, 111., 
Feb. 23, 1862. 

William Woods, died at Camp But- 
ler, Feb. 16, 1862. 

Clayburne Easley, died at St. Louis, 
Feb. 24, 1864. 

William T. Mitchell, died at St. 
Louis, April 26, 1864. 

John Rogers, died at Napoleonville, 
La., July 18, 1864. 

Asa Grizzle, suicided, March 30, 1866. 

David Ketchum, died at Summer- 
ville, 111., Dec. 1, 1865. 

Oliver Mahue, died in New Orleans, 
June 30, 1865. 



atiAF»T:"ElR IX. 



POLITICAL. 



The following is as complete an ab- 
stract of the vote of the county as could 
be made by a thorough search through 
the records in the office of the county 
clerk, and an exhaustive analysis of 
tons (jf matter in that of the secretary 
of state, at Springfield, would yield. 
Some points are yet missing, l)ut, in tlie 
absence of the papers, the historian is 
entirely without the data upon which to 
write. This is, as far as it goes, entirely 
oilicial: 

Kl.KCTION OK MII.ITM OPFICRRP. J7NK 30, 1831 . 

Culoucl. 
Thomas Rattan 107 



John W, Scott 

.lBinc-8 W. Whiteeide 



111- 
32 

Majors. 

Willis Webb 191 

Thoinas (i Lofton IS) 

Stephen Spencer «) 

JamesCohvell 85 



KLEOTION, AUGUST, 1822. 



Congress. 

Daniel P. Cook Z4i— 188 

John McLean 150 

Governor. 

Edward Coles 4.33 agi 

Joseph Phillips, .*.*.'.''. 47 

Thomas C. Brown ,'.'... 4 

James B. Moore '.'..'.'' 20 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

James Lemnn, Jr 211 — 10 

Jc)hn(J. Lofton 3;ji 

Adolphus Hubbard .'.'.".' g 

State Senator. 

John Allen 259- 20 

George Cad well. !....'*' 239 

Representative . 

Tfaomus Kattan 310— 128 

Jehu Brown ' ly.j 

Sheriff. 

Young Wood '.j()4 49 

Jann's Curlin 145 

Stephen Spencer 47 

Coroner. 

Christian Link 385 .334 

Turner Lurtou ", 51 

County CommisBionera. 

Charles Gregory 3*16 

Thorn 18 .-\tnett 275 

Joel Meacham ...... 112 



" — — — -.^ -J 


648 HISTORY OF 


GREENE COUNTY. 






Joseph Piggott 


2',I6 
! 
209 
(ii 
113 

T5 
87- 
33 
10 

363- 

18 i 

9 

366— 

171 

3 

272— 
255 
4 
20 

444— 
12 

342— 

10 

44 

2 

28 

303 
302 
289 
190 
252 
38 

164 
379— 

89— 
6 

314— 
124 
29 

406— 
210 
36 

258 

325— 

12 

4 

381- 

4 

24)— 


n 

20t) 

195 

17 

432 
298 

315 
83 

190 

160 

61 

373 
244 


Chnrles Gregory 

Jehu Br'iwn 

S. Smith 


1 
250- 

1 
226 

1 
183 

4 
157 

1 
101 
68 

40:)— 
IM 

1 

1 

3 

1 

582- 
1 

419— 
372 
6 

484- 
203 

493- 

274 

342 
318 
S06 
287 
226 
192 
115 
126 

96 

76 

11 

559- 
97 
21 

455- 
310 

13- 
10 

816- 
303 

432- 

592 

32 

497 
396 
225 
3S 
343 
164 
141 


249 

243 

581 
121 

281 
219 

441 

145 
2 

613 
130 








Mart 11 Bowman 


ELECTION, MAr, 18*3. 

County Commissioner. 


William Kincaid 

John Pruitt 




William King 

Abraham Bowman 

J"hn StuU 




Samuel V . Pierce 


Coroner. 

C Link 

P. Froiik 




ELECTION, AUGUST, 1824 

Congress . 
Daniel P Cook .. . 




I. N Piggott 

Z, Piggott... : 

Sheriff. 
Young Wood 


Siiadrucb Bond 


State Senator. 
Thomart Carlin 


Isaac M. Piggott 


State Senator. 

Zadoc Casey 

John Burton 

William Maxwell 

ELECTION. 1828. 
President. 


Representative. 

ArchibuldJob 

ThoniaH Arnt-tt 


Johu Green 

Scattering 


Sherifl. 

Tuung Wood 

Scallering 




Coroner. 

Christian Link 

Lewis Link .... 


State Senator. 


A W. Caverly 

County Commissioners, 
(iharles (iregory 




ElieliaK Wood 

Scatterins 


County Commissioner. 

Charles (irejory 

John Brown 


Alex. King 

Cavil Archer 

Davi 1 Pinkerton 

Jehu Brown 

Aciuilla Pepperdine 




John Drum 


Sam lie. C . Pierce 

ScaLt-eiing 

C>n the Question of a Convention. 

For „ 

Againet 

SPKCUL ELRCTION, OCTOBEE, 1824. 

Sheriff. 

Young Wood.... 

Zachariah Allen 

SPKCUL ELECTION, DECKMEKS, 18*4. 

Slate Senator. 


William Davidson 




Coroner. 
Peter Fronk 


C. Link 

Sheriff. 




Justice of the Peace. 

Walter Criswell 

J. T. Aiken 

KLECTION, 1830. 

Governor. 
John Remolds 


Ii?aac N. Pijigott 

A. W.Caverly 

ELECTION, AUOtrST, 182a. 

Governor. 

NInian Edwards 

Thomas Sloo, Jr 

A. F. Hubbard 

Lieutenaat-GoTernor. 


John Tile»n, Jr 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Zadoc Casev 

R B Slocuml) 


James Adams 

Representative, General Assembly 

S. C, Pierce 

Charles Gregory 


S H Thompson ... 




County Commissioners. 
W M Johnson . . 


Johu .\llen 


Jeremiah Smith 


James Turney 

Joseph Pitreott 

Ju.-eph iiuruugh 


Jo=oph Pijgntt 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



649 



Coroner. 

PeterFronk 3 

Lecn Render 34 

P. K Unmpy 515- IZi 

John WhiHock 82 

Ileurv \\'hitlock 25 

Henry lirontley 448 

Coimty Commissioner. 

John .\rmstroTig 441 

Cyrus Tolman 444 

C«vil Archer 44.1 

Thomas Cunningham 515 

D Strong 39 

Sheriff. 

Jacoh Frv 63.5— 119 

Jeremiah smith 317 

L. N. Euglinh 189 

ELECTION, AnODST, 1831. 

CongresB. 

Joeeph Duncan 570 — 143 

Jame;^ Tnruey 427 

Kdiva^cl Coles... 18B 

Sidnej IJreese 77 

Alexander P. Field 4 

BLECTIO.H, NOVKMBKR, 1832. 

President. 

Andrew JackBon 692 — 406 

Henry Ciay 28ti 

CongresBmuu. 

Joseph Onncau 1004— 9,52 

J. H. Pngh 142 

Sheriff. 

Jacob Fry (no opposition) 1004—1004 

ELECTION, 1834. 

Governor. 

Josei.n Duncan 797— 3:14 

VViJliiim Kinney 422 

R.K. .McLaughlin 140 

James Adams 1 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Alexander M. Jenkins 371 

James Kvans 572 

W. H Archer 304 

Scatterinj; 9 

Sheriff'. 

JacohFrv 123.3—1149 

M. .S. I.iiik 84 

Coroner. 

John Whitlock 456^ 

.'\rch. Wiggins 27f> 

VV. I). Scrogginfl 171 

Thi)ma6 l*ritchetl 10 

County Commiseioner. 

Cyrus Tolman 1076— 

Thomas McDow 995 

Alexander Kinj; 442 

James B. CornngtOB 343 

Isnam Edwards 32S 

JohnI.ec 251 

John Wulker 128 

Thos. Hudson 103 

RepreseutativeB. 

Lewis VV.Link 84ft— 

Calvin Tunnell 822 

Charles (iregory 673 

JaBicB 'I'urner 580 

Jol.n Allen 3ti3 

Jesse V. .Mounts 321 

S. Keeso 245 

J. Blackwell SB 



93 



ELECTION. 1835. 

County Recorder. 

David Pierson 679— 

C.A.Davis 486 

Young Wood 263 

Benj. Askins 107 

County Surveyor. 

JobCoUins 712— 

C.C.Dodge 447 

W. R Pankey 195 

G M. Richards 136 

SPECIAL ELECTION, 1835. 

iMember General Assembly, to fill vacancy caused by 
reaiguation of Mr. Link. 

•Jamec Turney 947— 457 

Samuel Smith 477 

Stephen Taylor 13 

ELKCnON, AUGUST, 1836. 

Congress. 

William L. May 1202— .501 

John Smart 701 

State Senator— Greene County. 

James Turuey 1158— 533 

Thomas Kaltan 625 

Senator— Greene and Calhoun. 

John Allen 1078- 341 

Charles Gregory 737 

Representative — Greene County. 

Franklin Witt 1518 

Cyrus A Davis 1118 

Revel W. Euglieh 990 

William Cnrliu 388 

Jobn Drum 627 

William .M Holiday 366 

Sherman GosB ".. 58 

Aatibus 248 

Representative— (Jreene and Calhoun. 

William Lane 920— 173 

<Jalvin Tunnel! 747 

John Beumau 43 

Sheriff. 
Jacob Fry (no opposilion) 1706 

County Commissioner. 

Cyrus Tolman 1053 

Alexander Iviug 13ti4 

Thomas McDow '168 

PhilipJarbo 693 

M L Link 471 

Alexander Smith 379 

Jos all 'P. iVskew 518 

J-:hii Bristow 140 

Coroner. 

PeterFronk 400 

John W. Whitlock 464- 84 

ELECTION. NOVEMCEB, 18.36. 

PresidcDt. 

.Martin Van Buren 10:17- 326 

William 11. Harrison 711 

ELECTION, JLLY, 18.37. 

Representative— Greene and Calhoun Counties. 

Jolin Shaw 48:} 

JohnGrccne 683— 200 

ELEcnoN, 1838. 

(Joveruor. 

Thomas Carlin W54— 317 

Cyras Edwards 1087 



650 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Lieutenant-Governor. 

S.H.Anderson W28- 326 

W.H. Davidson 992 

Congreseman. 

JohnT. Stuart 1013 

S.A.Douglas 1379— 365 

Samuel McUobei'te 1 

State Senator. 

Franklin Witt 1397— 423 

Charles Gregory 974 

Representative, General Aesembly. 

John Allen 1422 

RevellW. Englisll 1332 

E. \V Dalev 1153 

John lireenc 1339 

CO. Hodges 10T7 

William Jerome 946 

John Shaw 985 

Wilf on Disk 897 

Coroner. 

John W. Wbitlock 1145— 440 

Benjamin Brieto 



J. G. Barry 



705 
55 



Sheriff. 

JohnD.Fry 1065 

JobCollins 693 

Young Wood 598 

County CommisHioner. 

Alexander King 1438 

Jo hu Thnmpeou 1327 

Chilton Smith 1029 

Smi;h Poet 964 

Paris MaKou B93 

Stephen Harteock '61 

ThomasMcDow . 192 

Joeiah T. Askew 104 

ELECTION. 1839. 

State Senator (special). 

Manoah Bostwick .542- 33 

Thomas Katlau 449 

County Recorder. 

Charles Lancaster 188S— 1886 

County SuTveyor. 

C.C.Dodge B73- 41 

Samuel Heatoo 833 

ELECTION, APGU8T 1840. 

state Senator. 

John Allen 1104— 313 

Charles Gregory 791 



Representative — Greene, and Jersey Counties. 

R. W. Enelish 11.53 

A. W. Caverlv 960 

E. M. Dolev.". 968 

Mead Wood'on 8i;9 

John Kimball 661 

William Cory 641 

Representative— Greene, .Jersey and Calhoun. 

John McDonald 914 

John Di-um 967 — 53 

County Comraiosioner. 

James Cannedy 349 

George Fry 436 

M.Browning 917— 481 

Sheriff. 

Hugh Jackson (no opposition) d 1615 

Coroner. 
John Whitlock (no opposition) 756 



ELECTION, KOVEMBKR, 1840. 

President. 

Maitin VanBuren, a 117.5— 305 

W. H.Harrison, w 870 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1841. 

C ngress. 

James H. Ralston 962— 276 

J.T Stuart.... 686 

County Commissiouer. 

Thomas Booth (regular term) 1454 

James Cannady 469 

Martin Bowman 322 

J C C Parks 254 

William Blair 474 

Recorder. 

J. n. Frv 10.50— 590 

David Pierson 460 

M. L. Link 129 

School Commissioner. 

.Tames O. Graves 573 

JnhnW. Scott 389 

B G.Cone .58 

vV. R Montague 222 

SPECIAL ELECTION, FEBRUARY 1842. 

County Commissioners. 

Anthony S Seely 824 

Thomas English 276— 52 

Stephen W. Spencer 172 

J.J Lakin 26 

George W. Cannedy 19 

M. C. Rauey 16 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1842. 

Governor. 

.Tnseph Duncan, w 746 

Thomas Ford, d 1065— 319 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

William U. Henderson, w 705 

John Moore, d 1060— 355 

Senator— Greene and .Jersey Counties. 

Charles Gregory, w 749 

Alfred W. Caverly, d 919— 170 

Senator— Greene and Calhoun. 

RW, English 743— 387 

Thomas Rattan 206 

J.N. Whitlock 24 

B F. Ctlild .356 

John Shaw 17 

W.L. Drish 291 

Representative- Greene and Calhoun. 

John McDonald 1063— 503 

Titus W. Vigua 560 

Representative— Greene. 

John Green 940 

Alfred Hmton 1187 

Chnr'es Kitchen 205 

Colbv Young 280 

Smith Post 507 

David S. Griswold 104 

Commissioner 

James Cannady 551 

W C Raney 241 

I Linder 636— 75 

John Melvin 232 

Coroner. 

James Hopkins 1144— 1003 

Silas Sweet 141 

J. Lakin 137 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



651 



Sheriff, 

Hush Jackson (no oppoeition) d 

On the question of a Convention. 



For .... 

-Af^ainst. 



ELECTION, AUGUST. 18W. 

Congress. 



Stephen A. Doii'jlae, d.. 
Orville H. Browning, w. 
Scaltcriug 



William Carlin.d. 
Vieor^e W. Allen, w 



County Clerk. 



Jacob Eoff . 

A. S. Scuiy. 



Coramieeioner. 



Charlen D. Hodge$ 
M.L.Liuk.... 



Probite Juetice. 



Recorder. 



J. D. Fry 

C A. Oavis - 

Truasurerand Asgeeeor. 
It. B. Allen (no opposition) 

School Commipeiouer. 

K. B. Allen 

Calvin TuuncU 



C. C. Dodge ... 
.iuraes A. ruiue 
O. W, .Jeri>inc . . 



Surveyor. 



On the question of county division. 

For 

Against 

ELECTION, NOVEMIIEU, 1844. 

President. 

James K Polk 

lie ury Clay 

Congressman. 

Stephen A. Ponglas 

T). M . Woodson .'. 

Kichard Mlis 

T. J.Mtiore 

State Senator. 

RevcllW, English 

Alfred VV. Caverly 

Kepresentative, Gemrral Assembly. 

Calvin Tiinncll 

F P Ve.lder 

H II. Witt 

.]. Eoff 

J. .li)hU80D 

J. Hopkins 

A.Kuslnw 

John N. IlHttl 

John Mcl>()ii:ild 

Coroner. 

J.N. Whitlock 

Anderson Headrick 

S. Hale 

Sherift'. 

Hugh Jackson 

K , L, CoopiT ., 

D I'lnVertnn 

M. F. Kelley 

ELECTION, AUOnST, 1845. 

CouDtr Commission!:!. 

James C nnady. 

Isham Liuder 

Edmund L. Cooper 



1547 




693 
■747— 


54 


1198- 

T19 

2 


479 


1328- 
437 


891 


812 


141 


865 
89:}— 


28 


1489—1160 
325 


1609 




109:5- 
557 


&m 


804— 

592 

378 


212 


228 
16:i6- 


140S 


1250- 
800 


150 


1207 
839 

1 




856 
871— 


15 


85:j 
7 5 
798 
126 
5:j 
59 
!9> 
Wil 




1012- 

728 

21 


253 


1141- 
741 
74 
8 


318 


514- 

271 

490 


24 



School Cominiesiouer, 

Jamre O Grivee 241 

Pftvid PinkerloH 6*18 — 

Scattering 31 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1816. 

Congreee. 

Slephcn A. Douglas, d 1166- 

J ^'alldeventor,\v 637 

Goveruor. 

Augustus C. French, d 1147— 

'rbonms M. Kli Patrick, w 636 

Lieutenant-Govefnor. 

Joseph B. »■ ells, d lltiS— 

Nathaniel G. Wilcox, w 612 

Repre'^eutative — Greene and Calhouu Counties. 

.J.D.Pry,d 11. 



.lohu Caldwell, w 



700 



529 



511 



402 



Representative— Greene Countj', 

Stephen Cooiirod 5:J6 

Joeiah Caswell 987 

,1. L. Eoir 627 

Ue.irv Hrogg 629 

J. H. Henderson 603 

County Commiesioner. 

Charles Bradshaw, d 955 — 

E. It. Me;calf,w 620 



335 



H. JacKfioii, d. . 
T. F. Jerome w. 



Sheriff. 



KOO— 

719 

Coroner. 

liicharrl Ellis, d 9:16- 

J. N. Whitlock, w 271 

Uenj:iniin .Inhnson 190 

William.! McAdams 32 

Recorder. 

Andrew Kelley 315 

.\branara Spi.'ncer 746 — 

J. I). Graves 464 

T.J Kuhu!^on 204 

On the Question of a CouveDtion. 

For H6:i— : 

Against 278 

ELECTION, AUGUST 1847 

Congress. 

William A Richard8on,d 1283- 

N.G. Wilcux, w 2S)6 

County Commissioner. 

T. S. Bo'ih .V)7 

IHvid Woolley .542 

.\1 K. Hfttlan 268 

■r. M. Enclieh 216 

Kohert Greeu 14 

Clerk. 

F. P. Vedder, d lOPl— 

J. F. Simpson, w. 492 

Charles liobsoii 38 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph Pierson. d 87.3 — 

Nathan Savage, w 322 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

David I'inkerton M2— 

T. J . Robinson 482 

J.J.I.akin 438 

J. S. Ben ear 117 

Allen Bell 5 

Recorder. 

Abraham Spencer, d 11:1.3 — 

Charles Senndreit. w 408 



282 



987 



50 



652 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Surveyor. 

C . C . Dodge 630 

William H. Ellis 669- 299 

Probate Justice. 

M. S. Link (do oppoeition) d — 1316 

Scattering 7 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1848. 

Governor. 

Augustus C. French, (no opputitiou) d 1241 

Lieutenan'-Governor. 

William McMurlry, (no opposition) d 1216 

Secretary of State. 

Horace S. Coo'ey, (no oppoeition) d 1309 

Auditor of Slate. 

Thomas H. Campbell, (no opposition^ d 1210 

Treasurer of State. 

Milton Carpenter, (no oppo»itiou)d 1211 

Congress. 

William Richardson, (no opposition) d 1403 

Scattennj 3 

State Senator. 

Franklin Witt, d 1152- 604 

James Metcalf, w 548 

Scattering 3 

Kepresentatlve. 

JohnD.Frv 1326 

Isaac Parneillu 966 

J.umau CurtiUB 665 

Hawkins Hendricks t''6 

George N . Morgan 146 

Sheriff. 

Z. A. Morrow ^58— 98 

William A, J. Knssell 860 

Coroner. 

James Medford 58S— 378 

William G. Able 205 

Commissioner. 

Israel Piper 381 

James Ounnedy 3l3 

T. S. Patlen-on If6 

Joshua W. Armstrong 747 

ELECTION, SEPTEMBER, 1848. 

Supreme Judge. 
Samuel H. Treat, (no opposifon) d 1191 

Supreme Clerk. 

Mason Broyman. d. .. 710— 559 

WilliamB Warren, w 451 

CircBit Juflge. 

O. M. Woodson, d 834- 173 

Alfred W. Caverly, w 661 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

MarkW, Delahay. d 663— 334 

Clark H. Goodrich, w 428 

Circuit Clerk. 

William Carlin, d 802- 155 

K. B. Hill, w 647 

ELECTION, NOVEMBES, 1849. 

County Judge. 

M. S. Link 868— 302 

It. W. English 566 

County Justices of the Peace. 

A.J. Whiteeide 671 

A. S SceK ."^as 



J. W. Armstrong 350 

Dfivid Wooley , .374 

James Cannady IfiG 

Abraham Enslow 120 

Thomas S. Booth..... , 264 

Samuel Boyd 51 

T. M Kngiish 58 

County Clerk. 

F. P. Vedder (no oppositiou) 1473 

('ounty Surveyor. 

W. H. Ellis (no opposition) 1410 

Coroner. 

R. R. Nichols 471— 

William Barrows 368 

J. N. Whitlock 68 

G. B, Doty 42 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph Pierson 963— 

A. C Kirwan 94 

County Treasurer. 

P McConathv 735— 

J- K. Hollidav 4^3 

T. A Bell 251 

Jame« Eames 55 

On the Question of Township Organization. 

For 333 

Against %0— 

ELECTION NOVEMBER, 1850. 

Congrees. 

William A. Richardson, d 848— 

Orville H. Browning, w 548 

State Senator. 

Franklin vVitt, d 761— 

John A. Logan, w 369 

Treasurer 

John Moore, d, (no opposition) 1250— 

Representative. 

Charles D. Hodges, d 708 

Joshua C. Winters 536 

Mark W. Delahay 280 

A. S. Wyckoff. 362 

Matthew Cyrus 261 

Scatteriug 4 

Circuit Clerk. 

Z. A. Morrow, d 941— 

James <>. Graves 226 

Abraham Bowman 12^J 

Scattering S 

Sheriff. 

William Halbut ^. 747— 

Jiihu A. Auten 55:1 

Scattering 1 

Coroner. 

Marshal Dulauev 623 

K. R. N ichols....". 320 

Scattering 2 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 18.51. 

State Senator (to fill vacancy.) 

John M. Palmer (no opposition) 1086 

County Treasurer. 

Perry McConat by 701 

Willium C. Rainey 403 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph Pierson (no opposition) 1087 

County Surveyor. 

William H. Ellis 309 

Samuel Heatnii 77' — 



869 



302 



300 



589 



4^3 



wwpww^^^ 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



655 



On the Question of a General Banking Law. 

For 437 

Against 635— 198 

On till' QuL'htiou of Ei^tahliphiiig a New Boundary 
Line for Jersey Couuty. 

For 597— 282 

Against 315 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1852. 

President. 

Franklin Pierced 1297- 433 

Wintield ScoU, w 81)4 

Jobn P. Hale f e 12 

Governor. 

Joel A. Matteson, d 1264— 4.36 

E. B Weill), w 848 

D. A. Knowlton, f. 8 li 

Lieuteuant-Goveruor. 

Gus- Koerncr, d 1271 

.1 L. D. Morrison, w 845 

Philo Carpenter, f. s 13 

Secretary of State. 

Alexander Starne, d 127T— 431 

Buckner S. Morris, w ; 846 

Erastue Wright, f . s 12 

State Auditor. 

Thos. H Carapbell.d 1283— 441 

Chas A. Bi-tts, «• 842 

E. J. .Smith, f. s \i 

State Treasurer. 

John Moore, d ; 128:1- 447 

Francif A very, w 836 

Muse.'' I'eltiu'gill, f. s 12 

Congressman. 

John O.lhoiin, d 1186— 233 

Kichard Yates. \v 9o;i 

Representative. 

Giles 11. Turner, d 1327— 904 

A. L. Knapi). w 423 

II. R. Webb, f. s 57 

(harks D. Hodces, d 1164— 388 

Trummi W. Brydia, w 778 

Jacob Lnrton,f. s 110 

State's Attorney. 

Mahlon Koss 232 

Cvrus Kpler 769 

William Wecr.Jr 977— 211 

Clerk of Circuit Court. 

Alfred Tlinton 483 

Abraham Spencer 69.) — 140 

Lewis W, Link 555 

Thumaa A. Mclutyrc 338 

Sheriff. 

Znchariah A. Morrow 10.3:J — 477 

Iliich Jackson 556 

Daniuii Griswold 535 

Coroner. 

Marshal Dulanev 13 .S— 9»4 

Rcai.iu It. Nichols 389 

William F. Flowers 173 

On the question of an amendment to the constitution. 

For 1865— 1714 

Against 151 

ELECTION. 1853. 

County J'idge. 

Mathias S. Link, w 457 

Charles D. Hodges, d 1137— 680 

Associate Justices. 

Fii-ldiriK Mitchell 90 

Thomas J ^hort 781 



Linus E Worcester 899 

Lemuel J. Patterson 4*15 

James Tavlor 145 

Siugleton'P. Green 496 

Z. U. Adams 30 

County Clerk. 
Francis P. Vedder, (no opposition) 1035 

Surveyor. 

Samuel Heaton, d _ 1280— 987 

Bricen Pursley, w 293 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph Piersou, (no opposition) d 1601 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

William L. Greene 381 

James Hudson 500 

Kdmnnd L. Cooper 772— 278 

Edwara McGoorin 6 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1854. 

Congress. 

Kichard Yates, w 839 

T. L. Harris, d 1283— 444 

State Treasurer. 

James Miller, w 562 

John Moore, d 1481— 919 

State Senator. 

B. T. Burke, d 10:30- 91 

John M. Palmer, w 9:'9 

Representative. 

Z. A. Morrow, vv 915 

J. W. Pursley. d 1051— 136 

Sheriff. 

Hugh Jickson 724— 41 

K. 1 Oetrom ."07 

llirani Kcach 1.54 

Lemuel J. Patterson 68:3 

Coroner. 

Marshal I)ulanc:.d 1157— 559 

Reed 568 

ELECTION, JDNE 4, 1855. 

On the Qnestion of Prohibiting the sale of Liquor. 

For Prohibition 173 

Against Prohibition 714 — 541 

Judge of Supreme Court, to fill vacancy caused by 
the resignation of Judge Treat. 

O. C Skinner 1217— 519 

S. T. Logan 0!I8 

Clerk, Supreme Court. 

W.A Turuey 1.583— 1:»1 

.S. A. Cornean 283 

Circuit Judge. 

D. M. Woodson 1787— 1757 

J.M. Pursley 2.3 

Scattering 7 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER. 18.56. 

President. 

James Buchanan, d 1565— 846 

.Millard Fillmore, a 719 

John C. Fremont, r 245 

Congress. 

Thomas L. Harris, d 1562— 6.i7 

John Williams, r 905 

Governor. 

William .\. Richardson, d 16.56— 830 

William A. Bissell, r 826 

Lieutcnant-GoverDor. 

Kicnard J. Hamilton, d 1605— 771 

John Wood, r 834 



TU 



656 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Secretary of State. 

William H. Suvdev, d 1605— 770 

OziasM. Hatcli, r 8:i5 

State Auditor. 

.Samuel E.Cnsey.d 1704— 777 

Jesse K. DuboiH, r o37 

State Treasurer. 

John Moore, d 1620— 795 

Jamee Miller, r 825 

Siiperiutendent of Public Instruction, 

John H. St. Mathemy, d . 1568— 727 

William H. PoH-ell,r 841 

State Senator. 
Linus E. Worcester, (no opposition) d 1881 

Representative. 

John \V. Huitt. d 1380— 597 

Richard Yates, r 78;^ 

State's Attorney. 

J. W. English, d 1435— 562 

A. G. Burr, r 783 

Sheriff. 

Lemuel J. Patterson, d 1268- 695 

Perry McConath* 504 

I. K. Obtroni 573 

Circuit Clork. 

Abraham Sponcer. d 10.51 — 140 

Hugh Jackson 911 

Mclntyre 442 

Coroner. 

Marshal Dulaney, d I.'i54— 

Reed, r 1096 

On the Question of a Convention. 

For 441 

Against 1414— 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER. 1857. 

County Judge. 

Charles D- Hodges, (no opposition) d 2197 

Associates. 

L. E. Worcester, (no opposition) d 2165 

Thomas Short (no opposition) d 2118 

County Clerk. 

F P. Vedder, d 13.30- 426 

F. M. Rlstime, d 904 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph Pierson, (no opposition) d 1943 

Survevor. 

H. Bonfoy, (no opposition) d 1196 

Assessor. 

William L. Greene, d 1.W8— 503 

William Halbirt, r 855 

ELECTION NOVEMBER 18.58. 

Congress. 

Thomas L. Harris, d 1517— 7.52 

James H. Matheny, p 795 

State Treasurer 

William B. Fondey. d ,. in2— 747 

James Miller. p ; 765 

Superintendent of Public Inetruction. 

Augustus C, French, d 1509- 748 

Newton Bateman, p 761 

State Senater. 

Anthony L. Knapp. d 1465— 677 

Alexander B. Morean, p 785 

Representative. 

Alexander King, Jr., d 1499— 747 

Joshua W, .Armstrong, p T.'-S 



228 



973 



Sheriff. 

Zechriah Morrow 958 

lordan L'ikin 1077— 119 

McNail 229 

Coroner. 

Anderson Headrick 1042— .388 

Tnnstall 651 

Brown 158 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1859. 

Congress. 

.John A. McClernand, d 1279— 621 

John M. Palmer, r 658 

Associate Judge. 

Levi T. Whiteside, d 1148— 4E0 

Potts, r 699 

County Treasurer. 

William L. Greene, d 1112— 377 

Cobb, r 765 

School Commissioner. 

Stenhen P. Oorrington, d lOOfi— 104 

J. B". Samuel, r... 9u2 

Surveyor. 
Henry Bonfoy, d., (no opposition) 1896 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER. 1860. 

President. 

Stephen A. Douglas, d 2173— 1194 

Abraham Lincoln, r 979 

John (.:. Breckenridge,s. d 4 

John Bell, u c ." 67 

Cougrees. 

John A. McClernand, d 2186—1077 

Henry Case. 1009 

Governor. 

John C. Allen, d ■. 2196— 1079 

kichard Yates, r 1017 

LieutenaDt-Governor. 

Lewis W. Ross, d 2193- 1186 

Francis A. Hoffman, r 1007 

Secretary of State. 

George H. CampbelLd 2188— 1182 

O. M. Hatch, r lOub 

Auditor. 

Bernard Arntzen,d 2184—1175 

Jesse K. Dubois, r H 09 

Treasurer. 

Hugh Maher, d 2183— 1173 

William Butler, r 1010 

Superintendent ot Public Instruction. 

Edward R Roe, d 2179— 1163 

^ewton Bateman, r 1016 

Attorney. 

James W. English, d 21.54- 1155 

Robert Hitt, d 27 

James Lee, r - 999 

Representative. 

Benjamin Baldwin, d 2069- 1038 

Linus E. Worcester, r 1031 

Circuit Clerk. 

James S. \' dder, d 2164— 1164 

CalvinTunuell.r 1000 

Sheriff. 

Jacob Bowman, d 2 46— 1119 

G. L. riurruss, r 1027 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



657 



Coroner. 

AndcTsou Hondrick, d 2150— 11.33 

Ilackncv.r 10i7 

On the queBtion of a Convehlion. 

For 7.39 

Ag-iinst 2<«9— 1300 

ELECTION, .TUNE. ISfil . 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 



W. A. Tiiruev. . 
A. W. Turney. 
Scattering 



377- 
4 



Oircuit Judge. 

David Mead Woodson 120- 117 

Scattering 3_ 

ELKCTION, NOVItMP.ER. 1861. 

Anthony L Kn app, (no opposition) d 1821 

•Scattering.... 5 

Delegate to Constiintional Convention. 

.lohu M . Woodson, d 18S.5— 15K2 

JametJ [ludBou, r 303 

County Judge. 

Thomas H. Bovd, d 1996— 1747 

S ocum H. Culver, r 249 

Associate Judges. 

•rohn Kuyle. d 1799— ]4-?6 

Robert Oreen, d 1830— 1534 

H, B, Kills, r : 373 

John Grimes, r 296 

County Clerk. 

W. A. Davis, d 1880- 1091 

F. P.Vedder.d 589 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

X. J. Andrews, d 1726— 1434 

William L. Urotn, r 492 

Surveyor. 

Henry Bon fov. d 2098— W-W 

Samuel Heaton, r 141 

School Commissioner. 

S. F. Corrington, (no opposition) d 2247 

Coroner. 

J. E Pridges, (no opposition) d 2144 

On the question of a hanking law. 

For 7 

Against , 14.'>6— 1479 

SPECIAL KLBCTION, JUNK. 1862. 

On the question of a new Constitution. 

For 1841— 1183 

Against 794 

On the Question of Prohibiting Banks. 

For 1811—1183 

.-Xgainst 7.'8 

On the Question of Excluding I^egroes and Mulattoes. 

For 2:)4 2— 2201 

Against 141 

On tile Qu»-stion of Negroes Voting and Uolding Office. 

For '. 18 

Against aWO- 2B.'j2 

On the Question of Laws for Excluding Negroes from 
Coming to the State. 

P.T 2.57.5— ^5^8 

.\gainpt 17 

On the Question of Congressional Apportionment. 

For 1815— lO^S 

Against 750 



ELECTION, NOVEMBKR, 1862. 

Congress, 

Anthony L, Ktiapp, d 17,34- IISO 

S. W. irfoulton, r 584 

Congress— .\t Large. 

James C. Allen, d 1745 — 1160 

E. C. Ingersoll, r 5K> 

State Treasurer. 

Alexander Storne. d 1746— 1181 

William Butler, r 565 

Superintendent of Public Instructions. 

John P. nrooks. d 17.i8— 1189 

Newton Bateman, r ■'iGg 

Senator. 

Linus E. Worcester, d 1797— 1281 

N.M. Knapp, r ., 516 

Representative. 

William P. Witt, d 1500— 806 

.Alexander Bowman, r 694 

Sheriff. 

Hugh Jackson, d 1068 

William L. Greene, r 1160— (12 

Coroner. 
John D. Jackson (no opposition) 2286 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1863. 

Assessor. 

Nathaniel.!. Andrews (no opposition), d 1023-- 1009 

Scattering 14 

School C<tmmi8sioner. 

Stephen F. Corrington (no opposition), d 972 — 915 

Scattering 57 

Surveyor. 

Samuel Heaton, r 290 

LM Dyer, d 728— 438 

Scattering 15 

Coroner. 

Parham Thaxton, d 992— 947 

Scattering 45 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1864. 

President. 

Georse B Mcriellnn.d 2249- 1271 

Abraham Lincoln, r 978 

Governor. 

James C. Pobinson. d 2251 — 1273 

Richard J. Oglesby. r 978 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

S. Corniig Jndd.d 2249- 1272 

William Bross, r 977 

Secretary of State. 

William A. Turnev, d 2^18— 1270 

Sharon Tyndale. r 978 

State Auditor. 

lohn Hise, d 2218— 1270 

(). H Miner, r 978 

Treasurer. 

Atexain'cr Stamp, d 2218— 1269 

James H Beveridge,r 979 

Superintendent of Public Instruct on . 

J. hn P Brooks, d 2'?4R— 1270 

Newton Batemiin, r 97» 

Congrees- At Large. 

JamesC. Allen, d 2248— 1270 

S. W. Moulton, r 978 



658 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Congress— lOth District. 

Anthony Thornton, d 2i47— 1371 

R. M. Knapp, r 976 

SLate'H Attorney. 

William Brown, d 2247— 1268 

Thomas G. Taylor, r 979 

Representative. 

K. M. Perry, d 8244— 1267 

James M . Davis, r 977 

Sheriff. 

Oeorge VV. Coonrod, d 2210-1294 

William U. Hndson.r 946 

Coroner. 

Parham Thaxtou (no opposition) — 2245 

Circuit Clerk. 

Thomas J. Carlin, d 2208— 1247 

AllrcdJ. Worcester, r 959 

ELECTION, NOVEMBEK 1665. 

County Judge. 

Thomas II. Bovd, d 1373— 542 

Mar.shall Potts, r SJl 

Associate Judges. 

L. J. Patterson, d 1376— 58:3 

J. F.Collins, r 79:) 

F. M, Fishbaclc d 1-1(17- 597 

W. B.Taylor.r 810 

Clerk. 

Geo. W. Dav's, d 1406- 615 

E. J. I'earce, r 791 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

N.J Andrews, d 1419— 634 

W. T. Monroe, r 795 

School Commissioner. 

S. F. Gorringtou.d 1410— 608 

M. L. Wood, r 802 

Surveyor. 

Samuel Heaton, d 1371— 5"j0 

William Dewes, r 821 

ELECTION, 1866. 

Congress — At Large. 

T. Lyle Dickey, d 1961— 848 

John A. Logai), r 1113 

Congress— loth District. 

Albert G. Burr, d 1972— 880 

Heniy Case, e 1092 

State Treasurer. 

Jesse J. Phillips d 1971— 8T0 

George W. Smith, r 1101 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

John M. Crebs, d 1967— 863 

N. Bateman, r 1104 

State Senator. 

William Shephard, d 1971— 871 

E. G. Miner, r 1100 

Representative. 

Henry C. Withers, d 1928— 815 

.Toshua C. Winters, r 1113 

Count*- Judge. 

Alfred Hinton, d ' 1929— 841 

Hiram B. Ellis, r 1088 

Sheriff. 

S Foster Greene, d 1967— 884 

George L. Burruss, r 1083 

Coroner. 

Thomas Wright, d 1962— 863 

Anthony Connole, r 1099 



ELECTION, .TUNE, 1867. 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Pinckney H. Walker, d 982— 709 

Charles Emmerson, r 273 

Clerk Supreme Court. 

William A. Turney, d,..- 982- 709 

John M. Snyder, r 27;i 

Circuit Judge. 
Charles D. Hodges (no opposition) d 1137 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1867. 

C*)Unty Treasurer. 

N. J. Andrews (no opposition) d 987 

Scattering 4 

County Surveyor. 

J. C. White, (no opuositiou) d 980 

Scattering 3 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1868. 

President. 

Horatio Seymour, d ~ 2569- 1206 

U. S. Grant, r 136:J 

Governor. 

John R. Eden, d 2.584— 1221 

John M Palmer, r i:i63 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

William H. Van Epps, d 2381— 1322 

John Dougherty, r 1363 

Secretary of State. 

Gustavus Van Horubcke, d 2.584—1222 

Edward Rnnimel, r- 1363 

Auditor. 

John R. Shannon, d 2564—1226 

Charles E. Lippincott, r . . 1361 

Treasurer. 

Jesse J. Phillips, d 2585—1222 

Erastus N. Batos, r 1:363 

* Attorney General. 

Robert E, Williams, d 2.584— 1221 

Washington Bushneli, r 1363 

Penitentiary Commissioners. 

John W. Connett. d 3584 

W. M. Garrard, d 2583 

Caluep Zarley,d 2582 

Andrew .Shannon. ,.... 1362 

John Koid. r 1:362 

RobertE. Logan, r 1:363 

Congress— At Large. 

W. W. O'Brien d 2582— 1217 

JohnA. Logan, r 1:362 

Congress— 10th District. 

AlhertG. Burr, d 2582— 1217 

J. B. Turner, r 1365 

Staters Attorney. 

William Brown, d 2588—1231 

Isaac L. Morrison, r 1357 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

William H Reed, d 2380— 122 

J. H. VanArsdale, r *. 1354 

Representative. 

David M Woodson, d 2581— 1245 

David riersou, r 1:336 

Clerk of Court. 

Thomas J. Carlin. d 2623- 1325 

F. M. Mytinger, r 1297 



M^MdMSBAi^^^^rfik^^^^^a^ 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



650 



Sheriff. 

Jnmes S. Vedder. d 2571— 189« 

\V. M.Fry, 1- 1275 

Coroner. 

Henry Niifh, (1 2483— 13:« 

JaincB U - Taylor, r 1350 

On the QUeBtioD of a convention. 

For 1222 

Agninst 2408— USB 

ELECTION, NOVEHBBR. 1869. 

Delcgaie to State Convent on. 

J.W. Euglish, d 1886— 940 

E. A.GilliT.r 946 

Countv Judge. 

JohnRnyIe,d : 1848— 881 

G. L. Biimiss. r 967 

Associate Justices. 

P. M. Fishbacli, d 1787 

J. II. Hives, d 1833 

Anthony I'otts. r 1041 

Martin Thorpe, r 941 

County Clerk. 

George W.Davis, d 1901— 952 

C. W. Brace, r 939 

Treasurer 

N.J. Andrews, d 1889— 955 

C- W. Keeley, r 9)34 

Surveyor. 

J. C. White.d 1878— 929 

Henry Black, r 949 

Superintendent of Schools. 

O. A. WorIcy,d 1575— 420 

M. L. Wood, r 1149 

On the question of subscriptions to railroads. 

PorP.C.C.&C 1404— 79 

Against 1325 

Fori,. &W 1365— 10 

Against 1955 

For P &L 1001 

Against 17:)8— 737 

For It. R. I.&St.L 850 

Against 1881— 1031 

On the Ciuestion of an Amendment to the Constitu- 
tion. 

For 2144—2080 

Against 64 

ELECIION, NOVEMBKlt, 1S70. 

Congress- At Large. 

William B. Anderson 1542- 718 

John A. Logan 821 

Congress- 10th District 

E.Y.Rice 1541— 708 

J W. Kitchen 8:J3 

State Senator. 

William Shephiirrt. d 154:J— 715 

J Mrrrick Bush, d 1510— 718 

George Warren, r 828 

Thomas U. Flynn, r 822 

Representative. 

Thomas U. Boyd,d 1546^- 738 

Ostrom, r 813 

Penitentiary Commisslonere. 

Francis T. Sherman, d 1549— 725 

Thomas Redmond, d 1545 — 721 

Casper Uutz. r 824 

Elmer Washburn, r 824 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Charles KciUBe.d 1643— 7.6 

Newton Batuman, r ; 827 



State Treasurer. 

Charles Ridgely. d 1945— "21 

E.N. Bates r 824 

Sheriff. 

Francis M. Bell, d 1307— 274 

Eldred. r 103) 

Coroner. 

Henry P. Nash, p 1539- 715 

Mclntyve, r 824 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1871. 

Congress — At Large. 

S. S. Hays, d 1266— 535' 

J. L. Beveridge, d 721 

State Senator. 

William H. Allen.d 1152— 525 

William A. Griiushaw, d 727 

County Treasurer. 

Alfred M Browning, d 1212— 522 

Edward A. Giller, r ,. . 72U 

Surveyor. 

Jay C. Whits, d 1281— 567 

John C. Burrups, r 694 

On the question of township argasization. 

For 6»3 

Aginst 1216— 533 

ELECTION, NOVE.MBKR, 1872. 

President. 

U. S Grant, r 1371 

Horace Greeley, l.d 2197— 826 

Charles O'Conuor.d 26 

Governor. 

Richard J Oglesby, r 1369 

(>u5taTU8 Koeruer, d 2256— 887 

B.G.Wright 25 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

John L . Beveridge, r 1378 

John C . Black, d. 2256— 878 

D. G. Starr 26 

Secretary of State. 

George H Harlow, r 1378 

Edward Kiimmel, d 2251— 873 

Ethan Sutton 26 

State Auditor. 

Charles K. I.ippincott, r 1.377 

Daniel o'Hara, d 22.i0— 873 

C. A..UIlsterman 26 

State Treasurer. 

Edward Rutz. r 1:)S0 

Charles H. Lamphier. d 2250- S70 

Henry West 24 

Attorney-General . 

James K. Edsall, r 1375 

John V. Eustace, d 2250— 875 

George W.Meech 26 

Congress. 

A. C. Mathews, r 1.385 

Robert M. Knapp.d i216— 861 

J.M. Darragh 16 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

Charles H Eldred, r 1391 

L.T. Whiteside, d 2206— 875 

State Senator. 

John C. Salter,! 1376 

William Blown, d 2258— 882 

Representative. 

Jerome B. Nultoii 3028 

John W. Meacham 2510 

Richards. Cole 40S8 

John Gordon 447 



G60 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Supreme Clerk. 

E. C, niimbnraher, r 1380 

D^vid A, Brown, d 2W0 

r . H. Palmer 14 

State's Attorney. 

Albert Lee, r 1475 

John J. Pitzsimons, d 1720— 356 

Circuit Clerk. 

George L. WilHaran. r 1455 

Thomas J. Carlin, d 2111— 65 

Sheriff. 

JnhnH. Seeley, r 1357 

Kathaniel J Andrewe.d 2-^7— 900 

Coroner. 

Resin R. Nichols, r 14'.;7 

Henry P. ISash, d 2183— 766 

A.Connole 8 

On the question of horses running at large 

For • 21i5— 1304 

Against • . . . • 821 

On the question o! mules running at large. 

For 11(2- 140 

Against 46 

On the question of asses running at large. 

For 19i— 147 

Against 45 

ELECTION, JUNK, 1873. 

supreme Judge. 
John Schofleld 1811— 1721 

A. P. Kingsbury 90 

Circuit Judge. 

David M. Woodson, d 1838— 1309 

N. M, Knapp, d 539 

Cyrus Epler. d '. its 

ELECTION, NOVFMBER, 1873. 

County Judge. 

Linus E. Worcester, d 1823— 19B 

Tbomae H. Boyd, r 162i' 

Clerk. 

George W. Davis, d 1148 

Leander R. Lakin 2087 — 639 

Treasurer. 

James J Mc'^limans, d 1453 

William H. Pickart 2UB9— 616 

Superintendent of Schools. 

Stephen F. Corrington 1384 

Mrs. Catherine Hopkins 1879 — 495 

Commissioner. 

N. M. Perry 1424 

.^ohn H. Rives i:j5(i 

Henry Tunieon 16U 

J. F. Rallenger 2047— 623 

C. W. Brace 8158- 802 

W. H. Barrow 2044 — 513 

ELECTIUN. NOVEMBER. 1874. 

Congress. 

Scott Wike,d 2344— 11.37 

David E. Beaty, r 1207 

State Senator. 

Charles D Hodges, d 2025— 416 

Edward A.Giller, r. and! 1609 

Representative. 

Andrew J. Thompson, d 2840 

Samuel Woods, d 28:.12'2 

B. G. Culver, d. and p 4SfiH'i 

Y . P. Williams, r. and i 428 

John Gordon, r 4 



Charles Carroll, d .' 2280— 1050 

Thomas S. Ridgeway, r 1230 

I 'avid Gorr, i 19 

James F. Simpson, p 12 

Supenutendeut of Public Instruction. 

Samuel M. Etter, d. and i 2313— 1125 

William U. Powell, r 1193 

Sheriff. 

Frank M. Biidges, d 1918— 155 

Charles H Eldred, r. and p 1763 

County Commissioners. 

John H. Gr.-ene, d 1974— 980 

Thomas J. Ens'.ow, d. and p 1691 

Coroner. 

Henry P. Naeh, d 3574— 3544 

Benjamin F. Baldwin, d. and p 30 

On the Question of Towuship Organization. 

For 1417— 11 

Against 1406 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1875. 

County Commissioner. 

George H. Amos. d 1560— 690 

Sleelman, r 870 

Willisiu B. Robinson, d 1604— 729 

Etiwards, r 875 

Treasurer 

Richard A. Short, d 1592— 693 

Shipman.r 899 

Surveyor. 

JayC. White. d 1630— 814 

Sackelt, r 816 

On the question of Towuship organization. 

For 1195— 25 

Against 1170 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1876. 

President. 

Rutherford B Hayes, r 1695 

Samuel J. Tilden, d 3160— 1465 

Congress. 

R.ibert M. Knapp, d 31.«— 1461 

Joseph RobbiuB, r 1693 

Governor. 

Shelbv M. Cnllom, r 1688 

Lewis' .Stewart, d 3164— 1476 

Scattering 14 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Andrew Shuman, r, 1692 

Archibald A Glenn, d 3171— 1479 

Secretary of State. 

GeorgeH. Harlow, r 1692 

Stephen Y. Thornton, d 3166—1474 

State Auditur. 

Thoma-' B. Needles, r 1693 

John Uise, d 3168- 1475 

State Treasurer. 

Edward Rntz.r 1691 

George Gundlach, d 3171— 1480 

Attorney-General. 

JamesK. Edsall, r 1692 

Edmund Lynch, d 316S— 1470 

Member Board of Equalization. 

LeviT. Whiteside, d 3181— 1513 

William Graumer, r 1668 



Representative, General Assembly. 

W P Calioii. a 4468 

Lilcien Iviuj;, d 4190 

I L. Morrii-on. r 4711 

John Gordon 379 

Prosecatiug Attorney. 

James K Ward, d 3229- 

Duucan C. Mclver. r Iti05 

Circuit Clerk. 
James H Short, d 300:)-- 

WmiamB,r 1825 

Sheiiff. 

John Jones, d 3214— : 

Uiideon, r 1584 

Coroner. 
Anderson Headrick, d 3144- 

Kingeley, r 1698 

County Cummisslouer. 

William M. Morrow, d 31fi6— 

King, r 1663 

On the question of stock running at large. 

For 2»38— 

Against 1023 



ELECTION, NOrEMEBB, 1877. 

County Judge. 

1,1 n lie E. Worcester, d 

Scattering 



1178 



1456 



1.503 



1306 



3:138 
1 



County Clerk. 

Leander R. I.akin, d 2381—1337 

Mauoaii BoMtwick. r 1044 

Jobii C. Hardcastle 201 

County Treasurer. 

William D GuUett, d : 18S2— 191 

ElonA. Kldrcd, r 1091 

Solomon HeuBOn 9 

Superintendent of schools. 

Dnvid F King, d lR"i«— 96 

Allen M Tuunell, r 1742 

Scattering 1 

County Commissiouer. 

Sing'eton F. Greene, d S300 

Scattering 9 



For . 



On the question of an appropriation. 



1192 



Against 2039— 847 

On the question of a tax upon dogs. 

For 1590 

Against . IbSi- 290 

On the question of township organization. 

For 1517 

Against 1889— 372 

ELECTION. NOVBHBEB, 1878. 

Congress. 

James W. Singleton, d 1690— 840 

Wil jam H. Pogue, p ••m 

-lames P. Dimmitt, r 850 

State Senator. 

William P. Callon, d 1618— 691 

James .M . Dhvis, r 937 

John II. Rives 971.^ 

John K. Miller lai 

IRepresentative. 

Francis M Rridges 2674V4 

Richardson Vasey 2296H 

Isaac L. Mtirrisou '. 2-V29Vi 

Henry M. Miller 68u 



State Treasurer. 

John C. Smith, r 827 

Edward L Conkrite, d 1724— 897 

RrastusN. V,ates,p 149 

Jerome U. Gorin ].. ^15 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Kate L.Hnokins i:.ii 

James P. Siade, r *.".!.*!'.!. 822 

Samuel .M - Etter. d I7.ifi mg 

Frank H. Hall, p 133 

Supreme Cflerk. 

Ethan .\ , Sniveley, d 1737 905 

Mervin B. Converse, r 812 

.Mbert F. Smith '.'.'....'.'. 86 

Thomas S. Knowles .'*.'.' 140 

Appellate Clerk. 

Giorge W. Jones, d 1734 991 

Montravillo M. Duncan, r .' " 84;i 

C.E.Schoflf .>2i 

Sheriff. 

John Jones, d 1884- 1205 

Thomas A Smith, r 679 

Thomas Doyle 341 

Coroner. 

Anderson Hendiirk, d 1713 912 

Andrew J. Bruuer. r ., goi 

Sylvester .A. Vedrier \[[ 128 

iJOTald Carmichael .' 143 

Counly Commissioner. 

William M Maherry, d ]677 623 

Enoch l.itl.lefield. r 949 

Samui-I J , Hopkins '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 'l5:> 

On the question of a Convention to amend the consti- 
tution of the State of lllinois. 

For 1113— 387 

Against 726 

ELECTION, JUNE, 1879. 

Supreme Judge. 
John Schofield, democrat, received the full 
vote of the county, having no opposition. 

Circuit Judge. 

Cvrup Epler, d ].(;j.9 

Albert G Burr, d 1150 

Lyman Lacy, d 1392 

Nathaniel W. Brant-on, r .*. 588 

James T. Hohlit, r ."..'.[ .%:V2 

Herbert G . Whitlock, r 406 

ELECTION, NOVEMUBU, 1879. 

County Commissioner. 

G . n . A mos. d 2222 913 

T.J. Baldwin, r ] " 1309 

County Surveyor. 

J. C. White, (no oppotition) d 3.567 

Assessor and Treasurer. 

W. D. Gulbert. d 1857- 93 

E. A. Eldred,r .'.'..'. 1764 

On the Question of an Appropriation. 

For 1755 

Against 19.^2— 167 

On the question of Township Organi/.atloB 

For lo:;,; 

Against 2114— 588 

ELECTION. NOVEMHEB, 1880. 

President. 

Winfield S. Hancock, d 3160 1295 

James A. GarHeld, r .', I8tt5 

James B. Weaver, g. 49 

Scattering ',,', 10 



('■>62 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Governor. 

Shelby M. Cnllom, r 1871 

Lymau Trumbull, d 31«— 1273 

Alson .T. Streator, g 5U 

Scattering 11 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

John M. Hamilton, r 1864 

Lewis B. l'arBOiiB,d. 3153— iSa 

Andrew B. Adair, g 5- 

Scatteriug 10 

Secretary of State. 

Henrv D. Dement, r 18ti0 

John H. Oberly, d 315S— IW.' 

J. M. Thompson, g 51 

Scattering 10 

Slate Auditor. 

Charles P. Swigert, r 1863 

LewiB C. Stnrkel, d 3154— I!9l 

William T. Ingram, g 51 

Scattering 10 

State Treasurer. 

Edward Rutz. r 1863 

Tberaae Butterworth, d 3155 — 139:2 

George W. Evans, g 51 

Scattering 10 

Attorney General. 

James JlcCartney, r 187 i 

Lawrence Harmon, d 3140 — 13»-' 

G. H.Whitlock.g 51 

Scattering 10 

CongreeB. 

James W Singleton, d 3144— 1J8J 

William D, Edgar, r 1660 

A. B. Allen, g 45 

Scattering 3 

Member of Board of Equalization. 

E.B. Brown, d 3147— 13S0 

CM. Grammar, r 1867 

Scattering 3 

Representatives. 

Joseph S. Carr, d 4310V4 

Oliver Coultas, d 4089'/2 

David Pierson, r 5503 

• ■ Caldwell . .-. 360H 

State's Attorney. 

3000— lOOi 

1937 

Circuit Clerk. 

Thomas J. Albert, d 2832- 77b 

Danforlh, r 2054 

Scattering. 3 

Sheriff. 

George W. Witt, d 2835— 67: 

Williams, r 2148 

Scattering 3 

Coroner. 

George W. Thomp-on, d 2878— 847 

Peter Dunbar, r 2031 

Scattering 3 

County Commissioner. 

Lewie P. Williams, d , 2918— 907 

Edwards, r 2011 

Scattering 7 

On the C^uestion of an Amendment to the State 
Constitution. 

For 1788 

Against 2259— 471 

On the Question of Township Organization. 

For 22il 

Against 2290— 69 



David F. King, d 
W. M. Ward, r.... 



On the Question of Taxation to Erect a New Court 
House. 

For 1520 

Against 3110— 15(10 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1861. 

County Commissioner. 
John Snyder (no opposition), d 492 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1882. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Henrv Raab, d 3016— 1587 

Charles T. Stratlon, r 1429 

Elizabeth B. Brown 70 

State Treasurer. 

Alfred OrendorfT, d 3000— 1642 

John C. Smith, r 1458 

JohnC. Irwin, g 86 

Congress. 

James M. Riggs, d... 2479— 13.38 

James W. Singleton, r 1141 

Philip N . Minear, g 878 

State Senator. 

Frank M. Bridges, d 2889—1329 

Thomas A. Smith, r 1.560 

Representatives. 

Waller E. Carlin.d 4397 

George W Murray 4253 

John H. Coals 4671H 

County Judge. 

LeanderR. Lakin. d 3130- 1748 

Edwin A. Doolittle, r 1363 

County Clerk. 

John Jones, d SOU— 1610 

Edward Miner, r .• 1401 

Sheriff. 

William M. Morrow, d 3215- 1914 

Joseph M. Valentine, r 1301 

Coroner. 

George W. Thompson, d 294.3—1402 

James B. Hays, r 1541 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

Richard A. Short, d 3087-1631 

Curtius W. Brace, r 1456 

Superintendent of Schools. 

William J. Roberts, d 3058-1613 

George W, Smitli, r 1445 

County Commissioner. 

William P. Gilmore, d 2959— 1422 

Bainbridge Gillinghaui, r 1537 

On the question of a Taxation for the Erection of a new 
Court House 

For 20:« 

Against 2430— 397 

On the question of Township Organization. 

For 1705 

Against 2713— 1008 

On the Question of an Appropriation to Complete the 
State Capitol. 

For 2182— 255 

Against... 1927 

On the Question of Ceding the Illinois and Michigan 
Canal to the United States. 

For 2272— 669 

Against 1303 



ELKCTION, NOVEHBEB, 1883. 

CoiintyCommiesioner. 

James H. Smith 2876— 539 

James Barnard 3337 



ELECTION, NOVEVBER, 1884. 



Jamct* G. Blaiuc, r. ., 

iirovL'i' Clevc'limd. d 

John P. St- Juhu, p 

BeDJumiu F. Butler, g. 



PreBident. 



2010 

3205- 
73 
54 



Couftreegman. 

J. Milton Kiu'u'S.d : 3227- 

Tbomne G. Black, r 2016 

J A Wallace, p 65 

Scattering 47 

Governor. 

Richard J. Ogleeby, r 3032 

Carter H. HarriHou, d 3205— 

James B. llobbs, p 05 

Scattering 47 



1195 



1211 



Lieutenaut-Goveruor. 



John C Smilh, r 



2032 



Henry Seller, d 320H— 1177 

Jamet* L. Ferryman, p 08 

Scattering 2:i 



Secretary of State. 

llcnrv D. Dement, r 2011 

Michael J. Uaugherty, d 3202— 1171 

Charles W. Kuoi:<, p 62 

Scattering 53 

Auditor. 

Charles P. Swigerl, r 2024 

Walter E. Carlin, d 3190— U6B 

Ale.xanderB. Irwin, p 69 

Scattering 53 

Truasurer. 

Jacol) Gross, r 3026 

Alfrefi Orendortl', d 3205— 1179 

Uriah Capp 72 

Scattering 53 

Attorney Geaeral. 

Robert L McKinley.d 3206-1177 

George Hum, r 3029 

Hale Johnson, p 70 

Scattering 5;i 

Member Board Equalization. 

Samuel K. Chittenden, d 3217—1177 

William U. Ellis, r 2040 



Representative. 

Henrv C. Massev, d 4679 

Theodore S. Cha'pman, r 599314 

John H. Rives, p 579 

Byron .McEvers, d 4C52!4 

Scattering 15 

Clerk Supreme Court. 

Ethan A Snivelev, d 3228— 11S8 

Thomns J. McGratn, r 2010 

Shumau, p 2 

Clerk Appellate Court. 

George W. Jones, d 22:51- 1192 

Levcn P. Shepherd, r 2u;i8 

Smilh. p 2 

State's Attorney. 

David F. King, d 3051- 868 

KdwinA. Dooliitle, r 218;) 

Scattering 1 

Circuit Clerk. 

Anthony Connole, d 30.37— 893 

George W. Armstrong, r 2144 

Coroner. 

George W. Thompson, d 3125-1059 

Giles F Campbell, r 2066 

Andrew J. Wright, p 60 

County Surveyor. 

JayC.White.d 3220- 1170 

Parke W. Jackson, r 2030 

Scattering 3 

County Commissioner. 

Benjamin P. Mann, d 2586 

Eloii A. Eldred.r 2609- 23 

John H Slout, p 40 

On the question ol' township organization. 

For 2705- 708 

Against 1997 

On the question of an amendment to the constitution. 

For 8271— 2609 

Against 662 

On the question of an appropriation. 

For 3774— 3179 

Against 84 

ELECTION, JUNE, 1885. 

Circuit Judge. 

Lyman Lacy, d 1087 

Cyrus Epler, d 1093 

George W. Herd man, d 1086 

Scattering 23 



aHAPXRR X. 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



The ]inl)lic officeholder, in this free 
Anierica, is the truly representative 
man of the country. 

Standing, as he does, in tlie relation 
of the people's representative, he claims 



as his right, in his in<liviihial capacity, 
the respect we owe to the ])eople col- 
lectively, whose servant he is. 

In this connection are presented 
sketches of many who have served the 



664 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



county in official capacity. In some 
instances the sketches are short, and 
lack much of doing full justice to their 
subject, but in no case is this the fault 
of tlie historian. The materials were 
lacking or inaccessible for more ex- 
tended sketches. 

GOVERNOR. 

Among the 18 eminent and distin- 
guished gentlemen who have filled tlie 
gubernatorial chair of the state of 
Illinois, since its admission as a 
state into tlie American union, was 
Thomas Carlin, one of the pioneers of 
this county. 

Thomas Carlin was born near Shelby- 
ville, Ky., in 1786. His parents were 
genuine Kentuckians, and their son was 
brought up to love adventure and inured 
to all the hardships of a backwoods- 
man's life. In 1803 the family rcmovetl 
to Missouri, and the next year the 
young man's father died. Mr. Carlin 
served as a ranger during the war, and 
was among the first to settle in Greene 
county, north of the Macoupin creek, 
his improvements being made just 
south of the present site of Carrollton. 
His mother, a very worthy woman, his 
stepfather, Mr. Savage, and his two 
brothers, James and William Carlin, 
came with him. The latter was the 
father of Gen. William Passamore Car- 
lin, of the U. S. army, and of Thomas 
J. Carlin, ex-circuit clerk of Greene 
county. All these gentlemen have held 
important official positions in the coun- 
ty. In 1814, Thomas Carlin owned a 
ferrj' across the Mississippi river, near 
where Edwardsville Junction is now 
situated, and while living there he mar- 
ried Rebecca Huitt, sister of John W. 



Huitt. Mr. Carlin was a man of 
medium height, not heavily built, but 
possessed of a pair of powerful shoul- 
ders. His hair and full beard were 
sandy and his cheery face was always 
florid and full of blood. He was a man 
of iron nerve, much natural shrewdness 
and skill in dealing with his follow 
men, admired and regarded as a friend 
by every one. He was from the first, 
and for many years, perhaps the most 
popular man in the region, and was 
universally regarded as a natural leader. 
His honesty is spoken of as beyond re- 
proach, and when he was register of 
lands, at Quiney, his square dealing 
with the government was repeatedly 
remarked. While he held this oflice 
he frequently drove a team of two heavy 
horses before a wagon load of gold and 
silver (the proceeds of the land sales) 
through the lonely regions between 
Ciuincy and Carrollton, often in the 
night, entirely alone and unattended. 
He did not know what fear meant. He 
was elected first sherifl' of the county, 
held various other local offices, was 
chosen state senator, and, finally, in 
18o8, was elected governor. He died 
Feb. 14, 1852, at his home in Carroll- 
ton, on the land which he had entered 
more than 30 years before. 

STATE TRE.\SURER. 

On the 3d of Dec, 1836, John Dement, 
at that time state treasurer, resigning 
his office, Hon. Charles Gregory, of 
Greene county was duly appointed to 
fill that oflice for the unexpired portion 
of the time, and on the 5th of Dec. 
1836, cjualified for the same and entered 
upon the discharge of his duties. He 
held the office until the qualification of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



66^ 



his successor John D. Whiteside, March 
4, 1837. 

Charles Gregory was born in Connec- 
ticut, May 28, 1797. He emigrated to 
Ohio with his father ^yhen small, and 
resided in that state until 1818, when he 
started for the far west to seek his for- 
tune with the old pioneers of Illinois. 
He came down the Ohio in a canoe with 
a young man by the name of Elam 
Brown, landing at Shawneetown, 111., 
and walked from there to Wood river, 
near Alton. When he landed there he 
had the small sum of 50 cents. He 
staid in Illinois one year, and made 
enough money to buy a horse and pay 
his expenses back to Ohio, where he re- 
mained a short time and returned to 
Madison county, living there and in 
Missouri till 1821, then entered land in 
Greene county, which he improved. 
He was married, in 1825, to Elizabeth 
Woodman, who was born March 20, 
1804, in Vermont, and the fruit of this 
union was six children. Mr. Gregory 
was in the Black Hawk war of 1831-2; 
acted as state treasurer in early day; 
was a member of the legislature, and 
colonel of state militia in 1844. Three 
of his children grew to manhood. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

Until the year 1832, all of the great 
state of Illinois constituted but one con- 
gressional district, and was represented 
in the national councils by the follow- 
ing gentlemen : Daniel P. Cook, in the 
15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and liJth con- 
gresses ; and Joseph Duncan in the 20th , 
21st and 22d congresses. In 1832 under 
an apportionment act, approved Feb. 13, 
1831, the state was divided into three 
districts, and the county of Greene, to- 



gether with those of Morgan, Sangamon, 
Tazewell, Macon, McLean, LaSalle, 
Cook, Putnam, Peoria, Henry, Knox, 
Jo Daviess, Mercer. Warren, Hancock, 
McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Adams, 
Pike and Calhoun, were erected into the 
3d district, and was represented by the 
Hon. Wm. L. May, of Springfield, who 
was a member of the 24th and 22th con- 
gresses. In the history of Jersey county 
a detailed account of each successive 
congress, with the representative from 
this district has been given, and to avoid 
needless repetition, the reader will sim- 
ply be referred to the chapter on Na- 
tional, State and County Representation 
in the history of that county in this vol- 
ume, except where the representative 
has been a resident of Greene county. 

In the 35th congress, that was organ- 
ized on the 4th of March, 1857, this, the 
6th district, composed of Morgan, Scott, 
Sangamon, Macoupin, Greene, Mont- 
gomery, Christian, Shelby, Cass, Me- 
nard and Jersey, was represented by 
Hon. Charles D. Hodges, who was 
elected January 20, 1859, to succeed 
Hon. Thomas L. Harris, who had died 
in November, 1858. 

Hon. Charles D. Hodges was born on 
the 4th of Feb., 1810, in Queen Anne 
county, Md., and there resided dur- 
ing the early years of his life. He 
was an intelligent and studious young 
man, and thus graduated from Trin- 
ity college, of Hartford, Conn., at 
the early age of 19 years. He studied 
law with Alexander Randall, a prom- 
inent attorney of Annapolis, as 
preceptor, and was soon admitted to 
practice before the courts. After thor- 
oughly acquainting himself with his 
profession, his attention was turned to 



6fi6 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



the west, and Nov., 18S3, found him in 
Carrollton, 111. The town, then small 
in population and business, owes much 
of its prosperity to him who came here 
when young, and with limited means, 
by his energies and con.stant attention to 
business earned for himself a just com- 
pensation of liberal riches, not forgetful 
of the interests of his home and town, 
and moulded a character worthy of imi- 
tation by any young man. Here Mr. 
Hodges estal;)lished himself perma- 
nently in business, and afterward be- 
came ac(|uainted with Ellen Hawlcy, 
who, with her parents had removed 
from Syracuse, N. Y., to Jersey county, 
two years previous, and on Jan. 8, 18M9, 
she became his wedded partner for life. 
In his legal profession Mr. Hodges was 
very successful, and by his character as 
an honorable gentleman, he won the 
highest esteem of all members of the bar. 
In 1854 he was elected county judge of 
Greene county, and by re-election 
served four years. In 1859 he was 
elected a member of congress to fill va- 
cancy caused by the death of Major Har- 
ris, and to accept this honor bestowed 
upon him by his fellow citizens he re- 
signed the position of county judge- 
In 1867 he was elected circuit judge, 
and served the people in a highly satis- 
factory manner, for a term of six years. 
In 1874, he was elected state senator, 
and served one term. He always 
worked in the interest of'Greene county, 
and was instrumental in the construc- 
tion of the C. & A. R. R., through Car- 
rollton. He was a heavy stock-holder, 
and worked in the railroad, serving as 
secretary and treasurer, and when the 
C, A. & St. L. took|charge of the road, 
he was elected a director, which position 



he held at the time of his demise. His 
death took place April 1, 1884, and the 
funeral services were conducted from 
the Trinity Episcopal church, of which 
he is a worthy .member. His widowed 
wife survives him in life. The children 
of Hon Charles D. and Ellen Hodges 
are — Virginia, who died at the age of 
two years, Louise, married W. A. Davis; 
Belle, married J. D. Wright, a grocer 
of Petersburg, 111.; Charles H.; Adele, 
married Charles H. Weagloy; Morean, 
died in infancy; Beverly C, Harry M., 
ensign in the U. S. Navy; and Hattie. 

The next gentleman from Greene 
county, to represent this district in the 
national house of representatives was 
Albert G. Burr, of Carrollton, who was 
a member of the 40th congress, which 
organized March 4, 1867. He was re- 
elected and served in the 41st congress. 

Hon. Albert G. Burr, was born in 
Western New York, in 1839, and was 
brought by his mother to Illinois, when 
only one year old. His mother, a 
widow, settled near Springfield, where 
Albert grew up, a stranger to the luxu- 
ries of wealth. He had little or no 
facilities of securing an education, but 
early seeing the necessity of securing a 
schooling, commenced the battle with 
that end in view. He purchased books 
and by close study of their contents 
soon mastered them, and thus by appli- 
cation and diligent inquiry educated 
himself. So well had he profited by his 
self instruction, that while yet a young 
man, he was enabled to teach school, 
which he did near Vandalia. In 1850, 
he removed to Winchester, Scott county, 
and engaged in mercantile pursuits, and 
later, by the advice of General Case, 
began the study of law. He was ad- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



667 



mitted to the bar in 1856, and com- 
menced the hard s^tniggle for advance- 
ment in his chosen {)rofession, and in 
1860, was elected a member of the gen- 
eral assembly, and while there distin- 
guished himself and was re-elected, and 
was also a member of the constitutional 
convention of 1862. In 1868 he located 
at f'arrollton, where he resided until 
his death, June 10, 1882. While here 
he steadily grew in popular .favor and 
was chosen to represent this district 
ujion the iliuirs of the natinnal house of 
representatives, of the 40th congr(!Ss, 
which he did with so much favor, that 
he was re-elecli'd to the -list congress. 
In 1877, he was elected circuit judge, 
and ascending the bench, headorned it, 
and elevated the ])osition. At the time 
of his death he was serving his second 
term in this position. At a jurist he had 
but few peers, and as an orator, but few 
sujjeriors in this part of the state. He 
was twice mnrried. His first wife he 
was united with, at Vandalia. She was 
a Miss Anderson, ;ind of this marriage 
he reared two children — Louis L. and 
Lucy B. His second wife was Mary 
Harlin, of ^\'inchester, who survives 
him. His funeral services were con- 
ducted under the auspices of the Masonic 
order, of which he was a prominent and 
Worthy member. 

I.F.casLATIDIO. 

The 3d general asseiulily, wliicli con- 
vened at X'andalia, Dec. 2, 1822, con- 
tained, for the Hrst time, a representa- 
tive from the district of wliich the newly 
created county of (ireene was a part. 
This county, with that of Pike, consti- 
tuted the senatorial distriet, which was 
then without a number, and was repre- 



sented in the . senate by George Cad- 
well, and the county, in the lower house, 
by Thomas Rattan, one of the promi- 
nent men of tliat day. This general 
assembly adjourned Feb. 18, 1823. 
Thomas Rattan, one of the commission- 
ers to locate the county seat, is men- 
tioned in that connection. 

The 4th general assembly convened 
at N'andalia, Nov. 13, 1824, and ad- 
journed Jan. 18, 182-5; a second session 
met Jan. 2, 1826, and adjourned Jan. 28, 
following. In the senate, the district 
composed of the counties of Greene, 
Morgan, Pike and Fulton, was repre- 
sented by Hon. Thomas Carlin, after- 
wards governor of this state. In the 
lower house. Job Archibald represented 
the distriet composed of (ireene and 
Morgan counties. 

The .5th general assend)ly met at Van- 
dalia, Dec. 4, 1826, and remained in 
session until Feb. 19, 1827. Hon. Thos. 
Carlin was still in the senate. In the 
house, John Allen represented the dis- 
trict composed of the counties of Greene 
and Calhoun. Mr. Allen was one of 
the commissioners who located the seat 
of justice of this county, in 1821, and is 
spoken of in that connection. 

The 6th general assembly was con- 
vened at Vandalia, Dec. 1, 1828, and 
adjourned Jan. 23, 1829. Hon. Thomas 
Carlin still occupied a distinguisbeil 
place in the senate, from the senatorial 
district embracing Greene and Calhoun 
counties. John Allen also, was a mem- 
ber of the lower hcmse, representing 
this district. 

The 7th general assembly convened 
Dec. 6, 1830, and remained in session 
until Feb. 16, 1831. The counties of 
Greene, Calhoun, and Macoupin, con- 



668 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



stitiiting one senatorial district, was 
represented by Hon. Thomas Carlin. 
Charles Gregory represented the same 
district in the house. 

The 8th general assembly metatVan- 
dalia, December 3, 1832, and adjourned 
March 2, 1833. Thomas Rattan was the 
representative of this county in the sen- 
ate, and William Goode, in the house. 

The 9th general assembly held two 
sessions, the first meeting on Dec. 1, 
1834, and adjourning Feb. 13, 1835. On 
the 7th of December of the latter year 
they again convened, and remained in 
session until January 18, 1836. Thomas 
Rattan was in the senate, and Charles 
Gregory, Lewis W. Link and Calvin 
Tunnell in the house. Link resigning, 
his place was occupied by James Tur- 
ney. Messrs. Link and Tunndl are 
noticed undcrthehead of county judges, 
which oltice they occupied. 

Among the other distinguished men 
who have adorned the bar of Greene 
county in the past, perhaps there has 
been none the peer of James Turne}'. 
A Tennessean by birth, but one of the 
pioneers of Illinois, he was identified 
with the bar of this state all the latter 
part of his life. He came to Washing- 
ton county. 111., at a very early day, 
where he practiced law. In January, 
1823, he was made attorney-general of 
the state, and served nearly two years, 
when he resigned, but within ten days 
was re-appointed and served until the 
close of the year 1828. He came to 
Greene county about this time. 

Two sessions were held by the 10th 
general assembly, the first convening 
Dec. 5, 1836, and adjourning March 6, 
1837, and the second meeting, July 10, 
1837, and adjourning July 22, 1837. 



John Allen represented this district 
in the senate, and C,yrus A. Davis, the 
county, in the lower house. 

The Fourth of July, 1852, is well re- 
membered in Carrollton, as a day of 
mourning. On ifhat day, instead of the 
rejoicings that usually attend that an- 
niversary, the people of Carrollton and 
surrounding country, paid the last sol- 
emn offices to a departed friend, and 
bore to the grave the remains of one 
whose loss they deeply deplored. Dr. 
Cyrus Addison Davis, was a native of 
Kentucky, born in Mercer county, Feb. 
14, 1799. He resided in his native state 
till 1832, then immigrated to the state 
of Illinois, settled in Greene county, 
and for a time tried farming in Rich- 
woods township. He was fond of 
hunting, and being an excellent marks- 
man witli the rifle, he never went out 
without bringing home some game. He 
killed a great many deer and wild 
turkey, and occasionally a bear, besides 
smaller game, such as squirrel. He, 
however, in a few years, removed to 
C'arroUton, where he soon acquired an 
extensive practice in his profession, 
that of medicine. The estimation in 
which he was held by the citizens of 
Greene county, is sutfieientlj' indicated 
b}' the fact that in 1836 he was elected 
to represent them in the state legisla- 
ture, and that, too, without any solici- 
tation on hi-i part. The course he pur- 
sued was satisfactory to his constitu- 
ents, and he won the confidence of both 
parties. But, believing that other 
duties had a higher claim upon his time 
and attention, he abandoned the field of 
politics, and devoted himself, with his 
accustomed energy, to the practice of 
medicine. In that profession he was 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



669 



remarkably successful. His careful ob- 
servations of the diseases of the west, 
his experience, and his unwearied ap- 
plication to the duties of his profession 
procured for him an extensive practice. 
His anxious attention to his patients 
and the alacrity with which he visited 
the poor, the synijiathizing kin(hiess 
which he manifested to the sick who 
were unable to pay a physician, are 
well remembered. Many stories illus- 
trative of the kindness of his heart are 
familiar to tlie people, and show the 
characteristics of the man. It is said 
that on one stormy nijrht, when the 
mercury stood at zero and the the wind 
blew fiercely from the northwest, he 
was aroused at midnight by a man who 
wished him to visit a ^ick neighbor of 
his, neai'ly eighteen miles distant. The 
storm howled fiercely and the doctor, 
who had gone to bed with a sick liead 
ache, hesitated to obey the summons, 
and was about to send him to another 
physician, when he heard the name of 
the patient, whom he knew to be too 
poor ever to pay for medical attendance. 
With one bound his feet were on the 
Hoor, and in 10 minutes he was facing 
the storm. Dr. Davis early took a 
prominent part in the tenii)erance cause 
and did much to bring about the strik- 
ing reform which was early effected in 
Greene county. He was an active 
member of the S. of T., honored with 
the highest offices within their gift. As 
a Free Mason, his praise was in all the 
lodges of that order in the state of II 
linois, and at tlie time of liis death was 
master of Carrollton lodge. With liim 
Free Masonry was a living principle, 
which he carried out in every day life. 
He has buried with Masonic honors. 



In the subject of free schools he took a 
deep interest, and strenuously insisted 
that as high a grade of education ought 
to be offered to those who depend upon 
these schools, as the children of the 
rich could obtain in private schools. 
As a man and citizen Dr. Davis was 
universally esteemed. He was frank, 
open-hearted, and spoke his opinion 
without disguise or concealment. As a 
husband and father, it may be said that 
the kindness of his heart shone most 
conspicuously in the privacy of his own 
domestic circle. Mrs. D. R. Davis, 
wife of Dr. C. A. Davis, deceased, was 
born in the state of Virginia. She was 
formerly Diana R. Montague. She re- 
moved to Mercer county, Ky., with her 
parents, and was there married to C. A. 
Davis, with whom she came to the state 
of Illinois. Eleven children were born 
to them, 10 of whom attained their ma- 
jority. These were ^'irginia, married 
John M. M'oodson, died in the year 
1857; Elizabeth, married James H. 
Henderson, died in 1851; Mary L., wife 
of J. P. Rogers; Robert H., James M., 
John C, Samuel W., George W., 
banker in Carrollton; Ophelia, wife of 
A. C. Bowman; Harvey H.; and Wil- 
liam A. who died in 1866. Flight chil- 
dren were living at the time of Mrs. 
Davis' death, which occurred on the 
24th of December, 1879. 

The 11th general assembly also held 
two sessions, the first meeting at Van- 
dalia, Dec. 3, 1838, and adjourned ^March 
4, 1839, and the second convening at 
Springfield, the new state capital, Dec. 
9, 1839, and remained in session until 
Teb. 3, 1840. Manoah Bostwick was 
the senator representing the district 
composed of the counties of Greene 



RTU 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



and Jersey, in the latter session, having 
succeeded James Turney, of Greene, 
who liad resigned after the first session. 
John Allen was the representative. 

John Allen represented this county 
in the senate of the 12th general assem- 
hly, and Alfred W. Caverly in the 
house. 

A. W. Caverly was an attorney of 
considerable note, and came to Carroll- 
ton in 1822. and locating in the then in- 
fant village, hung out his "shingle" 
and commenced the practice of law. 
He was a native of Massachusetts. He 
was one of the most prominent men of 
his time in this section of the state; 
served in many offices of trust and re- 
sponsibilit}' with credit to. himself and 
friends. He remained in practice in 
Carrollton, for many years, and removed 
to Ottawa, 111., where he died about 
1882. He practiced law to the time of 
his death, and was, at that time, the 
oldest member of the bar of the state. . 

In the 13th general assembly, A. W. 
Caveily, represented Greene and Jer- 
sey counties, in the senate. In the 
house, Greene county was at first repre- 
sented by John Greene, but he dying 
Feb. 3, 1843, was succeeded by Hon. 
Alfred Hinton. This assembly met 
Dec. 5, 1842, and adjourned March 6, 
1843. 

John Greene, deceased, a native of 
Bowling Green, Ky., wos born in 1787, 
his parents being George and Lucy 
(Jones) Greene. His youth was spent 
in his native state, where he remained 
until coming to Illinois, which was be- 
fore 1812. He located in Madison 
county, near Edwardsville, where he 
remained until coming to this county; 
where he spent the time improving his 



farm. He was in the Ranger service in 
1812, serving under Gen. Whiteside. 
In 1819, he with his family left Madison 
county, and coming up through what is 
now Jersey county, took up a location 
and made a settlement on the southwest 
quarter of Sec. 20, T. 9, R. 11, where he 
built a house and made improvements. 
That was his place of residence until 
his death. He was married in Madison 
county, about the year 1813, to Nancy 
Mains, a native of Georgia. Her par- 
ents were Robert and Margaret (Find- 
ley) Mains. Mr. and Mrs. Greene were 
the parents of 14 children — Jones, who 
moved to Texas in 1844, and died in 
18ti2; Melinda, wife of William Pruitt, 
living in Texas; S. F., whose sketch 
appears in this work; James R., who 
lived and diet! in this townshi]i, his 
death occurring in March, 188o; William 
E., living in Rockbridge township; Lur- 
ana, wife of Wade H. Witt, died in 
Texas in 1864; Evans N. and Thomas 
(twins), the former living in Kane town- 
ship, the latter dying in infancy; Mary, 
died in this township in 1855; Elias, 
living in Kane township; Wade H., 
died in Rockbridge township in March, 
1885; Anderson P., who married Delia 
Johnson, died May 1, 1846; Lucy, de- 
ceased wife of Enoch Littlefield; Joseph 
B., died Feb. 20, 1874. Mr. Greene was 
elected a member of the legislature 
three terms; first, of the 10th general 
assembly, which convened at Vandalia 
in 1836; next, of the 11th assembly, 
at Springfield in 1838, and then of the 
13th assembly, in 1842. During this 
session he died, at Springfield, Feb. 3, 
1843, and was buried in Jalappa ceme- 
tery, which is situated on Sec. 16, T.9, 
R. 11. He was one of the first com- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



671 



missioners appointed by the legislature, 
in 1821, to select a site for the county 
seat, and Carrollton was the location 
chosen as the most suitable. He was a 
member of the legislature that set ofi" 
Jersey county, ii) 1839. 

Hon. Alfred Hinton was born in 
Frederick county, Md., Feb. 15, 1800,' 
being the second child of James and 
Catharine Hinton, who had a family of 
12 children. The ancestors of Mr. 
Hinton, in consequence of religious 
persecution, came to America at an 
early day and settled in the colony of 
Maryland. Four of the brothers of 
Catharine Hint(m were soldiers in the 
American army during the Revolution. 
In 1806, James Hinton removed with his 
family to Wellsburg, Va., and, four 
years after, moved to Delaware county, 
0. In 1816, he became a resident of 
Ghent, Gallatin county, Ky., where his 
death occurred in 1819. Mrs. Hinton 
outlived all her children, except the 
subject of this sketch, and one son. 
Otto, who died in California later, and 
died at the advanced age of 80 years, 
at Carrollton. Judge Hinton, quite 
early in life, commenced learning the 
trade of carpenter, and, in the fall of 
1818, came to Edwardsville, 111. He 
lived there about two years, and, in 
Sept., 1821, became a citizen of Greene 
county. In 1822, he entered a tract of 
land on Apple Creek Prairie, about three 
miles west of where White Hall now 
stands. In March of the same year he 
married Lucri'tia Pruitt, daughter of 
William ;ind Sarah Pruitt, ami imme- 
diately after his marriage he built a 
cabin and commenced the improvement 
of his land. Mr. and Mrs. Hinton had 
11 ciiildren, uf whom only five are liv- 



ing — all daughters, and they are mar- 
ried and settled in life. Their son, 
Emanuel J. Hinton, after his marriage, 
settled on a farm three miles south of 
Carrollton, and in Aug., 1858, was mur- 
dered within a few rods of his house. 
Court being then in session, the mur- 
derers were promptly arrested, tried, 
convicted and hung within 30 days. In 
1835, Mr. Hinton was elected justice of 
the peace, and by re-election held that 
office about 12 years. In the fall of 
1842, he was elected a member of the 
legislature from Greene county. In the 
spring of 1843, for the purpose of edu- 
cating his children, he settled in Car- 
rollton, and soon after was appointed 
postmaster, which office he retained 
about nine years. In the fall of 1846, 
he was again elected to the legislature, 
and in March, 1830 or 31, he superin- 
tended the building of the present 
court house at Carrollton. In 1865, he 
was elected judge of the county court 
of Greene county, and filled that office 
four years. Since the expiration of his 
term of office, he has been justice of 
the peace most of the time until about 
1880. In 1832, Judge Hinton and wife 
became members of the Christian 
church, at Carrollton, and for many 
years he has been an elder in the church. 
In politics, the judge has always been 
a straight democrat. His first vote for 
president was cast for John Quincy 
Adams, in the memorable contest of 
1824. On the 18th of Feb., 1S(;9, the 
beloved partner of his bosouj breathed 
her last, and in March, 1870, Judge 
Hinton was married to Mrs. Amy Hol- 
liday, of Kane, when he became a resi- 
dent of that town. His second wife 
died in 1.S81, and he again returned to 



^nr 



672 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Cavrollton, where he now resides. He 
has five children living — Maria, mar- 
ried Johnson W. Davis; Sophia, now 
the wife of M. J. Frank; Louise, now 
the M'ife of H. V. Jackson; Harriet, 
wife of James B. Morrow; Elizabeth, 
wife of W. A. Morrison. 

In the 14th general assembly, which 
convened Dec. 2, 1844, and adjourned 
March 3, 1845, Alfred W. Caverly was 
in the senate, and John McDonald in 
the house, both representing the dis- 
trict composed of the counties of 
Greene and Calhoun. 

The 15th general assembly convened 
Dec. 7, 1846, and adjourned March 1, 
1847. In the senate A. W. Caverly 
still continued to represent this district. 
Henry Bragg was the representative in 
the house, from Greene county. 

The 16th general assembly, the first 
one under the new constitution held 
two sessions, the first convening Jan. 1, 
1849, and adjourning Feb. 12, the same 
year; the second meeting Oct. 22, 1849, 
and adjourning the 7th of Nov. In the 
senate, the 13th district was represented 
by Franklin Witt. The 22d representa- 
tive district composed of the counties 
of Greene and Jersey was, at first repre- 
sented in the house by Isaac Darnielle 
and John D. Fry, but Mr. Darnielle 
dying, and Mr. Fry resigning, they 
wese succeeded by Joel Cory and Thos. 
Carlin. Mr. Darnielle is noticed in the 
Jersey county history, imder this head, 
and J. D. Fry under the head of county 
oflicers, further on. 

Many of the old pioneers remember 
with warm admiration, Franklin Witt, 
a leader among men in earlier times, 
and who afterward became noted in the 
annals of the state and nation. He was 



a native of Tennessee, where he was 
born in 1804. His parents gained a 
livelihood by the products of the farm, 
and in 1814, to better their finances, 
perhaps, moved westward and settled 
in Polk county, in the extreme southern 
portion of Illinois. Franklin Witt 
passed his boyhood among pioneer as- 
sociations, and imbibed there that spirit 
of self reliance that led to successful re- 
sults. He was married in his 19th year 
to Melinda Perry, a native of Indiana, 
and a daughter of Capt. Franklin Perry. 
In 1826, he sought broader fields, and 
packing his household goods upon the 
two horses he owned, after some days 
spent in travel, he landed in Greene 
county with scarcely a dollar. He now 
began, in an humble way to gain a foot- 
ing in Illinois, at a time when horse- 
mills were the fashion, and rough round 
log cabins the only habitations in the 
pioneer settlements. His was an ener- 
getic nature, and he accmnulated prop- 
erty rapidly. In subsequent years he 
became a justice of the peace, and about 
1835 he became the regular nominee of 
the democratic party, and received the 
election of legislator, serving through 
this session. Probably no man in his 
day swayed the popular heart more 
than he, and on three subsequent occa- 
sions he received the election to repre- 
sent this county in the legislature, and 
presided as a member when Springfield 
became the capital. As a representative 
he has proved so efficient that he now 
received the nomination for state sena- 
tor. Serving through one session and 
receiving a re-election, he was amemher 
of that body when he died, at his home, 
in Greene county, in 1851. To the care 
of his wife he left a family of four chil- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



67.] 



dren. Mrs. Witt departed this life Feb. 
1.S77, at the house of lier son, Geo. W., 
in Kane township. 

The 17th general assembly convened 
on the 6th of Jan., 1851, for its first ses- 
sion, and adjourned Feb. 17; a second 
session was held from June 7, 1852, to 
June 23, following. Hon. Franklin 
Witt was the senator at first, but dying 
during his term of office was succeeded 
by Hon. John M. Palmer, afterward 
governor of the state, at that time a res- 
ident of Macoupin county. Charles D. 
Hodges and J. C. Winters represented 
this, the 22d district, in the house. 

Col. J. C. Winters, one of the most 
prominent citizens of Greene county, 
was l)()rn in St. Clair county, 111.. July 
11, 1816. He is a son of Nathan and 
Ruth (Lindsay) Winters, natives of 
Tennessee. They came to the then 
territory of Illinois, in the year 1815, 
locating in St. Clair county, where 
Nathan Winters engaged in farming 
until tlie breaking out of the Indian 
troubles, in which he was engaged in 
three campaigns as an officer, and four 
times as a private, under Andrew Jack- 
son. He departeil this life in the 
month of July, 1866, and Mrs. Winters, 
in the year 1867. The early years of 
Col. M'inter's life were sjicnt upon the 
old homest(>ad, where he learned the 
duties pertaining to farm life. In the 
year 1846, when war was declared l)e- 
tween Mixico and the United States, 
he enlisted in Co. C, 1st 111. Inf., under 
Col. J. J. Hardin. He was elected 2d 
lieutenant, and proceeded to the front 
and took part in the famous battle of 
Buena Vista. After being discharged 
he returned liome, and resumed his 
agricultural chitics until tlie war of 



the Rebellion broke out, when he 
organized Co. G, 59th 111. Inf., andj)ro- 
ceeded to Missouri. He first ranked 
as captain, butthrougb meritorious con- 
duct became the popular lieutenant- col- 
onel, and acting ccdonel of the regiment. 
He had entered for three years' service, 
and when his regiment veteranized, he 
resigned his commission on account of 
ill health, and retired from the exciting 
scenes of war to the more peaceful pur- 
suits of agriculture. In the year 18-50, 
while a member of the legislature, he 
was one of those who voted in favor of 
the I. C. R. R. Since his retirement 
from the legislature the name of Col. 
Winters has been frequently mentioned 
in connection with other res])onsible 
civic offices, but he has always declined, 
preferring to look after his farm inter- 
ests, he being the possessor of 317 acres 
in T. 12, R. 11. Mr. Winters split rails 
for a living 38 years ago, and to-day is 
proud of the success which followed as 
a result of his unswerving energy and 
good management. In the year 1837 
Mr. Winters was married to Cynthia 
Cochran, born Dec. 22, 1812. She was 
a daughter of George and Margaret (Fal- 
lis) Cochran, her mother born in Penn- 
sylvania, her father near Harrodsburg, 
Mercer county, Ky. During the war of 
1812 Mr. Cochran was in the United 
States service, in a light horse brigade 
under Col. Richard M. Johnson, and 
was present at the killing of TecumseJi. 
He died in the year 1863, and Mrs. 
Cochran in the year 1878. Mr. and 
Mrs. ^^'inters are the parents of seven 
children : Frank, Samuel, Lafayette, 
Solon, .Joshua, Josej)hine and Byron, 
Tlie colonel and his wife are members 
of the M. E. church. Vo\. Winters is a 



674 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



charter member of White Hall lodge, 
No. 80, A. F. and A. M., and is a de- 
mitted member of Jacksonville chapter. 
He also is a member of the G. A. R. 
In connection with the history of Col. 
Winters is an incident which should not 
be omitted, and which points unmistak- 
ably to the character of the gentleman. 
His father moved to Missouri in 1839, 
and offered his son, the colonel, a home- 
stead if he would come there to live. 
He would not accept, preferring to rear 
his family where white labor was re- 
spected. During the Rebellion, his father, 
mother and two brothers were with the 
South in sentiment, while the colonel 
and two other brothers fought on the 
Union side. One of his brothers was a 
minister of the M. E. church south, and 
he wrote very strong scriptural letters 
to the colonel to have him stojj murder- 
ing, as he called it. 

In the senate of the 18th general as- 
sembly, when it met, Jan. 3, 1853, was 
found as representative of the 13th dis- 
trict, of which Greene county formed a 
part, John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. 
Charles D. Hodges was also a member 
of the house. 

Under the apportionment act of 1854, 
Greene, Macoupin and Jersey counties 
were re-organized into the 14th senator- 
ial district, and Greene county into the 
23d representative district. In the gen- 
eral assembly which convened Jan. 1, 
1855, the district was still represented 
in the senate by John M. Palmer, and in 
the house was represented by J. M. 
Pursley. 

Linus E. Worcester, of Greene county, 
was the representative in the senate of 
tlie 20th general assembly, which con- 
vened Jan.- 5, 1857, and adjourned Feb. 



9. John W. Huitt was the member of 
the house from this county. 

Among Greene county's most promi- 
nent and influential citizens, is Linus E. 
Worcester, of White Hall. He is a son 
of Elijah and Lucy (Elyj Worcester, 
and was born in Windsor, Vt., Dec. 5, 
1811. His father, Elijah, was twice 
married, first to Lucy, daughter of Aaron 
Ely, of Windsor, Vt. Her death occur- 
red Oct. 13, 1813, leaving six children. 
His second marriage was to AnnaCady, 
by whom one child was born. Elijah 
Worcester was a carpenter and farmer 
by trade, his death occurring Feb. 25, 
1861. He was a son of Asa Worcester, 
wlio was born in Groton, Mass., in 
April, 1771, tlie latter being a son of 
Asa, born in Haverhill, Jan. 27, 1738. 
He was a son of Benjamin, born in 
Bradford, in Aug., 1709, who was a son 
of Francis, born in Rowley, Mass. 
Francis was a son of Samuel, who was 
born in England, and came with his 
father, William, to the United States, 
between the years 1638 and 1640. It 
will, therefore, be seen that by direct 
descent the subject of this sketch. Judge 
Worcester, is of English extraction on 
his father's side. William Worcester 
was a clergyman, and Francis was very 
devout. In fact much attention seems 
to have been given by the ancestery of 
the judge to things of the spiritual life, 
which will, no doubt, account for the 
fact that he is so doubtful upon re- 
ligious subjects. Linus was educated 
in the common schools of Vermont, 
and in Chester Academj', which he 
attended, when he was twenty-three 
years of age. Prior to coming west he 
felt the necessity of more learning, and, 
therefore, at this age he attended the 



=^.^-~^^-^ — .,■ ■ ..-^. .- -^ . - ^. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



675 



academy, as above. He had been con- 
tent with farm life in Vermont, but on 
inimi^'rating to this county in 1836, en- 
gaged in teaching school for three years, 
when he became a clerk in the dry 
goods store of Chester Swallow, at 
White Hall, and two years later entered 
into partnership with his former em- 
ployer. This firm existed butoneyear, 
as the death of Mr. Swallow occurred 
at that time, and the business was closed 
out. He then formed a co-partnership 
with Simeon Bros., who engaged in the 
sale of general merchandise for about 10 
years, doing a very profitable business. 
For some three or four years he was 
then engaged in the retail of drugs, 
groceries and hardware, and for five 
years following in the manufacture of 
agricultural implements. He has also 
been interested in the lumber business 
at this place, Roodhouse and Manches- 
ter, for about 30 years. Perhaps, there 
are few men in the state of Illinois who 
have held more commissions than Mr. 
Worcester. In 1843 he was elected 
justice of the peace, which he held for 
some six years. Nov. 11, 1843, he was 
commissioned postmaster, and re-com- 
missioned Dec. 31, 1845, which office he 
held 12 consecutive years. He was 
elected and commissioned county judge 
Nov. 16, 1853, continuing in that cajiac- 
ity by re-election for six years. He 
was elected and served as a member of 
the constitutional convention of the 
state, in 1847, and was appointed as one 
of the state trustees of the deaf and 
dumb asylum, in 1859, being re-appoint- 
ed in 1863 and 1867, holding the office 
12 years. In 1859, while sitting in the 
state senate, he was appointed notary 
public, wliich be has since been regu- 



larly re-appointed to every four years, 
and which office he still holds. He 
was elected to the state senate in 1856, 
to fill a vacancy, occasioned by the 
resignation of John M. Palmer, for two 
years. In 1860 he was again elected to 
that office, and was one of the five dem- 
ocrats in the senate who dared vote to 
ratify President Lincoln's proclamation 
of emancipation. He was elected county 
judge in 1863, and re-elected in 1867, 
with but one opposing vote, serving 
nine years. In 1852, he was appointed 
township school trustee, which office he 
still holds, having handled some $250,- 
000 of school funds during that time. 
He was a member of the national demo- 
cratic convention at St. Louis, in 1876, 
which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for 
the presidency. He is now and has 
been for 25 years a director of the 
Jacksonville branch of the C. & A. K. 
R. Co. He has been engaged for the 
past 30 years as administrator' and ex- 
ecutor of estates, and guardian of chil- 
dren, all of which trusts reposed in him 
have been faithfully discharged to the 
satisfaction of all parties interested. In 
Feb., 1840, in AVhite Hall, Mr. Worces- 
ter was married to Martha A. Jackson, 
of Apple creek, and a native of Ver- 
mont. Two children were born to 
them— Alfred J. and William P. Mrs. 
Worcester's death occurred Feb. 17, 
1845. In Feb., 1848, Mr. W. was mar- 
ried to Sarah M. Hull, a native of Con- 
necticut. By this union there were two 
children — Maurice H., deceased, and 
Wentworth. His wife, Sarah M., died 
in 1854, and in Feb., 1856, he married 
Luthera, daughter of Timothy and 
Diadania (Swallow) Ladd, a native of 
\'ermont. She was the widow of Geo. 



676 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Smith, by whom she had two children 
— Eugene and Timothy L. By the mar- 
riage with Judge Worcester, tive chil- 
dren have been born — Lucy E., wife Qf 
Michael Gahula; Henry C, Richard S. 
and Irene, and Lucius ^^^, deceased. 
The judge has always been identified 
with the democratic party, is a member 
of no secret organization or church, be- 
ing a free thinker. His religion consists 
of humanitarian principles, honor and 
integrity, fidelity to friends and good 
will to all. 

John W. Huitt, deceased, was a native 
of Franklin county, Ga., and was born 
Nov. 15, 1793. He was the fourth of a 
family of John and Elizabeth (Ratliff) 
Huitt, the former of whom was a native 
of Brunswick, Va., and the latter of 
Franklin county, N. C, she being of 
genuine English stock. With his pa- 
rents John W. came to Illinois in 1804, 
arriving at Cahokia in December of that 
year. From there they immediately 
started for what was then known as the 
Goshen settlement. Here they re- 
mained until the fall of 1805, then re- 
moved to the blufl' opposite the conflu- 
ence of the Missouri river with the 
Mississippi. On the breaking out of 
the war of 1812, John W. Huitt enlisted 
in Capt. Judy's company of rangers, 
which were stationed to guard the front- 
iers, from the Mississippi river to Vin- 
cennes, against the depredations of 
marauding bands of Indians. After the 
war was over, Mr. Huitt returned to the 
quieter pursuits of farm life. June 13, 
1818, he was united in marriage with 
Rosanna Harriford, of Chariton county. 
Mo, Their marriage took place in the 
old town of Chariton. She was a daugh- 
ter of James Harriford, and was born 



in Wayne county, Ky., Dec. 27, 1798, 
In Oct. 1818, Mr. Huitt, with his young 
bride settled on a tract of prairie land 
near Phill's creek, now in the present 
limits of Jersey county, 111. There he 
built a small log cabin and started out 
in life on his own account. After the 
land was surveyed and came into 
market, he, with his brother, entered a 
half section. His capital was limited 
upon starting out in life, consisting prin- 
cipally of a well-developed physical or- 
ganization and active mental faculties, 
combined with energy and perseverance, 
but by industry and economy he accu- 
mulated a fair share of this world's 
goods. He continued to reside at the 
point where he first located until 1823, 
when he bought 80 acres of land in Lin- 
der township, on which he lived until 
removing to Carrollton, in 1878. He 
departed this life at the latter named 
place, Oct. 22, 1882, having survived his 
wife two years, she having died April 
21, 1880. 'During the Black Hawk war, 
in 1882, Mr. Huitt volunteered in Capt. 
Thos. Carlin's company, which was 
joined to what was termed the " spy 
battalion " of the service. He re- 
mained in that capacity until his term 
of service expired, and was then honor- 
ablj' discharged. His first vote for pres- 
'ident was east for James Madison, and 
he voted at every subsecjuent presiden- 
tial election up to that of Gen. McClel- 
lan, which was his last vote for presi- 
dent. For the dissenters from the old 
school of democracy he not only had no 
sympathy, but felt like branding them 
us traitors to their party. Mr. Huitt 
was never an aspirant for political pre- 
ferment, though, in the fall of 1856, he 
was elected as the candidate of the dem- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



677 



ocratic party, to a seat in the legislature, 
and proved to be an active and efficient 
legislator. Mr. and Mrs. Huitt joined 
the Baptist church in 1853, and were 
consistent members of the same up to the 
time of their death. They had born to 
them 13 children, some of whom still 
reside in the county, and are mentioned 
in the proper places in this volume. 

Convening at Springfield, Jan. 3, 1859, 
the 21st general assembly contained 
within its senate, as tiie representative 
from tills district, the person of Anthony 
L. Knapp, and in the house, Alexander 
King. Mr. Knapp has a honorable 
sketch in the history of Jersey county 
and its reputation here is needless: 

Alexander King, justice of the peace, 
Roodhouse, is a native of the state of 
Indiana, and was born Jan. 13, 1820. 
He was a son of Alexander and Nancy 
(Gordon) King, the former of whom 
was a native of North Carolina, and the 
latter, of Virginia, and whom were 
married in Tennessee, to which state 
thi-y had previously removed, with 
their parents. Some time after their 
marriage, they removed to Indiana, 
where our subject was born. In 1821, 
the family came to Greene county. 111., 
where Alexander, Sr., followed agri- 
cultural pursuits up to the time of his 
death, which occurred about 1873, his 
wife following him to that better world, 
one year later. Alexander King, Jr., 
received his education in the Greene 
county scliools, and followed farming 
until 1853, in which j'car he engaged in 
the merchandise business, at Athens- 
ville, carrying a general stock. This 
business he continued for some nine 
years, then sold, and again returned to 
farm life, which he continued until 



1881, and then retired. Mr. King was 
elected constable of CarroUton, in 1844, 
justice of the peace in 1852, and repre- 
sentative to the state legislature in 1858, 
in each of which positions he fultilk-d : 
the duties thereof with entire satisfac- 
tion to his constituents, and honor to 
himself. In the fall of 1881 he was 
elected justice of the peace. On town- 
ship organization going into effect, in j 
the spring of 1885, he was re-elec- 
ted to the ofhce, and is giving gen- 
eral satisfaction. Oct. 30, 1845, Alex- 
ander King was united in marriage 
with Mary \\'aggoner, a native of Ken- 
tncky. She was a daughter of William 
and Sarah Waggoner, and was liorn 
Sept. 17, 1825. Seven children have 
been born to this union, four of whom 
are now living — David Fanning, mar- 
ried; Stephen A. Douglas, uuin-ied and 
lives on the old homestead; Sally, 
widow of (ieorge Wood; and Samuel 
Thomas, married, and living in Kansas. 
Mr. King is a kind, genial gentleman, 
and is much respected by many friends 
and acquaintances. Mrs. King is a con- 
sistent member of the Baptist church. 

The 22d general assembly held two 
sessions. The first convened Jan. 7, 
1861, and adjourned Feb. 22. The sec- 
ond convened April 23, 1861, and rt- 
mained in session until May 3, follow- 
ing. A. L. Knapp was still the senator. 
Benjamin Baldwin represented (ircene 
county in the house. An extended 
notice of this worthy gentleman will be 
found in the history of White Hall and 
vicinity, further on. 

On the convocation of the 23d general 
assembly, Jan. 5, 1863, a new apportion- 
ment of the state having placed Jersey, 
Calhoun, Scott, Greene and Pike in the 



678 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



(ith senatorial district, it was represented 
in the senate by Linus E. Worcester. 
William B. Witt was in the house, rep- 
resenting this, the 23d district. 

The 24th general assembly convened 
Jan. 2, 1865, and adjourned Feb. 16, 
1865. Linus E. Worcester occu- 
pied a place in the senate, and Na- 
thaniel M. Perry, of Kane, in the 
house, as the representatives of the 
county. A sketch of Mr. Perry appears 
in connection witli the history of Kane, 
of which he was a prominent merchant 
an<l business man. 

The 25th general assembly of 1866- 
68, contained as the representatives 
from this district, William Shephard, 
of Jersey ville, in the senate, and Henry 
C. Withers, of Carrollton, in the house. 

Hon. Henry C. Withers was born in 
tlirard county, Ky., on the 10th of Jan., 
1839. His father, William Withers, 
was a son of Abijah Witliers, and a 
grandson of William Withers, who at an 
early period removed from Virginia to 
Kentucky, where the family thereafter 
resided. His paternal ancestors, orig- 
inally natives of England and Scotland, 
came to America and settled in Virginia 
prior to the Revolution. His mother, 
Elizabeth AMthers, was the daughter of 
Hon. Horatio Bruce, a distinguished 
politician of the democratic party in 
Kentucky, and Elizabeth Beasley, of 
Ohio. Mr. Bruce was one of the first 
men of Kentucky, of any prominence, 
to advocate a repeal of the laws impris- 
oning for debt, and it was mainly 
through his influence and exertion while 
a member of the legislature that it was 
accomplished. He was born in Vir- 
jiiia, and at an early age removed into 
Kentucky. His father, John Bruce, and 



eight sons, older brothers of Horatio, 
served through the war for independ- 
ence xmder Gen. Geo. Washington, and 
he served during the war of 1812. He 
was a cousin of Henry Clay, and an 
uncle of Judge Horatio W. Bruce, of 
Louisville, Ky. His grandfather Bruce 
had eight brothers who were lawyers, 
four of whom were legislators, and some 
of them especially distinguished, and 
an admiration for his character, more 
than anything else, influenced our sub- 
ject to choose the legal profession. In 
1846 his parents left Kentucky and set- 
fled on a farm in Greene county, 111., 
and here he attended the common 
school during the winter months only, 
working on the farm the remainder of 
the year, but so great was his zeal and 
ambition that his progress was equal to 
those of his class-mates who attended 
throughout the entire year. His early 
tastes were for reading and acquiring 
knowledge, with a constant craving for 
opportunities of higher intellectual at- 
tainments. At the age of 17 he went to 
Berean College, at Jacksonville, 111., 
then under the management of Rev. 
Jonathan Atkinson, at which he com- 
menced a classical .course of study. 
After two years diligent application he 
had become tolerably proficient in 
the Greek, Latin and German lan- 
guages and mathematics. Lack of 
means on the part of his parents made a 
further prosecution of the collegiate 
course impossible. He subsequently 
taught a common school for three 
months, near Alexander station, Mor- 
gan county. In the summer of 1858 he 
worked as a farm laborer in Greene 
county, making a full "hand" at all 
kinds of farm work during the season. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



679 



The following winter he commenced the 
study of law in the office of Hon. James 
W. English, at Carrollton. In 1867 he 
formed a law partnership with Hon. 
David M. Woodson, wliich continued 
till the death of Judge AVoodson, in 
1877. He then pursued his calling, 
alone, till 1884, when he associated as 
partner Thomas Henshaw, of White 
Hall, which partnership still continues. 
Mr. Withers residing at Carrollton, and 
Mr. Henshaw at A\'hite Hall, the firm 
having an office at each place. The po- 
litical career of Mr. Withers has heen 
conspicuous from the time he attained 
his majority. In 1855-6 he edited the 
Carrollton Democr"!, and supported the 
democratic candidates and measures. 
In 1800 he became an active supporter 
of Stephen A. Douglas for the presi- 
dency, and has ever since been an earn- 
est and active democrat. At the same 
time he favored the emancipation of the 
colored race, and the suppression of the 
Rebellion in the most speedy manner 
and with the least possible bloodshed. 
He heartily acquiesced in the several 
constitutional amendments on the slav- 
ery question. In 1866, at the age of 27, 
he was elected to the house of repre- 
sentatives from Greene county. In 
1872 he was a delegate to the Baltimore 
convention, and endorsed the platform 
there made. In 1874 he was elected as 
an independent candidate to the office 
of state's attorney for Greene county. 
He now owns a full set of abstract books 
of Greene county, and in his legal pur- 
suits has a large and lucrative practice. 
On the 18th of March, 1868, Mr. With- 
ers was united in marriage with Fanny 
W. Woods(m, only daughter of Judge 
David M. Woodson. Two sons have 



blessed this union — Mead W., who died 
at the age of 18 years, and William H., 
who is still living. Mr. Withers is a 
Knight Templar and a member of the 
I. 0. O. F. He is a man who is easily 
approached; courteous to all, and while 
he may have some enemies, he is sur- 
rounded by a host of warm and admir- 
ing friends. 

The 26th general assembly, which 
convened Jan. 4, 1869, contained as the 
representatives of this district, William 
Shephard, in the senate, and David M. 
Woodson, of Carrollton, in the house. 
A sketch of D. M. Woodson is given in 
the chapter of this work, entitled, 
"Courts of Greene County," and Mr. 
Shephard, in the history of Jersey 
county, in this volume. 

In Jan., 1870, the 27th general assem- 
bly, was first convened. William Shep- 
hard, at first represented the district in 
the senate, but resigning, was succeeded 
by William H. Allen, of Grafton, Jer- 
sey county. In the house, Thomas H. 
Boyd attended to the interests of this 
county, then the 39th representative 
district. Judge Allen is noticed at 
length in the history of Jersey county, 
and Thomas H. Boyd, under the head of 
county judge of Greene county. 

The 28th general assembly convened 
Jan. 8, 1873, and in the senate, the 39th 
district, emVjracing the counties of 
Greene and Morgan, was represented by 
William Brown, of Jacksonville, and 
in the house, by Jerome B. Nulton, of 
Carrollton, John W. Meacham, of Wav- 
erly, and John Gordon, of Lynnville. 
This was the first assembly under the 
workings of the constitution of 1870, 
and contained one senator and three 
representatives from each district, one 






(i80 



HISTOEY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



of the latter beiiij^ of the minority 
party. 

Col. J. B. Xulton is a native of Wash- 
ington county, O., born in 18o5. Of his 
parent, it will be well to enter into a 
short description. Jacob Nulton, the 
father of our subject, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, where he followed agricultural 
pursuits. In an early day he moved to 
Ohio, and while here formed the ac- 
quaintance of and wedded Parmelia 
Cheedle, by whom he had eleven chil- 
dren, nine of whom attained the age of 
maturity, and six of whom afterward 
became residents of this, Greene county. 
Miles came in 1841, and here followed 
agricultural pursuits until his death; 
Susan, wife of Beeman North, died in 
Jersey county ; George died in Greene 
county ; Marshall went to California 
about the year 1850, and some two years 
later was murdered by a Spaniard; Eliz- 
abeth married John Claflin and is still a 
resident of this county. The family 
came to Greene county in 1841, where 
they have since resided, and where Ja- 
cob Nulton and wife lived until called 
upon to pay the debt of nature by the 
cold and unrelenting hand of death. In 
early life the subject of this sketch fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits. When the 
war of the Rebellion came on, Col. Nul- 
ton disposed of his farm property and 
was conmiissioned by Gov. Richard 
Yates as captain of Co. G., 61st 111. Inf. 
Marching from Illinois into Missouri, a 
temporary halt was made at St. Louis, 
from which place the company proceed- 
ed to Pittsburg Landing, was assigned 
to Gen. Prentiss' division, and was the 
first company under fire from the enemy. 
Col. Nulton became a participant in 
many important battles, and received 



the promotion of major after the en- 
gagement at Little Rock, and when the 
noted battle of Murfreesboro drew to 
a close, our subject was promoted to 
colonel of the 61st regiment, -July 1, 
1865, through meritorious conduct. Al- 
though the regiment was commanded 
by Jacob Fry, S. P. Ohr, and Daniel 
Grass, they only held commissions as 
lieutenant-colonels, consequently Mr. 
Nulton was the only colonel the regi- 
ment ever possessed. At the close of 
the war he returned to Greene county, 
and located at Carrollton wliere he re- 
ceived the appointment of deputy rev- 
enue assessor. After serving in this ca- 
pacity for two years he entered into 
partnership with R. H. Davis, in the 
transaction of a grain business, con- 
trolling a larger trade than any similar 
firm in the county. In 1872 Col. Nulton 
was elected to the house of representa- 
tives from the 39th district, serving one 
term, and although urgently persuaded 
by his many friends to enter the contest 
for re-election he declined to become a 
candidate for the legislature a second 
time, but again entered the grain trade, 
discontinuing this however, in 1875. He 
then obtained some real estate in Kan- 
sas and for some time spent most of his 
time in that state. He afterward spent 
two years in Colorado as superintend- 
ent of a mining company and being in- 
duced to go to New Mexico to look after 
mining interests, spent the major por- 
tion of his time in that territory for 
three years, where he stills owns min- 
ing property. In September, 1871, he 
was united in marriage with Henrietta 
Sieverling, a daughter of H. C. Siever- 
ling. Of this marriage two children 
were born — Guy, deceased, and Nettie. 



HISTORY OB^ GREENE COUNTY. 



681 



Col. Xulton is cominantler of Carroll- 
ton pos^t, No. 442. G. A. R. and has 
been an active member of the Masonic 
order for twenty j'ears, serving three 
years as commander of Hugh de Payen 
eomtiiandery, No. 29. Politically the 
colonel is an ardent supporter of the 
principles of the democratic party, vot- 
ing for SteplK n A. Douglas in l.'GD and 
strenuously opposed to secession. 

On the "6th of Jan., 1875, the 29th 
general assembly met and remained in 
session until April 15th, following. 
Charles D. Hodges represented the dis- 
trict in the senate, Andrew J. Thomp- 
son, Samuel Woods and John Gordon 
in the house. 

The 30th general assembly met at 
Springfield, Jan. 3, 1877, and remained 
in session until May 24, 1877. In its 
senate, this district was still represented 
by Hon. Charles D. Hodges. In the 
house the interests of the inhabitants 
of these counties were in the hands of 
Isaac L. Morrison and William P. 
Callun, of Jacksonville, and Lucian 
King, of Kane. 

Capt. Lucian King was born in New 
York, in 1817, and his early life was 
there spent, on a farm. In 1842 he re- 
moved to Cleveland, 0., where he was 
employed as clerk one year, and then 
took charge of his brother's boat for 
one year. He then came to Greene 
county and worked as a farm hand, and 
d\iring this time married Almira Lemon, 
ilaughter of Elder Moses Lemon, a 
pioneer minister, of Greene county. 
This union had been blessed with 
seven children — Lottie E., Mattie L., 
Martha E., Adele, Sadie B. and two 
ileceased, When the civil war broke 
out, Mr. King orjianized Co. C, 122d 



111. Inf., and proceeded to the front 
with the rank of captain. He participa- 
ted in many im]>ortant battles, famous 
in history, and in May 1865, was hon- 
oraldy discharged, and returned to 
Greene county, where he engaged in 
farming. In 1876, Capt. King was elec- 
ted to the state legislature, from the 
39th district, by an overwhelming ma- 
jority, and served with decided satis- 
faction to all. 

In the senate of the 31st general 
assembly, which met Jan. 8, 1879, and 
remained in session till May 31, was 
found Hon. William P. Gallon, of Mor- 
gan county, as the representative of 
this district, and in the house, Isaac Iv. 
Morrison, Richardson Vasey and Fran- 
cis M. Bridges. T!ie two former of 
Morgan county, the latter of Greene. 

The 32d general assembly convened 
at Springfield in Jan., 1881, and this 
district was represented in the senate by 
F. i\I. Bridges, and in the house by 
Joseph S. Carr, Oliver Coultas and 
David Pierson. 

Frank M. Bridges, deceased, was born 
in fireene county, 111., July 27, 1834, 
his parents being Archibald and Dor- 
leska (Eldred) Bridges, his father a na- 
tive of South C-arolina, his mother of 
Connecticut. His parents were among 
the first settlers of Greene coimty, and 
entered GOO acres of land, all in one 
tract, when they came here, on which 
they built a little log cabin, where they 
lived a number of years. His father 
afterwards built a large two-story frame 
house, in which he resided until his 
death, in 1861. Mrs. Bridges survived 
him until 1870. Both are buried in the 
CarroUton cemetery. Frank was reareil 
to farm life, remaining with his parents 



682 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



until 22 years of age, and receiving his 
education partly in the district schools 
and partly in those of Carrollton, until 
about 1856, when he attended the Shurt- 
leff college, at Upper Alton. After fin- 
ishing his education, he went to Mem- 
phis, Mo., where he was employed as 
clerk in a dry goods store for two or 
three years, when he purchased an in- 
terest in the store, and the firm became 
Bridges & Billu]>s. This partnership 
continued until 1862, when he dis'posed 
of his stock of goods, and began buying 
up a lot of horses, which he took across 
the plains to California, and there dis- 
posed of them. He and his wife then 
remained there one year, keeping a 
hotel. From there they removed to 
Virginia City, Nev., where he remained 
about two years, engaged in a quartz 
mill. In May, 1864, his wife returned 
to Memphis, and Mr. Bridges followed 
about four months later, and after stay- 
ing there a short time they returned to 
Greene county. 111., where they resided 
with his mother about two years. He 
then purchased 85 acres of land near 
the old homestead, built a house, and 
resided there about five years. After 
his mother's death, he bought out the 
heirs, and moved on to the homestead, 
where he resided the remainder of his 
lifetime. His marriage occurred Oct. 
11, 1860, when he was united with Lena 
Hudnall, daughter of Dr. Moses L. and 
Minerva (Henderson) Hudnall. This 
union was blessed with six children, 
three of whom are living — Helen, Arch- 
ibald and Jessie. Those deceased are — 
Edgar, Nellie and Ruth. Mr. Bridges 
was elected sheriff of Greene county, 
Nov. 21, 1874, and served four years. In 
1878 he was elected to the house of rep- 



resentatives, and to the senate in 1882. 
When elected senator, his majority was 
2,o00. Mr. Bridges took his senatorial 
seat at the commencement of the ses- 
sion, in Jan., 1883, and again, in 1885, 
for his second term; but during the ex- 
citement, then at its highest pitch, over 
the election of a U. S. senator, he was 
stricken down with paralysis, and died 
March 20, 1885. He was a very promi- 
nent man, active in politics, who made 
many friends and few enemies, and stood 
high in the estimation of all who knew 
him. He left a farm of 245 acres, which 
is now owned and controlled by his 
widow, Mrs. Lena Bridges, an intelli- 
gent lady, who is a devout member of 
the Episcopal church at Carrollton. 

Joseph S. Carr is a native of St. 
Charles, Mo., where he was born in the 
year 1832. His parents were John 
Carr, a native of Lexington, Ky., and 
Elizabeth Mary Ann (Sumner) Carr, 
who was born in North Carolina. John 
Carr was murdered in the Old City Ho- 
tel, at St. Louis, in 1840. Mrs. Carr 
died in 1873. The subjectof this sketch 
was reared in St. Charles, receiving a 
liberal education, and graduating at the 
old St. Charles College. In 1869, he 
came to Illinois, and located in Kane, 
Greene county, where he engaged in 
the practice of law until 1883. He then 
removed to Jersey county, continuing 
the practice of his profession in Jersey- 
ville, where he now resides. May 10, 
1857, he was united in marriage with 
Georgie Ann Logan, a native of Call;,- 
way county. Mo. They had 11 children, 
nine of whom are now living — Bettie 
E., Lois, Ernest H., Louis M.. John, 
Josephine, Fritz, Festus, and Georgie 
E. He was bereaved by the death of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



683 



liis wife, in 1881, and in 1883, was mar- 
ried to Etta Cory, a native of Jersey 
county. By this marriage there is one 
child— Etta May. Mr. and Mrs. Carr 
are members of the M. E. church. In 
1881. Mr. Carr was chosen to represent 
his district in the state legislature and 
served one term. He is deputy grand 
m 8 er of the state in the I. 0. 0. F., 
and a member of the K. of II., also of 
the K. of P. 

David Pierson, the pioneer banker, 
was born inCazenovia, Madison county, 
N. Y., July 9, 180(), and is a son of 
Josiah and Naomi Pierson. When 18 
years of age his parents immigrated 
west, arriving at St. Louis, Mo., on the 
3d of June, 1820, and after a short 
s ijourn removed acros-; into Illinois, 
locating near Collinsville, Madison 
county. In 1821, his father, Josiah, 
died of bilious fever, after an illness of 
onl}' five days, leaving his widow and a 
family of five children — two daughters 
and three sons — in a strange land and 
auuing strangers, in rather destitute 
circumstances. After the death of Mr. 
Pierson, tlie family removed to Greene 
county, settling two and a half miles 
north of Carrollton, about the close of 
the year 1821. In the spring of 1827, 
after having got a portion of the farm 
into a state of cultivation, David 
rented it out, and with otiiers, went to 
the lead mines near Galena, and en- 
gaged in mining, but returned to the 
farm in the fall of 1828, where he re- 
mained with his mother until her death, 
in Sept., 1829. On the 2oth of Aug., 
1830, Mr. Pierson was married to Eliza 
J. Norton, a daughter of David Norton, 
an early settler nf Illinois, from Her- 
kimer county, N. Y., who continued 



the faithful, trusting partner of bis joys 
and sorrows for over 50 years. Mr. 
Pierson continued to reside upon his 
farm until the beginning of 1834, when 
he disposed of the same and entered 
into the merchandising business in the 
then village of Carrollton, with a capital 
of less than $2,000, coming into compe- 
tition with several experienced mer- 
diants who were worth many times as 
much as he was. In politics Mr. Pier- 
son was from early youth a Clay whig, 
but with the disruption of that party he 
became a republican, and acted with 
the Union party during the war of the 
Rebellion. In 1843, he extended his 
business operations largely, purchasing 
stock and grain, sometimes on a large 
scale. From 1848 to 1854, he was the 
owner of the capital and the leading 
member of the firm of Mark, Pierson & 
Co., who, in addition to the dry goods 
trade, did a large business in the pur- 
chase and shipment of grain. About 
the commencement of the year 1854, 
Mr. Pierson closed his connection with 
the firm and entered into the 
banking business in connection with 
the dry goods trade. In 1855 his 
banking business had increased so 
much that he procured a n(?A' saf , 
hap]iily just before the night of the 3a 
of April, 1855, when a gang of robbers 
from Calhoun county, broke into the 
store, probably hoping to obtain a large 
amount of gold belonging to the sheriti' 
of the county; but fortunately, they 
were unable to force the safe, and es- 
c.ajied with only about $280, which they 
found in the desk. Mr. Pierson imme- 
diately raised a company of 10 men, 
crossed over into Calhoun, and captured 
the whole gang, five in number, all of 



r.84 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



whom were finally convicted, and landed 
in the penitentiary. It was said by the 
state's attorney, that he manifested a 
large amount of skill, not only in cap- 
turing the robbers, but in havinpc them 
convicted. In Jan., I808, Mr. Pierson 
disposed of the dry goods business, and 
turned his attention exclusively to 
banking, and in 185V), erected the large 
and comujodious house which has since 
been occupied by the bank. He whs 
appointed special agent for the sale of 
United States bonds, during the time 
the government was borrowing money 
to uru-^h out the rebellion, and while 
many who sympathized with the South, 
opposed and ridiculed the idea of loan- 
ing money to the government, to coerce 
our southern brethren, Mr. Pierson suc- 
ceeded in selling about S60U,0U0 worth 
oF b )nds of the different issues, to the 
citizens of the county. He was also 
coUertor of internal revenue for sev- 
eral years, and paid more taxes for the 
poor than the receipts of his office 
amounted to. In 1862, Mr. Pierson 
purchased the Carrollton flouiing mill, 
which he ran with great success for 
some years. In 18(32-'^ he aided in 
building a woolen factory, which was 
destroyed by fire in the fall of 1872 
causing a severe loss to him. Mr. Pier- 
son and wife are members of the Bap- 
tist church, having been connected with 
that organization since 18o2. Mr. Pier- 
son was a director of tlie construction 
company, in the building of the L., C. 
& W. R. R., and at present owns $10,- 
000 worth of the stock, and is also vice- 
president, chairman, and financial agent 
of the same. His wife died May 11, 
1879. Four children survived her — 
Ornan, David D., Robert and Mary J. 



And now, taking into view the poor pi- 
oneer boy, shivering with chills and 
fever, in the rough log cabin, partaking 
of the humble fare of the backwoods- 
man, more than 50 years ago, and what 
he accomplished in life, it can but 
raise, in the estimation of all good 
men, the straightforward principles that 
has actuated his business career thriiugh 
life. He is, ostensibly, a self-made 
man, and needs no eulogy at our hands, 
as the work of his life speaks more elo- 
quently for itself. 

Under the new apportionment, hi 1882, 
Greene, together with tlie counties of 
Scott and Jersey, was placed in the 
37th district and in the 33d general 
assembly, which met in Jan. 1883, the 
new district was represented in the 
senate by Frank M. Bridges. Walter 
E. Carlin, George W. Murray and John 
H. Coats, were the representatives in 
the house. Most of these gentlemen 
are noticed elsewhere in this volume. 

The general assembly conveyed Jan. 
6, 1S85, and in its senate contained 
Frank M. Bridges, but in the latter part 
of March, that gentleman dying while 
in the discharge of liis duties in Spring- 
field. Robert H. Davis was elected to 
succeed him. He is the present state 
senat:)r. In the house the district was 
represented by Henry C. Massey and 
Theodore S. Chapman, of Jersey county, 
and Byr<in McEvers, of Scott county. 

Hon. Roliert H. Davis was born in 
Mercer county, Ky., now known as 
Boyle county. He came with his par- 
ents, Cyrus A. and Diana U. (Montague) 
Davis, to Greene county, 111., in 1832, 
and here grew to manhood, being edu- 
cated principally in private schools. 
He subsequently removed to St. Louis, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



685 



and for six or seven years was a clerk in 
a wliolesale dry goods house, after 
which he entered into a hirge wiiolesale 
grocery and commission business, un- 
der the firm name of R. H. Davis & 
Co., which he vigorously continued un- 
til 18G7. At that time he returned to 
Carrollton, and in ISGl), with J. B. Nul- 
ton, as ])artner, and under the firm 
name of Davis & Nulton, engaged iu 
the grain tiade. When Col. Nulton 
withdrew, Mi'. Davis continued alone 
until lS.s:i, whi'U lie hei-aiue manager 
of thr L'rain trade of D. R S])arks & 
Co., and also associated D. M. Fishback 
as partner, and under tiic firm istyle of 
Fishback & Davis, engaged in the sule 
of Hour, feed, fuel andr.ll kinds of grain, 
excei)t wheat. Feb. 4, 18 7. Mr. Davis 
was united in marriage with Mary C. 
Newson, of Petersburg, \'a., wliose 
death occurred Feb. 18, 1S72, leaving 
four children — Anna M, Cornelia, Liz- 
zie and Roberta L. Politically, Mr. 
Davis is a democrat. In 1872, Mr. 
Davis was selected by a non-party vote 
to serve the city of CarroUtnu as 
mayor. On retirement from that office, 
he :itt nded (jnietly to his large inter- 
ests n tlie grain tr;;de until again called 
upon to serve as mayor in 1^77, recreiv- 
ing a large majority of the votes cast.< 
In 1885 Mr. Davis was honored with the 
election to succeed Frank M. Bridges, 
as state ^enator, whose death occurred 
in March of this year, and was the 
unanimous choice of the v<iters of this 
district, there being no op[)Osing candi- 
date;. Of ycnato)- Davis' short term in 
the senate the Missouri Rqiabl'wm paid 
him the following comiiliment at the 
close of the ;)4th general assembly : 
'This general assembly contained many 



good and reputable men, and none more 
.so than Senator Davis, of(ireene, who 
was elected to fill the unexpired term 
of late Senator Frank Bridges, of that 
county. Mr. Davis, although a new 
member, and taking his seat long after 
the work of the session hnd licgun, 
]iroved a most careful and eflicient leg- 
islator, always at his post and always 
on the right side of those questions in 
which the people are most interested. 
He has done so well for the short term, 
his constituents would I'ender a deserved 
comj)limcnt to a good democrat and a 
faithful senator by giving him a long 
term." \\'hile a resident of St. Louis 
Mr. Davis was four years a director of 
the Mercantile Library Association, and 
two years vice-president. He always 
manifested an active interest in the 
same, and is still an energetic worker in 
literary affairs. Mr. Davis is a coui- 
teous, socialde and agreeable gentleman, 
is a warm advocate and supporter of 
tlu' temperance cause, but not a prohi- 
bitionist. He manifests a great deal of 
interest in anytliing pertaining to edu- 
cational matters and its advancement, 
and is now serving his sixth years as a 
member of the boanl nf education, and 
tiie tliird year as president of the same. 
He is a forciljle and fluent speaker and 
always ccunniamls attention. 

C().NSTITrTIOX.\L COXX'K.N'TIO.VS. 

A convention for the purpose of draft- 
ing a new constitution of the state of 
Illinois, convened at Springfield, June 
7, 1847, at which there were ll>2 d(de- 
gates present, among whom were 
Franklin Witt, Linus E. Worcester and 
D. M. Woodson, of nml for the county 
of Greene. The convention adjourned 



686 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Aug. ?>1, 1847. The constitution drafted 
by this convention was submitted to the 
people of the state and ratified by them 
March 6, 1848, and went into effect 
April 1, of the same year. 

A convention was held at Springfield, 
commencing Jan. 7, 1S62, which lasted 
until March 24, of that year, at which 
were 75 delegates from the state, John 
M. Woodson representing Greene coun- 
ty. Tlie peojile of the state refused to 
ratify the work of their hands. 

The present constitution is the work 
of a convention held for that purpose, 
which assembled at Springfield, Dec. 
13, 1869, and remained in session until 
May 13, 1870. Eighty-five delegates 
were present, among them James W. 
English represented the county of 
Greene. The constitution so drafted 
was submitted to the people at a special 
election held on the 2d of July, 1870, 
and by them accepted, and went into 
operation Aug. 8, 1870. A sketch of 
Mr. English will be found further on in 
this volume. 

COUNTY .JUDGES. 

When the county of Greene was or- 
ganized, in 1821, this office was simply 
a probate judge or justice, and had no 
power outside of these matters. The 
first to fill the position was John G. 
Lofton, who entered upon the discharge 
of his official duties, May 5, 1821. A 
sketch of this gentleman occurs in the 
history of Jersey county, he residing in 
that part of Greene county afterward 
included in Jersey. He held the office 
for less than a year. 

He was succeeded by Abram Bow- 
man, in 1822. This gentleman came 
from Warren county, 0., to Greene 



county, in 1820, and settled on a farm 
west of Carrollton, where he passed the 
rem.ainder of his life. He had a family 
of 10 children, and some of his descend- 
ants are still residents of this county. 

A. W. Caverly was the next to fill the 
office, being elected thereto in 1823, and 
was re-elected in 1825, filling the office 
for the term of four years. Mr. Cav- 
erly was one of the prominent and early 
attorneys of this section of the state, 
and is mentioned at length in this chap- 
ter, under head of representatives to the 
general assemljly. 

In 1827, Jehu Brown was elected to 
this office, and was re-elected to the of- 
fice in 1829, 1831 and 1833, filling the 
position satisfactorily for six years. He 
was an early settler in what is now Jer- 
sey county, and is treated of it in that 
connection. 

Lewis W. Link was the next juilge of 
probate of Greene county, entering upon 
the duties of the ofiice in 1835. He re- 
moved from this county years ago, it is 
believed to Missouri, and is doubtless 
dead by this time. He only held the 
office for two years. 

Judge Link was succeeded by David 
M. Woodson, in 1837. This latter gen- 
tleman acted in this capacity for two 
►years. A sketch of Judge Woodson is 
given at length in the chapter in re- 
lation to the courts of Greene county, 
he having served for many years as cir- 
cuit judge in this region. 

In 1839 Calvin Tunnell was elected to 
to the office of probate judge and served 
in that capacity for fiiur years. He was 
a native of North Carolina, born Octo- 
ber 4, 1791, and was one of the large fam- 
ily of William and Mary (Massey) Tun- 
nell, who were married in 1771, in Fair- 




/d ^-}x.-t2X /cl^^^///. 



-i^i '^z '>-) , , 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



689 



fax p(ninty, Va., their ancestors being 
formerly from England. When their 
son Calvin was only four years old, Mr. 
Tunnel! and his wife moved to Ander- 
son county, Tenn., locating on a wild 
tract of land there, where he made a 
farm. It was in that county and state 
that Calvin was educated, his learning 
being such as the schools of that day af- 
forded. Quite early in life he became 
inured to the toils and hardships of 
frontier life. On the 25th of August, 
1811, he was married to Jane Adair, a 
native of West Virginia, born July 28, 
179.^. After his marriage, Mr. Tunnell 
started out in life on his own account, 
continuing to reside there until 1817. 
He then removed, with his wife and two 
children, to Madison county, Illinois, 
where they staid until late in the fall of 
ISIS, and early in the spring of 1819, 
came up to Gre(me county. Here he 
located on a piece of land and made an 
improvement, and was one among the 
t'arly settlers of tlie township where he 
resided. Like the majority of pioneers 
of this county, he came here very poor. 
He had hardly any money, and but 
three head of horses, and they died be- 
fore he was able to make any improve- 
ment; and in order to break up his first 
piece of ground, he found it necessary 
to work for a neighl)or by the day to get 
his first team of oxen to plow with. A 
few months previous to making a set- 
tlement here, he came and selected this 
piece of land, and by some it has been 
said that he s[)lit the first rails north of 
Macoupin creek. Mr. Tunnell and wife 
had fourteen children, nine of whom are 
yet living, and are married and com- 
fortably settled in life. Not many years 
afterthey canie,to,Greene _county,^Mr. 



Tunnell and wife joined the Baptist 
church. He also preached a few ser- 
mons in the earlier part of his pioneer 
life. He was a member of the 9th 
general assembly which met at Vanda- 
lia, in 1834-5, and also of the 14th gen- 
eral assembly of lS44-(i, and when the 
democratic convention met in 1866, his 
name was presented for the same posi- 
tion, but was positively declined liy 
him. He died on the 7th of April, 1S67, 
mourned by a large circle of friends and 
regretted by all who knew him. 

Mathias S. Link succeeded Judge Tun- 
nell in the office of judge, in 1843. In 
1847 he was re-elected. In 1849 he was 
re-elected again, but in the meantime 
the office had become a much more im- 
portant one. By the constitution of 
1848, the county commissioners' court 
was abolished, and a county court con- 
sisting of a county judge and two asso- 
ciates, given jurisdiction over the fiscal 
and other affairs of the county, andjios- 
sessing all the powers of the commis- 
sioners' court, as well as attending to 
probate matters, as formerly. Judge 
Link with Adam I. Whiteside and An- 
thony S. Seely, as associates were the 
first to open the new court, which they 
did in December, 1849. Judge Link 
served in this office four years. A long 
time ago he left this county, and is sup- 
posed to have died in Missouri. 

C. D. Hodges, one of the most prom- 
inent of the sons of Greene county, was 
elected to the office of county judge in 
1853, and again in 1857, but in the early 
part of 1859 he resigned the position to 
accept a seat in the United States con- 
gress, in connection with which ])osi- 
tion, a sketch of this worthy gentleman 
is given in detail. 



^la 



690 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



On the resignation of Judge Hodges, 
in Feb., 1859, a special election was 
lield to fill the vacancy, wlaich resulted 
in elevating Thomas H. Boyd to the 
place. He was re-elected in 1861, and 
again in 1865. serving in this capacity 
nearly eight years, he resigning the po- 
sition in the fall of 1866. He was a na- 
tive of Alexandria, Va., born in 1817. 
His father, .John Boyd, was a saddler 
and harness-maker by trade, who mar- 
ried Mary Kirk, a native of Philadel- 
phia, Pa. In an early day, they moved 
to Washington city, where they passed 
the remainder of life. Thomas was but 
10 years old when he accompanied an 
emigrant train to Illinois, in 1834. At 
25 he entered into the mercantile busi- 
ness at Columbiana, Greene county, 
where he started a small store, and be- 
came a dealer in cord-wood, and also a 
successful grain shipper. He transacted 
a good business here until 1856. About 
this time he married Mary Ann Ellis, a 
native of North Carolina. By this union 
there were six children, of whom three 
are living — Oily A., Carrie andThomas. 
In 1859 Mr. Boyd was elected probate 
judge; faithfully discharging the mani- 
fold duties of this office, he received a 
re-election. In 1872 he was elected by 
a large majority to the state legislature, 
serving four sessions. 

On the resignation of Judge Boyd, he 
was succeeded by Alfred Hinton, in 
1866, who occupied the bench until 
1869. He was succeeded in that year 
by John Ruyle, one of the early settlers 
of Greene county. He was born in 
Jacksonville, 111,, April 2, 1824. His 
father, who was a native of Davidson 
county, Tenn., was born in 1793. His 
chances for obtaining an education were 



extremely limited, so that he could only 
read print and write his name. He was 
r.'ared on a farm, and engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits, in Sumner as well as in 

I Davidson county, Tenn. When about 
22 years of age, he was married to Lucy 
Dyer, daughter of Edward Dyer, form- 
erly of Virginia. For about 8 years after 
his marriage, he remained in Tennessee, 
engaged in farming; but being an anti- 
slavery man by instinct, though born in 
a slave state, he left his native state in 
order to found a home where his chil- 
dren might not be brought in contact 
with, or exposed to the influences of, 
slavery. Consequently, in 1823, he 
started for Illinois, and on the 3d of 
November of that year, without a single 
dollar in his possession, he arrived at 
Mauvaisterre creek, Morgan county. 
The subject of this sketch was born the 
following year, at the location of his 
father, in Morgan county. For the first 
seven years of his life he was without 
anj means of obtaining an education, as 
there was not a single school-house or 
church in the neighborhood. In 1830, 
when John was six years of age, Mr. 
Ruyle removed to Greene county, and 
located in Mount Airy precinct. In 
this locality John Ruj'le attended school 
for the first time. His first teacher, 
Western Scruggs, labored faithfully 
with him, and implanted in his young 
mind many principles which he never 

I forgot. His education was wholly ob- 
tained in the common schools of Greene 
county, and, by studying at nights and 

j at odd times, he was fitted, in a great 
measure, for the honorable career which 
has marked his maturer years. On the 
14th of Feb., 1848, Mr. Ruyle was mar- 

I ried to Elizabeth Whitlock, daughter of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



691 



Charles Whitlock, an early settler of 
Mount Airy precinct. Immediately 
after marriage, he commenced farming 
on his own account, and his career as a 
farmer, we might say, dates from his 
marriage. In 1844 he was elected con- 
stahle, and his journey's as an officer 
often extended over a large portion of 
the county. In 1849 he made his first 
purchase of land — a tract containing 
about 40 acres. In this year, also, he 
received from Gov. French a commis- 
sion as a second lieutenant in the 18th 
Ri'gt. 111. Mil. This was at the period 
of the Mexican war. Previous to this 
he had volunteered in the 1st. 111. 
Regt., and started to go to Mexico, but 
on account of sudden illness, contracted 
at Alton, was discharged, and returned 
home. In 1853, Mr. Ruyle was elected 
a justice of the peace for his precinct, 
and his career as a justice extended over 
a period of 12 years. In 1861 he was 
elected associate justice of the county 
court. His term of four years was very 
acceptable to the people at large, as 
they regarded him as an honest, upright 
and high-minded magistrate. In 1869 
he received the nomination of the dem- 
ocratic party for comity judge, and was 
elected by a very hirge majority. He 
died in 1876. 

In 1873 the county commissioners be- 
ing again vested with the power of gov- 
ernment, the office of county judge was 
divested of some of its prerogatives, hut 
still remained a very important office, 
fjinus E. M'orcester was elected this 
year, and occupied the bench until 1882, 
a most efficient and able officer. Mr. 
Worcester has already been noticed, at 
length, in this chapter. 

Judge Leander R. Lakin, the present 



incumbent of the office of county judge 
was elected in 1882. 

Judge Leander R. Lakin, among tlie 
most prominent of Greene county's 
citizens, was born in this county, Dec. 
17, 1847, his parents being Jordan and 
Eliza Ann (Myers) Lakin, the former a 
native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylva- 
nia. His father was born Dec. 1, 1817, 
and was a son of John M. Lakin. He 
received his education in the common 
schools of Fidelity, 0.. and was reared 
to the duties of farm life. In 1827 they 
came to Illinois, lojating in Greene 
county, on section 35, near what is now 
the village of Berdan, where Jordan 
was occupied at farming. He was 
united in marriage with Eliza A. Myers' 
and by this union there were nine child- 
ren, of whom our subject was the young- 
est son. In 1861 he organized Co. H, 
91st 111. Inf., and proceeded to the front 
with the rank of captain. He partici- 
pated in the battle at Elizabethtown, 
against Morgan, and there became dis- 
tinguished for his great bravery. He 
resigned before the close of the Rebellion 
and returned to his home in (Jreene 
county, where he engaged in farming 
until death called him to his happy 
home, July 29, 1869. He was buried at 
the Hopewell cemetery, near the old 
homestead, and a fine monument was 
erected to the memory of one who stood 
high in the estimation of all. Leander's 
mother, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah 
(Rogers) Myers, died May 30, 1860. She 
was known for her gentleness of dispo- 
sition and her kindness to the poor and 
needy, and was beloved by all who 
knew her. Judge Lakin was educated 
in the common schools of this county, 
and engaged in farming until his elec- 



692 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tion as county clerk, in Nov., 1873. He 
served that term with such ability and 
gave such satisfaction that he was again 
elected in 1<S77 to fill the same import- 
ant position. At the expiration of that 
term of office he was, in Nov., 1882, 
elected to the office of county judge, in 
which capacity he is now officiating. 
He was united in marriage, Nov. 28, 
1874, with Henrietta Sayles Brace, a 
daughter of Dr. and Emily (Sayles) 
Brace, both natives of New York state. 
This marriage has been blessed "with 
five children, four of whom are living — 
Jesse, Jordan, Eliza and Emily. The 
one deceased is Leela, born in Dec, 
1875; died in Aug., 1877, and is buried 
in the Carrollton cemetery. Judge 
Lakin is one of our most liberal minded 
citizens, and his past life has been 
characterized by official ability, and by 
a generosity of spirit which makes for 
him many friends. 

COUNTY CI.EBK. 

During the first years of the county's 
existence, this office was more generally' 
known as the clerk of the county com- 
missioners' court, and has always been 
one of the most important offices in the 
county. The first to fill it was Samuel 
Lee, Jr., who was appointed to the of- 
fice at tlie first meeting of the commis- 
sioners, in 1821. He held this, and 
several other offices tintil his death, 
which occurred in 1829. He was a man 
of considerable ability, and had the re- 
spect and esteem of all, and at one time 
held the position of county clerk, clerk 
of the circuit court, county record r, 
justice of the peace, notary public and 
postmaster of Carrollton. 

On the death of Mr. Lee, the commis- 



sioners appointed George P. Kenney to 
the position of county clerk, which he 
filled until June, 1832, when he, too, 
was removed by the hand of death. On 
his dying, the commissioners appointed 
Edward D. Baker, as clerk, pro tem. 
This was afterward the famous senator 
from Oregon, and colonel of the 1st 
Cal. Reg, who was killed at the battle 
of Bali's Bluff, while acting brigadier- 
general. He was brought up in (h-eene 
ct)unty, although of English birth. 

Mortimer Kennett was appointed to 
this position in 1832, to succeed Mr. 
Baker. He occupied the place until 
Jan., 1834, when he was removed, liy 
the same power that appointed him, and 
Moses 0. Bledsoe, at that time clerk of 
the circuit court, appointed in his 
stead. To this removal Mr. Kennett 
demurred, and contested the matter for 
a short time, but finally gave it up. 
Mr. Bledsoe acted as county clerk until 
the fall of 1837. He is noticed under 
head of circuit clerk, further on, an 
office which he filled for many years. 

On the 27th of Sept., 1837, James 
Reno was inducted into this office, but 
held it only about six weeks, resigning 
it on the 17th of Oct., 1837. Mr. Reno 
was a noted hotel keeper of Carrollton, 
in those early days. 

R. W. English was appointed to fill 
out the term until the next election, and 
entered upon the duties of the office, 
which he followed for a month or two. 
He is noticed elsewhere. 

Philip N. Rampy was the next incum- 
bent, being elected in 1837, and served 
nearly two years. 

On the 2d of Sept., 1839, William 
Carlin entered upon the duties of this 
office, and continued therein until 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



693 



March 4, 1847, when he resigned the 
same. Mr. Carlin was a native of 
Fredericksburg, Va., born May 31, 
1804, and was a brother of Thomas 
Carlin, governor of Illinois. Mr. Car- 
lin, while quite young, removed with 
his parents to the territory of Illinois, 
and settled at the Wood river settle- 
jnent in Madison county, where they 
resided several years. In the fall of 
1820, William became a citizen of 
Greene county, and purchased a piece 
of land near Carrollton. On the 6th of 
Dec, 1826, he was united in marriage 
with Mary Goode, also a native of Vir- 
ginia. Politically a democrat he was 
always a favorite with his party. He 
was elected to the above ofhce as men- 
tioned. On liis resignation he retired 
to his farm eight miles west of Carroll- 
ton. In 1848, while on his way to New 
Orleans with stock, he was nominated 
by the democratic party for the office of 
circuit clerk, and elected. He entered 
upon the duties of this office in Dec, 
1848, and while serving in this capacity 
was cut oft' by the hand of death, on 
the 20th of April, 1850. No man in the 
county, periiaps, had the esteem of his 
fellow-citizens to a greater degree than 
he, and his death was mourned by all. 

On the resignation of Mr. Carlin, on 
March 4, 1847, Francis P. Vedder was 
appointed to lill the vacancy. In Sep- 
tember of tlie same year he was elected 
for a full term, and re-elected to the 
same office in 1849, 1853 and 1857, thus 
holding the office for 14 years and six 
months. 

In 1861, W. A. Davis was inducted 
into this imjjortant office, and served 
for four years. 

William A. Davis, deceased, at one 



time the most active business man in 
Carrollton, engaged in the mercantile 
business in 1852, being then 22 years of 
age. He engaged in handling grain, 
pork-packing and. in purchasing all 
kinds of country produce, and this con- 
tinued until 1865, when he sold out 
here, and, going to St. Louis, opened 
up a commission house, which business 
he carried on until his death. He was 
married in 1858 to Louisa Hodges, 
daughter of Judge C. D. and Ellen 
(Hawley) Hodges. Judge Hodges was 
a native of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis were the jjarents of three chil- 
dren — Jennie, Charles H. and Ella, 
wife of W. C. Wertheimer, of St. Louis" 
In 1861, Mr. Davis was elected to the 
office of county clerk, which position 
he filled for a term of four years, with 
honor to himself, and satisfaction to 
all. He was regarded as a man of per- 
haps the finest business tact in the 
county, and at the time of his death, 
being then only in his 36th year, had 
amassed a fine property. Mr. Davis 
was a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
He fell a victim to that dread scourge, 
cholera, and was deeply mourned, not 
only by his family and immediate re- 
latives, but by the people generally, 
throughout the county. His widow is 
still a resident of Carrollton. 

G. W. Davis was the next to occupy 
the office of county clerk. He entered 
upon the duties of the ofiice in 1865, 
and was re-elected in 1869, serving the 
people in that capacity for {-ight years. 

George W. Davis, a prominent citizen 
of Carrollton, was l)orn in Woodville 
township, Greene county, 111., Aug. 9, 
]8;')!l. He is a son of Dr. Cyrus A. and 
Diana R. (Montague) Davis, his father 



(V.)4 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



a native of Kentucky, and his motlier of 
^'il•ginia. They were early s^ettlers here 
and a sketch of their lives will appear 
in this volume. George was educated 
in the district schools of his native place, 
and afterward clerked in his brother's 
store for some time, but upon the elec- 
tion of his brother to the office of county 
clerk, he was appointed by him to the 
position of dejjuty. He was thus em- 
ployed during that term of office, and in 
1.S65 was himself elected county clerk, 
and in 1869 was re-elected to the same 
important office. At the expiration of 
that term Mr. Davis engaged in a family 
grocery business, but his health failing 
him he was obliged to retire from busi- 
ness for a few years. In April, 1883, 
he became connected with that thriving 
institution, the Carrollton Bank, as its 
l)resident, a position he still holds. 
Dec. 27, 1865, Mr. Davis was united in 
marriage with Jennie Lane, of Louis- 
ville, Ky., a daughter of W. F. and Lo- 
retta (Baker) Lane. They have an 
adopted child in their family — Mattie 
L. Mr. Davis was a member of the 
school board for some years, and was 
the principal mover in the erection of 
the very fine school house which this 
city can now boast of; he also superin- 
tended the building of it. For 12 3-ears 
Mr. Davis has been secretary of the 
Agricultural Association, and was its 
president for two years. He has been 
president of the L., C. & \V. R. R. Co., 
for the past three years. He is a mem- 
ber of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & 
A. M., of chapter No. 77, and of Hugh 
DePayen coramandery. No. 29, and 
has occupied the highest position in 
each of these lodges. He is now master, 
and has for several years past been dis- 



trict deputy for the 22d district. Mr. 
Davis is a member of the Presbyterian 
church, with which he united in 1857, 
and since 1874 has been elder therein. 

Leander R. Lakin was elected to the 
office of county clerk in 1873, and serv- 
ing to the general satisfaction of the 
people of the county, was re-elected to 
the same office in 1877, by a majority of 
1.337 over two candidates. Mr. Lakin, 
at present, occupies the important posi- 
tion of county judge, and is spoken of 
in that connection. - 

John Jones, the present occupant of 
the office of county clerk, was elected 
to this office in 1881, and has occupied 
it ever since. 

Among the officers of Greene county, 
none are more worthy of notice than 
the worthy county clerk, John Jones, a 
life-long resident of this county. He 
was born on the old homestead of his 
parents, Josiah and ElizaVjeth Jones, in 
1S39. The early years of his life were 
spent upon the farm, situated near 
Wilmington, now known as Patterson, 
where he obtained a liberal education in 
the district schools of his native place, 
and afterward attending a graded school 
in the city of Jacksonville. Proceeding 
to Chicago, he later entered upon a 
course of classical studies. In the 
counties of Morgan and Sangamon, Mr. 
Jones for some time followed the voca- 
tion of school teacher. In Aug., 1862, 
he enlisted in Co. H, 91st 111. Inf., and 
was elected second lieutenant, and 
served in that rank until he was dis- 
charged, in Oct., 1863, on account of 
disability. Returning from the service, 
he was united in marriage, in 1865, with 
Minerva E., a daughter of Lemuel J. 
Patterson, by whom five children have 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



fiflr, 



been born — Minnie F., Norman L., 
Liuy M., Howard K., and Cora M. In 
18()6, Mr. Jones entered into partner- 
ship with L. J. Patterson and James 
Howard, for the transaction of a general 
merchandising business, the firm name 
being Jones, Patterson & Co. In 1871, 
the firm dissolved by mutual consent, 
tlie senior member retiring to his farm, 
there following the duties pertaining to 
this independent calling. In l<St58, he 
was elected to the office of justice of the 
peace, which position he held until 
Dec., 1872, when he received the ap- 
pointment as county superintendent of 
schools and deputy sheriff. In the 
separate capacities he proved equal to 
the duties incumbent thereto, serving 
two years as deputy sheriff under N. J. 
Andrews, and two years under F. M. 
Bridges. In 1876, his ability was 
recognized and he became the popular 
candidate upon the democratic ticket 
for the responsible position of sheriff, 
being elected by the largest majority 
ever polled for the sheriff's office. In 
1S78, by the earnest wish of his many 
friends, he accepted the nomination to 
again serve in this capacity, and was 
re-elected. In July, 1880, he entered 
the Farmer's and Drover's bank, at 
Roodhouse, as cashier. In 1882, he 
was chosen by the citizens of the county 
to represent their interests as county 
clerk, in which capacity he still serves 
with his characteristic ability and 
ctliei(>ncy, and with complete satisfac- 
tion to his constituency. Mr. Jones is 
a member of the board of education in 
Carrolllon, is a member of the Baptist 
church, the Masonic fraternity, and the 
subordinate and encampment of tlie 1. 
0. 0. F. society. 



CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT. 

Samuel Lee, Jr., was the first to fill 
this responsible position, as has been 
already stated, being appointed in 1821, 
and holding the same until his death in 
1829. 

Moses 0. Bledsoe was his successor, 
being appointed . on the death of Mr. 
Lee, in 1829. One of the most able men 
of his time, he was continued in this 
office until 1848. Heafterw-ard removed 
to Springfield, 111., where he died many 
years ago. It has been impossible to 
gather any authentic Inognipliic.-il 
sketch of this truly representative man, 
as most of his friends, who were ac- 
quainted with his antecedents, have 
j)assed to the other shore. 

William Carlin, for many years county 
clerk, was the third to occupy this 
office. While away from home he was 
nominated for that office and elected. 
He entered upon the duties of the ottice 
and remained therein until his death, 
as mentioned before. He was one of 
the most popular men of his time, and 
enjoyed the respect and esteem of all. 
He was a brother of Hon. Thomas Car- 
lin, governor of the state of Illinois. 

Shortly after the death of Mr. Carlin, 
Judge ^^'oodson appointed his son,Thos. 
J. Carlin, to fill out the unexpired term, 
which he did to the satisfaction of all, 
but as he was a j'oung man, he felt fear- 
ful of running for the office the next 
election, preferring to give way to older 
men, and bide his time. 

At the election in Nov., 18.50, Z. A. 
Morrow was chosen to till the office of 
circuit clerk. 

Zachariah A. Morrow was born in 
Rutherford county, Tenn., Jan. 9, 1809, 
being a son of John and Mary Morrow, 



096 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tlif former of whom was a native of 
North Cari>lina, and the hitter of South 
Carolina. Zachariah's mother died in 
Tennessee, in 1831, and his fatlier came 
with him to this state, and made his 
home with him, imtil his death, April 
13, 1834. Oct. 18, 1832, Z. A. Morrow 
and Rebecca Eddelman, daughter of 
Boston and Sarah Eddelman, were 
united in marriage. In 1828, Mr. M. 
made a prospecting trip to this county, 
and remained one year with his uncle, 
William Morrow, at Apple creek bridge. 
He then returned to Tennessee, and in 
1S33 made a permanent settlement in this 
county, locating on a farm near Whit- 
aker's creek. In 1835 he entered land 
in the northeast part of the county, on 
Apple creek, where he resided until 
1848. In Aug. of that year, he was 
elected sheriff, and at the expiration of 
his term of office, was elected to fill a 
vacancy in the office of circuit clerk, 
occa.sioned by the death of Wm. Carlin. 
After serving through this unexpired 
term, he was again elected sheriff, in 
the fall of 1852. At the expiration of 
his official life, he purchased a tract of 
land adjoining the town of Carrollton, 
and laid out an addition, known as 
Sharon, Calvin & Morrow's addition to 
the city of Carrollton. In the winter of 
1852, Mr. Morrow and wife united with 
the Baptist church, and for several 
years he served as deacon. Mrs. Mor- 
row died Nov. 13, 1871. 

Abram Spencer was elected circuit 
clerk in 1852, and re-elected in 1856, oc- 
cupying the office for eight years, and 
was an efficient servant of the people. 

James S. Vedder succeeded Mr. 
Spencer, in 1860, and served the peo- 
ple in that capacity for four years. 



In the fall of 1864, the democratic 
convention nominated Thomas J. Car- 
lin for circuit clerk, and the republican, 
Alfred J. Worcester. Mr. Carlin, at 
the November election, carried the day, 
winning by 1,247 majority. He entered 
upon the duties of the office, and was 
duly re-elected in 1868 and 1872. 

Thomas J. Carlin was born in Car- 
rollton, Greene county, 111., Dec. 13, 
1827, being a son of William and Mary 
(Goode) Carlin. William Carlin was a 
brother of Gov. Carlin, and was a 
native of Fredericksburg, Mo., having 
been born May 31, 1804. With his 
parents, William removed to Illinois at 
an early day, they settling in Madison 
county. In the fall of 1820, he became 
a resident of Greene county, buying a 
tract of land now within the corporate 
limits of Carrolltiin. On the 6th of 
Dec, 1826, he was married to Mary 
Goode. In politics he was a democrat 
and was repeatedly elected to the office 
of county clerk, serving, in all, 17 
years, then resigning. After serving 
his term of office, he removed to his farm 
near Carrollton, and again engaged in 
farming. Two years later, while away 
from home, he was nominated by the 
democrats for the office of circuit clerk. 
He was elected, and in Dec, 1849, re- 
moved to Carrollton and assumed the 
duties of the oflice. April 20, 1850, he 
departed this life, beloved and respected 
by all his ac([uaintances. Thomas J. 
Carlin attended the common schools of 
Greene county, and on the death of his 
father. Judge Woodson appointed him 
circuit clerk, to fill the vacancy until 
the next general election. On the expi- 
ration of the term he was appointed 
deputy sheriff, and served two years. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



697 



In A])ril, 1851, he was married to Mary 
J. Kelly, of Carrollton. At the expira- 
tion of his service as deputy sheriff, he 
removed to the farm left by his father. 
In Nov., 1.S64, he was elected to the 
olhce of circuit clerk, and, by re-elec- 
tion, held the office ujj to 1880. 

J. Henry Short was elected to the 
office in 1870, and filled the same for 
four years. He is a native of Greene 
county, born in 1839. 

His early years were s{)ent in agricul- 
tural pursuits. He received a liberal 
education in the common schools of his 
native place. In 1863 he was united in 
marriage with Lenora Ferguson, a 
daughter of G. B. and Mary Ferguson, 
whose maiden name was Maberry, who 
were among the early settlers of Greene 
county. Mr. Short became a successful 
farmer, but in 1876, on his election to 
this office, he removed to Carrollton. 

T. J. Albert was the next to occupy 
this post being elected to the same in 
188U, and serving four years, 

Anthony Connole, the present incum- 
bent of the office, was elected in 1884. 

Anthony Connole is anative of county 
Clare, Ireland, born in Ballyoaghan, 
July 3, 1842. His parents reared a fam- 
ily of seven children, two of whom died 
in Ireland. Of the surviving members of 
the family, Thomas removed to Aus- 
tralia; Mary still resides in Ireland, and 
Patrick, Ann and Anthony, came to the 
I'nited States. The latter, who crossed 
the Atlantic when 17 years of age, 
landed in the city of New Orleans. 
From the Crescent city he made his way 
to Carrolltiin, where he first worked asa 
farm hand for David Black, and attended 
school during the winter, having previ- 
ously received a liberal education in his 



native land. When the war broke out 
Mr. Connole enlisted in Co. F, 1st Mo. 
Cav., and subsequently re-cnlisted as a 
veteran in Co. A, 53d 111. Inf., and was 
detailed as a sergeant. He participated 
in the battles of Pea Ridge, Sugar 
Creek Hill, Ark.; Nashville, Thouipson 
Station and Carter Creek, Tenn.; Willis 
Cross Roads, N. C, and Corinth, Miss. 
After the close of the war he returned 
to Carrollton, and soon afterM'ard pro- 
ceeded to Springfield, where he officiated 
as clerk in the office of the United 
States marshal until 1869. He then re- 
turned to Carrollton, and in July of the 
same year was married to Mary Mark- 
ham, a daughter of Matthew and Hannah 
Markham. He then entered into mercan- 
tile business at Berdan, which he prose- 
cuted vigorously until 1877, when he 
was appointed deputy county clerk 
under L.R.Lakin,and was re-appointed 
to that position under John Jones. In 
Nov., 1S84, he was chosen by the citizens 
of the county as clerk of the court and 
rei'order, which position he still retains, 
to tlie entire satisfaction of his ct)nstitu- 
ency. In politics Mr. Connole has 
always affiliated with the democratic 
party, and is a member of the A.O.U. W., 
and G. A. R. societies. Mr. and Mrs. 
Connole are the parents of six children 
Mary V., Michael H., Lydia, Anna, 
Anthony E. and Mattie L. 

COrNTV TItE.VSURERS. 

John W. Scott was the first treasurer 
of the county, being appointed to that 
office by the county commissioners' 
court in 1821. He was re-appointed the 
following year. He has been dead 
many years. 

Luther Tunnell was the next to oc- 



698 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



cupy the office, receiving his appoint- 
' nient in 1823, and held it one year. 

Jacob Linder was appointed the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Tunnell, in 1824, and 
served three years. 

In 1827, J. \V. Soott was again ap- 
pointed to this office, and held it for one 
year. 

He was succeeded by Cyrus Tolman, 
in 1828, and held it for one year. He 
was a native of Massachusetts, born in 
1796. Coming westward as early as 1817, 
he proceeded to Utica, in the state of 
Indiana, and one year later, though 
comparatively without means, he landed 
in Edwardsville, this state, and tirst 
secured employment in helping toward 
the survey of the town of Gibralter. In 
1821, he entered a piece of land near 
the prisent town of White Hall. In 
connection with Carl Gregory, he erected 
the first two frame blocks in Greene 
county. Jan. 30, 1828, he was married 
to Polly Eldred, a daughter of Jehoso- 
phat and Polly Eldred. In 1830 he was 
elected assessor and treasurer of Greene 
county, receiving for his services $75. 
A short time after, he was elected judge 
of Greene county, and in 1840, moved 
to Jerseyville, where, during the fall of 
the year, he was elected to fill the same 
office. As a farmer, Judge Tolman was 
more than ordinarily successful, few of 
the old settlers having come to the state 
under more trying circumstances. Mrs. 
Tolman passed away on Oct. 17, 1860. 
Mr. T. was laid at rest in 1877. after a 
long life fraught with no ordinary in- 
terest. 

Richard Rattan was the successor of 
Mr. Tolman, having been appointed in 
1829, and again in 1830. He held the 
office two years. 



Philip N. Rampy, appointed treas- 
urer in 1831, by the county commis- 
sioners' court, was re-appointed in 1832, 
and held the office for a term of two 
years. 

Richard Day was the treasurer in 1833, 
holding the office but one year. 

In 1834, Richard Rattan was again 
appointed treasurer, and held it by suc- 
cessive appointments until 1837, a term 
of three years. 

He was succeeded by Amos H. Squires, 
who was appointed in 1837; he was re- 
appointed in 1838, 1839, 1840,. 1841 and 

1842, but in March, 1843, he absconded 
with some $3,000 in hand. He had held 
offices of trust before, and was regarded 
as one of the most upright men in the 
community. For nearly a year he could 
not be found. At last he was appre- 
hended for trial, and in the April term, 
1844, the county brought an action for 
debt against him and his bondsmen, 
Alfred Hinton, John W. Scott, Wylie 
Wilder, William Rainey and Young 
Wood. The suit was successful, and 
the county obtained a verdict of 
$3,038.48. A new trial was granted, and 
the case was taken to Jersey county. 
The final result was that, by means of 
some technicality, Sijuires escaped pun- 
ishment, and the county pocketed the 
loss. 

On the absconding of Mr. Squires, 
Luther Tunnel was made treasurer, in 
March, 1843, and held the office for a 
few months, when he was succeeded by 
R. B. Allen, the first elected treasurer 
of the county, who was qhosen to fill 
that position at the general election of 

1843. He held the office for four years. 
David Pinkerton was elected to this 

office as the successor of Mr. .\llen, in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



699 



the fall of 1847, and served two years. 
Mr. I'inkerton came to the county at an 
early date, and settled on Sec. 25, T. 
10, R. 12, whore he entered 5(X) acres of 
land, on which he built a log cabin. He 
continued to reside on this farm until 
October 4, 18o3, when he departed this 
life. His wife survived him until April 
6, 1863. Mr. Pinkerton was elected to 
the office of county treasurer in the fall 
of 1847, and in tlie discharge of the du- 
ties of the office, he gave entire satis- 
faction to the people of the county, irre- 
spective of political faith, and his death 
was a sad blow to his family and 
friends. 

In 1.S49, Perry McConathy was elected 
to this office and served two years. Mr. 
McConathy was born in Lexington, Ky., 
Aug. 17, 1818. He was the youngest 
son of Jacob and Pumice McConathy. 
At the age of 15 he became apprenticed 
to the trade of a sa<ldler, serving his 
time. In his 2()tli year he became a 
journeyman. For a considerable lingth 
of time he worked as a journeyman, 
and also uijcned a shop for a time. 
While a resident here, he was married 
to Matilda Jane Alverson. In 1889, he 
made his way to Greene county, where 
he worked in a co-partnership way with 
Benjamin Alverson. For a number of 
years he rented property, and then 
moved on to the farm he now owns, con- 
sisting of some 3U0 acres. In 1846, Mr. 
McConathy was appointed agent for the 
Intel national Improvement Fund. His 
ability for any pusition he might aspire 
to being recognized, he was elected to 
the resp()nsil)li> oflice of county }.ssessor 
and treasurer, and for 20 years or more 
served as justice of the peace, and has 
held the position of notary public. As 



a public officer, Mr. McConathy has 
left behind him an honest record wliich 
is held in grateful remembrance by the 
' citizens of this county. In conclusion, 
it may be said that Mr. M. is one of 
the most liberal of men, whose large 
heart goes out toward all appeals of a 
public nature. Of 14 children born of 
this marriage, 11 are living — Benjamin 
F., John M., Mary Jane, Emma V., 
Clarissa, Jacob, Edgar, Robert Perry, 
Joseph H., Samuel R. and Lucy A. 

Jesse Morrow was elected treasurer 
of Greene county, in 1851, and served 
two years. He was born in North Car- 
olina, Aug. 4, 1812, and removed to this 
state in the fall of 1819, settling within 
the limits aftervyard contained in Greene 
county. He may thus be regarded 
as one of the earliest settlers, and 
one closely identified with this 
county's growth and development. 
He was married Nov. 19, 1886, to 
Margerie, daughter of 'Stjuire Allen, 
of Greene county, born Dec. 17, 1817. 
This union was blessed by two children 
— Marshall, born April 28, 1838, and 
Martha, Jane, born June 28, 1840, died 
Aug. 5, 1864. Mrs. Morrow died Aug. 
6, 1842. Mr. Morrow married again 
Nov. 19, 1845, to Elvira, daughter of 
Charles and Mary Bradshaw, born Feb. 
22, 1821. By this union 11 children 
were born, seven of whom are living — 
Alex R.,born Aug. 27, 1846; (Jeorge W., 
Feb. 9, 1851; Sarah Ann, Nov. 14, 1852; 
Nancy E., Nov. 10, 1854; John B., July 
26, 1856; Zac. D., Sept. 15, 1838, and 
Oliver A., April 29, 1868. Their mother 
died Manh 5, 1866. Mr. Morrow mar- 
ried his third wife Dec. 27, 18()S, 
Nancy Nettles, born Dec. 7, 1828. Mr. 
Morrow, during the greater part of his 



700 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



active life, has been engaged in the mill- 
ing business, having first bought the old 
Ruyle mill nearly 40 years ago. He 
has been rstired from active business 
about 10 years. He held various posi- 
tions of trust, such as county treasurer, 
superintendent, justice of the ])eace, 
etc., etc , ever discharging his duties 
satisfactorily and with honor. 

E. L. Cooper was elected to this 
office in 1S57, and entering upon the 
discharge of its duties, was re-elected in 
1859. He served in all four years. 

Edmund L. Cooper came to Greene 
county, April 16, 1836, settling about a 
mile west of Wrightsville, on the place 
now owned by Mrs. Margaret Cooper, 
which he purchased of Jaraes Davidson, 
but which was originally settled by Dr. 
Thaxton. Mr. Cooper was born in 
Lawrence county, Va., Sept. 24, 1799. 
He was a son of James and Mildred 
(Smith) Cooper, also natives of Vir- 
ginia. When six years of age our sub- 
ject, witli his parents, removed to Ken- 
tucky, where he lived until coming to 
this county. His father died in Ken- 
tucky, in 1826, and his mother in 1823. 
Edmund Cooper was miirried, in Ken- 
tucky, Nov. 28, 1822, to Mary M. Perry, 
a native of Lawrence county, Va. They 
were the parents of nine children — 
Mildred A., deceased; James P., de- 
ceased; AV'illiam T., deceased; Robert 
R., Emeline E., Edmund M., Adrienne 
A., Cornelia F., deceased, and Varinda 
J., deceased. Mr. Cooper was assessor 
and treasurer of the county during the 
years 1853 and 1854. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cooper are still living, and make their 
home with tlieir daughter, Emeline E. 
Cunningham. They are about the old- 
est couple living in the county, the 



former being in his 87th year, and the 
latter in her 93d year. 

William L. Greene was the next 
treasurer of this county, being elected 
in 1855. He was re-elected in 1857, and 
again in 1859, serving the people in this 
capacity for six years. 

N. J. Andrews, in 1861, entered upon 
the duties of this office, was re-elected 
in 1863, in 1865, 1867 and 1869, filling 
the office for 10 years. Mr. Andrews 
was born in Sumner county, Ky., in 
1830. He was but five years old when 
his mother, Mary T. Andrews, set out 
in company with friends for Illinois. 
His father. Baker Andrews, a man of 
wealth and position in his native place, 
died in Kentucky. To the care of his 
wifj he left a family of six children; 
Mrs. Andrews became a resident of Car- 
rollton in 1835, where Nathaniel J. An- 
drews, grew to manhood. Receiving a 
liberal educatit)n, he ventured forth as a 
farmer, which he followed very success- 
fully many years of his life. In 1861, 
he was elected assessor and county 
treasurer, a position he filled to the 
satisfaction of all for a period of 10 
years. With Jas. S. Vedder, Mr. An- 
drews became identified with the grocery 
trade, doing a prosperous business for 
one year, when Mr. Andrews disposed 
of his interest to Mr. Vedder. The fol- 
lowing year he was elected sheriff of 
the county, holding this responsible 
position two years. After his retire- 
ment from official duties. Mr. Andrews 
turned his attention to his farm, com- 
prising 300 acres of choice land. In 
1852 he was married to Elizabeth 
Jones, a daughter of Dr. Jones, of 
Greene county. Of 11 cliildren born 
of this marriage, nine are living — Cath- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



7U1 



crine, Benjamin B., Lizzie, JohnB. , 
Mattie \'., Mary H., Nathaniel L., 
Lela Belle, and Beatrice. He in com- 
])any with Col. Jacob Bowman, laid 
out tlie town knows as Brown's Grove, 
Pawnee county, Kan. 

A. J[. Browning w:is duly elected 
county treasurer in 1871, and filled this 
responsible office for a term of two 
years. 

Joseph Rickart was the successor of 
Mr. Brownins;, entering the office of 
treasurer in the fall or winter of 1873, 
where he served two years. 

Joseph Rickart is the seventh child of 
a family of 11 ehildren. His father was 
Josejjh Rickart, and his mother Delila 
Crooks. A few years ago Joseph Rickart 
run the entire farm, consisting of 400 
acres. With the exception of the hard 
times of 18.57, Mr. R's career through 
life has been one of continued prosper- 
ity. Lately he erected a handsome res- 
idence near the town of White Hall. 
In 1873 he was assessor and treasurer of 
the county. When the Louisana branch 
of the C. A: A. 11. R. was contemplated, 
Mr. R. was among the first in favor of 
locating the road here. He was mar- 
ried to Mary E. Baskin, a daughter of 
Charles E. Baskin; there were born of 
this marriage eight children, seven of 
whom are living. 

Richard A. Short was electeil treas- 
urer in lS7o, and entering upon the 
duties of the ofTice, fulfilled them for ; 
two years. I 

^V^ D. CUillett became treasurer of 
Greene county in 1S77, was re-elected | 
in 1S79, and owing to the change in the '• 
time of the election served in all five 
years. 

R. A. Short, the present treasurer of 



Greene county, was elected in 1882, for 
four years. 

RECOItDEKS. 

When this county was organized, and 
until the adoption of the constitution of 
1848, the office of recorder was a se]i- 
arate one, although sometimes held by 
another officer. 

The first to occupy the position of coun- 
ty recorder was John G. Lofton, who 
was appointed to this office Dec. 4, 1821, 
and who held it for about two years. 

He was succeeded by Samuel Lee, Jr., 
in 1833. This gentleman held a number 
of offices in that early day, as is al- 
ready mentioned, and died while in 
possession of this and otiier offices, in 
1829. 

William B. Whitaker succeeded Mr. 
Lee in this office, in 1830, and served 
but a short time. 

John W. Skidmore was appointed to 
this jxisition in 1830, and served as 
such for about a year. He was the first 
merchant in the town of Carrollton, 
and is spoken of at length in that con- 
nection. 

John Evans, also one of the pioneer 
merchants of the county, was the next 
recorder, being appointed as such in 
1831, and for four years had the custody 
of the records of the county. 

David Picrson, now one of the promi- 
nent citizens of Carrollton, and of 
(ircene county, succeeded Mr. Evans, 
in 1835, and held the office for almost 
four years. Mr. Pierson's sketch ap- 
pears under tlie head of members of the 
general assembly in a previous part of 
this chapter. 

^Ir. Pierson was succeeded by Charles 
Lancaster, in 1839, but removed from 



702 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



the county in Aug., 1841, and was duly 
succeeded by John D. Fry, who was 
elected at the election of 1841. The 
latter gentleman was re-elected in 1848, 
and held the office in all, five years. 

Abram Spencer succeeded Mr. Fry in 
this office in 1846, and was re-elected in 
1847. Owing to a change in the organic 
law of the state, in 1848, he was the 
last to serve in this capacity, the office 
of recorder being merged into that of 
circuit clerk, who now performs the 
functions of county recorder, in addi- 
tion to his other duties. 

SHERIFFS. 

This has alway.s been one of the most 
important positions in the gift of the 
people of the county, as it also included 
the collection of county taxes. 

ThoniMS Carlin, afterwards governor 
of the state of Illinois, was elected in 
1821, to fill this honorable position, and 
was the first sherifi' of the county. He 
only held it about a year. A sketch of 
him is given elsewhere. 

Young Wood, his successor, was 
elected in 1822, and re-elected to this 
office in 1824 and 1826. This man, 
from some accident in his youth was 
not of a prepossessing appearance, and 
with his hands distorted and drawn out 
of shape was anything but a beauty, but 
he was honest, upright and true, and 
understood and carried out the duties of 
his office. Of him it is said that the 
first public whipiji.ig in Greene 
county was done by him. There were 
three public whipping posts in the 
court house square, one near the north- 
west, iuid two n(^ar the northeast cor- 
ners. One of the culprits punished by 
him was Thomas Anderson, who had 



been convicted of horse-stealing and 
ordered to be whipped. He was led out 
by Sheriff" Wood and his deputy, Jacob 
Fry. The patient's hands were tied to 
the top and the feet to the bottom of 
the posts, with the shoulders bared to 
the wandering breeze. Then, as the 
convict buried his head between his 
arms. Wood grasped a heavy raw-hide 
in his deformed hands, commenced 
slowly to lay the lashes upon the back 
of the shrinking victim, man-of-war 
fashion, diagonally and horizontally, so 
that tliey crossed each other. The 
deputy coolly stood by and kept tally 
aloud until the sum of 50 had been 
reached, when the stripes ceased and 
the prisoner released. 

Jacob Fry, who had been deputy un- 
der Mr. Wood, was elected to the office 
of sheriff in 1828, and re-elected four 
different times, in 1830, 1832, 1834 and 
1836. He made a most excellent officer. 

Gen. Jacob Fry was born in Fayette 
county, Ky., on the 20th day of Sept., 
1799. His father was Earnhardt Fry, a 
Revolutionary soldier, and a native of 
Marj'land. He was of German origin, 
a farmer by occupation, and served five 
years in the Continental army. He was 
married to a Miss Swigert, who bore 
liim six children, of whom the subject 
of this sketch was the youngest. At the 
earl}^ age of 20 he became a resident of 
Greene county, his total possessions 
footing up to 37 cents. He it was who 
commenced the first house in Carrollton. 
On the 25.th of May, 1826, he was mar- 
ried, at Carrollton, to Emily Turney, a 
daughter of the late Gen. James Tur- 
ney, formerly of Tennessee. At the 
first county court ever held in Greene 
county, he was appointed constable, and 



HISTORY OF (^REExNE COUNTY. 



708 



subsequently, deput}' sheriff. Holding 
this position six years, he became sher- 
iff of the county, and for five terras of 
two year's duration, he held the position 
to the satisfaction of all. In 1831, oc- 
curred the Black Hawk war, and Gov- 
ernor Reynolds, with his usual prompt- 
ness, ordered (Hit a brijj;;ulc of moimtid 
volunteers to the disput(td territory, to 
repel tlie Indians. In tliis brigade, Col. 
Fry received the apj)i)intnient of lieu- 
tenant-colonel. In 1SM2, Col. F^ry was 
again called upon to take the field, and 
conmianded a regiment of Gen. Samuel 
Whiteside's brigade. Col. F'ry pro- 
ceeded to LaSalle, where he was elected 
coliinel of a regiment of new levies, and 
svibse(iutntly formed a part of Gen. 
Henry's brigade. Shortly after, the 
regiment received nuirehing orders, their 
objective point being Mud lake, near 
Rock river, whence they joined the reg- 
ular troops, under Gen. Atkinson. They 
overtook the enemy at the M'isconsin 
river, wbei'e a sharp conflict of short 
iluration took ])laee, and late in the af- 
tcM'noon the enemy escaped across the 
river. At the close of the Indian troubles 
in tlie northwest, ('(d. Frj' took charge 
of tile biigade, and proceeded to Dixon, 
wiicre they were nmstered out of the 
service. He was soon after made brig- 
adier-general, and subse(iuenUy major- 
general, of the nnlitia of Illinois. Ik- 
was elected by the state legislature, dur- 
ing the sessions of l<S.'!(>-7, as acting 
canal commissioner, and accordingly 
removed to Lockport during the winter 
of l.SoT. He served until lS4(j, a period 
of nine years, in this cai)acity. Re- 
maining in Lockport, he entered upon a 
mercantile career, and in 1.S50, started 
for the gold mines of California; start- 



ing from Lockport on the 1st of April, 
he reached Sacramento on the 2<1 of 
Aug. Here he remained for a period of 
three years, entering into mercantile 
pursuits, and turning his attention to 
mining, he became quite successful. He 
then returned to Illinois, locating at Ot- 
tawa. By James Buchanan, and through 
the direct influence of his old friend, 
Judge Douglas, he received the appoint- 
ment of the responsible position of col- 
lector of customs, at Chicago, and re- 
ceived, while the holder of this import- 
ant position, the first unbroken cargo 
tliat entered that port. However, Gen. 
F'ry was outspoken in favor of his (dd 
friend, Stephen A. Douglas, then a 
member of the United States senate, 
and was acct)rdingly superseded by a 
more pliable successor. He then re- 
turned to his old home in Greene 
county, where he was quietly pursuing 
the duties appertaining to. his farm, 
when the war of the Rebellion came. 
He was well advanced in years, Init he 
had a reverence for the old flag that had 
floated over many a battle-fleld in the 
Revolutionary struggle, and now, when 
the tramp of armed men resounded 
through many of our cities and towns, 
thiougli the solicitation of Gov. Yates, 
he organized the (ilst Reg. of 111. Vol. 
Inf., and received from him the appoint- 
ment of colonel. Proceeding to the 
front from Carrollton,' he bore a promi- 
nent part in the Rebellion, where he 
became a participant in many ini])ort- 
ant battles, especially that of Pittsburg 
Landing. Resigning his commission 
through disability, he returned to 
(Treenc county, where he has since 
died. His marriage to Miss Turney 
was blessdwith five children: James, a 






704 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



graduate of West Point, and holds a po- 
sition in the regular army; Sarah; Wm. 
M.; Edward iM.; and Julia A, 

Mr. Fry quitting the office of sheriff 
previous to the expiration of his term, 
Young ^Vood occupied the office for 
about a year. 

John D. Fry was the next slieriff of 
the county, being elected in 1838, and 
remained in office two years. 

Hugh Jackson was first elected to the 
office of sheriff, in 1840, and was re- 
elected his own successor, at several 
general elections, remaining in the 
office until 1848. 

Zachariah Morrow, in 1848, assumed 
the duties of the office of sheriff and 
served the peojile of the county, in this 
capacity, for two years. I\[r. Morrow 
is noticed rmder the head of circuit 
clerk. 

Hugh Jackson was again called on by 
the people of Greene county to take the 
office of sheriff, in 1854, and served 
another term of two years. 

He was succeeded by Lemuel J. Pat- 
terson, who served two years from 1856. 
Mr. Patterson was born in St. Louis 
county. Mo., June 19, 1816, andresided 
there until the autumn of the year 1843. 
He was there united in marriage with 
A. E. Hume, and in the year 1844 
moved to Greene county, and, in com- 
pany with A. S. Seely and George 
Schutz. leased of John Coats, the David 
Hodges' mill on Hurricane creek, and 
started a steam distillery, the first in 
the county, and a great noveltj' at the 
time. They bought thousands of bush- 
els of corn at 10 cents per bushel. They 
ran it till the spring of 1849, when Mr. 
Patterson sold out his interest to Geo. 
Schutz, and moved to Wilmington and 



engaged in the mercantile business. 
He was elected justice of the peace that 
fall, served six years, and in 1856 was 
elected sheriff, and served two years, 
living in Carrolltim. In 1858, he had 
to discharge one of the most disagreea- 
ble tasks, that of hanging Hall and 
Goffner, for the killing of Current Hin- 
ton. He then removed to his farm, 
near Wilmington, and in 1862, was ap- 
pointed government inspector. In the 
fall of 1864 he was elected one of the 
county judges of Greene county, for 
four years. In 1860, he was ajipointed 
postmaster at Breese, in Greene county, 
and has held the office ever since. 

Jordan Larkin was the next called 
upon to officiate as sheriff of Greene 
county, entering upon the duties of the 
office in the last of 1858, and serving 
two years. 

Jacob Bowman, in 1860, entered the 
office of sheriff, in response to the call 
of his fellow-citizens, and served two 
years. He was a native of Ohio, and 
settled here about 1818. In his 27th 
j'car he was united in marriage with 
Letitia, daughter of John Fry. He was 
more than ordinarily successful as a 
farmer, and as a public officer was de- 
servedly popular. He removed to Kan- 
sas about 1875. He had seven chil- 
dren — Samuel, George, John, Julia, 
Catherine, Rosie and Alice. 

W. L. Greene was elected to the office 
of sheriff, in 1862, and served two 
years. 

The next to fill this position was G. 
W. Coonrod, who was elected in 1864, 
and served two years most efficiently. 

Geo. W. Coonrod, of Greenfield, 111., 
an old settler, and one of the promi- 
nent men of Greene county, was born 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



705 



in Wayne county, Illinois, Septembers, 
1827. He is the son of Stephen and 
Candis (Lee) Coonrod, both natives of 
Kentucky, his father being born in 1798, 
and his mother in ISOO. His father was 
a Baptist preacher. In the year 1829 he 
moved his family fr(jm Wayne county to 
Greene county, wliere he made his first 
entry of land, on the northeast quarter 
of the northwest quarter of Sec. 33, T. 11, 
R. 10, on which he built his first cabin, 
afterward entering the 40 acre tracts, ad- 
joinintr the first entry, north and south, 
and purchasing the 40 acres adjoining 
east, where he built a more commodi- 
ous house, and moved into it, in the year 
183."), where he died in 1872 of that 
dreadful disease — small pox, his wife 
surviving hitn, dying at her son JefTer- 
son Coonrod's, in Greenfield, in the fall 
of 1879. George W. was the fourth 
child in the family of 11 children. 
He received his education in the 
common schools of that early day, 
becoming proficient enough in the 
branches then taught tt) teach, himself, 
and followed the profession of common 
schoolteacher, interspersed with teach- 
ing classes in penmanship in Greene 
and the adjoining counties, from 1847 
to 18.")2, when be went to Texas and fol- 
lowed the same calling until IS."), when 
he came back to Illinois and engaged in 
the fall of that year in the mercantile 
business, in company with G. N. Kin- 
kead under the firm name of Kinkcad & 
Coonrod, at Greenfield. In 1858, having 
been sipptiinted postmaster, he retired 
from the firm and connected with the 
post office a confectionery, notion and 
grocery business in company witli a 
younger brotlicr. In 18(U he resigned 
the postmastership, continuing in the 



TT 



mercantile business. In February, 1858, 
he was married to Mary A. Parks, 
born Dec. 28, 1837, in Meredosia, Mor- 
gan county. 111. By this union they had 
five children, four of whom are living — 
Arthur G., born .Jan. (j, 1859, at 
Greenfield ; Louis P., born Oct. 5, 1860; 
Catharine E.,born April 17, 1863, died 
Oct. 8, 1864 ; Mary E., born at Carroll- 
ton, July 12, 1865, and Helen G., also 
born there, Dec. 14, 1868. Mrs Coon- 
rod died at Greenfield, 111., June 2, 
1870. Mr. Coonrod was again married 
Dec. 25. 1871, to Mattie E. Nutting, a 
native of Portland, Me., born March 3, 
1847. By this union were four children, 
three of whom are living — Edith 
J., born Jan. 3, 1873, died Nov. 22, 
1873; Curtis M., born June 24, 1875; 
William J., born Aug. 5,1877; Guy 
N., liorn Feb. 14, 1879. Mr. Coonrod 
in 1864 was elected sheriff of Greene 
county on the democratic ticket, 
and in November of that year moved 
to Carrollton. After his term of 
office expired he engaged in the family 
grocery business at that place, closing 
out the same in the si)ring of 1875, and 
moving back to Greenfield he engaged 
in the same business in partnership 
with J. W. Piper, under the firm name 
of Coonrod & Piper. In 1876 he retired 
from mercantile business. He had held 
several positions of trust in thecity , hav- 
ing served many years on the board of 
education; was twice elected president 
of the town council; in 1877 was elected 
police magistrate, and served four years. 
In 1883 he was appointed, by the gov- 
ernor, a notarj' public, which office, with 
insurance and general agency business 
now occupies bis time, together with 
seeing after his farming interests in 



706 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Greene county, Illinois, and Bates 
county, Missouri. He was elected in 
1884, the attorney for the city of Green- 
field on its adopting a city government, 
and compiled the code of ordinances 
governing that young city. Was one 
of the commissioners to divide the 
county into political townships after the 
adoption of township organization. In 
politics he has usually acted with the 
democrats, hut votes independently for 
the man he conceives to l)e the best 
(lualified for the office. He belongs to 
no church, believing more in practical 
Christianity than creeds and dogmas of 
sects. Indej)endent in thought and ac- 
tion, regardless of popularity, prefering 
always to be right as his best judgment 
dictates. He belongs to no secret or- 
ganization, and by strict attention to 
business has made life a success finan- 
cially. 

S. Foster Greene, in 1866, became 
sheriff of Greene county, and served 
in that caj)acity for two years. 

S. F. Greene, who bore a prominent 
part in the growth and development of 
the flourishing county of Greene, is a 
native of the county, born Dec. 13, 1820, 
and is in all probability the first white 
child born south of the Macoupin creek. 
He was the son of John and Nancy 
(Mains) Greene, whose sketch appears 
in another chapter of this work, and 
was the third child born to them. 
Growing to manhood upon the old farm 
homestead, he received such education 
as the facilities of a log cabin offered. 
On the 5th of Nov., 1846, he was united 
in marriage to Polly Witt, a daughter of 
Franklin Witt. One child was born to 
them — Jolin H., who married Maria 
Pope, and lives in Kane township. Mrs. 



Greene departed this life Sept. 11, 1850, 
and two years later Mr. Greene was 
married to Eliza J. Witt, a cousin of 
his first wife, and daughter of William 
P. Witt. They are the jiarents of six 
children — William R., Hattie L., Rob- 
ert W., Mary E., Justina and Walter 
B. During the autumn of 1866, Mr. 
Greene received the nomination and was 
elected sheriff of this county, and serv- 
ing one term gave general satisfaction to 
the law-abiding portion of the commu- 
nity, and in 1877 he was elected county 
commissioner by a . large majority. 
Ranking among the prominent farmers 
of the west, Mr. Greene is the owner of 
706 acres of valuable land, and also 
holds a controlling interest in the pri- 
vate banking institution known as S. 
F. Greene & Co. 

The office of sheriff of Greene county 
was filled from 1868 to 1870, by J. S. 
Vedder, who did it most satisfactorily. 

In 1870, F. M. Bell was elected "to 
this office, and entering upon the duties 
of the office, filled it for two years. 
Mr. Bell is noticed elsewhere. 

N. J. Andrews was the next sheriff, 
filling it for two years, from 1872. 
Mr. Andrews has already been noticed 
at length under the head of treasurer, 
an office which he, also, graced. 

F. M. Bridges, in 1874, was elected 
sheriff, and served two years. This 
gentleman afterward occupied a promi- 
nent place as senator from Greene 
county in the general assembly, in con- 
nection with which a sketch of- him has 
already been given. 

John Jones, the present genial county 
clerk, was elected to the office of sheriff 
in 1876, and was re-elected in 1878, 
serving in this office four years. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



7(1 



Mr. Jones was succeeded in 1880 by 
George W. Witt, wlio served two years. 

George ^^'. Witt was horn in Greene 
county, April 21, 1841, his parents 
being Franklin and Malinda (Perry) 
Witt, his father a native of Tennessee, 
and his mother, of Indiana. His father 
came to Greene county in 1826, and 
located on section 13. remaining there 
one year, then removing to Carrollton 
township, locating on section 34, where 
lie bought 20 acres. . To this he added 
until he had 120 acres, on which he 
lived until 1836, when he traded it for 
a half interest in Thomas Rattan's 
farm of 600 acres. He removed to that 
place and spent the remainder of his 
life there. He died in 1851, and his 
wife survived him 26 years, her death 
occurring on the 10th of Feb., 1877, at 
the home of her son, George Witt. 
Our subject remained with his parents 
until 21 years of age, assisting on the 
farm. He then started out for himself, 
buying 140 acres of land on section 13, 
and afterward 80 acres on section 12. 
He then bouglit 160 acres on section 13, 
adjoining his other tracts, and which 
was set off as his mother's dower. 
Here he has resided and farmed since 
he was of age. Mr. Witt has been three 
times married; first on the 15th of 
March, 1865, to Eliza J. Moore. By 
this union there were four children, one 
of whom is living — Toinette. His wife 
died in 1873, and he was again married 
June 24, 1874, to Margaret A. Gardiner. 
Three children were born to them, one 
iif whom, Freddie T., is living. His 
second wife died Marcli 7, 1879, and on 
the 2nth of Sept., ISSO, he was again 
married to Louisa A. Williams, daugh- 
ter of William P. and Rachel Williams. 



To them three children have been given 
— Thomas K., Alta M. and Rachel .1. 
In 1875 Mr. \Mtt built a tine two-story 
frame house 52x54 feet, costing al)out 
$9,000. This, with its pleasant sur- 
roundings, show him to be an intelli- 
gent, enterprising citizen, and one who 
has made a success of farming, he now 
owning 650 acres of land. Mr. and 
Mrs. Witt are members of the M. E. 
church. He is a member of the A. F. 
& A. M. lodge; is a democrat in politics; 
was elected and served one term as 
sheriff of the county, from 1880 to 1S82, 
and is among the prominent men of the 
county. 

William M. Morrow, the present 
efficient sherifi' of the county, was elected 
in 1882, and has held the position ever 
since. 

William M. Morrow, the present sher- 
iff of Greene county, is a son of .Abner 
and Mary (Ward) Morrow, and was 
born near Athensville, (ireene county, 
111., on the 1st of Dec, 1842. His 
early life was spent on the farm, and as 
he was left an orphan, at the ag(^ of K! 
j'ears, he went to make his liome witli 
Peter Roodhouse, with whom he re- 
mained for four years. lie then started 
out to "paddle his own canoe," en- 
gaging by the month, at farm work, 
until Nov., 1861, when he was united in 
marriage with Emeline Smith, daughter 
of James Smith. When he w;»s mar- 
ried he had hardly a dollar, but two 
years later he received .?B(lO from the 
estate of his father. He tlien purchased 
his father's old homestead, and a year 
later sold tlie same at a gain of S1,0()0. 
During tlie war lie made some nther 
deals in land, and thus got a start in 
I life, still engaging in tilling the soil. 



70S 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



His farm now contains 460 acres of land, 
on which he raises a great deal of stock. 
He also engages in shipping stock 
and horses. Besides the farm, he also 
owns property in Roodhouse. In 1869 
his wife died, leaving four children — 
Mary P., James A., Harry C. and Anna. 
In Sept. 1871, he was again imited in 
marriage with Ellen Maberry, daughter 
of William M. Maberry, and this union 
has been blessed with a family of four 
children — Edith, Blanche, Claude and 
Ernest. In politics Mr. Morrow is 
a staunch democrat. He served three 
years as county commissioner, and in 
the fall of 1882 was elected sheriff of 
the county. He then left his eldest son 
to manage the farm and moved to town 
to enter upon the duties of his office, 
which he manages with the utmost sat- 
faction to all. He is a member of the 
A. F. and A. M., the I. O. 0. F. and K. 
of H. lodges. He is one of the direct- 
ors of the CarroUton bank, and also 
of the Greene County Loan Association. 
Activity, honesty and liberality have 
won for him the position he now occu- 
pies in business and social circles. 

CORONERS. 

The office of coroner has been held 



by many eminent men in the county, at 
various times, men identified with the 
growth of the coimty, and who have 
honored the office, while it honored 
them. The following is a list of them, 
with the years they served: John Wag- 
goner, 1821; Christian Link, 1822-4-6; 
Peter Fronk, 1827-8; Philip N. Rampy, 
1831-2; J. N. Whitlock, 1832-6; James 
G. Berry, 1836-8; J. N. Whitlock, 
1838-42; James Hopkins, 1842-44; John 
N. Whitlock, 1841-6; Richard Ellis, 
1846-8; James Medford, 1848; R. R. 
Nichols, 1849-50; Marshall Dulaney, 
1850-8; Anderson Headrick, 1858-61; 
J. E. Bridges, 1861-2; John D. Jack, 
1862-3; Parham Thaxton, 1863-6; 
Thomas Wright, 1866-8; Henry Nash, 
1868-76; Anderson Headrick, 1876-80; 
George W. Thompson, 1880, and pres- 
ent coroner. 

COUNTY STRVEYORS. 

Among those who have filled the office 
of county surveyor of Greene, have 
been the following named gentlemen: 
Robert Avery, who was the first; Wil- 
liam Scott, Samuel Smith, Job Ct llins, 
Jay M. Hurd, C. C. Dodge, William S. 
Ellis, Samuel Heaton, Henry Bonfoy, 
L. M. Dyer and J. C. White. 



QHAPTTRR XI. 



THE BAR OF GREENE COUNTY. 

Perhaps there is no part of this history I known that the peace, prosperity and 
of more general interest than the record I well being of every community depends 
of the bar of the county. It is well upon the wise interpretation of the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



7UiJ 



laws, as well as upon their judicious 
framing, and therefor the records of the 
various parties, who have at various 
times, made up the bar, will be no un- 
important part of the county record. 
I'pon a few principles of natural justice 
is erected the whole superstructure of 
civil laws, tending to meet the desires 
and relieve the wants of all alike. It 
has been said, that "The business of 
the lawyer is not to make the laws, but 
to apply them to the daily affairs of 
men." But the interests of men are of 
so diverse a nature, and so intermingled 
and complex, that the problem presented 
to botli lawyer and judge often seems to 
need the judgment of an oracle. Change 
is everywhere the order of the day. 
The relations of life are changing with 
each revolution of the earth, and the 
law, that yesterday met the wishes of 
the people, will no longer suit the ne- 
cessities of to-day. New and more sat- 
isfactory laws must be enacted to keep 
Itacc with the unprecedented stride taken 
in science, art and mechanics. The ex- 
igencies of law are those of to-day, and 
a lawyer is essentially a man of the 
present, and must meet the issues of the 
hour. His capital is his ability, and 
when he lies down and divests himself 
of mortal clay, the characteristics that 
distinguish him above his fellow men, 
are lost to his successors, to whom he 
could not bequeath them. 

In 1S78, in an address to the Illinois 
State Bar Association, Anthony Thorn- 
ton, the venerable president of tlie so- 
ciety, thus speaks of tiie lawyer; 

"In the American State, the greatand 
good lawyer must always be i>r>imincnt, 
for lie is one of the forces that move 
and control society. Public confidence 



has generally been reposed in the legal 
profession. It has ever been the de- 
fender of pojjular rights, the champion 
of freedom regulated by law, the firm 
support of good government In the 
times of danger it has stood like a rock 
and breasted the mad passions of the 
hour, and finally resisted tumult and 
faction. No political preferment, no 
mere place, can add to the power or in- 
crease the honor which belongs to the 
pure and educated lawyer. The fame 
of Mansfield, and Marshall and Story 
can never die. Time's iron feet can 
print no ruin trace upon their char- 
acter. Their learning and luminous ex- 
position of our jurisprudence will al- 
ways light our pathway. It is our duty 
to preserve the prestige of the profes- 
sion. The past, at least, secure; the 
present and future summon us to action. 
With the progress of society, and the 
increase of population, wealth and 
trade, varied interests arise and novel 
questions requiring more thought con- 
front us. A disregard for the law has 
been developed, crime meets us un- 
abashed, and corruption stands un- 
masked in the higli i)laces of tlie land. 
It is no fancy j)icture that the law lias, 
to some extent, lost its autjioritj', and 
it is only the shade of that which was 
great. Hence new duties are imposed 
and firmer courage is required. * * * 
" The exaltation is a duty enjoined 
upon us. It is a delit that only death 
can discharge. Lord Bacon has said : 
Every man is a debtor to his profession; 
from the which, as men of force do 
seek to receive countenance and profit, 
so ought they of dut}', to endeavor 
themselves, by ways of amends, to be a 
help and ornament thereto. Every 



710 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lawyer is a debtor to his profession. If 
worthy, it gives him an honorable char- 
after and position. The lawyer should 
.prize and love his profession. He 
should value its past renown and cher- 
ish the nieniory of great men, whose 
gigantic shadows walk by us still. He 
should love it for the intrinsic worth 
and innate truth of the fundamental 
truths which adorn it." 

The bar of Greene county has num- 
bered among its members some who have 
been an honor, not only to the county, 
but to the profession and the state as 
well. So far as material was accessible, 
sketches are given of each attorney who 
has practiced at the bar of the count}', 
being residents thereof. Not one has 
been omitted with intention; and of 
some, more would have been gladly 
written were the proper data at hand 
from which to do so. The peculiarities 
and personalities which form so inter- 
esting and pleasant a part of local his- 
tory, and particularly of the lives of 
the members of the bar, are in some 
measure lacking, more from the nature 
of the case than from a lack of interest 
or labor. Unlike the fair plaintiff in 
the famous Bardell vs. Pickwick, we 
have no painstaking "sergeant to relate 
the facts and circumstances of the case." 

One of the first attorneys, if not the 
very first, to settle in Greene county, 
was Alfred W. Caverly, who located in 
CarroUton as early as 1822. He prac- 
ticed law there for many years, and was 
quite a prominent figure in the political 
world. He is noticed under the head of 
members of the general assembly, in 
the chapter on National, State and 
County representation. 

James Turney, at one time attorney 



general of this state, was a member of 
the Vjar of CarroUton, coming here 
about 1828. He is spoken of more fully 
in the chapter on representation. 

David M. Woodson, for so many 
years the circuit judge of this judicial 
circuit, was also numbered among the 
brighter lights of the Greene county bar. 
A full l)iographical sketch of this emi- 
nent jurist is given in connection with 
the courts of the county. 

James Pursley, one of the legal fra- 
ternity of Greene county, came to Car- 
roUton about the year 1850. He was 
quite a politician, and was elected to 
represent the county in the 19th general 
assembly, which he did to the satisfac- 
tion of his friends. He afterward re- 
moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he 
died. 

J. M. Woodson, a son of Judge D. 
M. Woodson, practiced law in Carroll- 
ton for some years. He is now a resi- 
dent of St. Louis, Mo. 

Charles D. Hodges, ex-member of 
congress, county judge, etc., was for 
many years a practicing attorney at Car- 
roUton, where he died in 1884. A full 
sketch of him is given elsewhere. 

James W. English was born in Mason 
county, Virginia, March 11, 1829. His 
father, Nathaniel English, was a prom- 
inent physician, who married Hannah 
Worth. James was but eight years old 
when his parents moved from West Vir- 
ginia to St. Louis, from which point 
they made their way to Jacksonville, 
Morgan county, 111., in 1836, In 1844 
Mr. English entered upon a classical 
course of study at the Illinois College, 
graduating with honor in 1848. He 
now took up the study of law in the 
office of Richard Yates, afterward gov- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



711 



eriior of Illinois, and William Brown.* 
In 1850 he was admittt'd to practice as 
an attorney in the state of Illinois, and 
in 18(50, in the Fed(a-al courts and the 
supreme court of the United States in 
1878. For five years the young hut able 
attorney struggled for a foothold among 
such legal lights as Murray, McConnell 
and others. In 1856 he came to Car- 
roUton, where his ability was soon rec- 
ognized and the following year he was 
elected to fill the responsible position 
of state's attorney. He served in this 
capacity in an able manner until 1860, 
entering upon his law studies with re- 
newed zeal. In 1871 he moved to Leav- 
enworth, Kansas, remaining a number 
of years. On being apprised of the 
mortal illness of his old friend and col- 
league, Judge Woodson, of Carrollton, 
and at the solicitation of his many 
friends in this enterprising town, he de- 
cided to return here. He practiced here 
for a period of twenty years, and his 
course was marked by no ordinary abil- 
ity. Mr. English married Eliza Stry- 
ker, a daughter of Henry Stryker, for- 
merly a merchant of Jacksonville, Oct. 
6, 1852. Mr. English is now a resident 
of Jacksonville, Morgan county, 111. 

Benjamin Mason, an attorney, came 
to Carrollton about 1858, and remained 
in practice until cut off by the hand of 
death in 1866. or 1867. 

Albert G. Burr came to Carrollton 
from Scott county, in 1868, and opened 
an office for the practice of law. He 
represented this district on the floor of 
the 40th and 41st congresses, and a 
sketch of him occurs in that connection. 

Asa Potter, now of Brighton, Macou- 
l)in county, practiced here in Carrollton, 
for several years. 



Giles H. Turner practiced law at the 
bar of Greene county, and was a resi- 
dent of Carrollton for several years. 
He is now a resident of DesMoines, la., 
where he enjoys a large practice. 

Josiah Lamburn was a very bright and 
shining light of the legal fraternit}' of 
Greene coimty, but like many another 
man, he took to drink, and died of de- 
lirium tremens. 

John J. Fitzsimons, a young lawyer 
of much promise, died in Carrollton, in 
1874, while holding the office of state's 
attorney. He had not been in practice 
long, but gave evidence of rare ability 
and judgment. 

John J. Fitzsimons, deceased, was 
born in county Meath, Ireland, on the 
1st day of Nov., 1843, his parents being 
Robert and Mary (Toney) F'itzsimons. 
His mother died before he had reached 
the age of 2 years, and when John J. 
was in his 12th j'^ear, he came to Ameri- 
ca, whither his father had i)receded 
iiini some 10 years. He was transferred 
from school at Cork to the St. Louis 
University, and remained in attendance 
at that institution until he graduated, 
at the age of 18 years. The civil war 
had then come on, and he went into the 
Confederate service as a clerk in the 
quartermaster's department. He re- 
mained in the service about one year, 
when he was taken sick, and brought 
home. He was cnii)loyed in a clerical 
capacity for a time in one of the Federal 
army stations, at St. Louis, but, his 
father being a sculptor, he went into the 
marble business at Belleville. From 
there he came to Carrollton, where he 
was also employed for a time in the 
marble business. This, however, did 
not agree with him, and he commenced 



712 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tlic study of law, and soon after gave up 
the marble business for the legal pro- 
fession. He studied with Benj. Masoti, 
and was admitted to the bar Nov. 4, 
1864, at Carrollton. He continued the 
practice of his profession in this city 
until the time of his death. In June, 
1872, he was appointed by the governor 
to the office of state's attorney, to till 
the vacancy caused by the resignation of 
William Brown. At the election in 
November following, he was elected to 
the office by the people of the county, 
on the democratic ticket, and was hold- 
ing that position at the time of his 
death. He was married on June 16, 
1874, to Mary Walker, a native of 
Christian county, Ky., and daughter of 
Joseph and Delia (CofTman) Walker. 
Her father died in Carrollton, in 1871, 
on the 6th day of August. Mr. Fitzsi- 
monsdiedon the 16th day of June, 1874. 
He was a leading member of the bar, 
and was rapidly rising in his profession. 

Edward P. Gilson came to Carrollton, 
enrolling himself among the legal fra- 
ternity, in 1878, and remained several 
years. He was a native of Macoupin 
county, 111., born in 1858. His father 
was a grain merchant at Brighton, 
where Edward passed his early years. 
He graduated from Blackburn Univer- 
sity, in 1875, and going to Chicago 
studied law in the office of Lyman 
Trumbull. He was admitted to the bar 
in 1877, and came to Carrollton soon 
after. 

In 1878, a law firm under the name of 
Root & Gardner opened an office in 
Carrollton and practiced for some little 
time. H. T. Root was a native of 
Michigan, born Nov. 5, 1853. When he 
was still young his parents removed to 



New York state, but when 14 years of 
age the subject of this sketch came to 
Illinois. He took a preparatory course 
of study at Shurtleff College, but en- 
tered Princeton College, New Jersey, in 
1872, graduating therefrom two years 
later. He then became a student at the 
Columbia Law Institute from which he 
graduated. J. C. F. Gardner was a na- 
tive of Nantucket, Mass., and also a 
graduate of Columbia Law Institute. 

S. G. Lewis came to Carrollton about 
the year 1880, and commenced the 
practice of law. He removed from 
here to Taylorville, Christian county, 
where he now lives. 

Edward D. Baker, afterward member 
of congress from this state, U. S. senator 
from Oregon, and colonel of the 1st Cal. 
or 71st Penn. Reg. in the late war, and 
who fell upon the field of battle, at 
Ball's Bluff, in 1861, was long connected 
with the bar of this county, having 
been almost raised in Carrollton. 

R. L. Doyle was also one of tlie legal 
fraternity of Greene county. 

Among the lawyers who have prac- 
ticed at the bar in this county, was F. 
E. Huddle. He was born at Tiffin, Sen- 
eca county, 0., March 6, 1856. He 
was the son of Benj. Huddle, a carpen- 
ter and joiner by occupation, and Rachel 
Kagy. When four years old, his par- 
ents moved to Marion county, 111., 
where a purchase of land was made. 
On the old homestead young Huddle 
remained until he had attained his 16th 
year, when he received full permission 
from his father to go out into the world. 
On leaving the parental roof, he had $60 
in money. Proceeding to Tiffin, 0., he 
entered the Heidleberg College, where 
he worked for his board and tuition, re- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ri3 



maining one year. In the meantime he 
received the news of a serious accident 
that had l)efalli'n his father, and he re- 
turned home, where he obtained a posi- 
tion as clerk in a dry goods store. Af- 
terward, hecoiiiing a school teacher, he 
took uj) the practice of law, the dream 
of the farmer luiy being to become a 
successful lawyer, and he accordingly 
applied himself with diligence. June 
8, 1877, at the June term of the supreme 
court, he was admitted to the bar at Mt. 
Vernon, 111. Locating at White Hall in 
July, he entered upon a very successful 
practice, when but 22 years of age. Mr. 
Huddle married Ida B. Lester, of Ma- 
rion county; one child — Edwin B. He 
is, at this writing, engaged in running 
the Bloomington Through Mail, a lite- 
rary magazine, of no small merit. 

LAWYERS OF THE PRESENT. 

Among the prominent attorneys of 
Greene countj', of the present day, 
there are the following gentlemen: H. 
C. Withers, J. R. Ward, John G. Hen- 
derson, S. F. Corrington, H. H. Mont- 
gomery, E. A. Doolittle, Leander R. 
Lakin, in Carrollton; W. M. Ward, in 
Greenfield; M. Meyerstein, and T. R. 
Henshaw, in White Hall, and Patterson 
it Starkey, D. F. King and Duncan C. 
Mclver, in Roodhouse. 

James R. Ward, one of the most 
able and leading attorneys of tliis con- 
gressional district, is a son of McKin- 
ley and Eliza A. (Jones) Ward. He 
was born on a farm in Madison county, 
111., May 7, 1852, where he grew to 
nianliood, laboring upon the farm, and 
received his early education. In 1867 
and 1868 he attended the Lincoln Uni- 
versify, and later at Jacksonville, where 



in June, 1873, he graduated from the Il- 
linois College at that place. He then 
proceeded to Columbia, Missouri, and 
began a course of law studies under 
Philemon Bliss, who at one time was 
chief justice of the supreme court of 
that state. He was admitted to the bar 
in the state of Illinois at Mt. Vernon, 
in June, 1874, and was licensed to prac- 
tice by the supreme court of Missouri, 
at St. Louis, June 21, of the same year. 
On September 23, following, lie located 
at Carrollton and here first began the 
practice of his profession. In Novem- 
ber, 1876 he was elected state's attorney 
for Greene county, by a greater vote and 
majority than was cast in the county for 
the president, Samuel J. Tilden. His 
business now increased so rapidl}' in 
civil cases that at the expiration of his 
term as state's attorney he declined to 
be a candidate for re-election and sup- 
ported D. F. King for that position, the 
latter having been a law student of Mr. 
Ward's. During this Term of office, 
however, he established the reputation 
of being an able and successful prose- 
cutor of criminals, rarely losing a case, 
and since that time he has been retained 
to defend nearly all of the important 
cases of that character in this qpunty. 
He has been engaged as counsel in the 
most important civil cases arising 
since he began the ju'actice of his 
profession. His earnest and faithful 
efi'orts for his clients, his careful and 
adroit management of a case, his knowl- 
edge of men which he utilizes in the selec- 
tion of juries, have in civil and erim- 
inal cases secured victories for his cli- 
ents. Possessing a thorough knowledge 
of the law, a retentive memory and uni- 
formly giving to every case, regardless 



714 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



of the amount involved, or the wealth 
or poverty of his client, a thorough and 
exhaustive examination and prepara- 
tion, have characterized his eminent suc- 
cess as a lawyer and given him the ap- 
pellation of "the poor man's lawyer 
friend." 

John G. Henderson, a prominent at- 
torney of CarroUton, was born near 
White Hall, Greene county, 111., Sept. 
2-2, 1837. His father, John P. Hender- 
son, was a native of Kentucky, and a 
sun of Rev. John Henderson, one of 
pioneer Christian preachers, of (ireene 
county. His mother, Susan (Green) 
Henderson, was a native of Ohio. John 
G. spent his early life on the farm. He 
was educated at Jacksonville, 111., and 
subsequently taught school during which 
time he also studied law. He after- 
wards read law with John L. McCon- 
nell, of Jacksonville, and on the 10th of 
Aug., 1858, though not yet 21 years of 
age, was admitted to the bar at Jackson- 
ville, to practifee in Illinois. He sub- 
sequently practiced law, and also tauglit 
school, in Morgan county, until 1861, 
when he opened a law office at Griggs- 
ville. Pike county, and entered upon 
the duties of the legal profession in ear- 
nest. But he afterwards engaged at 
teaching for a while, his last term being 
taught in I860, at Naples, Scott county, 
where he practiced law until 1866. He 
then located at Winchester, and in 1877 
was elected county judge of Scott 
county, serving in that capacity five 
years. Since that time he has given 
his entire attention to the legal pro- 
fession, practicing in both Scott and 
Greene counties, and his practice in- 
creased so largely in Greene county, lie 
decided to remove to CarroUton, which 



he did in Feb., 1884, and his office and 
residence are now there, although 
he still practices in Scott county, during 
each term of court. He was married 
April 10, 1884, to Isabel Springer, nee 
Hanback. In 1878, at the St. Louis 
meeting of the American Association, of 
Science, Judge Henderson became a 
member, and for two years, was secre- 
tary of the anthropological sub-section 
of the association, and at the Boston 
meeting was elected a fellow of the 
association. He has written for that 
society several papers, mostly on the 
subject of anthropology, of which he 
has made a life study, and has accumu- 
lated a fine library of works on that 
particular subject. He is also said to 
possess the finest library in the Miss- 
issippi valley, of French and Spanish 
works on the early history of said valley. 
He has now, at the point of completion, 
a work on ancient names of the United 
States and British provinces, which has 
occupied much of liis time for the past 
20 years. Politically speaking, he is an 
active democrat, and has taken a promi- 
nent part in politics since he attained 
his majority. Judge Henderson is a 
member of the Illinois Natural History 
Society, and an honorary member of the 
St. Louis Historical Society. Several 
of his articles have been published by 
the Southwestern Society, under which 
institute he has done considerable scien- 
tific research. 

Stephen F. Corrington came to Greene 
county in 1858, and located at Carroll- 
ton, where he has since resided, thus be- 
ing one of the old settl'ers of the county. 
He immediately opened up a law office, 
and entered upon its duties. In 1859, 
he was elected county superintendent of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



715 



schools, and justice of the peace, both 
of which he held until 1869, his duties 
as justice, however, not expiring until 
1873. In 1870, he was elected city 
clerk, and continued in that capacity, 
with the exception of one year, until 
1888. In 187'2 he was appointed mas- 
ter in chancer}', which office he still 
continues to hold. In Oct., 1881, Mr. 
Corrington entered into the business of 
insurance (fire, tornado, and life), and 
real estate, in connection with W. H. 
Barnctt, the style of the firm being 
Barnctt & Corrington. In Oct., 1883, 
Harnett sold his interest in the business 
to C. H. King, the firm then being Cor- 
rington & King. In Aug., 1884, S. F. 
Corrington bought out the interest of 
Mr. King, and gave it to bis son, Frank, 
The firm then being Corrington & Son. 
This firm is probably doing quite as ex- 
tensive a business as any other concern 
of the kind in the county. Mr. Cor- 
rington was born in Millersburg, Bour- 
bon county, Ky., Feb. 1, 1830, his par- 
ents being Rev. Elijah and Ailsie(Gray) 
Corrington, the former of English, and 
the latter of Irish, descent, but the 
health of Mr. Corrington being poor, 
they returned to Kentucky, the mother 
carrying her son on horseback to their 
native lu)me. In 18o3,the family again 
came to Illinois, coming first to Greene 
county, where Rev. E. Corrington en- 
tered and bought quite an extensive 
tract of lanil, and then settletl in Jack- 
sonville, Morgan county, going into 
business at tiiat place. He continued 
in business there for a little over a year, 
when he joined the Illinois conference 
of tlie M. E. ehurcb, and was assigned 
ti> various charges in Morgan and other 
counties. He afterward removed to 



Carrollton, where he lived until his 
death, which occurred in 1863. His 
wife preceeded him in Dec, 18G2. Ste- 
phen F., the subject of this sketch, re- 
ceived his early education in a private 
school in Jacksonville, and in 1848, be 
entered McKendree college, at Lebanon, 
111., where, on account of bis previous 
preparation, he was enabled to graduate 
three j'ears later. He then taught school 
about six months, in connection with 
his sister, now the wife of Hon. Thos. 
B. Redding, a prominent lawyer and 
scientist of Newcastle, Ind. He then 
began the .^tudy of law with Judge Wil- 
liam Brown, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1854.- He afterward entered into 
partnership with William String, which 
continued about a year. While in Jack- 
sonville, he was also engaged in the 
mercantile business about one year, but 
this proving unsatisfactory, he disposed 
of his interest in the business to his 
partner. While there he was nominated 
for county judge, but withdrew, and was 
nominated and ran for county clerk, but 
as he was a young man, and opposed by 
an old and popular candidate, he was 
defeated by a small vote. He was mar- 
ried in Jacksonville, in 1856, to Susan 
F. Bell, a daughter of Jeremiah Bell, now 
of Jersey county. They are the parents 
of nine children, eight of whom are 
living — Rosa, wife of W. A. Albrigiit; 
Ailsie, wife of T. P. Clemmons, both 
living in Carrollton; Annie L., died at 
the age of 15, in Dec, 1876; S. Emma, 
by profession a stenographer, and as- 
sisting her father in his office; Frank 
F., the active member of the firm of 
Corrington & Son, insurance and real 
estate agents, located at Carrollton, 111.; 
Eliza E., William J., Mabel R., and 



716 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Stephen N. Mr. Corrington is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. 0. F. society, having 
been honored as a representative to the 
grand lodge for the past 10 years, and is 
now representing his encampment for 
the seventh term. He is also a member 
of the M. E. church, haviiigbeen a trus- 
tee of the same for many years. In 
politics, he affiliates with the demo- 
cratic party. He has always, without 
exception, voted the democratic ticket, 
and is considered by his party a thor- 
oughbred, iron-clad, unflinching demo- 
crat of the old school. 

H. H. Montgomery, A. M., has been 
a resident of this county since 1875. 
He was born in Scottville, Macoupin 
county, 111., and is a son of Joseph and 
Elizabeth (Sharp) Montgomery, the 
former a native of West Virginia, and 
the latter of East Tennessee. They 
settled in Macoupin county in 1840, and 
at present are residents of Carlinville. 
The subject of this sketch was reared 
upon a farm, attaining his education at 
the university at Galesburg, and in the 
Blackburn University at Carlinville, 
graduating from the latter institution 
of learning in June, 1873, and three 
years later the university conferred 
upon him the degree of master of arts. 
In 1S74-5 he had charge of the schools 
at Brighton, and the following six years 
of the Greenfield schools. In 1880 he 
was also appointed county superintend- 
ent of schools, but at the expiration of 
six months resigned this office to accept 
the editorial management of the Car- 
rollton Gazette ; although his political 
friends afterward placed his name be- 
fore the state convention for nomination 
of superintendent, and out of eight 
contesting candidates he was second 



only to the one who was successful, viz: 
Prof. Raab, the present incumbent. He 
continued editorial duty on the Gazette 
for two years, since which time he has 
been in the law office of H. C. Withers. 
On Thanksgiving day, 1880, he united 
his destinies with Minnie, a daughter of 
G. T. W. Sheffield, of Greenfield, the 
result of which was the birth of one 
son — Kenyun. Mr. Montgomery takes 
an active part in whatever pertains to 
the advancement of education, and in 
politics is a strong adherent to the 
principles of the democratic party. He 
is also a Knight Templar, and at pres- 
ent, High Priest of Carrollton chapter. 
Royal Arch Masons. 

Duncan C. Mclver was born near 
Murray ville, Morgan county. 111., Aug. 
12, ISHl, being a son of William and 
Matilda (Cain) Mclver, natives of North 
Carolina. When Duncan C. was an 
infant his parents removed to Tennes- 
see, and eight years later returned to 
Illinois, and located in Jacksonville. 
Two years later they removed to Mc- 
Donough county, and lived near Macomb 
until Duncan C. attained his 14th year. 
While there he was a schoolmate of 
Congressman Neece. His parents then 
removed to a point near Carlinville, 
Macoupin count}', where they resided 
some four years, then going to Mont- 
gomery county, where Duncan C. at- 
tained his majority. At the age of 18 
years, Duncan began teaching school, 
which profession he followed steadily 
some five years. Sept. 17, 1854, he 
was united in marriage, near Hillsboro, 
Montgomery county, with Mary A. 
Tennis, a daughter of William and 
Nancy (Raleigh) Tennis. By this union 
they have been blessed with seven 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



717 



children, five of whom ;iri' now livinsr — 
Fninces Alice, Charles E., William T., 
MiTinie M. and John A. From the 
time of his marriage until the l)reaking 
out of the war, Mr. Mclver made his 
home in Montgomery county, where he 
was elected county surveyor in lSo7, 
holding the same for four years, having 
hecn re-elected at the expiration of his 
first term. In 18G2 he enlisted in Co. 
F., Vl'ld 111. Inf., as a private, and six 
months later was promoted from the 
ranks to second lieutenant. While 
serving with a small detachment of his 
company, at Trenton Tenn.. lie was 
captured, with his command, by For- 
rest's forces. Two days after they 
were paroled, and remained in parole 
cam)), Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, 
until Sept. 1SG3, when they were ex- 
changed, and returned to their command 
at Salisltury, Tenn. At that point, the 
captain of his company having been 
placed under arrest, and the first 
lieutenant having been detailed as divis- 
ion quartermaster, Mr. Mclver was 
then left in conuuand of the company, 
wliich he continued up to the '20th of 
March, IStit, when he was detailed by 
order of the secretary of war as assist- 
ant commissary of musters of the west- 
ern district of Kentucky, and was placed 
on the stafl'of Gen. Hugli T. Reed, and 
at different times was on the staff of 
Gens. Brayman, Prince, Payne and 
Meredith, serving in tliat capacity until 
the close of the war, when he was hon- 
orably discharged. At the close of the 
war he settled with his family at Nil- 
wood, 111., where he engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits for two years. During that 
time, and previous thereto, he had been 
studying law, and, in 18(58, was ad- 



mitted to the bar by the suj)reme court. 
He then began the practice of his ])ro- 
fession, which he followed until 1877. 
In 1875 he came to Roodhouse, and two 
years later, enjbarked in the newsjjaper 
field, which he continued until some 
two years ago, since whicli time he has 
been practicing law. In 1876, he was 
the nominee of the republicans for the 
position of county attorney, his oppo- 
nent being J. R. Ward, who was elected, 
his party being largely in the nuijority, 
but Mr. Mclver ran ahead of his ticket. 
Mr. Mclver is a member of the Girard, 
Macoupin county, lodge of I. 0. O. F.,; 
also of the Jacob Fry Post No. 193, G. 
A. R. He was also a member of the 
K. of P. lodge at the time of the sur- 
render of its charter, and was chancel- 
lor commander at that time. Mrs. 
Mclver is a member of the M. E. 
church, as are also her two daughters. 

Mark Meyerstein, one of the mem- 
bers of the bar of White Hall, was born 
at Murawano Goshlin, province of Posen, 
Prussia, on the 27th day of October, 
18;56. His parents were William and 
Shenetta (Leshinsky) Meyerstein, both 
natives of Poland. They lioth died in 
their native country, about 1883. Mark 
was educated in the gymnasium at Po- 
sen, finishing at the "Real Schule," in 
Meseritz, where he graduated in 1853. 
In the spring of 1S54 he came to the 
United States, and after spending a 
short time in New York, he went to 
Kentucky, where he engaged at Simp- 
sonville as a salesman. In 1855, he 
went to St. Louis, in the same business, 
remaining there until 186(J. He then 
went to Scottsville, Macoupin county, 
111., and engaged in the mercantile bus- 
iness for himself. In the month of Sep- 



718 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



teniber, 1863, he removed to White Hall, 
and engaged here in the mercantile bus- 
iness. This he continued until the 
spring of 1865, when he removed to 
Carrollton. From there he went to St. 
Louis, in January, 1866, and engaged in 
the wholesale clothing trade. After one 
year in that business, he returned to 
White Hall and engaged in the retail 
dry goods trade, which he continued 
two years. In his store he studied law, 
having determined to devote his life to 
the legal profession and devoted his at- 
tention to his studies with such assidu- 
ity that he was admitted to the bar in 
fall of 1867, while yet selling goods. 
He opened an office in 1869 and has 
since continued the practice of law. In 
thi;^ profession he has made for himself 
a reputation second to none in this part 
of the state. On the 17th day of May, 
1861, he was married to Mary Hettick, 
a daugliter of Perry and Sarah (Arm- 
strong) Hettick,, natives of Ohio and 
Tennessee, respectively. Mr. Hettick 
was an extensive farmer near Scottville. 
He died in 1883. By this marriage there 
are four children — Sarah S., William, 
Yetta, and Mark. Mr. Meyerstein is a 
member of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A., 
P. & A. M. In his profession he holds 
an enviable position and enjoys an ex- 
cellent reputation. 

D. F. King, the present state's attor- 
ney, residing in Roodhouse, is a native 
of Texas, born Jan. 9, 1853. He was the 
third child of a family of seven chil- 
dren of Alexander and Mary (Wagoner) 
King, of whom mention is made in the 
Representative chapter. David was ed- 
ucated in Blackburn University, at 
Carlinville, 111., after which he taught 
school and read law under M. Meyer- 



stein, of White Hall, and then taught 
school and studied law at home until 
1876, when he removed to Texas, and 
was there admitted to the bar during 
the same year. He remained in Texas 
less than one year, returning to Greene 
coimty, where he was admitted to the 
bar in 1879. In 1877, he was elected 
county superintendent of schools, which 
office he held until Dec, 1880, when he 
resigned. In the fall of the same year 
he was elected state's attorney for the 
county, which office he still retains, 
having been re-elected in 1884. In 
Sept., 1874, he was married to Nancy, 
a daughter of Jesse Morrow. vShe was 
born in (treene county. By this union 
there are four boys — Jesse A., John B., 
Oliver and Frank. Mrs. King is a 
member of the Campbellite church. Mr. 
King is a member of the Roodhouse 
lodge. No. 681, I. O. 0. F., and of the 
Worcester lodge, No. 113, K. of P. He 
has represented the Odd Fellows lodge 
in the grand lodge of the state one 
term, and has been a member of several 
democratic state conventions, and of all 
the county conventions since 1876. 

James L. Patterson, of the law firm of 
Patterson & Starkey, Roodhouse, is a 
native of St. Louis county. Mo., was 
born Aug. 29, 1846, being a son of 
Lemuel J. and Ann E. (Hume) Patter- 
son, both natives of Missouri. Lemuel 
J. came to Illinois in 1844, and settled 
at Schutz's Mill, Greene county. For 
many years he was engaged in the mer- 
chandise business, and was one of the 
representative men of the county, hav- 
ing served the people in the capacity of 
sheriflf four years, and justice of the 
peace several terms, in each of which 
positions he gave entire satisfaction to 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



719 



his constituents. He is now a resident 
of the city of Roodhouse, and is much 
respected by his neiglibors and friends. 
James L. Patterson, the subject of this 
sketch, received his preliminary educa- 
tion in the district schools of this county, 
and later attended the Winchester High 
School. In liis 18th j'car he began 
reading law, under Judge Hodges, at 
Carrollton, and five years later, in 1870, 
was admitted to the bar. He had pre- 
viously taught school for nine years, was 
deputy assessor for the same length of 
time, and townsliip treasurer for five 
years, in T. 12, R. 18, now Patterson 
townshij), named so in lionor of his 
father. In Oct., 1877, he came to the 
city of Roodhouse, and engaged in the 
practice of his chosen profession, in 
which he has been eminently successful, 
now being rated as one of the most suc- 
cessful attorneys in this part of the 
state. Mr. Patterson has been attorney 
for the C. & A. R. R. for the past eight 
years, and has a very extensive railroad 
practice, in addition to his general. The 
firm of which he is the head, was estab- 
lished Feb. 3, 1882, and has ever since 
practiced in the various courtsof Illinois 
and Missouri, their practice being second 
to no other firm in this part of the 
state. In March, 1868, James L. Pat- 
terson and Mary E. Wilmington were 
united in marriage. She is a native of 
St. Louis county, M().,anfl a daughter 
of Edwin Wilmington, a native of Eng- 
land. By their union, Mr. and Mrs. 
Patterson have been blessed with two 
children — Buell and Harry. Mrs. Pat- 
Ifrson is a mend)er of th(- M. E. church, 
and Mr. Patterson the Baptist, hav- 
ing united with that organization in 
1867. He is also a member of White 



Hall lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. M., of 
White Hall lodge, I. 0. 0. F.. A. 0. U. 
W., and K. of P., in two of which he 
has held most of the offices, at different 
times. He has been superintendent of 
the Baptist Sunday school ever since 
the organization of that society in Rood- 
house, and under his efficient manage- 
ment, the school has flourished, now 
having large classes and a fine orchestra. 
Mr. Patters(m was president of the 
town board at the time of the organiza- 
tion of Roodhouse as a city, and for five 
years has been clerk of the district 
board of education. In politics lie is a 
democrat, and has been chosen as a del- 
egate to every congressional convention 
held in the 12th district, and has at var- 
ious times acted as chairman of the 
same. Since coming to Roodhouse, Mr. 
Patterson has done much toward the 
improvement of the city, being associ- 
ated with Mr. Roodhouse in the erection 
of many of the best buildings in the 
city. They laid out the public stjuare, 
and did much toward bringing trade to 
the city. Truly, it may be said that he 
is a representative man. 

W. M. Ward, a practicing attorney at 
Greenfield, is a son of Jesse and Mary 
Ward, the former a native of Kentucky 
and the latter of Virginia. The father 
of W. M. was a farmer by occupation 
and was among the first settlers of Jer- 
sey county. W. M. was born Dec. 24, 
1838, and attendeil the common schools 
until he was 18 years of age. He then 
took a trip to the Rocky mountains, 
where he spent eight years in various 

; occu])ations. He was first engaged in 
mining, then was in the attorney -gen- 
eral's office, and was out on an expedi- 

l tion after the Red men and followed 



720 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tliem into their mountain fastnesses, and 
had some practical experience in Indian 
fighting. During his stay in the \ve>t 
he had a varied and checkered exper- 
ience. In the winter of 1867, he re- 
turned to Brighton, and soon after en- 
tered the office of Asa Potter and en- 
gaged in the study of law, in which he 
continued ahout three years. On July 
26, 1870, he was united in marriage with 
Louisa Prosser. By this union they 
have had three children, of whom two 
are now living — Louisa M. and Jessie 
W. He left the office of Asa Potter in 



1872, and went into the employ of the 
R. & R. I. R. R. Co., as a machinist, 
where he remained one year. He then 
moved his family to Greene county and 
engaged in the milling business, which 
he followed until 1875, at which time 
he sold out his interest and located at 
Greenfield. On May 10, 1875. he re- 
ceived an apjiuintment as postmaster, 
and June 5, got his commission. In 
1876, he received the appointrnent of 
notary public, was admitted to the bar 
in Jan., 1877, and has since been en- 
giiged in the practice of law. 



OHAPXEvR XII, 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF GREENE COUNTY. 

From time immemorial tlie medical 1 ing for the ray of sustaining hope, 
profession has been held in highest re- : The medical fraternity of Greene county, 
pute by all men, civilized or barbarous, [have, with but very few exception.-;, 
Whether he is the learned disciple of been an honor to this honorable pro- 



Galen or Llippocrates, who has made a 
professional study of the healing art in 



fession. Ever ready to respond to 
the call of duty, they have defied the 



all its brandies, or the medicine man of ' cold of winter's chilling breath, the 
tlie untutored savages, who, from the I summer's heat, or rain and darkness of 
experience gathered from years of ob- | all times. They have been compelled 
servation, uses the healing properties i to thread the mazes of the primeval for- 
of the herbs and roots about him, honor ' ests, or to cross the trackless prairie, 
awaits him on every hand, while the facing the fierce snow storm from the 
power of life and death, so far as it can i north, at risk of life or limb, often with 
be commanded by finite man, is placed ' no hope of fee or reward, but only the 
in his keeping. The Afeary, suffering consciousness of having performed a 
patient, lying upon his bed of pain, and good action, in listening to the cry of 



the no less weary, anxious watcher, 
await the coming of the doctor with 
eagerness, and upon his arrival note 
every movement and expression, seek- 



anguish of those in distress. All this 
has been done by the physicians of 
Greene county, without complaint. If 
the good deeds done by these noble, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



self-sacrificing members of the pro- 
fossiiin are not now remembered 
by those whom they have rescued 
from pain and suffering, the time is 
coming when they will be. When the 
names of the pioneer doctors are called 
to mind, it is hoped that the hearts of 
the old settlers will be touched, and 
none fail to respond, " May God bless 
them."' 

The pioneer ph\'sician in the county 
of Greene is believed is have been Dr. 
Potts, who lived about one and a half 
miles west of CarroUton. He came here 
about 1821. In about 1823 or 24, he re- 
moved to near the site of White Hall, 
where he died. 

Dr. Joseph Piggott came to what is 
now Greene county in 1818,and was con- 
sequently one of the first settlers. He 
first settled near what is now called 
Old Kane, where he bought and im- 
proved a farm. In 1831, he removed to 
a place called PZminence, a small vil- 
lage in Elsah towiishiji, Jersey county, 
on the Mississippi river, which was so 
named from the fact that it was situated 
on one of the highest bluffs in the Mis- 
sissippi valley. He here built and ran 
a hand ferry, which plied between 
Eminence and Portage des Sioux, on the 
Missouri side, continuing in that busi- 
ness some three years, when his wife 
died, leaving him with a family of five 
small children, when he became dissat- 
isfied and went to farming near by, and 
also opened a small store of general 
mercliandise. He remained here about 
two years, when he removed to Gill- 
ham's Mound, in Mississipi)i township, 
where he followed farming and the prac- 
tice of medicine, as he had been a prac- 
ticing physician since 1830, a fact that 



should have been previously mentioned. 
He lived there until his death, whicli 
occurred Oct. 17, ISoO. 

Dr. Throckmorton came to the county 
of Greene in 1823, and shortly after- 
ward located in the village of CarroUton 
where he soon had an extensive prac- 
tice. At a later date he moved to 
Texas, of which state his son was the 
governor. 

Among some of the physicians who 
have practiced in CarroUton in the past, 
not mentioned as yet, have been the 
following disciples of Galen : Drs. 
Pegram, Dulaney, DePcw, Sharon, 
Johnson, Lashure, Coward, Bostwick, 
Gladwell, Hardtner, Thompson, Lind- 
sey and Kingsley. 

Dr. DePew was here but a short time, 
dying while a resident of CarroUton, at 
an early age, in the full promise of 
manhood. 

Dr. Johnson, also an allopathic phy- 
sician, remained here but a few years, 
removing from here to northern Mich- 
igan. 

Dr. Lashure resided in CarroUton 
about two years, but his health not be- 
ing very robust, he emigated to Los 
Angelos, Cal., where he now lives. 

Dr. J. Coward, was an Englishman 
by birth and education, who lived near 
the town of CarroUton for several years. 
He was (juite successful in his practice. 
He afterward removed to Deseret or 
Salt Lake City, where he died about 
1855 or 1856. 

Dr. Thompson, was the first physi- 
cian of the homijopathic school to locate 
in CarroUton. He did not nuike this 
liis home for very long. 

Dr. Bowman, now of White Hall, 
also practiced in the town of CarroUton. 



Tut 



724 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Dr. .John Hardtner, was a follower of 
what is called the eclectic school. He 
located here, where he practiced for a 
time, when he turned dentist. He in- 
vested his money in Innd, which, hy 
the rise in value, made him wealth}'. 
He removed to Springfield, where he 
now resides. 

Dr.O. B. Heaton was a native of Ver- 
mont, and came to Carrollton about the 
year 1830. He remained in practice 
here for a number of years. He re- 
moved to Virden, Macoupin county, in^ 
about 1850, and from there to Chicage, 
and died wealthy. 

Dr. Chester Gaylord was quite a well 
known physician in Carrollton, and in 
the surrounding country. He remained 
here in practice for many years, and 
died at Cincinnati, 0., whither he had 
gone on the 4th of June, 1847, at the ad- 
vanced age of 75. He was a strong be- 
liever in the temperance movement, and 
a prominent member of the S. of T. 
order in the town. 

Dr. Jesse Chorn, a talented physician, 
settled at Carrollton, in 1830, where he 
practiced his profession for many years. 
He was formerly a resident of Clark 
county, Ky., and an excellent doctor. 

Dr. M. F. Kelly, long a resident phy- 
sician of Woodville, was a native of 
Washington county, Va., born in 1814. 
He studied medicine with Dr. Snead 
in Virginia, but subsequently attended 
lectures at Transylvania University, 
Ky. He then came to Carrollton, where 
he practiced medicine about a year, in 
the mean time being united in marriage 
with Jane E. Vigus. He removed to 
Madison county, but after a two years 
residence there returned to Greene 
county, locating at Woodville, where he 



lived for many years. He afterward 
moved to Roodhouse, but is now a resi- 
dent of Kansas. 

Among the practicing physicians of 
Greene county was Dr. Buel Culver. 
He was born in this county in 1831, and 
was reared in White Hall, where he re- 
ceived his early schooling. He attended 
the Rush Medical College, at Chicago, 
and commenced the practice of medicine 
at Kane. He then removed to White 
Hall. After a time he quit the practice 
of medicine, and entered that of mer- 
chandise, and later moved to Humbolt, 
Kan., where he is now practicing. 

The pioneer physician of Greenfield 
was Dr. Martin A. Cooper, who made 
his appearance in that town in the win- 
ter of 1835-6. He was then a young, 
unmarried man, who came here from 
Tennessee. He received sufficient en- 
couragement to stay, so Iniilt him a 
cabin 12x14, and returning to Tennes- 
see, was married, and returned and in- 
stalled his bride in the mansion pre- 
pared for her. He was an able practi- 
tioner, well read, but a poor business 
manager, and as a financier, a decided 
failure. Much of his large practice was 
done gratuitously, much of it charged, 
and no attempt made to collect it. His 
rides took him to Rockbridge, Witt's 
Mill, Hickory Grove, Athensville, Fay- 
ette, Scottsville and Rivesville, an ex- 
tent of country of great magnitude. 
Kind in his disposition, and amiable to 
a fault, he had many friends. He en- 
joyed a monopoly of the medical prac- 
tice at this point, scarcely disturbed by 
the successive advent of Drs. Metcalf, 
Mayfield and Rice, who came here, staid 
a short time, gave it up, and left for 
other climes, until 1850. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



/■Jo 



Dr. James B. Samuel came to Carroll- 
ton early in Feb., 1848, and commenced 
the jiractice of medicine. He was a na- 
tive of Caroline county, Va., born June 
2, 1798. He removed, when about 20 
years old, with his parents, Richardand 
Margaret Samuel, to Cynthiana, Ky., 
where, in Dec, 1823, he was united in 
marriaire with Agnes Pickett. In 1826, 
he V)ugan the practice of medicine, and 
in 18.31 removed to Meredosia, 111., and 
in 1828, to Carrollton. In the meantime 
his father had died, in 1831, of cholera, 
and his mother came with him to Car- 
rollton, where she died in 1857. His 
wife had also died prior to his coming 
here, in 1837, and June 4, 1839, he was 
imitcd in marriage with Lucy Ann Clark, 
of Carrollton, who survived him. Dr. 
Samuel was a most excellent, as well as 
popular physician; was a member of the 
Masonic order for 53 years, and a char- 
ter member of Fletcher lodge, of Car- 
rollton, and for many years the master 
of the same. 

Among the physicians of the past, 
who have proved eminent, Dr. Cyrus 
Davis must not be forgotten. A full 
biographical sketch of him is given in 
this work, in the chapter entitled, "Na- 
tional, State and County Representa- 
tion." 

James M. Davis, M. D., a son of Dr. 
Cyrus A. and Anna R. (Montague) 
Davis, was born in Boyle county, Ky., 
Oct. 7, 1828. He was in his fourth 
year wlien his parents settled in Greene 
county, III., at which time Carrollton 
was a village composed of a few rough 
stores and dwellings. Here James re- 
ceived the rudiments of education, and 
when only 17 years of age enlisted in 
Co. H, 2d Reg., of Ky. Inft., and served 



in the Mexican war until honorably 
discharged on account of general disa- 
bility. Returning home he commenced 
the study of medicine, with his father 
as preceptor. At the end of one year 
of unremitting study, he proceeded to 
St. Louis and attended the medical de- 
partment of the Missouri State Univer- 
sity, from which he graduated in March, 
1852. He at once entered ujjon the 
duties of liis profession, and until his 
death was the medical advisor for a 
large number of people of Carrollton 
and surrounding country. In 1857, Dr. 
Davis was united in marriage with 
Sarah A. Vedder, a daughter of F. 1'. 
Vedder. By this union five children 
were born — Francis A., Edgar L., Net- 
tie, Belle and Xelia. Dr. Davis was a 
republican in politics, and at one time 
was that party's candidate for state sen- 
ator, but was defeated, as was the re- 
mainder of the ticket. He held numer- 
ous responsible positions in local mat- 
ters, and at the time of his death was 
one of the trustees of the blind asylum, 
at Jacksonville. He was a kind fatlier 
and a public spirited citizen. His death 
took place June 8, 1885. The funeral 
services were conducted by the Masonic 
fraternity, of which the deceased was 
an honored member. He was also a 
member of the K. of H. 

Dr. Ledbrook located in the town of 
Greenfield, in 1850, and remained there 
for many years, in the practice of his 
profession. 

Dr. Fincli came to Greentieldin 1852, 
and practiced medicine in that town and 
vicinity for many years, being very suc- 
cessful. 

Dr. Augustus Knapp located in Kane 
in 1836 or 37, and remained there until 



726 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



1845. He Avas a regular practitioner of 
the old school, and was quite successful. 
He removed to Jerseyville, and became 
quite prominent. 

Among the honored physicians of the 
county, perhaps there were none better 
known than Dr. Luther Cory, of Kane. 
He was a native of New Jersey, born 
Feb. 18, 1789. Wlien he was but a few 
months old his parents moved to Addi- 
son county, Vt., where they spent the 
balance of tlieir lives. The doctor was 
reared there among the rugged liills of 
this his adopted home, receiving his 
literary education at the Castleton 
Academy, Vermont. When about 21 
years of age he commenced the study of 
medicine, and attended lectures at Cas- 
tleton, securing a diploma. He com- 
menced the practice of medicine at 
Bridgeport, Vt., in 1813. Sept. 3, 1815, 
he was married to Hannah Miner. He 
served two terms in the Vermont legis- 
lature. He practiced" his profession at 
the above place over thirty years, when, 
in Oct,, 1844, became to Greene county, 
locating at Kane, carrying on a farm 
and practicing medicine. He died here 
July 20, 1850. 

Dr. John C. Miller, one of the early 
physicians and surgeons of Carrollton, 
practiced in that town and vicinity for 
many years. About 1855 he removed to 
Cairo, this state, where he died at a 
ripe old age, March 4, 1870. He was 
much respected, a zealoias christian and 
a member of the M. E. church. 

Dr. Manning F. DeWitt came to 
AVhite Hall in 1858, where he practiced 
medicine successfully until his sudden 
and untimely death, April 21, 1870. He 
was born in Sussex county, N. J., July 
9, 1885. His parents subsequently re- 



moved to Luzerne county, Penn., and 
afterward to South Eaton, Wyoming 
county, in the same state. It was at 
the latter place that the doctor received 
his early education. While yet in his 
teens, he entered Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, as a student and 
graduated thence, with honor, in 1857. 
He commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in White Hall soon afterward, 
and during some twelve years built up 
a very large practice, and won a reputa- 
tion second to none in this })ortion of 
the state at that time, not only as a 
doctor but also in surgical duties. 

Dr. John I. Jones was born in one of 
the southern states, but grew to man- 
hood in Kentucky. He was regularly 
educated for the medical jjrofession, and 
practiced both in that state and Louisi- 
ana, prior to his coming here. He 
made his appearance at an early day. 
He married Bethunia Bostwick, daugh- 
ter of Hon. Manoah Bostwick, who rep- 
resented this district in the senate of 
the 11th general assembly. 

Dr. Lindsey H. English was a native 
of Greene county, having been born on 
a farm now owned by A. M. Cunning- 
ham, near the southeastern limits of 
the corporation of Carrollton. He was 
the son of Lindsey H. and Arabell 
(Turney) English, and his natal day 
was the 12th of March, 1854. When he 
was about 16 years old his father moved 
with the whole family to Springfield, 
where the doctor made his home until 
coming back. In 1870, he entered 
Shurtleft" College, and followed his 
studies at that institution until 1877. 
He then entered the Louisville Medical 
College, from which he graduated with 
the highest honors, in a class of 100, in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



727 



1879. In August of the same year he 
was united in marriage with Alice 
Roberts. The young couple moved to 
Woodville, this county, where he en- 
tered xipon tlie practice of his profes- 
sion. In 1883 he removed to Carrollton, 
where he died, Friday, June 26, 1885. 

Dr. William O. Langdon came to Car- 
rollton about 1878, and built up quite 
a practice. He was born in Kentucky, 
in 1848, but while a boy, his father. 
Dr. ^\'illia]n S. Langdon, removed to 
Nashville, Tenn. The elder Langdon 
was in the Confederate service until the 
close of the w'ar, when he removed to 
St. Louis. William 0. graduated from 
the Missouri Medical College, in 1870, 
and shortly after established himself at 
Delhi, .Jersey county. There he was 
married to Caroline Early, Imt in Dec, 
187G, tlus-estimable lady died, leaving 
two children — Sarah A. and Susan V. 
The doctor came to Carrollton, as above, 
but in 1881, left this part of the country. 

Dr. A. C. McFall, another represent- 
ative of the homojopathic school of 
medicine, came to Carrollton in 1876, 
and built up a fine practice, and gained 
many friends. He was a native of 
Trumbull county, Ohio, but moved with 
his parents to Wisconsin when he was 
about lU years old. He grew to man- 
hood in the "Badger State," going to 
the Plattville Academy to receive his 
education. He went from there to New 
York and became a graduate of Fowler 
& Wells' Phrenological Institute, and a 
successful lecturer on that subject, and 
accumulated some wealth. He then 
coiuineneed the study of medicine in 
the oliice of Dr. (ieorge M. Guernsey, 
and subsequently attended lectures at 
Cleveland, Ohio and at Chicago. He 



was a scholarly gentleman, well read 
in his profession, and quite successful 
withall. He remained here until about 
1880 or 1881, 

Dr. S. H. Culver was for many years 
connected with the medical fraternity of 
this county. He was a native of Rhode 
Island, born Sept. 26, 1808. He was 
married to Polly Madison in 1821, and 
shortly after removed to Rochester, New 
York, where he began the study of med- 
icine under Dr. Smith. In 182.'! he 
joined the Methodist church and was 
licensed to preach. In 1831 he came to 
Greene county, locating near ^^'bite 
Hall, where he spent over half a cen- 
tury in his double capacity of minister 
and physician. 

Dr. I. S. Hughes, practiced medicine 
at Kane. He was a native of this state, 
born in 1844. Began the study of med- 
icine in 1860, in St. Louis, with Dr. J. 
D. Hodgen, but in 1862, he enlisted in 
Co. I, 17th 111. Inf., but served in the 
medical department. At the close of 
the war he completed his studies, grad- 
uating from the St. Louis Medical Col- 
lege in 1852, practicing in the mean- 
time. He moved to Kane in 1872. 

To be classed with the medical pro- 
fession are the professors of obstetrics, 
known as mid-wives, some of whom 
have proved quite celebrated in the 
annals of Greene county. 

Eliza Link, one of the earliest mid- 
wives in the county, came here about 
1821, with her husband. Christian Link, 
who was a blacksmith. Tjiej' settled, 
at first, about a mile and a luilf from 
Carrollton, but afterwards removed into 
town. Mrs. Link practiced over a large 
section of territory, and always rode 
horseback when on her errands of hu- 



728 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



inanity. She attended many of the 
wives of the old settlers and prominent 
people, and indeed the wives of the phy- 
sicians themselves. Her daughter who 
married a man by the name of Hudson, 
and who lived on Apple creek, was a 
worthy disciple of her mother, and 
practiced the same profession for years. 
Mrs. Link died about the year 1854. 

PHYSICIANS OF THE PRESENT. 

Among the prominent physicians of 
Greene county who are now engaged in 
the healing of the people, are the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen, sketches of 
the most of whom will follow: 

Drs. Clinton Armstrong, George W. 
Ross, James T. Crow, J. F. Simpson, 
C. W. Clemmons, W. D. Turner, C. H. 
Rew, C. P. Clemmons and Eberle Wil- 
son, of Carrollton; Peter Fenity, B.J. 
Hall, 0. K. Reynold and W. L. 
Burnett, of Kane; E. K. Shirley, W. J. 
Redwine, A. Bowman, G. W. Burns 
and Cliapman, Potts and Brewster, of 
White Hall; F. L. Lightfoot of Rood- 
house; J. L. Rollins, Thomas Finch, 
Abram Tompkins, Frank A. Stubble- 
field, of Greenfield; E. Fenitj', Adam 
E. Miller and J. N. Miller, of Rock- 
liridge; J. B. Hayes, of Barrow; and 
J. E. Waters, of Athensville and L. H. 
Clampit, Thomas McEuen,C. M. Brown, 
B. B. Lang and C. E. Allen, of Rood- 
house. 

Dr. Clinton Armstrong, one of the 
oldest practicing physicians in the 
county, is a native of Rogersville, East 
Tenn., born March 10, 1823, his parents 
being Clinton and Lucy (Rogers) Arm- 
strong. The Armstrong family origi- 
nated in the north of Ireland, from 
where William Armstrong, Sr., the 



great-grandfather of our subject, emi- 
grated to America, and settled in Vir- 
ginia, where William, the grandfather 
of our subject, was born in the year 
1758. During the early settlement of 
Tennessee, William Armstrong, Jr., re- 
moved to that state, and was there mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Galbreith, and by this 
union there were eight children, of 
whom Clinton, the father of our sub- 
ject, was the third son. He was born 
March 10, 1793, and on arriving at the 
age of manhood, he was united in mar- 
riage, in 1816, with Lucy Rogers, a na- 
tive of Rogersville, Tenn., born in 1798, 
and a daughter of Joseph Rogers, who 
laid out the town where Lucy was born. 
Joseph Rogers was a native of the north 
of Ireland. In 1786 he emigrated to 
the New World, arriving at Norfolk, 
Va., from where he came to Tennessee, 
and a year from that time, founded the 
town of Rogersville, where he became 
one of the most prominent merchants 
of the day. He died there, in 1833, at 
an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Clinton 
Armstrong, Sr., were the parents of 13 
cliildren, of whom our subject is the 
fourth eldest. Clinton Sr., removed 
from Tennessee to St. Louis, in 1845, 
where he was a prominent merchant and 
farmer, until 1853, when he passed 
away to his other home. Dr. Arm- 
strong departed from his native state in 
1844, going to St. Louis, where he stud- 
ied medicine three years, and graduated 
in 1847, from the medical department 
of the University of Missouri, then 
known as the McDowell School. He 
then returned to Tennessee, where he 
was united in marriage with Martha 
Lynn, a daughter of William Lynn, of 
Kingsport. This union was blessed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



729 



witli four children — William, Clinton, 
Lucy and Mary. They resided in St. 
Louis until 1S49, when they removed to 
Carrollton, where Dr. Armstrong has 
since resided, securing in his profession 
a large and lucrative practice. He is 
one of our most liberal citizens, was sec- 
retary of the Old Settler's Association, 
and takes a deep interest in educational 
matters. Mrs. Armstrong died in 
April, 1872, and was laid to rest at Oak 
Ridge cemetery, Missouri. Oct. 30, 
1878, Dr. Armstrong was united in mar- 
riage with Lottie E. Hayden, daughter 
(if David Hayden, late of California, 
and grand-daughter of Gen. Eaton, who 
entered the United States service dur- 
ing the Revolutionary struggle, gaining 
fame and wealth, and who was afterward 
consul at Tunis. When the late civil 
war was in progress. Dr. Armstrong 
served two years, doing nolde work as 
an acting assistant surgeon, of the 61st 
HI. R.g., from Greene county, and was 
an eye witness of the siege and capture 
of V'icksburg. 

George W. Ross, M. D., a native of 
Pittsfield, Mass., was born Oct. 7, 185(5. 
His parents were Merrick and Mary B. 
(Cobb) Ross. He spent his early life at 
school in Boston, graduating from the 
Boston Latin School in 1874, and in 1877 
graduated at Amherst as bachelor of 
arts. He afterward entered the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, in New 
York city, graduating as doctor of med- 
icine, in 18711. He then spent one year 
in the hosi)ital, and afterward the de- 
gree of master of arts was conferred 
upon iiim at Amherst. In 1880 he came 
to Illinois, locating at BluiTdale, Greene 
county, where he practiced three years, 
when he came to Carrollton, and has 



since been a practitioner of this place. 
Dr. Ross w-as united in marriage, in 
April, 1885, with Daisy J., daughter of 
B. Gillingham. He was one of the 
founders of the Western Medical and 
Surgical Society, and is, at present, sec- 
retary of the same. 

Dr. James T. Crow was born in Pike 
county. Mo., April 14, 1827, his parents 
being John and Mary (Little) Crow, 
both natives of Boyle county, Ky. John 
Crow was a soldier of the war of 1812, and 
died in Pike county. Mo., in 1875. His 
widowed wife is still living in that 
county, upon the old homestead, where 
they settled in 1824, and is 94 years of 
age. James T., the subject, was the 
seventh of a family of 10 children. He 
resided in Pike county until his 17th 
year, when he went to Danville, Ky., 
and took a literary course at Center 
College, graduating therefrom, in 1850, 
as bachelor of arts. He then taught 
school for a few months, but soon 
turned his attention to the study of 
medicine, at Rockport, Mo,, with Dr. 
George B. Wilcox. He afterward en- 
tered the St. Louis Universit\', now the 
St. Louis Medical College, graduating 
from that institution in 1854, after which 
he located at Memphis, Scotland county, 
Mo., where he engaged in practice until 
1862. At that time he came to (ireenc 
county, 111., but spent the j'ear of I860 
at Quincy, and the following year re- 
turned to Carrollton. In 1865, lie 
crossed tlie plains to California, return- 
ing to Carrollton in 1866, where he 
jn-acticed until Dec , 1882, when he 
again went to California, by the soutli- 
ern route, returning by the central route 
in June, 1883. He was accompanied 
by his wife on each trip to the (Jolden 



730 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



State, and the latter time by two sons, 
also. In 1855, at Memphis, Mo., he 
was married to Martha E., a daughter 
of H. M. Gorin, for many years circuit 
clerk of Macon county. 111., and an 
early settler of Memphis, Mo. Dr. and 
Mrs. Crow have been the parents of 
seven sons, five of whom died in in- 
fancy. The remaining two are still liv- 
ing — Charles C. and Albert S. In poli- 
tics, the doctor affiliates with the demo- 
cratic party, and has frequently been 
chosen by his fellow citizens to fill local 
positions. He has been a member of 
the Masonic fraternity since 1850, and 
his religious views are with the Episco- 
21 al church. 

Dr. James French Simpson, a native 
of Culpepper county, Va., was born 
Oct. 10, 1814, his parents being Hendley 
and Elizabeth (Farrow) Simpson, both 
natives of Virginia, the former of 
Loudon county, and the latter of Cul- 
pepper county. His father engaged in 
farming, but was a wealthy gentleman 
with associations in only the highest so- 
ciety. In 1835 he removed his family 
to Illinois, and located at Medora, Ma- 
coupin county, where he and his wife 
spent the balance of their days. James 
F. had spent the early years of his life 
in Virginia, and was there educated. 
He afterward entered a general mer- 
chandise store as a clerk, and was thus 
engaged until he was 20 years of age, in 
the meantime beginning the study of 
medicine. Nov. 19, 1834, he came to 
Medora, 111., where he finished his medi- 
cal studies under Dr. Farrow. In 1837 he 
came to CarroUton, where he has since 
remained. He immediately engaged in 
the mercantile business, which he fol- 
lowed several years, and then bought a 



drug store and continued in the drug 
business for eight years, at the expira- 
tion of which time he began the practice 
of medicine, in which he continued 
about 27 years. By that time he had 
accumulated some little means and 
hence decided to retire from practice. 
In Jan,, 1838, Dr. Simpson was united 
in marriage with Harriet C. Miller, a 
native of Ohio; unfortunately, she was a 
lady of very poor health, and did not 
survive many years, dying in 1841. In 
1844 the doctor was joined in marriage 
with Jane E. Hopkins, daughter of 
James and Mary (Chandler) Hopkins, 
natives of Rockbridge, Va. By this 
marriage there have been four children 
—Charles R., born March 31, 1845, now 
married; Lionel D., born Dec. 1, 1846; 
Julian H., born Feb. 11, 1849, died Feb. 
28, 1865; Jennie Mae, born May 13, 
1858. Dr. and Mrs. Simpson are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. Dr. Simp- 
son is a strong prohibitionist, and has 
received the highest honors which that 
party could confer, having received at 
various times the nomination for the re- 
spective offices of governor, auditor and 
elector, and penitentiary commissioner. 
During the late civil war the doctor was 
called into the army as asu])ply surgeon 
by Gov. Dick Yates, and remained in 
charge of the 14th 111. Reg,, commanded 
by Col. Hall. Dr. Simpson has, during 
his residence here, been an active, en- 
ergetic citizen, and his pleasant manners 
have made for him many friends. 

Dr. J. W. Redwine is among the pres- 
ent practitioners in the city of White 
Hall. Although among the later acces- 
sions to this profession here, he has 
succeeded in attaining a good and lucra- 
tive practice, and is growing in popu- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



r;]i 



larity and the estimation of the com- 
munity. Dr. Redwine was bcirn in 
Morgan county, this state, Sept. 9, 
1858, and is a son of Isaac and A. Pru- 
itt) Redwine. The former, who was 
left an orphan when a small boy, emi- 
grated from his native state, Kentucky, 
at an early day, to Missouri, and after- 
ward removed to Morgan county, this 
state, where he was married to A. Pru- 
itt, a native of Tennessee. They are 
now residents of Winchester, Scott 
county. The subject of this sketch re- 
ceived his early education in the schools 
of Morgan county, and during the years 
1877 and 1878 he attended a private 
school at ("hillicothe, Mo. In 1879 he 
entered the St. Louis Medical College, 
for the purpose of obtaining a profes- 
sional education, where he remained 
during two consecutive sessions of the 
school. In 1881 he became a student at 
the Missouri ISIedical College, from 
which institution he graduated in 1SS2. 
.Mr. Redwine then located at White 
Hall, and began the practice of his pro- 
fession, where he has since resided. He 
was married, March l('), 1862, to Mary 
R. Tunison, born in this county in 18.57, 
and a daughter of Jacob E. and Lucy 
(Griswold) Tunison. Mr. Redwine is a 
member of the .Masonic order and Odd 
Fellows lodges, and in j)olitics is a dem- 
ocrat. 

Prominent among the members of the 
medical profession of Greene county, is 
Pliilip F. Lightfoot, of Roodhouse. He 
is a native of Alabama, having been 
born in that state on the 'I'-'A of Sept., 
182:5. He was a son of Reuben and 
Gillie (Meredith) Lightfoot, the former 
of whom was a native of Kentucky, and 
the latter of Tennessee. Reuben Light- 



foot was a tanner and planter, and was 
one of the prominent men of his section 
of the country. His death cx^curred in 
1824, and that of his beloved wife nearly 
half a century later, in 1878. Philip F. 
Lightfoot received his preliminary edu- 
cation in his native state, and later at- 
tended the New York Medical College, 
from which popular institution he grad- 
uated with honors, in 1848. In 1850 he 
began tlie practice of his chosen profes- 
sion, at Fort Madison, la., and it was 
but a short time before his abilities were 
recognized. In 1852 he came to Illinois, 
and for six years practiced medicine in 
Macoupin county. Then, in 1858, he re- 
moved to Manchester, Scott county, 
where he remained until 18(58, meeting 
with deserved success. In 1869, he re- 
moved to Murrysville, ^lorgan county, 
where he remained until 1878, when he 
went to Vernon county. Mo., returning 
in 1879. In the latter year he came to 
C4reene county, locating in Rotidhouse, 
his present home. Dr. Philip F. Light- 
foot and Sarah E. Edwards, a native of 
Morgan county. 111., were united in 
marriage, in 1852, and their union has 
been blessed with three children — Ann 
Ella, wife of S. D. Masters, of Jackson- 
ville, 111.; Joseph T. and Beatrice. 
Mrs. Lightfoot is a member of the M. 
E. church, while the doctor is a mem- 
ber of the Murrayville lodge, Morgan 
county, of the A. F. & A. M. During 
the war of the Rebellion the doctor was 
an independent surgeon in the 91st 111. 
Inft. He now takes a j)lace in the front 
rank of the medical profession in 
Greene county, having a very extensive 
practice, which is well deserved. 

Dr. E. K. Shirley, one of the well 
known physicians of Greene county. 



732 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



was born in ISIovgan county, this state, 
on the 25th day of April, 1855. He is 
a son of George and Emily (Brown) 
Shirley, natives oF Virginia and Penn- 
-sylvania, respectively. The}^ located 
in Morgan county in 1830. The father 
of our subject was a physician, bj' 
profession, and practiced in Mor- 
gan county until his death, which 
occurred on the 17th day of Feb., 1868. 
His widow now resides in St. Louis. 
Dr. E. K. Shirley was educated in St. 
Louis, and there studied for his pro- 
fession. He graduated from the Homoe- 
opathic College, in that ('ity, in 1881, 
and has since that time, been for the 
most part a resident of White Hall, in 
which city and vicinity he has built up 
an extensive practice. For two years, 
however, he practiced in St. Louis 
since his graduation. Since 1884 he 
has been located here permanently. 
In 1882 he was united in marriage with 
Annie L., daughter of Alfred and Eliza- 
beth (Hubbard) White, natives of Ohio, 
and this county, respectively. There 
are two children by this marriage — 
Alfred Harris and Henry White. Dr. 
and Mrs. Shirley are members of the 
M. E. church. 

Dr. Benjamin J. Hall was born at 
Lebanon, Marion county, Ky., on the 
19th of April, 1834, his parents being 
Joseph A. and Mary A. (Mudd) Hall, 
natives of Kentucky. Benjamin .J., the 
subject of this sketch, received his 
early education at St. Mary's College, 
in Lebanon, attending school thereuntil 
he was about 16 years of age. In the 
year 1851, he went to Louisville, Ky., 
to attend the Medical University of that 
city, at which place he graduated in his 
chosen profession in 1854. During that 



year he begun the practice of his profes- 
sion at Ray wick, Ky., and continued 
there until 1S(:>2. In the year 1SG4, he 
came to Greene county, 111., and located 
at Old Kane, where he remained only 
one year. In the year 1865, he removed 
to Hardin, Calhoun county, remaining 
there until 1881, when he again returned 
to Greene county, and located at Kane, 
where he has since continued as a prac- 
ticing physician. On the 5th day of 
August, 1865, he was married to Sarah 
(Woolsey) White, daughter of Amos and 
Eunice Woolsey. By this marriage there 
were seven children, four of whom are 
now living — Joseph A., Daniel W., Ida 
M. and Bennie L. Dr. Hall owns jjrop- 
erty in the village of Kane, and has a 
good practice which is constantly in- 
creasing, and in which he has proven to 
be a very successful physician. 

Peter Fenity, M. D., a leading phy- 
sician of Greene count}', located at the 
town of Kane, is a native of the Emer- 
ald Isle, born in the county of Roscom- 
mon, March 15, 1827. He is a son of 
John and Margaret (McDonnell) Fenity, 
both natives of Ireland. In 1840, his 
parents left the shores of Erin, bound 
for Canada, and upon arrival there 
settled near the city of Kingston . The 
subject of this sketch received the 
rudiments of an English education 
before leaving his native country — his 
first and only reading book .being the 
New Testament — of which he commit- 
ted the four Gospels and Paul's letter 
to the Hebrews, to memory. Soon after 
arriving in Kingston, where he had an 
uncle who was an old citizen, he, with 
the family, moved west and settled on 
Amher.st Island, bay of Qninte, where 
he continued at work for different farm- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



733 



ors for three years. Inteiiiperance drove 
the lainily to America, and tlie passions 
engendered by intemperance in the 
father, drove the son away from home 
at the age of 16. At that age he began 
a course of study and preparation, 
studying during the long ^vinter nights 
by the light of pine knots, and working 
on the farm during the summer, and 
teaching after sufficient education had 
been acquired, until the spring of 
184(5, when, at the age of 19, hunger- 
ing for a higher life, he ventured again 
among strangers, crossing Lake On- 
tario to Niagara Falls; thence to Bufialo; 
thence to Cleveland and Oberlin, 0., 
where he continued working and study- 
ing, until Aug., 1847, when, in company 
with a classmate, Jos. H. McChesney, 
now of New York City, he crossed the 
lakes to Chicago, then a small city, and 
traveled in a lumber wagon with a 
farmer to Rock Island, and thence to 
the home of McChesney, in Mercer 
county, where they both remained until 
the beginning of the school year at 
Knox College, Galesburg, 111. Here 
he remained five years, graduating A. 
B., in June, 1852, in a class of 12. 
Through poverty and hardship, toil- 
ing in summer's heat and winter's cold, 
nothing ever daunted or caused him 
to swerve a hair's breadth from his life 
purpose of gaining knowledge. On 
graduating in June, l.S.")2, he came with 
two schoolmates — S. V. White, now of 
Brooklyn, N. Y., and Charles Dougher- 
ty, lo Jersey county. In Sept., 1852, 
he began teaching the first select male 
bchool ever taught in Jerseyville, and 
at the close of his school visited his 
mother then living at Troy, N. Y. On 
his return from Troy he engaged as 



agent for the American Sunday School 
Union, in organizing Sabbath schools. 
In 1853 and 1854, he again taught in 
Jersey county, and continued in Jersey 
until Feb. 20, 1855, when he came to, and 
taught school in Old Kane four months, 
working hard all summer in haying and 
harvesting, with Jacob L., William and 
John Pope, and in Oct., 1855, after a 
course of study in medicine with Dr. 
Norman T. Winans, in 1853, and Dr. 
Charles A. Knapp, in 1854, he attended 
lectures and clinics at the St. Louis 
Medical College, and at the City Marine 
and Sister's hospitals through the win- 
ter of 1855-56; studied and taught in 
1856, in Champaign county, and in 
May, 1857, began to practice at 
Old Kane. Married Oct 23, 1857, Helen 
Elmira Cory, a daughter of Rev. David 
Cory and Eunice Elmira (Wolcott) 
Cor}', l)oth of whom died in eastern Illi- 
nois j'ears before. Dr. P'enity attended 
lectures and clinics again at St. Louis 
Medical College, and the St. Louis hos- 
pitals in 1858-9; graduating in March, 
1859, he returned home, and resumed 
his practice in the spring, and contin- 
ued till the fall of 1863, when he again 
attended tlic City Hospital at St. Louis, 
and on his return home, has from that 
time pursued the even tenor of his life 
in all kinds of weather and to all class- 
es of men. He has four children living 
— Frank C, nurseryman at Jerseyville; 
Dr. Edward W., practicing physician at 
Rockbridge, this county; Fred. H., a 
student of Prof. Pike, Jerseyville, and 
Clara M., attending school at home. 
The doctor commenced practicing in 
New Kane, July 12, 1866, which he has 
continued ever since. 

Dr. W. D. Turner was born in Lon- 



734 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



don, Eng.,June21, 1843. He was left 
an orphan at the age of five years, and 
when but eight yeas old was placed in 
cliarge of a family coming to America. 
In due course of time he came to Pike 
count}', 111., where he was reared and 
educated. When the war broke out he 
enlisted in Co. E., 50th 111. Inf., and 
served gallantly until honorably dis- 
charged, when he returned to Pike 
county, where he entered upon the study 
of medicine, attending three terms at 
the Cincinnati Eclectic College, and two 
clinical courses at the Commercial Hos- 
pital. He commenced practice in 
Wayncsville, DeWitt county. 111., but 
in 1S71, came to Carrollton, where he 
has attained some considerable practice. 
He was married Oct. 1, 1868, to Miss S. 
J. Peebles, l)y whom he has two chil- 
dren — Walter and Frank. 

Dr. 0. K. Reynolds, a physician of 
Kane, was born in Belmont county, 0., 
March 12, 1833, and was the son of Ste- 
phen K. and Miriam (Kinsey) Reynolds, 
the second settlers in that county. The 
doctor attended school in his native 
place, andat academies in the neighbor- 
hood, and at Allegheny College, Mead- 
ville. Pa. His medical education was 
received at the Missouri Medical Col- 
lege, St. Louis, Mo. He commenced 
practice near St. Joseph, Mo., where he 
remained two years. During the early 
days of the war, he found it difficult to 
reside there and entered the service as 
assistant surgeon. He afterward served 
as surgeon of the 17th U. S. Inf. In 
1865, at the close of hostilities, he came 
to Old Kane and located, and resumed 
practice. Four years after, he removed 
to Johnson county, where he lived until 
1875, when he came to the new town. 



Dr. J. L. Rollins, of Greenfield, was 
born in Montgomerj' county. Mo., April 
1, 1838. After due training in the dis- 
trict schools of his native county, the 
future doctor entered the State Univers- 
ity of Missouri, at Columbia, in the fall 
of 1875, and graduated from that insti- 
tution in 1878. He commenced the 
practice of medicine in Columbia, Mis- 
souri, where he remained until 1883, 
when he went to New York, and attended 
a special course at the Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College. In February, 
1884 he came to Greenfield, and entered 
upon the practice of his profession. 

Dr. E.' Fenity, practicing at Rock- 
bridge, was born in Kane, this county, 
March 27, 1861, and is the son of Dr. 
Peter Fenity, of Kane. He was edu- 
cated at Shurtleff and Knox Colleges, 
and at the Chicago Medical College. He 
commenced practice at Rockbridge Aug. 
1, 1882. 

Dr. W. L. Burnett, a practicing phy- 
sician of Kane, was born in Indiana 
in 1812, and was educated principally 
at Shurtleff College. When the war 
broke out he enlisted in company F., 
27th 111. Inf., and subsequently became 
orderly sergeant, and served until the 
close of hostilities. He then became a 
resident of Arkansas, where he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits until 1866, when he 
removed to Jerseyville, Jersey county, 
and entering the office of Dr. J. 0. 
Hamilton, commenced the study of 
medicine. He graduated from the St. 
Louis Medical College in 1869, and for 
several 3'ears practiced his profession at 
Fidelity, Jersey county, from which 
place he came to Kane. He was mar- 
ried in 1869 to Emetine Smith. 

Dr. Adam E. Miller, of Rockbridge, 



HI8T0RV OF GREENE COUNTY. 



735 



was born in Gaylesvillo, Cherokee 
county, Ala., Dec. 11. 1843. He re- 
mained in the place of his nativity un- 
til 1858, when the family removed to 
Illinois. He received his education at 
Shurtleff" Collefre, and his medical 
knowledge at Rush Medical College, 
Chicago, from which he graduated. He 
commenced practice in Rockbridge in 
1869. He was a partner in the drug store 
with the late Jacob Keeley . He married 
(ieneviove Ludwig, and is the father of 
six (iiildren, five of whom are living. 

Dr. Thomas Finch, the oldest resi- 
dent physician in Greenfield, was born 
in Stattbrdshire, England, Feb. 12, 1823. 
In the summer of 1843, he emigrated 
from that island, and came to Green- 
field in Feb., l.S.V). He received his 
early education in England, Init finished 
it in America. He studied medicine 
partly witli bis step-father, and partly 
with a student of that gentleman. He 
was married in .Jan., 1851, to Eliza J. 
Sax.ton; they have three children. 

Dr. Abram Tompkins, one of the 
physicians of Greenfield, was born in 
Canada, Nov. 1, 1835, and is the son of 
John and N. (Clute) Tompkins. He 
studied medicine in his native country, 
and in 1875 and 187() attended the Rush 
Medical College, Chicago. He com- 
menced practice at Berlin, Sangamon 
county, in 18()5. He came here from 
Scott county, where he had spent some 
eight years, in May, 1879. He witS 
married Dee. 10, 1870, to Susan E. Fred- 
erick. 

Dr. Frank A. Stubblefield, a practic- 
ing physician at (irecnfiold, is a son of 
Rev. D. II. Stubblefield, and was born at 
Salem, 111., Nov. 12, 1852. He received 
his education in different public schools. 



He engaged in the drug business, in 
1873, at Hillsborough, 111., which he 
ran until 1878, when he attended medi- 
cal lectures at Missouri Medical College, 
St. Louis, Mo., from which he gradu- 
ated in 1881, and then came to Green- 
field and engaged in practice. He was 
married in Feb., 1883, to May Mont- 
gomery. 

Dr. Edward E. Peter, was born near 
White Hall, this county, June 28, 1861. 
In 187y he entered the American Medi- 
cal College at St. Louis, remaining 
there one year, when he entered the 
office of Dr. A. W. Foreman, at White 
Hall. He read under him one year, 
and then returned to the college which 
he had previously attended, in St. 
Louis, from which he graduated in 
June, 1882. He then practiced at Mus- 
kegon, j\Iich., about a year, then trav- 
eled with Dr. Crane, through Michigan, 
Indiana and Ohio, for about 10 months, 
and then worked in a wholesale drug 
store in Cincinnati. In 1884, he lo- 
cated in Wriglitsville, wIhtc be has 
since continued to practice. 

Dr. Charles C. Clemmons, among the 
present practitioners of CarroUton, is a 
son of Dr. C. P. and Matilda (Jlcm- 
mons. He was born in Pike county, 
111., Jan. 27, 1857, and was brought to 
CarroUton by his parents, in 18B0, where 
he was reared and received his early 
education. He received a large portion 
of his literary training at Frankfort, 
Ky., graduating from the Military In- 
stitute at that place, in 1875. He then 
took a commercial course at Jones' 
Connuercial College, St. Louis, gradu- 
ating in 1870. He then began the study 
of medicine, and in 1879, graduated as 
physician and surgeon, from the St. 



736 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Louis Medical College, when he en- 
gaged in practice at Carrollton. In 1882 
he went to Kansas, and later to Texas 
and Louisiana, returning to Carrollton 
in the spring of 1885, and resumed 
practice at that place. He was mar- 
ried Oct. '2(3, 1882, to Jessie Robards, l)y 
whom one daughter has been born — 
Bessie. The doctor is a member of the 
K. of P. society. 

Dr. Carleton H. Rew, a disciple of tlic 
homeo]iathic school of medicine, came 
to Carrollton in Sept., 1884, and opened 
an office for practice. He is a native of 
New York, but studied at and graduated 
from the Hahnemann College, at Chi- 
cago, in 1884. 

Dr. Alexander Bowman, a practicing 
physician of White Hall, was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 1817, where he was 
liberally educated. In 1830, he re- 
moved to Cincinnati, and began tlie 
study of medicine and graduated from 
the State Eclectic Institute of that city. 
From there the doctor came to Bond 
county. 111., and after four year's prac- 
tice came to Carrollton, where he re- 
mained some 11 years and then re- 
moved to White Hall, where he is still 
engaged in the profession of medicine. 

Dr. George W. Burns, long a physi- 
cian of Wilmington, but now of White 
Hall, was born in Mercer county, Penn., 
and is the son of Thomas and Sarah 
(Duff) Burns. Of this marriage Dr. 
Burns was the second child ; his educa- 
tion was received in the district schools 
of his native place; for some time he 
became a school teacher, and then en- 
tered the Lebanon Academy. Prior to 
the war he studied medicine under Dr. 
T. H. Fulton. He enlisted in Co. A, 
139th Penn. Inf., and was wounded at 



the second battle of Fredericksburg; 
transferred to the Army Medical Corps 
as an assistant to some of the most em- 
inent armj' surgeons, he gained an 
experience that has helped materially 
to make of him a skillful physician and 
surgeon ; he was among those detailed 
to bury the dead after the famous second 
battle of Bull Run ; among the battles 
participated in by him were Antietara 
and Fredericksburg. While on dut}' at 
Armory Square hospital he was the 
student of Prof. G. K. Smith, of the 
Long Island College hospital. When 
the war closed he returned to Pennsyl- 
vania, where he studied medicine under 
Dr. White, of Harlemsburg ; proceeding 
to Philadelphia, he attended the medi- 
cal college there for two terms pursuing 
the higher medical studies ; in 1868 he 
moved to Wilmington, Greene county, 
where his skill as a physician is well 
known. In 1872 he was united in mar- 
riage with Helen M. Black. He is now 
numbered among the physicians of 
White Hall. 

Dr. J. B. Hays, a resident jihysician 
of B-irrow, was born in Indiana, in 1845. 
He there studied medicine under Dr. 
W. H. Price and A. W. Porter, for three 
years, afterward attending the American 
Medical College, at St. Louis. At Cin- 
cinnati he also attended the Eclectic 
Medical Institute. In Indiana, where 
he became a practicing physician, he 
became well and favorably known for 
skill in materia medica. In 1868 he 
was united in marriage with Rebecca 
Crane ; there was one child born of this 
marriage — George W. In 1861 Dr. 
Hays enlisted in Co. A, 53d Ind. Inf., 
serving fourteen months. He was en- 
gaged in the battles of Aversborough, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



vav 



Bentonvillo and others. Honorably 
discharged when the war closed, he re- 
turned to Indiana. It should be stated 
Dr. Hays twice enlisted in tlie service 
of Uncle .Sam. 

Dr. Eberle Wilson, a practicing 
})hysician of Carrollton, was horn in 
Girard county, Ky., Jan. 22, 1S39. 
During the late war he enlisted as a 
private in the 19th Ky. Inf., of the 
Federal army, and rose to the rank of 
1st lieutenant. He was taken ]jrisoner 
during Banks' Red river expedition and 
sent to Texas as a prisoner. In 1865, 
after being exchanged, commenced the 
study of medicine with Dr. P. W. Lo- 
gan, who had been a surgeon of some 
prominence in the service, and attended 
a three year's course of lectures at 
Bellevue, and graduated at Brooklyn, 
N. Y. In the fall of 1867, he located in 
Fayette, where he practiced until 1872, 
then removed to Rockbridge, where he 
practiced until 1S85, when he removed 
to Carrollton. He married Lucy A. 
Canned}'. 

Dr. James N. Miller, now residing in 
Rockbridge townsliip, was born in 
Gaylesville, Ala., May 17, 1841. He 
moved to this state with the family in 
1858. He was educated at McKendree j 
College, and at the Rush ]\redical Col- 
lege. After graduation, in 1862, he was 
appointed 1st asst. surg., and assigned 
to the loth A. C. He was united in 
marriage with Eliza Edmondson. In 
Oct., 1865, the doctor locateilat Fayette, j 



and engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine. 

Dr. A. J. Bruner, who was engaged in 
the practice of medicine near Mdod- 
ville, is a nativr of Tennessee, where 
he was born in the year 1835. He re- 
ceived a preliminary education in the 
district schools of his native place. 
Removing to Kentucky, he entered upon 
a literary course of study at the 
Hiawatlia College. Proceeding to Keo- 
kuk, la., he entered the College of 
Physicians, graduating from the insti- 
tution with honor, on the 17th of Feb., 
1875, and after that date soon secured 
a large practice in Greene county, and 
lived near Woodville, where he has be- 
come the owner of a valuable property. 
In 1869, he married Mrs. Mary A. 
Slaten, a daughter of Richard and Sarah 
J. Spalding. He is now in Roodhouse, 
engaged in mercantile jnirsuits. 

Dr. J. E. Waters is practicing medi- 
cine in the village of Athensville; 
born in Morgan county, June 25, 1829; 
married March 11, 1850, to .Ann Daw- 
son, of Delaware. This union has been 
blessed l)y five children, only one of 
whom, however, is living — James M., 
born July 4, 1852. Dr. AVaters is a 
graduate of the St. Louis Medical Col- 
lege, in the class of 1862, and has at- 
tended several courses of lectures at 
Chicago, St. Louis and Louisville. He 
has lived at Athensville since 1860, and 
enjo^'s a wide reputation, as a physician 
and gentleman, throughout the country. 



738 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



aHAF»T:"ElR XIII. 



THE PRES8 OF THE COUNTY. 



'What a power there is in that simple 
word — the press. Although but of re- 
cent birth it is the grand instrumental- 
ity of our grander civilization. It is 
the mighty power that has stamped its 
mark upon the age, and leaves its im- 
print upon our everyday history. Tlie 
influences of it are felt to-day, and go 
"thundering down the mighty corridor 
of time" to ages yet unborn. No 
other engine of our later civilization 
exerts an equal force with it — not even 
the pulpit or the bar — for is it not both 
these combined, with its own sphere 
besides? The messenger of the gospel 
truth rises in his place upon the Sabbath 
day and discourses of his subject to a 
few hundred at the most; on the follow- 
ing morning the press, reproducing the 
the thoughts, sjDread it througliout the 
length and breadth of our fair land, to be 
discussed by all. The attorney at the 
bar of justice, pleading the cause of 
some client arraigned before its stern 
front, utters the thrilling appeal that 
loosens the bonds and lets the unjustly 
held prisoner go free, or, with God-like 
eloquence fastens the guilt upon the 
criminal, and, with scathing, burning 
words, crushes down the brazen front of 
hardened crime. The press takes up 
the words that else must have perished, 
and the judgment of all men can read 
them, and digesting their true import, 
accept them at their true worth. The 



politician takes the stand and addresses 
a small assemblage, but, through the 
power of the press, his words are car- 
ried to the uttermost parts of the 
country, and he thus addresses a whole 
people. By and through the press, all 
peoi^le and all lands are made as one 
nation. The waters rise and overflow 
vast tracts of fertile, thickly populated 
country, leaving many homeless and 
penniless ; the devouring flames break 
out in tRe over-crowded city and many 
be bereft of house and home and daily 
bread ; pestilence may stalk with grim 
visage through a portion of the land, 
smiting down the rich and poor alike ; 
but the press takes up the news, repeats 
the burden of their cry, and help comes 
from the charitable, a white-winged 
messenger, to raise their fallen hopes, 
and tide them over the season of their 
dire distress. At the demands of the 
press, food, clothing and money are 
poured out to relieve these suffering 
mortals. Its jjower to knit us all in one 
great common brotherhood is unques- 
tioned. Its power for good or evil is 
almost limitless, in this our day and 
hour. It may hold up the mirror of 
public opinion- and show therein the 
shortcomings or guilt of the public man, 
or it may cast its mantle over them, 
and they are hidden from all human 
ken. Through its mighty colunms the 
dark deeds and villanies afloat in our 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



rsy 



land are brought to light, and the evil 
doer hates and fears its bright, noonday 
light. The press is the great control- 
ing power in nation, state and county, 
and the press of Greene county is by no 
means an exception to this rule. The 
local press is justlj' considered among 
the most important institutions of every 
city, town or village, if not the most 
imijortant. The people of everj' com- 
munity regard their particular newspa- 
per as of peculiar value, and then not 
only for the above reasons, but because 
these newspapers are the safe reposi- 
tories wherein arc stored the facts and 
the events, the deeds and the sayings, 
the undertakings and achievements that 
go to make up its history. One by one 
these things are gathered together, and 
placed in type. One by one these 
papers are gathered together and bound 
and another volume of local, general 
and individual history is laid away, 
imperishable. The volumes thus laid 
away are sifted by the historian, and the 
book for the library is ready. The peo- 
ple of each city or town have, or ought 
to have, ajust pride in their home news- 
paper. The local press, as a rule, re- 
llects the business enterprise of a place. 
Judging from this standpoint alone, the 
energy and enterprise of the people of 
Greene county is commendable. The 
many papers which it supports are well 
tilled with the advertisements of home 
merchants, and of its various business 
establishments. No paper can exist 
without this advertising patronage, and 
no comnnmity can successfully cope 
witli its neighbors without using the ad- 
vertising eolunis of its local press. 
Kach must sustain the other to live. 
Biographical skt^tches of many of the 

3o 



present editors of these papers are given 
in the histories of the various towns and 
cities wherein they publish their re- 
spective papers, and are omitted in this 
connection. 

CARROLLTON ADVOCATK. 

A paper under the above head was 
initiated at Carrollton, in 1848, by a 
party named Edward F. Fletcher, who 
had been running the Buckivouchinan, in 
Jersey ville, in company with Parenteau, 
where their office had been burned, 
shortly before coming to this county. 
The paper was not of very long life, 
and no copies of it have been found by 
the historians. This was the first paper 
published within tlic jiresent limits of 
Greene county. 

THE CARROI.LTOX (iAZETTE. 

This paper is the oldest representa- 
tive of journalism now being published 
in Greene county. It was established 
in 1846, by George B. Price, who was 
its editor and publisher for many years. 
The first issue appeared June 26, of the 
above named year, and contained the 
following salutatory: 

"This day we present to the people 
of Greene county the first number of 
the Carrollton Gazette, and we respect- 
fully ask from them a liberal and gener- 
ous support. Our county contains a 
body of farmers and mechanics as intel- 
ligent and thrifty as any other portion 
of our state, and strange to say, we 
have never yet had a newspaper among 
us at all adapted to the wants or wishes 
of the community. Every effort here- 
tofore made to establish a jiaper in 
Greene county has most signallj' failed, 
and we think it does not require the 
gift of prophecy to tell the cause. 



" They were established merely for 
factional purposes, and we know that in 
a community as intelligent as this, no 
mere partisan paper can be sustained. 
Newspapers were never designed to be- 
come the mere tools of a sect or party, 
but, on the contrary, were intended to 
stand as sentinels upon the watch-towers 
of the constitution to warn the people of 
the designs, and to warn them against the 
machinations of mere party demagogues, 
who regard as nothing all else save 
their own petty schemes of low ambition. 
"We enter upon our undertaking un- 
der more favorable auspices than our 
predecessors. They set sail when the 
storm of political strife was loud. We 
set out upon our voyage when all in the 
world is — comparatively speaking — 
calm. The great political excitement 
growing out of the presidential canvass 
of 1844, has died away, and the minds 
of all honest, candid men, are better 
prepared to investigate calmly and dis- 
passionately those great questions so 
intimately identified with the future 
prosperity of our common country. 
Great questions of national policy are 
not, can never be, fairly discussed in the 
midst of a great political ferment; hence 
the necessity of talking over these things 
in quiet times, when the gassions of 
men are cool, and their minds are open 
to conviction. 

"There are two great questions now 
before the American people for their 
decision, and upon the correct decision 
of these questions mainly depends the 
future prosperity of this Union: 1. The 
adjustment of the tariff. 2. The im- 
provement of our western rivers and 
lakes. Shall we make them ourselves, 
or shall the general government? 



"We are the humble advocates of the 
tariff policy as understood and incul- 
cated by the old republican party of the 
United States. We go for the protection 
of the labor of our own free citizens 
against the pauper labor of Europe. 

"We are for the speedy improvement 
of the navigation of our great rivers, and 
of the lakes upon the northern frontier. 
"So far as our state affairs are con- 
cerned we shall advocate those meas- 
ures which in our judgment may 
best promote the permanent interests 
of the state without regard to party 
lines or distinctions. 

" We are decidedly opposed to the 
the creation of any banking institutions 
by the state legislature. 

" We regard the early adjustment of 
our state indebtedness with a view to 
its future liquidation, as a measure 
alike the dictate of sound policy, and 
good morals. 

" We are in favor of the call of a 
convention to amend our present state 
constitution. 

"But we do not design to make our 
paper exclusively political; we shall 
endeavor by judicious selections, and 
otherwise, to make our humble sheet a 
welcome visitant to the fireside of every 
reading family in our county. So far as 
we may indulge in political discussions, 
we will treat our opponents with all due 
respect, and we never shall permit our 
sheet to be defiled with the low party 
slang and abuse of private character 
that too often disgraces the public press 
of the country." 

In this issue of the Gazctlr, there also 
appeared the following military order, 
signed by William C. Raney, Col., and 
M. S. Link, Adjt. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



741 



"Whereas, war has been declared by 
the congress of the United States of 
America, and proclaimed to the world 
b}' the executive head of this republic 
against Mexico, the babbler and tool of 
Great Britain and France, its present 
military usurpers, having outraged everj' 
principle of liunianity, and 

"Whereas, the dark clouds of war 
seem to be gathering on the eastern as 
well as southwestern horizon, where 
blood has rained on our soil, shed by 
hostile hands, 

"I, William C. Raney, colonel of the 
18th regiment, 2d brigade, 3d division 
of Illinois militia, do hereby order and 
direct all her sons in Greene county, 
south of Apple creek, subject to mili- 
tary duty, to enroll themselves in com- 
panies and battalions, according to the 
laws of Illinois, and elect their own 
conunissioned and non-commissioned 
officers, and make their return, in due 
form of law, all poll books and reports 
of such elections, as soon as piacticable, 
to M. S. Link, adjutant of said regiment, 
in order that commissioners maybe had 
and a perfect military organization take 
place. Free men, prepare yourselves 
for war, and be ever zealous of your 
country's liberty and able to defend its 
honor." 

The Gazette was started as a five col- 
umn folio, all printed at home, at a 
subscription price of $1.50 per year. 
"Devoted to politics, agriculture, liter- 
ature and morality," w-as a motto 
which adorned the first page. Political- 
ly, the pajier adhered to the principles 
of the whig party, until 1856, when the 
republican candidate for president, 
John C. Fremont, received its hearty 
endorsement and support. Since that 



campaign, however, it has been a con- 
sistent, ardent advocate and supporter 
of the democratic party, and still ad- 
heres to those principles. The Gazette 
was continued by Mr. Price until the 
issue of Nov. 8, 1851, when an an- 
nouncement appeared stating that he 
had associated with him R. B. Dedman, 
and the paper was shortly afterward 
increased in size to a six-column folio. 
Mr. Dedman, however, did not remain 
connected with the paper very long. 
Mr. Price continued its publication 
alone from the 1st of Feb. following, 
until 1800, being ably assisted in the 
meantime by his son, senior member of 
the present management. On the 8th 
of Dec, of the above year, the follow- 
ing explanatory notice appeared in 
the columns of the Gazette: 

"Owing to the largely increasing bus- 
iness of the Gazette, together with the 
desire on our part to render such further 
services to our readers in the editorial 
department as the times demanil, we 
are pleased, with the present number, 
to announce that we have secured the 
valuable assistance of H. L. Clay, Esq., 
the recent editor of the semi-weekly 
Axis. From the date of the present 
issue of the Gazette he will 1)8 included 
as a partner in the oflice. 

" The former highly appreciated ser- 
vices of Mr. Clay rendered to the dem- 
ocracy, and the numerous encomiums of 
the press throughout the state, renders 
superfluous an extended comment upon 
his abilities. Uniting in himself tlie 
qualities of a gentleman and a scholar, 
combining a thorough knowledge of the 
mechanical department of the press, 
with a long experience in the editorial 
chair, a loyal devotion to the principles 



742 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



of the democratic party, and a com- 
mendable spirit of enterprise, his labors 
will add new attraction to the columns 
of the Gazdfp. 

"With this accession our readers 
will, doubtless, be delighted, and the 
paper may receive an extended patron- 
age as a news and political journal for 
the citizens of Greene and adjoining 
counties." 

This firm existed until lSt>'>, when 
Mr. Clay retired, the business being 
continued by Price & Son. In 1868, 
George B. Price retired from the editor- 
ial work, and the paper was then con- 
ducted under the exclusive management 
and control of his son, Thomas D. 
Price, although the firm name remained 
the same until succeeded by Price & 
Montgomery, in 1881. In the issue of 
July 9, of the year, the following ap- 
pears in the Gazette relative to the 
change : 

" When, in the course of human 
events, it becomes necessary for two 
parties to unite, and thus constitute a 
firm for the promotion of public good, a 
decent resjject to the opinions of man- 
kind require that they should declare 
the causes which impel them to the 
union. 

^ ;';; ;!; ^ :}; ;^ 

" We, therefore, the representatives 
of this journal, do, in the name, and 
by the authority of the good people of 
the commonwealth, solemnly publish 
and declare, that while the Gazette will 
continue to be soundly democratic, it 
will l>e liberal and charitable to our re- 
publican friends, who are not respon- 
sible for the actions of their leaders; 
that it will be a fearless advocate of the 
cause of temperance; that it will make 



earnest endeavors to think right, and to 
speak just what it thinks; that its in- 
fluence can't be 'bought' — that the man 
approaching us with bribes will he 
jH'omptl}' sent elsewhere; that it will be 
diligent in preparing the latest news, 
and presenting it in the most attractive 
style; that it will be keenly alive to 
every measure that will tend to promote 
the interests of Greene county, and es- 
pecially those that pertain to the delight- 
ful city of Carrollton; that in all our 
dealings with the outside world we will 
adopt the golden rule — doing as we 
would be done by. And, for the sup- 
port of this declaration, with a firm re- 
liance on the protection of Divine Prov- 
idence, and the support of all good 
citizens, we mutually pledge to each 
other our lives, our fortunes and our 
sacred honors." 

The firm of Price & Montgomery con- 
tinued in the publication of the Gazette 
in a successful manner until May, 1883, 
when they were succeeded by the pres- 
ent management. In retiring, Mr. 
Montgomery paid the following tribute 
to the new firm, in an announcement 
which appeared in the Gazette on the 
19th of the above named month: 

" With this issue I lay down the Fa- 
ber and sever my connection with the 
Carrollton Gazette. I transfer my inter- 
est to Mr. H. P. Farrelly, with whom 
negotiations began two months ago. 
Were Ian older editor, having had many 
years' connection with this paper, the 
usual valedictory might be appropri- 
ate. As it is, I simply state tliat the 
firm of Price & Montgomery is this day 
dissolved. Mr. Farrelly, my successor, 
is a man of correct habits, full of energy 
and capable of making a great success. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



743 



He has had experience in the newspaper 
world, and I have full confidence that 
the old reliable Gazette will continue 
hereafter, as heretofore, to keep in the 
van. My hearty good will goes with the 
new firm, Price & Farrelly." 

In the following publication. May 
26, a .<hort but pointed salutatory ap- 
peared, relative to the new management, 
couched in the following words : 

" Promises are easily made and often 
broken. The managers o' this paper, 
therefore, have no new outline of policy 
to lay before its readers. We shall 
strive to make it more and more inter- 
esting from time to time, ^\'hen we 
are v^'rong we shall e.xpect criticism and 
shall deserve it. When we are right, 
and battling for the right, we shall ex- 
pect the meed of praise. We kindly ask 
such patronage as we deserve." 

The Gazette at present is a six-column, 
eight-page paper, a form which was 
adopted Nov. 30, 1878. It is one of the 
finest equipped country printing offices 
in the state, bringing into use a large 
Chicago Taylor cylinder newspa- 
per press, and three job presses, all 
of which are operated by steam. The 
Gazette is one of the oldest papers in 
this i)art of the state, and has practi- 
cably been under the same management 
during its entire career. It is ably con- 
ducted by Messrs. Price & Farrelly, 
who make it a journal well up with the 
times, and which wields considerable 
influence in tlio politics of this district. 

OKEK.XE COIXTV BANNKK. 

A paper bearing the above title was 
started in Feb., 1S4S, l)y Jolin Fitch, 
but which had but a short life. The 
Carrollton Gazette, in speaking of it in 



its columns, on the 26th of Feb. of that 
year says: 

"We have before u.s the first num- 
ber of a democratic paper, just started in 
this place, entitled the Cireene county 
Banner. In the mechanical execution 
of the Banner there is some taste dis- 
played, and its spirits — if we can judge 
of its future course by its present — will 
be moderate and courteous, though de- 
cidedly democratic. The proprietor, 
John Fitch, is a young man from the 
state of Vermont, has been but a short 
short time in the west, and as he is 
a stranger among us, we trust that he 
will meet with the usual kind fueling, 
which ever emanates from the warm 
hearts of the sons of the west. Ver- 
mont the Green Mountain state, is noted 
for producing men of remarkable energy 
of character and intelligence — such men ■ 
we want among us." 

CARROLLTON DEJrocRAT. 

During the year 1855, a bright and 
brilliant paper known by the above 
name, was started in Carrollton. It 
was ably edited by H. C. Withers, now 
a leading member of the bar of the 
county, who then was but a young man, 
but had already a clear style and a 
trenchant pen. It did not live long, but 
expired some time in the following 
year. 

CAKKOLLTOX PRESS. 

In 1857-58, the issues that led to the 
civil war, absorbed the attention of the 
people of the country, and the newly 
forniefl party, known as free-soil or 
republican, in Greene county, desiring 
an organ of their views, which were in 
opposition to the administration, and 
which would represent the, as yet, infant 



744 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



party. Therefore, in 1858, certain par- 
ties, among whom was David Pierson, 
established a journal at Carrollton, the 
county seat, under the editorial charge of 
S. P. Ohr, and which bore the name of 
the Carrollton Press. This was a crisp 
and newsy sheet, ably edited, and in 
mechanical make-up, fully equal to its 
cotemporaries. The editor was a man 
of ability, and upon the breaking out of 
the Rebellion, being willing to endorse 
the principles he advocated even with 
his life, he entered the service of the 
general government, and made a gal- 
lant soldier. Shortly after, under the 
auspices of the I'nion League, of Car- 
rollton, and assisted by some excellent 
contributions from the pens of members 
of that organization, the paper was re- 
vived under the name of the 

CARROr.LTON PATKIOT, 

under the editorial management of E. 
L. Craig, who ran it for several years. 
He was succeeded by William B. Fair- 
chiids, and afterward by others. It 
then fell under the management of Lee, 
Lusk & Pratt. Shortly afterward the 
tirm became Lee & Pratt, who, through 
some lack of business tact or other 
cause, allowed it to decline until it no 
longer had any influence or standing in 
the community. At this sta^e, in the 
spring of 1874, Edward Miner and Ed- 
ward Lindlc}' purchased the paper, and 
on Friday, April 17, 1874, the first 
issue under their management made its 
appearance. Heretofore, the Patriot had 
been published as a seven-column folio, 
but these gentlemen changed it to a five- 
column quarto. In this paper Mr. 
Miner, now the talented deput}' county 
clerk, and secretary of the Old Settlers' 



Association, who had the editorial con- 
trol, indulges in follo^ving salutatory: 

"In assuming editorial charge of the 
Patriot, we are not without a keen ap- 
preciation of the responsibility that 
attaches to the office, and more espe- 
cially do we feel this when we consider 
the ends to be met before we can reason- 
ably expect to retrieve the paper from 
the disfavor into which it has, to some 
extent, fallen, by reason of the unfortu- 
nate management of our predecessors, 
and before we can again establish it in 
the confidence of the citizens of Greene 
county. But we enter upon our duties 
in full faith tliat, witli the kindly favor 
of our republican friends, and all others 
in the county who desire to have an- 
other good local paper at the county 
seat, we shall soon succeed in re-estab- 
lishing the Patriot upon a sound and 
permanent basis. It will be our pur- 
pose to make it a paper particularly de- 
voted to the interests of Greene, a home 
paper that will be welcome in every 
household in the county. 

"Although we came to your city a 
stranger, still we have found many who 
have spoken words of encouragement 
and furnished other evidence of good 
will, and we already begin to feel at 
home in your midst. It shall be our 
earnest endeavor to always so conduct 
the Patriot in the interests of progress, 
temperance, law and order, as to com- 
mand your respect and material and 
and liberal support, without which the 
efforts of the editor, however earnest 
and untiring they may be, will be in 
vain. Presenting, then, this our first 
issue, and asking for it a friendly recep- 
tion, and charitable criticism, we leave 
it with j'ou." 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



745 



In this issue of the paper appears the 
advertisements of Hodges & Burr, John 
J. Fitzsimons, attorneys; Dr. Bull; 
Carrollton Clotliing ^lanufacturing Com- 
pany, Stohr, Hartley & Co., then lo- 
cated on the west side of the square, 
Miss Mary Day, dealer in hairwork; 
Hodges & Keeley, groceries; Davis & 
Bushnell, lumber, and others. It was 
a neat and tasty sheet, and bears the 
marks of Mr. Miner's ability as a writer 
and genial humor. 

Messrs. Miner & Lindley,with a char- 
acteristic energy, backed by ability and 
good business tact, built up the journal 
until it was upon a most excellent foot- 
ing. The_y continued to run it until 
Oct. 1, 1875, when they disposed of it to 
Clement L. Clapp. In bidding adieu to 
his readers, Mr. Miner penned the fol- 
lowing words: 

"With this issue of the Patriot our 
connection with the paper ceases and we 
resign the editorial and business man- 
agement to Mr. Clement L. Clapp, of 
Jacksonville, who has purchased the 
office. 

"We part with the Patriot with reluct- 
ance. After 18 months of close labor 
we have succeeded in bringing it up out 
of the slough of disfavor in whicli it had 
long lain, l)y reason of its unfortunate 
management in the hands of our prede- 
cessors, and now have the satisfaction 
of seeing it i)lanted on agood basis, with 
its subscription patronage <laily increas- 
ing, and its advertising and job work 
enhanced ;i(XJ per cent. However, we 
feel that we are leaving it in good hands, 
and can assure our patrons that they 
will lose nothing by the cliange — on the 
other hand we confidently expect they 
will be the gainers. The gentleman 



who succeeds us is a graduate of Iowa 
College, and recently a tutor in Illinois 
College at Jacksonville; also editor of 
"College notes," which have for the 
past year formed a prominent feature in 
the Jacksonville Journal. He has had 
two years experience on the editoral 
staff of an eastern daily, and is other- 
wise well posted in the duties pertaining 
to his position; therefore, we expect the 
Patriot to still live and thrive and con- 
tinue to grow in favor with the people 
of the county. Thanking the good peo- 
ple of Carrollton and vicinity for the 
many manifestations of their good will 
toward us, and their appreciation of our 
labors in the attempt to furnish an ac- 
ceptable i^aper, and with special ac- 
knowledgements to our neighbors of the 
Gazette for courtesies, timely and sub- 
stantial, we bid adieu."' 

On Friday, Oct. 1, 1875, was issued 
the first paper under the control of the 
present able editor, Clement L. Clai)p. 
He has brought the office, both in its 
paper and its job departments to a high 
state of efficiency, while the paper nuui- 
ifests the hand of a born journalist, one 
of the brighter lights of Illinois news- 
paperdom. 

WHITK H.\LL HECISTKR. 

This paper, one of the representative 
journals of Greene county, was first 
issued Aug. 21, 18(59, by S. H. Davis 
and F. Glossop, the former in the editor- 
ial chair. It was a very neat seven-col- 
umn fiilio, at that time, and well gotten 
up, botli mechanically and editorially. 
In obedience to time-honored custom, 
the editor opens witli tlio fullnwing salu- 
tatory: 

"When, in the course of human 
events, it is deemed proper by one or 



746 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



more individuals, to dissolve the bands 
theretofore connecting them with the 
rest of the human family, and to enter 
upon the business of conducting a news- 
paper, a decent respect for the opinions 
of mankind requires that he, she, or 
tliey, should declare the causes which 
impel him, her, or them, to make so 
rash a venture; or, in other words, not 
farther to travesty that venerable docu- 
ment, the Declaration of Independence, 
do what candidates for office assume to 
do in their long-winded speeches, to- 
wit: define their position, though heaven 
know.s, if to define be to make definite, 
these latter personages are guiltj'' of 
gross perversion of language, when they 
apjdy the phrase just quoted. Comply- 
ing with the demand aforesaid, and with 
the conmion practice of individuals in 
our situation, and greeting the good 
people of White Hall in particular, and 
of Greene county, iu general, we pro- 
ceed to state that we have established 
the White Hall Register. First, because 
we expect to make it pay ourselves; sec- 
ondly, because we expect to make it pay 
our patrons; and third, because we ex- 
pect to make it pay White Hall. 
Whether .or not our expectations shall 
be fulfilled is contingent upon two 
things, to-wit: The manner in which 
this paper shall be conducted, and tlie 
measure of patronage and encourage- 
ment which it shall receive from the 
public. If we did nothing ourselves 
capable of satisfactorily meeting the 
first named condition, we should not 
have made the attempt. And were we 
not reasonably ceitain that the latter 
condition would be satisfactorily met 
we should not be wasting stationery 
upon this salutatory. As touching the 



whole matter, we have to say that we 
shall labor earnestly and with all our 
abilities to make the Reyider such a 
journal as no intelligent resident of 
this county, and especially of this 
town, can afi'ord not to take and pay for, 
and we rely upon our efforts in this be- 
half, and upon the public spirit and 
enterprise of our fellow citizens, to se- 
cure the needed patronage. Now a few 
words as to the editorial conduct of the 
paper, its policy, its principles, if you 
please. First and foremost, that conduct 
will regard the interests of White Hall. 
The leading principles will be that 
whatever is good for White Hall is good 
for the Regider ; and our policy will be 
squared bv that sound doctrine. We 
shall do all in our power to make this a 
live, go-ahead town. We shall show up 
its advantages, natural and artificial, its 
desirability as a place of residence, its 
facilities as a trading point, its adapta- 
tion for manufacturing purposes, and, 
in a word, in every way possible, shall 
advertise it to the world. Of whatever 
will inure to the benefit of White Hall, 
we shall be the persistent advocate, and 
as persistent an opfionent of whatever 
threatens the prosperity of the town. 
This is our town. We have come here 
to live and we mean to aid in making 
our home a good one. As to politics, 
the Re/jider will be democratic. In this 
respect we shall not be 'red-hot' if to 
attain and maintain that high degree of 
temperature it be requsite, in writing of 
our political opponents, t) use the lan- 
guage of the Billingsgate fish-wives, 
and to deal in personal abuse. We have 
no taste for the 'Parson' Brownlow and 
'Brick' Ponieroy style of journalism. To 
all such who do, we will give the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



747 



friendly advice not to subscribe for the 
liegi-iter. While our political opinions 
arc as above indicated, and those of the 
present National administration are dif- 
ferent, we shall not for that reason feel 
called upon to oppose every act of that 
administration. The good things that 
President Grant or congress may do — 
and we hope they may be many — we 
shall heartily endorse. And tlie evil 
things^whereof we pray there may be 
few — we shall earnestly condemn. And 
generally we shall not commend a polit- 
ical scoundel as a saint, because he is a 
democrat, or call an honest man a thief, 
because he is a republican. So saying, 
good people, we introduce to your ac- 
quaintance the White Hall Reffi.iti-r, 
hoping that you and it may become fast 
friends, and that from the friendship 
may result much advantage to you and 
to us." 

This firm continued the business but 
a short time, Frank Glossop retiring 
Nov. G, 1869, and S. PI. Davis carrying 
on the paper until May 28, 1870, when 
lie disposed of the office and material to 
Charles H. .lohnson. Mr. Davis had 
conducted the paper in a very able man- 
ner, some very fine editorials appearing 
from time to time from his pen. 

Johnson commenced with the follow- 
ing address to the patrons of the paper 
and the public, as is the manner of the 
craft: 

"The undersigned, with tlio retire- 
ment of Mr. Davis, assumed charge of 
the liir/l.yter this week, and merges his 
individuality into the editorial "we." 
In so doing, we have no lengthy pro- 
fessions to make, or lavish promises to 
give. The politics of the paper will be 
unchanged. Its local policy will be as 



heretofore, and the editor, to the full 
measure of his ability, will strive to 
merit and to win public approval. We 
have been with the RegMa- since its es- 
tablishment, and its successive issues, 
together with the job work done in the 
office, are the witnesses to our know- 
ledge of typography. We think we 
know, what the demands of the peojile 
here are in the way of anewspajier, and 
shall labor to sujiply those demands, 
with reasonable hope of success. In 
the performance of our duties, we ask 
the indulgent criticism of our patrons, 
and of the press. So saying, we doff 
our hat in greeting to the public, and 
utter our 'How d'ye do?' " 

Mr. Johnson was an enterprising, go- 
ahead man, and with the issue of Sept. 
3, 1870, the paper was enlarged to eight 
columns and presented a neat apjicar- 
ance. He continued to publish the 
journal until the month of Jan., 1875, 
when the White Hall Register Company 
was formed, with Henry Johnson, as 
president, and Charles IP. Johnson, as 
secretary and treasurer. This company 
continued the paper from the issue of 
Jan. 9, until March, 1882, when Fletcher 
Cain became editor and jiroprietor. He 
commenced well, but July 28, 1883, the 
office passed into the hands of Palmer 
& Roberts, Mr. Cain stepping down and 
out, with the following witty valedic- 
tory, under the heading, "We've (piit." 

"With this issue of the Wiiite Hall 
Reijixler we step down from the editorial 
chair, and walk out of tlie reporter oliiee. 
We are done. 

"In our brief career as editor, we 
have doubtless made mistakes. If so, 
we do not beg that your criticism be 
lenient, l>ut harsh and cutting; and if 



748 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



our course has met the approbation of a 
single individual, we beg his pardon, as 
it was entirely unintentional on our 
part. If we have said anything we are 
sorry for, we are glad of it, and if we 
had the opportunity, would say it 
. again. 

"In retiring, we turn over the busi- 
ness to Messrs. Hiram H. Palmer and 
Prof. William J. Roberts, of the Rood- 
house Journal, two gentlemen of ability 
and integrity. Their personal beautj' 
is perhaps not equal to our own, but 
they are men with heads on, and know 
what they are about. 

"To satisfy the idle curiosity of out- 
siders, and save the office from the tor- 
ture of impertinent questions, we will 
say that our withdrawal is the result of 
a purely business transaction, and the 
fact that we have made a mint of money 
is more than we can bear up under. 
We will probalily spend the remainder 
of the season at Saratoga, or somewhere 
else. 

"All debts due the office will be paid 
to Messrs. Palmer & Roberts — we hope, 
and all liabilities will be assumed by 
them. 

"In conclusion, we will add that we 
have made arrangements with a promi- 
nent dry goods house of this place, to 
furnish to subscribers, free of charge, 
handkerchiefs sufficient to wipe away all 
genuine tears shed over our withdrawal. 
As to ourselves, we will enter upon — 
but it's nobody's business what we enter 
upon. 

The following announcement appeared 
in the same pajier, which fully explains 
itself: 

"After this week's issue the White 
Hall Register exists no longer. Realiz- 



ing the fact that fewer newspapers and 
bet-er ones are what the people of 
Greene county desire and believing that 
by a combination of the two, we would 
be enabled to give our readers at Rood- 
house, at White Hall, at CarroUton, 
and in fact all over the county and state, 
a more interesting, more readable and 
more influential newspaper, the proprie- 
tors of the Daily and Weekly Journal 
have purchased the White Hall RegUier, 
printing presses and outfit, books, ac- 
counts, files and good will. 

" The Daily Journal will also be pub- 
lished as heretofore. 

"The Weekly Journal will also be 
continued as before, while the White 
Hall edition will be issued under the 
name of the White Hall Watchman. 

"W. J. Roberts will open an office in 
White Hall and have headquarters 
there, while H. H. Palmer will continue 
at Roodhouse. 

"This combination gives us the largest 
circulation of any newspaper in Greene 
county, and as the paper will go to 
thousands of readers (having 1,500 sub- 
scribers) in all parts of this and adjoin- 
ing counties, it will make it the best 
advertising medium in this part of the 
state. 

" The Journal has just jiut in a large, 
improved Fair Haven newspaper press, 
and by the combination of the two offices 
has enlarged and increased facilities for 
all kinds of job work, which we guar- 
antee will be done as well as at any 
office in Greene county. The jiaper will 
continue to be democratic, but will 
boldly and fearlessly speak its senti- 
ments upon all questions of public 
policy. 

"The Daily Journal is the only demo- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



749 



cratic daily paper published in the 12th 
ciiii'^ressional district, except the Quincy 
lln-iild, and we bespeak the lieavty sup- 
port of the democrats of this district." 
Although the above announcement 
says that the name of the paper 
would be changed to that of Wufclimnn, 
the edition was continued in White Hall 
under its old name of RerjUter, the 
printing being done at Roodhouse. 
With the issue of .July 4, 18S4, Mr. 
Palmer retired from the firm, Mr. 
Roberts continuing the paper. In the 
latter part of Aug., 1884, the material 
of this office was removed to White 
Hall, but upon the 26th of November 
the office with all its contents was dis- 
troyed by fire, a total loss of about 
§1,G(K), to the publisher, upon which 
there was no insurance. With charac- 
teristic energy, however, j\[r. Roberts 
did not allow the paper to miss an issue 
on that account, having it printed in 
the office of the Carrollton Gazette until 
June 1, 1885, when a new outfit was 
purchased. July 7, 1885, M. Owings 
became a partner in the enterprise, but 
only remained a short time. The pajjer 
is now run by W. J. Roberts, in White 
Hall, and is an excellent representative 
of mechanical excellence, and ability. 

O KEEN FIELD INDEPEXIIENT. 

This was the pioneer journal of tlie 
town of Greenfield, and was established 
by Morton tfe Pickett, in the spring of 
bSdU. A neat ])aper, it hail quite a lib- 
eral sup])ort, but after a time Mr. Mor- 
ton collecting all the outstanding ac- 
counts of tlie firm," and borrowing all 
that he could on the good name of the 
Indejicndcnt, skipjied out of the country, 
leaving Mr. Pickett the office, and the 



debts to run the jjaper on. But it could 
not be, so this journalistic venture came 
to an imtimely end. 

THE COMET. 

Mr. Pickett, who still kept the office 
of the Independent, published a paper 
by the above name for a time. Like 
the meteor froiii which it drew its name 
it was bright and sparkling, but sadly, 
erratic, appearing spasmodically, and 
finally disappeared in the dark void 
that has swallowed up so many other 
journals. 

THE LOCOMOTIVE. 

In the early spring of 1870, the ma- 
terial of the Independent office was pur- 
chased by A. G. Meacham and a part- 
nership formed between himself and a 
party by the name of Milton, a fine 
practical printer, and under the name 
of Meacham & Milton the Lnennidlive wni^ 
started. They pulled the throttle valve 
wide open, and for a wliilc the Locoino- 
tive ran along quite smootbly and drew 
a good advertising and sul)scription list. 
Finally, Mr. Meacham left, dissolving 
the co-partnership, and Milton start- 
ing a paper at Brighton, and one at Win- 
chester, moved the press to Brighton, 
although he still continued to print 
the LiConiotive. W. T. Pickett became 
his partner and the journal was made 
semi-weekly, but after a short time the 
subscription list and good will was sold 
to .C. H. Johnson, of the White Hall 
Jie()ititer, who continued to print local 
editions of the Locomotive for some little 
time, but finally abandoned even that. 

GREENFIELD NEWS. 

In the spring of 1875, a man by the 
name of Walker brought a press and 



750 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



the material of an office from Carlinville 
to Greenfield and commenced the pub- 
lication of a paj)er with the above head- 
ing. This was of a sharp, spicy nature, 
independent in everything, neutral in 
nothing; but for want of sufficient sup- 
port, soon, like its predecessors, came 
to an untimely end. The office was left 
in the hands of the backers of the en- 
terprise, and after remaining idle for 
some months was leased by Byron Orr 
and John A\'alker, who commenced the 
issue of 

THE GREENFIELD DISrATCII. 

Walker was identified with the enter- 
prise but a few days when he abandoned 
it to his partner, Mr. Orr, who con- 
tinued the publication a few months, 
when he sold outto W. T. Pickett. This 
gentleman carried on the paper without 
any very flattering prospects until May 
12, 1877, when finding it would not 
pay, he sold out to Mr. Farris, who 
was publishing the Greene county 
Democni.t, at White Hall. After this the 
office remained idle until the publica- 
tion of the 

GKEENE COrNTY REPUBLIC.\N. 

The first issue of this new effort in 
the journalistic field was dated July 7, 
1877. A few days previous, R. D. Sud- 
deth leased the office and initiated the 
paper, and continued its publication 
until March 23, 1878, ivhen the Green- 
field Printing Co. purchased the entire 
outfit, and taking possession of it, com- 
menc(!d the pid^lication of the 

GREENIiTELD WEEKLY AR(!US. 

W. W. Havens was installed as ed- 
itor and general manager, and the first 



issue was dated March 30, 1878. It was 
a seven column folio, and was well 
filled with advertisements. From the 
past experiences of the newspapers in 
this town, who had all to succumb to the 
inevitable, it was to the no small 
anxiety of the new editor, tlie establish- 
ing of this new journal. On taking pos- 
session, Mr. Havens penned the fol- 
lowing salutatory, which appeared in 
the first issue of the paper: 

"It is with many misgivings and per- 
turbations that we essay to mount the 
editorial tripod. 

"We are fully cognizant of the suc- 
cessive failures of the several newspa- 
per enterprises heretofore attempted. 
Hence, our diffidence; and were it not 
for the assurances and encouragement 
given us by the leading business men 
and the community generally, we would 
have refrained from becoming a target 
for our enemies to shoot at. However, 
as we have assumed the duties of editor, 
we shall endeavor, with the continued 
encouragement of our friends and the 
assistance of our local agents at all the 
principal points, in this and adjoining 
counties, to make the weekly Arrjiis a 
success. 

"As to the political cast of the Arr/iia, 
we can only say that we are a republi- 
can, but not exactly of the Hayes type. 
Nor, are we so blind and reckless a 
sample, as to advocate republican nom- 
inations for the county offices in Greene 
county, because, we believe that the re- 
publican party, before it can succeed or 
be fairly represented in this county, 
must by some manner of honorable 
means, either in its own or some other 
name, gain numerical strength sufficient 
to overcome that immortal twelve 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



751 



huiiilre(l (lemoeratic majority that 
that now invariably places any man in 
ollice that secures the nomination. In 
our opinion, that government, either lo- 
cal state or national, should be watched 
over by the people, and they divided 
into two parties, as nearly ecjual as pos- 
sible. When any party, no matter what, 
largely predominates over the other in 
numerical strength, the tendencies to 
fraud and extravagance are increased 
just in proportion to the excess of one 
party over the other. Hence we desire 
to see a reduction of the democratic 
majority to something reasonable. Then 
the local affairs of Greene county will 
be in a more satisfactory condition to 
all except the few aspirants for otiice. 

"Our observations have been, that a 
newspaper that neither makes one glad 
nor sorry, is of short life. Therefore 
we shall make free to censure, in our 
own manner, such crookedness, either 
individual, social or political, as may 
come under our notice. At the same 
time, we shall be more prompt, if pos- 
sible, to award the meed of praise to the 
deserving. 

"Knowing, as we do, that we cannot 
please everybody, we shall attempt the 
next best thing, to please ourselves, 
hoping that a large majority of our read- 
ers will see the utility of such n course, 
and be pleased accordingly. 

"We have taken hold of this newspa- 
per enterprise with a limited amount of 
"shekels," and in consequence must 
remind our friends that in order to make 
the enterprise successful and at the 
same time give them a live paper, 
money must be had. Therefore, we hope 
our friends will not hesitate to come for- 
ward with their cash subscriptions. Our 



patrons need not fear that the enterprise 
will fall through as the others have 
done, for we have come here to stay. 
We have got to stay, because we can't 
get away. 

" With your forbearance, gentle criti- 
cisms, and patronage, we will endeavor 
to publish a paper that will make your 
faces wider, instead of longer, and be a 
credit to our thrifty little village, and 
ourself." 

The A-r(/ir< continued under the man- 
agement of Mr. Haven, until llie time 
of his death, which took )ilace ui)on the 
8tb of Dec, 1884. 

W. W. Haven was the eldest son of 
Isaac and Mercie Haven; was born in 
Addison county, Vt., on the 1st day of 
Aug., 1831. In the year of 1S43. he 
immigrated to Greene county, in com- 
pany with his parents, his brother Rob- 
ert, and his sister, now Mrs. James 
French, settling northeast of Green- 
field, and engaged in the pursuit of 
farming, and attending school. Young 
Haven acquired a good education, and 
in 1849 he was emploj'ed in the store of 
R. M. Booker, where he served for 
about one year. He was next engaged 
in teaching .singing and jiublie schools, 
and established ([uite a reputation 
throughout the eastern portion of the 
county, as an efficient teacher of music. 
On Oct. 27, 185;}, he married Georgia A. 
Kemper, born Dec. 25, 1834, in Ken- 
tucky, who survived him. After his 
marriage he continued the profession of 
teaching, until the breaking out of the 
war, when he enlisted in the 40th 111. 
Inf., and served mitil the close of the 
war, and received an honorable dis- 
charge. He was with Sherman at Shi- 
loh, in his march to the sea, and through 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



the Carolinas. Oil his return, he en 
gaged in farming until 1870, when, in 
conijiany with W.S. G. Allen, he entered 
the grain and milling business, which 
proved pecuniarily disastrous. Ho then 
engaged in journalism, first as a corres- 
pondent, then as managing editor of 
the Argus, in which he continued to his* 
death. Mr. Haven also spent much of 
his time as an auctioneer, and had a 
good business in this and adjoining 
counties. Though pecuniarily unfortu- 
nate, Mr. Haven possessed energy and 
pluck to a great degree, and abilities of 
no mean proportions. Socially, he was 
a genial and agreeable companion, fond 
of a good storj', and ever ready to add 
to the entertainment of those with 
whom he associated. At the formation 
of the lodge of the K. of P., at this 
place, he was a charter member, as well 
as one of the originators of Weisner 
post, G. A. R., maintaining his mem- 
bership in each until his death. In 
politics, he was a stalwart republican, 
and a warm defender of republican 
measures and principles. He had 
three sons — V. H. Haven, Leon Haven, 
and Oilman Haven. He was briried in 
the cemetery at Rubicon, where the de- 
ceased memliers of his family were in- 
terred. 

After the death of Mr. Havens the 
A iritis was continued by his son V. H., 
who immediately took charge, and who 
is still at the helm. The journal is a 
sprightly, seven-column folio, ncatl}' 
and tastefully gotten up. In the issue 
of .Jan. 8, 1885, the following notice ap- 
peared from the pen of V. H. Havens, 
the new editor: 

"I will continue to edit and publish 
the Greenfield Weekly Argus, as here- 



tofore, under the head of 'the Green- 
field Printing Co.' Hoping I may receive 
your hearty approval, and a liberal 
share of patronage, I remain, very re- 
spectfully." 

WHITE H.\LL REPUBLICAN. 

The enterprisina;, able newspaper 
known by the above name commenced 
its journalistic career Feb. 24, 1877, with 
E. J. Pearce and C. L. Clapp, as pro- 
prietors. Mr. Clapp was then, as now, 
the editor of the Carrollton Patriot, and 
upon Mr. Pearce devolved the editorial 
work, although the paper was printed 
in the office of the Patriot. It was an 
extremely neat and well edited paper, 
showing care and workmanlike skill in 
both departments. Capt. Pearce in- 
dulged in the following salutatory to his 
friends and patrons: 

"Having for some time known that 
White Hall needed a paper that would 
be more fully a representative of the 
place, both politically and in a business 
point of views, than the Patriot, being 
primaril}' a Carrollton pajjer, could well 
be, we have undertaken the task of sup- 
plying such a paper, and this, the first 
number of the White Hall Republican, 
is the result of our first attempt in this 
direction. The editor being a republi- 
can, and the town leaning very much in 
the direction of the same political faith, 
the paper will be republican, but never 
narrowly partisan. When we cannot 
find sound valid arguments in favor of 
supporting the grand republican party, 
we shall not seek to holster uj^ the cause 
by resorting to sophistry or political 
trickery. It shall be our aim to be 
candid, straight-forward and frank. 
The paper will not be for sale to any 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



753 



party, clique or sect, but will strive to 
serve its readers in the direction in 
which the editor believes their best in- 
terests moralh', jjolitically and finan- 
cially lie. We are aware that we have 
undertaken a somewhat dirticult task, 
one in which the work is usually vastly 
greater than the pecuniary compensa- 
tion, but we have counted the cost, and 
the public may rest assured that they 
will not lose a dollar at our hands. 
Those who regard the enterprise as a 
worthy and commendable one, will no 
doubt encourage it, and here we rest 
the case, content to abide by the verdict 
of tlj^ people." 

The paper started as a seven-column 
folio, but with the issue of June 2, 1877, 
it was enlarged to an eight-coluinn, the 
size it still maintains. Messrs. Pearce 
& Cla])p continued the publishing of this 
journal until May, 1883, when Capt. 
Pearce l)ecame the sole proprietor. At 
tliat time he purchased the material and 
outfit of tlie White Hall Tribiuic, together 
with the list of that paper, and consol- 
idated it with his journal, thereby ena- 
bling him to print the L'ejinhlicnii at 
home. The following notice of the 
change is clipped from the issue of May 
3, 1883 : 

"Having consolidated the subscrip- 
tion lists of the White Hall RepubUcan 
and Wiiite Hall Tribmii', I have now a 
paper with a circulation that is equaled 
by few outside of the large cities, and I 
respectfully ask the public to favor me 
with such an extension of patronage as 
the increased importance of the paper 
merits. As an editor and j)u!ili.--]ier it 
shall be my aim to do my whole duty to 
the patrons of both papers. Those who 
have been taking the White Hall Rqmb- 



lican need no assurances as to what the 
tone of the paper will be, and I trust 
that others will find that there will be 
no cause for complaint. The expense 
of bringing this entire business to White 
Hall is heavy, and I hope that patrons 
will appreciate the situation without 
further suggestions." 

The Nepiibliciiii is still in the hands of 
Capt. Pearce, one of its founders, and 
bids fair to take a prominent place among 
the journals of this section of the state, 
if it has not already attained tiie front 
rank. Capt. Pearce is an able writer, 
and with a trenchant pen does not hesi- 
tate to prolie any wrong to the quick. 
While not brilliant, still the pajier 
has steady .qualities that renders it a 
favorite among a large class of readers 
! who appreciate true worth, and have no 
regard for froth and glitter. 

THE EVE.N'IXG REIMliLIC.VN. 

This daily venture u]ion the rough 
and stormy seas of western journalism, 
was launched in Sept., 1884, the first 
number appearing Monday evening, 
the 15th of that month. It emanates 
from the office of the weekly Republican, 
and is edited by Capt. E. J. Pearce. 
The following is his address to the 
friends of the enterprise in the initial 
number : 

"Having been urged repeatedly to is- 
sue a daily edition of the White Hall 
RepnbUcaii, we have finally decided to 
make the experiment. That a ]o<'al 
daily will be a great convenience to the 
people of White Hall and vicinity, there 
can be but little doubt ; the only ques- 
tion is, will it pay ? This we cannot 
answer, except by saying that if it does 
not pay expenses we cannot afford to 



7.54 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



run it. The matter is in the hands of 
the pcoiile. The paper is started and it 
is witli them to say whether or not it 
shall be continued. We have little 
time to devote to soliciting subscrijjtions, 
therefore, must respectfully ask those 
who wish to subscribe to call at the 
office. Subscriptions should be made 
for short terms and paid in advance, as 
the labor of making weekly collections 
will add to the expense and to this ex- 
tent operate against the paper. To- 
day's edition is not a fair samj^le of 
what the paper will be in case it suc- 
ceeds, but it is large enough to contain 
a record of passing events at home, and 
this is about all tliat is expected of a 
local daily. The paper is not started 
for campaign purposes, nor as a cain- 
2)aign sheet. No one except the pub- 
lisher, not even the men in the office, 
knew prior to Saturday tliat it was to 
be issued. We had reached a point 
when it was possible to publish it, and 
here it is. Read it, and if you like it, 
pay in 15 cents and try it a week." 

The paper is a five-column folio, 
which form it has had ever since its 
birth, and is a newsy, bright, local, 
daily sheet, that reflects great credit to 
the office from which it comes, and the 
town which supports it. 

WHITE HALL TRIHUNE. 

A paper bearing the above name was 
established in the fall of 1882, at the 
enterprising city of White Hall, by 
Charles "\\'eis. It was an eight-column 
folio in form, well edited and ably 
])rinted. The first issue bears the 
date of Oct. 18th, and contains the fol- 
lowing salutatory: 

"For years past we have been urged 



by our friends and acquaintances to 
establish in the town of White Hall, a 
job and news printing office, and in 
connection therewith, publish a weekly 
newspaper devoted to the interests of 
Greene county. We have yielded to 
the above solicitations, and this week 
place our sanctum in the Oswald block, 
and the finest and most complete job 
and newspaper office in the county. 
And in addition thereto we have boldly 
entered the journalistic arena, and with 
confidence sent forth upon its mission 
the White Hall Trihane, a weekly news- 
paper devoted to the eternal principles 
of truth, and pledged to the support of 
all worthy enterprises. Being a jirac- 
tical printer and having had j^ears of 
experience, in the newspaper business, 
we enter upon this enterprise with the 
full determination to devote our time, 
our money and our talents to the publi- 
cation of the best newspajjer in this 
part of the state. We intend that the 
columns of this paper shall come to its 
readers laden with that i^ure, moral and 
useful journalism which shall make it a 
househould necessity and a welcome 
guest to every family circle. We ask 
the good people of this county to assist 
us by their friendship and patronage, 
and in return we promise that the 
White Hall Tribune will devote its en- 
ergies and influence to the upbuilding 
of Greene county's best interests, and 
that it will ever be found in the front 
ranks, exposing the wrong and battling 
for the right." 

This paper was continued by Mr. 
Weis, until May 1, 1883, when the 
material was purchased by E.J. Pearce, 
of the RepuhUoan, who consolidated it 
with the latter. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ROODHOUSE SIGNAL. 

Diiiinfir the year 1871, a paper with 
the above head was published at White 
Ilall, by Henry .Johnson, editor, Charles 
Joli^json, publisher. It was the first 
paper with a Roodhouse head. It was 
an eight-column folio, and was simply 
a reprint of the Register, with the above 
title placed over it. 

ROODHOUSE HE.\DLIGHT. 

Aljout the year 1872 a paper was pub- 
lished by George B. Price & Son, of 
Carrollton, with a Roodhouse head as 
above. 'It was a seven-column folio, 
and continued to fill the place of a local 
journal for about a year. 

ROODHOUSE INDEPENDENT. 

In the early part of 1875, W. T. 
LaKin brought material for a paper to 
Roodhouse, with the exception of a press, 
and started the Roodhouse Independent, 
a six-column folio. He had the press- 
work done in White Hall, but only pub- 
lished a few numbers when he removed 
the material to White Hall, where he 
published the 

GREENE COUNTY DEMOCR.VT. 

After a short time this jiaper was sold 
to James Smith, now a resident of 
Washington county, Kan. It was after- 
wards run by various parties. It was 
quite a j)aper for some time, and had 
an extensive circulation. 

harper's herald. 

In January, 1878, John S. Harper 
biought the material for an office to 
IJoodhouse and established a paper with 
the above name. It was democratic 
and independent republican in politics; 



was a five column quarto in form. He 
ran the journal for about six months, 
during which time it had a fitful career. 
The office was then sold to William 
H. Pogue and Morris R. Locke, of Jer- 
seyville, who removed the material to 
that city and started the Examiner. 

GREENE COUNTY ADVOCATE, 

A weekly greenback organ, was estab- 
tablishedin Roodhouse in 1881, the first 
number appearing May 1. It was a five 
column quarto in form. It ran until 
Jan. 8, 1S83, when it was discontinued. 
Duncan C. Mclver was the editor and 
publisher and was the source of consid- 
erable revenue to the proprietor, it 
having a large circulation and a good 
advertising list. It came to an untimely 
end shortly after the institution of the 
Eye, as there was not room enough for 
three papers in the town. 

DAILY MORNING JOURNAL. 

In the fall of 1882, H. H. Palmer 
started the Duihj Monilnr/ J mrnal, which 
met with a fair support till the fall of 
1883, when shortly afterward its publica- 
tion was suspended. It was at first all 
printed at home, but in the spring of 
1883, when W. J. Roberts became a 
partner, it was changed to a patent inside. 
It was a five column folio. 

ROODHOUSE REVIEW. 

This was the first paper in Roodhouse, 
the printing of which was done in that 
city, all previous ones having had the 
mechanical work done elsewhere. The 
first issue made its appearance on the 
1st of Oct., 1877, at which time it was 
a five-column folio, 26x20 inches in size. 
At the head of this initial number ap- 



^JJT 



758 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



pears the name of W. T. Mclver, as 
editor and publisher. At that time 
this energetic young man was but 17 
years of age, but gave promise of the 
business ability that has marked his 
career here. Tn the initial number ap- 
pears the following salutatorj'' : 

"In presenting the initiatory number of 
the Roodhouse Review to the public, we 
do not appear in any spirit of obsequi- 
ousness, having no apologies to offer 
for our humble existence, but claim 
that the publication of our paper is 
simply in response to a want long felt 
in this place, for a home-organ that is 
willing and capable of representing the 
interests and needs of Roodhouse and 
vicinity. Our readers (especially those 
in this community) know that in the 
many of the so-called Roodhouse papers, 
heretofore published, and obtaining a 
limited circulation here, that not one was 
ever printed in Roodhouse, and that often 
they are filled up with local matter 
from everywhere else in the county ex- 
cept here. 

"This is simply the jjlay of Hamlet 
with Hamlet left out, yet the harmless 
fiction of a Roodhouse paper has been 
kept up and quite liberally supported 
several years, while in reality there has 
been none, except in name, and our 
friends have been paying out money and 
patronizing a rival town, and no doubt 
will be still asked to do so. 

"Now, we propose to publish a paper 
in Roodhouse that shall distinctly repre- 
sent Roodhouse interests of every kind, 
and to that end we now earnestly bespeak 
the kind and liberal support of our Rood- 
house friends, for it is upon you that 
w-e must rely for success. It is true, 
that our first number, hastily issued, is 



rather small and unpretending in appear- 
ance, but we ask nothing of our friends 
as a gratuity, but for favors extended to 
us in the way of advertisements and sub- 
scriptions we expect to give to all value 
received." 

In the second number the name of 
Duncan C. Mclver, the father of Vi. T., 
appears as editor, he taking editorial 
management in connection with his law 
business, while that of the youthful 
printer still continues as publisher and 
proprietor. In December of the same 
year the paper was enlarged to a five- 
column quarto, and continued "without 
missing a single issue until September, 
1880. In 1879 W. T. Mclver withdrew 
from the publication of the paper, leav- 
ing it in the hands of his father, D. C, 
who ran it alone, until .January, 1880, 
when the latter sold a half interest in it 
to Frank M. Palmer, and the firm so 
formed continued until September, 1880, 
when they disposed of it to John S. 
Harper, who changed the name to that 
of the 

EOODHOrSE EAGLE. 

He continued the publication of this for 
about six months, with fair success 
when he disposed of it to Hiram H. 
Palmer, of Jacksonville, who again 
changed the name to that of 

THE ROODHOUSE J0UEX.\L, 

and changed its politics to that of the 
democratic party, and continued it until 
1882, when a half interest was pur- 
chased by W. J. Roberts, and in the 
spring of 1884, the latter gentleman 
became the sole owner and proprietor, 
and removed the material to White Hall, 
when it was consolidated with the White 
Hall Register, of which he was the edi- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



759 



tor. A year previous to moving there, 
the M'hitc Hall /Jcjrwiirr had been bought 
by Mes.srs. Palmer & Roberts, the mate- 
rial sold, and the Regider published in 
connection with the Journal, merely 
changing the head. After removing to 
White Hall, Mr. Roberts continued to 
publish the Roodhouse Journal until 
about June, 1885, when its publication 
was suspended. The material was 
burned a short time after removing to 
White Hall. 

GREKNE COUNTY UNION. 

The first issue of the Greene County 
Union was published at Greenfield, 
March 8, 1882, by W. M. Wallace, 
where its publication was continued 
until March 26, 1885, the date of its first 
issue in Roodhouse. It was? an eight- 
column folio, neatly jninted. N. J. 
Ludi appeared as editor, he having 
purchased a half interest about 1884, 
and the other half before coming here. 
The following salutatory appeared in 
the initial number at Roodhouse: 

"In establishing the Union at Rood- 
house, we are simply undertaking a 
business enterprise, in regard to which, 
we have no occasion at this time, to 
make extended remarks, but prefer, 
rather, that our works speak for them- 
selves. The paper will be issued each 
week, until at least, there seems to be a 
greater demand for something more fre- 
quent than now exists. Opposed to the 
principle of saloon licensing, the Union 
will be strictly anti-license, supporting 
such measures and men only, as will 
best promote the interests of the city, 
and guarantee an administration of 
municipal afl'airs on the side of temper- 
ance, morality and sobriety. While we 



shall aim to make the paper reliably 
repidjlican, we do not propose to be the 
mouthpiece of any sect or faction, and 
shall use our influence for the elevation 
of party, men and measures, only so far 
as is consistent with the exigencies of 
the hour and the manliness of independ- 
ent action. In this we ask the support 
of the public generally, assuring them 
in return, that our highest ambition in 
the enterprise, is to advance the best 
interests of the city, and the moral and 
social welfare of the people of the com- 
munity." 

The paper is one of the representative 
journals of the county, and still edited 
by Mr. Ludi, although it is published 
by the Union Printing Co. 

ROODIIOUSn D.MLY INIO.N. 

On the morning of April 15, 1885, a 
five-column folio daily sheet made its 
appearance upon the streets of Rood- 
house. It was a neat and tastilv gotten- ' 

' . i 

up sheet, and was edited by N. J. Ludi. j 

It was anti-license in politics. In the 
initial number, the editor thus addresses 
his friends and the patrons of the new 
journalistic enterprise: 

'•At the time we engaged in the news- 
paper business in this place, we stated 
that until the demand was greater than 
it then appeared to be, we should con- 
fine our labors to the publication of a 
weekly newspaper o^lJ^ Since then 
the demand has increased to such an 
extent that we feel justified in laying 
before our readers, this morning, the 
first number of the daily Roodhouse 
Union. As a champion of the anti-license 
cause, the daily Union will be published 
until after the spring campaign and 
election. Further than this, its future 



760 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



publication will entirely depend upon 
the patronage with which it is received 
and recognized, and, should the demand 
continiie, we shall, of course, aim to 
supply it. Trusting that our efforts in 
this direction may not be unappreciated, 
and that the Union may make for itself 
many friends and additional influence 
in its stand for principle and protection 
from the rum traffic." 

This paper was continued until in 
October, 1885. 

ROODHOrSE DAILY EYE. 

On Thursday evening, June 22, 1882, 
appeared the initial number of the 
Roodhouse Dailij E>/e. This is a bright 
and sparkling sheet, owned, edited and 
published by W. T. Mclver and J. P. 
Drennan, jr., under the firm name of 
Mclver & Drennan. The following sa- 
lutatory appeared in the editorial col- 
umns of the first issue: 

" In the few weeks which have elapsed 
since the E^Je office was brought to 
Roodhouse, so many conflicting and 
sensational rumors have been circulated 
about tlie new daily, that it is, perhaps, 
well for the Eye to state definitely, at 
the outset of its career, what it expects 
to be and do, or, rather, what it will not 
be and do, as the proprietors prefer that 
as to its positive qualities, the paper 
should speak for itself. 

" In the first place, then, the Eye is 
not a 'speculation' or an 'experiment.' 
A first-class office has been brought to 
Roodhouse, in which to print it. A first- 
class room has been found for its recep- 
tion. A first-class corps of printers 
have been secured for the mechanical 
department. Everything has been fixed 
for permanency, and, with its columns 



as full of Roodhouse advertisements 
as they are to-day the Eye can safely 
say that it will be permanent. 

" Second, The Eye will not be a re- 
publican paper, nor will it be a demo- 
cratic paper, and, we might add, that it 
will not be a greenback paper. It is to 
be independent in politics, strictly so. 
It will favor no men or measures be- 
cause they belong to one party or the 
other, but will, at all times, view all 
Cjuestions with an Eye unclouded by the 
mists of political prejudice and bigotry. 

" The Eye was not established to sup- 
port any one's political aspirations. It 
is intended to be a Roodhouse paper, 
devoted to the interests and growth of 
our city, whose future prosperity the Eye 
hopes to have a share in. To this one 
aim, the efforts of the Eye will constantly 
be directed, and to its accomplishment it 
invokes the hearty assistance of all who 
desire a future for our lively little city. 

" Eight j'ears ago, the proprietors of 
the Eye started the first job printing 
office in Roodhouse, and, six years ago, 
they published the first paper ever 
printed in Roodhouse — the Review. To- 
day, not without some feelings of pride, 
they give to Roodhouse and Greene 
county, with full confidence in its ulti- 
mate success, the evening Eye, the first 
daily paper in Greene county." 

The Eye remained an independent 
sheet until the fall of 1884, when, on 
reviewing the issues of the day, it 
then declared for Cleveland and reform, 
and is now ranked among the leading 
democratic sheets of this section of the 
state, and is a credit to anj' community. 
It is a five-column folio, and mechan- 
ically is well and ably gotten up, while 
the spicy localsand judicious editorials. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



761 



mark it as a model paper in every sense 
of tlie term. 

WEEKLY EYE. 

This paper was started by Mclver & 
Drennan, Aug. 10, 1882, as ative-column 
quarto, and ran in tliat form for about 



two years, when it was enlarged to its 
present form of six-column quarto. It 
is all printed at home, and is one of the 
best papers in the county, being bright, 
newsy, and above all devoted to the in- 
terests of Greene county. 



QHAPO^RR XIV. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 

The little band of Puritans that landed 
upon the bleak and sterile shores of 
Massachusetts, upon that stormy Decem- 
ber day in 1620, brought with them and 
planted in that first settlement on New 
England soil, the seed of the church. 
The oppressed and persecuted Friends, 
in their endeavor to escape the legal 
tribunals and prisons of bigots, in Eng- 
land, fled to the wilds of America and 
planted in the more congenial atmo- 
sphere of the new world their peculiar 
tenets of religious belief. The Caroli- 
nas, tiie as3'lum of the French Hugue- 
nots, driven into exile from their na- 
tive land for tlieir Protestant belief, and 
Maryland pe()i)led by the followers of 
the Calverts, for their Catholic faith, 
and many more of the seaboard states 
settled by refugees for faith's sake, have 
have all combined to make this United 
States, pre-eminently, a land of relig- 
ion and religious liberty. These and 
other causes have led the people of this 
great republic, children of sires who 
have sufl'ered in the cause of Christ, 
great church people, and when the emi- 
grants from the older states turned their 



faces to the setting sun, and with slowly 
plodding teams or scarcely less rapid 
flat-boats journeyed into the new land 
in the west, they carried with them the 
various religions, beliefs and creeds, 
and here in the wilds set up their altars, 
and, in time, built themselves houses 
of worship. To recount the origin and 
rise of these various churches is now 
the pleasure and duty of the compiler of 
these annals. As to which of the sects 
or denominations was the the first to 
have an organization, it little matters 
here, but the following, in giving the 
history of each organization, will .suf- 
ficiently point the fact. 

Among the early preachers who made 
many stations in this county, were 
Father Breech, a Presbyterian; l*]lder 
Van Cleve, a Methodist, and Elijah 
Dodson, Moses Lemen, Jacob Bower 
and Alvin Bailey, Baptists. All these 
preached here in the " twenties, " or 
early " thirties, " and are well remem- 
bered as pioneer ministers. 

The Mormon revival of 1830 to 1835, 
is well remembered. These were con- 
ducted by Elders McClelland and Parley 



762 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



P. Pratt in the west part of the county. 
Considerable excitement grew out of 
these meetings and some converts made. 
Elder Pratt was shot afterward near New 
Orleans for trying to induce a man's 
wife to leave him. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, WHITE H.\LL. 

This religiou.s society was organized 
in White Hall upon the 11th of March, 
1883, with the following members : C. 
J. BushjiJames Tunison, Mary Tun-" 
Tson, David Boone, Elizabeth Boone, 
Francis Fowler, Lucinda Fowler, Deli- 
lia Barrow, Amanda Henshaw, S. P. 
Dreon, Henry Porter, William Pritch- 
aid, 7\.nn A. Pritchard, William Blair, 
Kate Blair, J. D. Boggess, Elizabeth 
Boggess, John Dunn, E. A. Dunn, W. 
E. Butler, and Mary Butler. Elder 
Jermane was the first to preach to this 
little flock, but Elder J. J. W. Miller 
was the first regular pastor. John Dunn 
and W. E. Butler were elected elders ; 
David Boone, James Tunison, W. H. 
Pritchard and Samuel Culbertson, dea- 
cons, and P. Fowler, clerk. The church 
is in a flourishing condition and is gain- 
ing strength in the community. 

Hl<M<OI!Y OROVE UNITED B.\PTIST CHURCH. 

The name was taken from a round 
grove of old shellbark hickory trees that 
stocftl on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 26, one mile east of the present 
church, which was a noted grove for 
travelers in early times, in this section 
of Illinois. The church was first organ- 
ized under the name of an arm of Tay- 
lor's Creek Baptist church, on Jan. 30, 
1830, with John Finley, moderator and 
Ellis Davidson, clerk, and the follow- 
ing members: Ellis Davidson, Margaret 



Davidson, John Davidson, Elizabeth 
Davidson, Geo. M. Wright, Cassandra 
Wright, Thos. Lee, Amos Lee, Charles 
Lee, Huldy Lee, Matthew Garrison, 
Mary Garrison, Abel Moore, Dclila 
Moore, James Moore, Lucinda Coon- 
rod, Isaac Hill, Leannah Hill, Lucy 
Hill, Polly Grimes. 

Saturday, June 1, it was organized 
under the name of Hickory Grove church 
by Elders Graham Jackson, Charles 
Kitchen and Aaron Smith. On July 1, 
Geo. M. Wright, Thos. Lee and Sam- 
uel Close were appointed messengers to 
the association. Saturday, June 1, 1S31, 
Stephen Coonrod was chosen pastor and 
Abel Moore first deacon. 

April 1, 1834, Meshach Browning was 
chosen pastor and Dudley Brannan was 
chosen second deacon. The first church 
house was built in 1841 by Thos. 
Wright, Sr., for the sum of $22.5, the 
size being 30 x 46. Rev. Browning con- 
tinued to faithfully break the bread of 
life to this church for seven years, when 
death closed his work. H. H. \\'itt 
was called in 1842 to the charge, which 
place he filled to the satisfaction of both 
saint and sinner, for the space of eleven 
years, when God called him liome. 
Elder Samuel B. Culp was chosen joas- 
tor in 1853, and he remained 29 years. 
In 1882 Elder D. P. Deaddrick was 
called to the pastorate, which place he 
filled for two years. In 1884 Elder T. 
N. Marsh was chosen pastor, which 
place he fills at this time. Tliis cliureh 
is now in its 56th year, and is the larg- 
est country church in the county, with 
nearly 300 members. For peace, har- 
mony and good will, it stands at the 
head of all, and financially is second to 
none. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



763 



IMiOVIDENCE BAPTIST CHUKCH. 

At an early date, a Baptist clergyman 
by tlic name of Jackson, held religious 
services at the house of Henry Cook in 
this neighborhood but no church orga- 
nization was formed there. At the res- 
idence of Aaron Reno, farther south- 
west, however, regular appointments 
were held until the building of the neat 
church edifice by this congregation, on 
a lot donated by William N. Ashlock. 
He also gave two acres of land for cem- 
etary purposes. The church was built 
on the south side of the farm of that 
gentleman, in the timber. It was used 
until the new building was pxit up. 
This latter was erected at a cost of $1,200 
and was dedicated by the pastor, Rev. 
Albert Farron, of Medora, who was con- 
nected with the church for about 20 
years. He was a native of Kentucky. 
He removed from here in 1884, going to 
California, but has since gone to Oregon, 
where he now resides. He is said to 
have been one of the ablest ministers in 
the county. The mcmbershi}) at pres- 
ent is al)out 50. The present officers 
are tlie following named: Howard Ash- 
lock, clerk; James Hankins, George K. 
Ashlock and George Secor, trustees. 

.\i.L sol'l's hojiax catholic CiniiCII, 

WHITE HAI.I,. 

The erection of the church edifice 
owned by this congregation was com- 
menced in the autumn of 1883, and was 
so far completed in the following spring 
that it was used as a place of worship. 
The fund for its construction was raised 
by subscription among the members, 
who all responded freely in the cause 
of religion. The original contract for 
the building was let for $3,500, but an 



additional sum was expended on it, and 
together with the lot upon which it 
stands, makes it $4,000. The edifice 
is 40x65 feet in size, with a 22 ^oot 
ceiling. The spire when finished, will 
have an elevation of 85 feet above the 
side walk, and presents a fine appear- 
ance. The entire structure is built of 
brick. Father Metzler, of Brighton, was 
the first pastor. He was succeeded by 
Father Dietrich, of Jacksonville, andhe 
by Father Halloran, of the same city. 
Services are held on the second and 
fourth Sundays of each month. About 
35 families are connected with the 
church. The condition of the society 
is excellent, although the debt on ac- 
count of the erection of the building is 
not entirely liquidated, nor the structure 
completed. The church is located on 
the west side of south Main street, be- 
tween Franklin and Carlinville streets. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, CARROLLTON. 

This congregation was organized in 
the year 1832, under the able ministry 
of Elder B. \¥. Stone. It commenced 
its career with something like 120 mem- 
bers, and for some years, enjoyed a sea- 
son of prosperity under the ministration 
of Elders Stone, Huitt, Osborn, Ely, 
Challen, Graham and others, but after a 
time, dissension crept in, death re- 
moved some of the members, some 
immigrated to other climes, and from 
these causes and others, in the early 
part of 1841, the church passed out of ex- 
istence. In December of the same year, 
however. Elders B. W. Stone, John T. 
Jones and D. P. Henderson addressed 
themselves to the task, and are-organi- 
zation of the church was efl'ected, witli 
some 28 or 29 members. D. W. Ken- 



764 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



nett was chosen elder, and AV. R. Mon- 
tague and J. H. Marmon, deacons. 
From that time on the church has had 
a comparatively prosjjerous existence, 
having been under the ministration of 
some very able men, among whom may 
be mentioned, Elders E. V. Rice, E. L. 
Craig, John Harris, .John McPherson, 
and J. A. Berry. These are not all, 
but all that could be remembered. The 
church is still in a flourishing condi- 
tion, and doing most excellent work in 
this portion of the Lord's vineyard. 

BAPTIST CHURCH, KANE. 

This religious body was organized at 
the house of Judge Jehu Brown, in what 
is now Jersey county, Nov. 3, 1823, 
when there were but 200 or 300 Baptists 
in the state, and not a church building 
of this denomination. The original 
members were — Joseph White, Enoch 
Backus, Major Dodson, Amj' Dodson, 
Penelope Brown, William Johnson, 
and Lydia Johnson. It was organized 
through the instrumentality of Elders 
Joseph Lemen, and John Clark, as the 
Macoupin Baptist Church of Christ, and 
belonged to that branch of the cliurch 



known as "Friends of Humanitv, 



Al- 



though Elder Lemen preached here fre- 
quently, there was, in all j^i'obability, 
no regular pastor here, or regular ser- 
vices held for ten years. In 1832, Rev. 
Moses Lemen became pastor, and re- 
mained in that connection until 1838, 
wlien he was succeeded by Rev. Wil- 
liam Hill, who had labored part of the 
time here with Mr. Lem.n. In 1839, 
both of these gentlemen labored here. 
These were followed by the following 
elders : Joel Terrj', William Jerome, 
and Moses Lemen. From 1847 to 1851, 



Joel Terry preached nearlj' all the time. 
In November, 1851, Rev. T. A. Morton 
became pastor and preached half the 
time, alternating witli Joal Terry, J. S. 
Chilton and others, imtil Feb. 14, 1852, 
when Mr. Morton was engaged for three 
quarters of the time, and the other 
quarter was filled by resident ministers. 
Mr. Morton, however, did not remain 
long, and was succeeded by Elder Wil- 
liam Roberts, who was engaged for half 
of his time, and Ezekiel Dodson the 
other half. From October, 1852, Rev. 
B. B. Hamilton preached nearly a year. 
From the month of September, 1853, 
Elder Joel Terr}^ jjreached until March, 
1855, when Elder Farnham came to the 
little flock. In April of the same year, 
however, the church called Rev. Alvin 
Bailey, who preached here until Sep- 
tember following when his health failed. 
Ezekiel Dodson and Joel Terry then 
took up the Lord's work. In 1858, Hen- 
ry Manning was employed half his 
time, with resident and itinerant minis- 
ters to fill up the balance. In 1859 the 
same gentleman was employed part of 
the time, and Stroud Keller part. Mr. 
Manning was ordained while employed 
here and became the regular pastor. In 
1861 he resigned and became the cap- 
tain of Co. E, 61st 111. Inf., and served 
until March 26, 1864. Joel Terry died 
in 1861. Rev. Albert Keene, assisted 
b}' Elder Ezekiel Dodson ministered to 
this people, until 1865. Elder Coley 
succeeded them and remained until 
1868. In December of the latter year 
Rev. Justus Bulkley became the pastor 
and remained until March, 1871, when 
Rev. Mr. Howard took up the good 
work. In 1872 Rev. D. Hutchius came 
to the church, remaining until April, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



765 



1S73, Rev. Joseph B. Werman was 
pastor from Feb., 1875. Rev. B. B. 
Hamilton eaiiie to the church again in 
1876. In 1879 Rev. M. C. Qark preached 
about five montli?, and was succeeded 
by F. M. Mitchell. Rev. E. S. Sage 
came in 1881, remaining one year. In 
the following year Rev. F. M. Mitchell 
again became the pastor and acted in 
that relation to the church until the 
spring of 1885, when Rev. E. S. Sage, 
the present pastor again was called to 
this field of labor. W. H. Hunter is 
the present clerk, and John T. Williams 
and James Brooks, deacons. 

Tlie first church edifice was erected 
by subscription in 1837 and 1838, on the 
site of the present school-house in Old 
Kane. This building, long past its days 
for church purposes, was moved to the 
town of Kane, in the summer of 1882, 
and is used by \V . C. Reinecke, as a 
drug store. The present structure in 
which this congregation worship, was 
erected about 1870, at a cost of about 
83,G(K). In Nov., 1873, this church cel- 
ebrated its semi-centennial anniversarj', 
and Rev. B. B. Hamilton, the then 
pastor, declining to deliver the address. 
Dr. Peter Fenity, gave an original his- 
torical essay, giving the history of the 
church from its organization. The so- 
ciety is in excellent condition and has 
no debt. 

i!.\PTisT ciii'Hcii, wiirri: iiai.i., 

Was organized in Oct., 18'2(i, by David 
R. Chance, with seven members: Sam'l 
Rogers, Elizabeth Lee, Sally Hicks, 
Alugail Daggett, Abraham James, Polly 
Rogers and Abigail Lee. Aaron Hicks 
and Chauncy Lee were received at this 
meeting as candidates for baptism, and 



they were baptized soon after. Tliey 
came from Marion county here, and 
were visited by Elder Chance, who 
gathered the new organization under 
the name of the Henderson Creek Bap- 
tist church. Elder Sear Crane, and 
Anna, his wife, joined here, but were 
dismissed to help organize the cliurch 
at Carrolltou. The North District, now 
Carrollton Baptist Association, was or- 
ganized here in 1827. Elijah Dodson 
preached some time for the new church, 
and resided near the present cemetery. 
Alvin Bailey, after removing from Up- 
per Alton to Carrollton, preached as a 
missionary at White Hall. 

In 1834, a meeting was held here, and 
the Illinois Baptist convention was 
organized, J.M. Peck, the Lemen broth- 
ers, Ji)n. Sweet, and others, taking a 
part in the organization. 

In 1838, Calvin (irecnleaf preached 
for the church, and a building was be- 
gun and finished in time for its dedica- 
tion, in the latter part of Dec, 1839. 
This is the house now owned and oc- 
cupied by the Baptist chunh. Chauncy 
Lee, Aaron Hicks, John and William 
Kistler, Christian Harper and Vincent 
Higbee, were among its prominent 
members. Joel Sweet became pastor 
and resided in the village of White 
Hall, for some time. Wm. H. Briggs, 
a recent graduate of Shurtleff College, 
became pastor in 1844. Removals and 
deaths thinned the ranks of its mem- 
bers, and but little was done in the way 
of progress for a number of years. In 
1850, when the association resumed its 
missionary work, the church was almost 
extinct. In 1852, Elder H. T. Chilton 
came and gathered the few surviving 
members, and in March, 1853, a meet- 



^.,, 



766 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ing was held in which a very considera- 
ble numhcr were added to the church. 
Another meeting was held in the fall, 
and another in the fall of 1854. In 
the.se several meetings, some 70 or 
more united with the church. In 1858, 
B. B. Hamilton came to make his home 
in White Hall, and has preached for the 
church more or less, ever since. In the 
spring of 1867, Elder Thos. W. Greene 
l)eld a meeting in which some 46 were 
baptized, and in the spring of 1888, 
Elder Wm. Greene held a meeting, 
which resulted in some 60 additions, 
and the present membership is reported 
at 122. Its Sunday school has lieen 
well sustained for a period of souje 18 
years, and tlie outlook is more hopeful 
than ever before in its history. At 
present, B. B. Hamilton is pastor; W. 
W. Carter, clerk; J. E. Higbee, G. W. 
Trask and C. Vanderhuyden, are dea- 
cons. 

ST. Michael's koman catholic church, 
(_:keenfield, 

Was incorporated March 12, 1880, by 
Right Rev. P. J. B<iltes, bishop of 
Alton; Very Rev. J. Janssen, vicar- 
general of the diocese; Rev. J.D. Metz- 
ler, pastor, and P. Peuter and P. J. 
Madden, lay-trustees. These gentle- 
men also acted as the first officers of the 
newly organized congregation. Three 
lots, at the corner of C'hestnut and 
Sheffield streets, were bought March 
21, 1880, with the intention of erecting 
thereon a church edifice. Plans were 
furnished bj' Lucas Pfeiftenberger, of 
Alton, and the contract of building was 
awarded to James Shields, of Green- 
field. The pastor, Rev. J. D. Metzler, 
by commission of the Right Rev. 



Bishop, of Alton, laid the corner-stone, 
on Sept. 2, 1880. The church is a brick 
structure, in the Celto-Gotliic style of 
the 14th century. The building is 37 
feet wide in front, 67 feet long, and it 
has a chancel of 20x10 feet, to which is 
attached a vestry-room on either side. 
The sidewalls are IS feet high; the roof 
is self-supporting; the height inside 
from floor to ceiling is 24 feet. In the 
front, at the southwest corner, a tower 
with belfry is erected, which rises to 
tlie height of 70 feet. The furniture of 
the cliurch is in strictharmony with the 
building. Up to the end of 1885, the 
members had expended about $5,600 for 
grounds, edifice and furniture. The 
first service in the church was held by 
the pastor, April 24, 1881. The solemn 
dedication of the building to the service 
of God, took place on June 17, 1885, 
Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, bishop of Alton, 
officiating, who also administered the 
sacrament of confirmation to 81 persons. 
At the present, there are 50 families, 
with about 300 individuals, attending 
the church. The pastor is Rev. J. D. 
Metzler, who is also in charge of the 
Brigliton mission. The trustees are P. 
J. Madden, treas., and 0. L. Siegel, 
sec, who have served with great energy 
for several years. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHITE 
HALL. 

This was the first churcli of this kind in 
Greene county. It was organized in the 
court house at CarroUton, 111., May 4, 
1823. The original members were Z. 
Allen, Elizabeth Allen, Ruloff Stevens, 
Elizabeth Stevens, Anthony Potts, John 
Allen, Polly Allen, Thomas Allen, Mar- 
gery Allen, William M arrow, Jean Mor- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



767 



row, John Dee, P>ancis Bell, Elizabeth 
Boll, William Allen, Sallie Allen, C. 
Link, Fannie Painter, Lueretia Brush, 
Lavinia Redel, and Lncy Thomas. The 
first elders were Zachariah Allen, Ru- 
lott" Stevens, Anthony Potts and John 
Allen. The church was long without a 
settled pastor, or a shelter of its own. 
Services were sometimes held in the 
court house and sometimes north ot' 
Ajiple creek, where a large part of the 
members lived. In time the church 
came to be known as tlie Apjde creek 
chureh,and so stands on the records of the 
' Presbytery, when on .\jiril 11, 1841), the 
name was changed by the Presbytery 
of Illinois, to White Hall Presbyterian 
church. In 1842, Henry Tunison and 
John Morrow were elders, and Rich. 
Fulkerson was elected such in 1844. 
Some years later the church became a 
partner in a Union church building, but 
in time, the other partner managed to 
get control, and turned them out to shift 
fiir themselves. September 11, 1870, 
the church was re-organized as the first 
Presbyterian church of White Hall, 
111., by Revs. S. H. Hyde and A. T. 
Norton. Jas. Cochrane, J. B. Steere 
and J. ('. Tunison were chosen elders. 
The following were the first members: 
S. B. Steere, Margaret Steere, J. C. Tuni- 
son, Mrs. Tunison, James Cochrane, 
Eliza Cochrane, Mrs. Stubblefield, Mrs. 

Milne, Miss Rachel Hull, Mrs. 

Mary .\. Davis, Mrs. Anna Nesbit, 
Mrs. Lucy Chapin, Mrs. Vosseller, 
Mrs. Anton, John S. Voorhees, Mrs. A. 
McCiuire, Mrs. Margaret 15arr, Mrs. 
Arnee, Mrs. Strang, Miss Emma Strang, 
Mrs. Pauline Terhune, Paul Tlico 
Lange. Steps were taken at once for 
the erection of a house of worship, and 



on Oct. 29, 1871, the present edifice was 
dedicated, which cost about §8,000. The 
church was supplied for a short time by 
Rev. Jos. S. Edwards, of Cleveland, 0. 
The first Sabbath of Oct., 1872, Rev. 
Hugh Lamont was installed as pastor. 
Rev. P. S. VanNest supplied the pulpit 
from Feb., 1877 to Oct., 1878. The pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. D. R. Thompson, entered 
on his labors June 3, 1880. The church 
now has a clear membership of 86. The 
following are the present officers: Jas. 
Cochrane, Ed. Connett,Dr. H. W. Chap- 
man, elders; Wm. W. Arnold, Jas. 
Cochrane, Ed. Connett, Dr. H. W. Chap- 
man, John Wolfortli, trustees. 

B.\PTIST CHUUCII, ROCKBRIDGE. 

This church was organized in 1837, 
and was a branch of the Providence 
Baptist church, being composed of mem- 
bers of that church. It was then called 
the Taylor's Creek Baptist churcli. The 
original members were : Thomas Carlin, 
W. H. Cannedy, Aaron Reno, Mrs. 
Aaron Reno, Jacob Rhoads, and others. 
Itev. AbnerHill was tlie first minister. 
This church endured until about 1842, 
when a division arose, partly growing 
out of a Mrs. Hubbard, who sought the 
membership, and partly l)rought about 
by a schism called the " soul sleeping 
doctrine." In conse(jucnce of this, a 
considerable number of the members 
withdri'W and formed a new church, 
known as the Apple Creek United Bap- 
tist, in connection with which, in 18o(5, 
the New Salem church, of Rockbridge, 
was organized. In 1878 the church was 
re-organized liy Elders A. Few, S. F. 
Wright, A. Hankins and W. M. Rhoads. 
The members were at this time : A. 
Taylor, who was elected clerk; Stephen 



768 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Taylor, J. H. Elkinton, E. R. Davis, 
Elizabeth Stephens, Candace E. Taylor, 
Anne E. Dowdall, Nancy Dixon, Ma- 
hala Tites, Maria Allen, Elizabeth 
A. Taylor, and W. M. Rhoads. This 
congregation worshif)ed in the old 
school house, on the site of the present 
one, until 1875, when they determined 
to build an edifice for their use. A 
liuilding committee consisting of the 
following gentlemen was ajjpointed : A. 
Taylor, Steplien Taylor, J. H. Elkinton, 
E. R. Davis and W. M Rhoads. These 
gentlemen erected a building 30x40 feet 
on the ground, at a cost of $1,100, in 
which the society now iiold services. 
There is a present mcmliership of 113. 
William Cannedy is the present clerk. 

PLEASANT POINT BAPTIST CHUliCII. 

This society was organized Oct. 18, 
1856, with the following members: H. 
Drake, G. W. Cameron, W. W. Smith, 
W. Chaney, C. A. Wooley, J. T. 
Barnard, N. Drake, M. A. Cameron, 
M. A. Smith, M. Chaney and M. 
Phillips. H. L. Johnson and C. P. 
.Johnson were the presbyters, and A. J. 
Johnson, the clerk. The first meeting 
was held in a grove, near the site of the 
present church building, where Rev. C. 
P. Johnson, their first minister, held 
forth. A union church was put up by 
this congregation and the Methodists 
that same fall, money enough being 
raised by subscription to warrant it. 
This structure is 30x40 feet in size, and 
is located on the southeast corner of 
section 9. There is a present member- 
ship of 100, under the ministry of Rev. 
Wm. M. Rhoads, who has been pastor 
for about seven years A flourishing 
Sabbath school is held in connection 



with this church, of which S. W. John- 
son is superintendent. 

BAPTIST CHURCH, WKIGHTSVILLE. 

This church was organized in Feb., 
1880, by Rev. B. B. Hamilton, of White 
Hall, and James Haycraft, of Medora, 
with the following .members: Henry 
Stout and wife, A. J. Wright and wife, 
Jerry Bethard and wife, James Bethard, 
William P. Parker, and Andrew Cage. 
The first officers of this little society 
were Jerry Bethard, deacon, and James 
Bethard, clerk. Rev. John Bush was 
the first minister, and remained until 
in Sept., 1882, since which time Rev. 
J. P. Alexander has been the pastor. 
A. J. Wright and Jerry Bethard are the 
present deacons, and Francis Bell is 
clerk. At present the membership 
amounts to about 30. They meet in the 
Temperance hall, wliich was built in 
the spring of 1880, at a cost of $965, 
and is 24x40 feet in size. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WALNUT CiROVE. 

The Presbyterian church of Walnut 
Grove, originally known as String 
Prairie church, was organized at the 
house of Morris Lee, on the farm now 
owned by Coonrod Kahin, the house 
standing very near the present residence 
of Mr. kahm. The date was Oct.. 20, 
1833, and the officiating clergymen were 
Rev. Thomas Lippincott and Rev. Mr. 
Brich. There were nine members, one 
of whom, Mrs. Morris Lee, of Carlin- 
ville, 111., is still living, aged 84 years. 
The location was about midway between 
the two settlements of Cook's Prairie 
and Kineaid's point, where meetings 
had been previously held for several 
years, by ministers of that order. Soon 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



769 



after tlie organization, the neighbors 
and friends of tlie cause erected a large 
douMe log building on the northeast 
corner of IVIr. Lee's farm, and furnished 
it in primitive style. They called it a 
meeting bouse, and it did service until 
184S, when the cbureh erected a frame 
building on the southeast corner of the 
farm now owned by Wm. B. Robinson, 
at a cost of $4,000. In 18G1, the same 
building was moved to its jirescnt site 
at Walnut Grove, remodeled and en- 
larged, and by request of the presby- 
tery, the name of String Prairie was 
changed to A\'alnut Grove, by which 
name it has continued to be known. 

In ISlifi, the church and congregation 
having increased in nuniber.sand benev- 
olence, they purchased of Mrs. Mary 
Jlillcr five acres of ground at §100 per 
acre, and erected thereon the well ar- 
ranged and comfortable buildings known 
as the parsonage, the plans and specifi- 
cations being furnished by Rev. J. R. 
Armstrong, who was the first minister to 
occupy the new church home. The cost 
of the ground, buildings, and fencing 
was about S;'>,000, which was paid by 
those directly interested and th(! many 
others who wore working harmoniously 
together and making sacrifices to build 
up a church here. 

From its first organization, for a num- 
ber of years the church was both finan- 
cially and numerically weak, yet it 
managed to have some preaching ser- 
vices every year. In Sept., 18(51, Rev. 
J. R. Armstrong took charge of the 
church and continued his labors until 
April, 18G9, which efforts were greatly 
blessed, building uj) and streng'thening 
the church in gosi)el work and doing 
much good in the community. 



METHODIST CIirKCH, WALNUT GliOVK. 

There had been occasional Methodist 
preachings at the house of Aaron Reno, 
near where the Providence church build- 
ing now is, previous to 1828. That year 
Mr. Amos McPheron settled on the 
land where he has continued to reside 
to the present time, and built a large, 
log dwelling house, which was one of 
the Methodist preaching places for many 
years. Services were also held at Daniel 
Kirby's and John Legg's, until the 
society was estalilished at the Walnut 
Grove school house and church, where 
they continued to worship until l.S()(;. 
In this year the church erected a neat 
and commodious house of worshij) on 
land obtained from Dr. Mason, one mile 
west of the Grove, at a cost of §2,500, 
and known as Aker's cha})el. The or- 
ganization commenced in 1830, with 
three members, viz. : Mr. and Mrs. 
McPheron and Mrs. Morris. Knimthat 
small beginning it grew into a large 
working society. By reason of deaths 
and removals, there are but few mem- 
bers left, yet they manage to keep up 
regular jireaching appointments. 

HAl'TIST CIUKCll, liMKI'nAI.K. 

A protracted meeting, out of which 
grew this branch of the church militant, 
was commenced Oct. 12, 1832. Elder 
Elijah Dodson, had preached here occa- 
sionally Ijcfore this, but on the opening 
of these meetings he called in the assist- 
ance of Elders J. M. Peck, Sears Crane, 
Bower and Moore. A council was held 
Oct. 23, 1832, at which Elder Peck acted 
as moderator, and Elder Dodson, as 
clerk, and with the assistance of 
Elder Crane and some visiting brethren 
fromCarrollton, a church was organized 



"0 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



with the following members : Joseph 
Sweet, John Russell, Richard Robley, 
Joshua C. Harvey, Hiram Brown, David 
W. Thurston, Elizabeth Spencer, Zimri 
Brown, Laura A. S. Russell, Nancy 
Hawley, Catharine Holdcn, Rhoda 
Brown. Hannah Brown, Rebecca Thurs- 
ton and Erepta McC'ormick. That meet- 
ing was held at the old school-house. 
Elder E. Dodson was the first minister. 
The church never was very strong, and, 
since 1857, there has been no regular 
meetings. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ATHENSVILLE. 

The society known as the Christian 
church of Athensville, was organized 
in Dec, 1870, by Elder M. L. Anthony, 
with the following original members: 
Jesse Morrow, William Cooley, G. W. 
Morrow, W. H. McCracken and A. R. 
Morrow. Oliver A. Morrow was the 
first clerk and treasurer. They wor- 
shi]ij)cd at first in Union hall, but that 
building burning down in the spring of 
1880, they commenced the erection of 
the present neat and tasty edifice, where 
they meet to hold services. The con- 
gregation is growing slowly, and the 
society is in a flourishing condition. 

RICHWOODS UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The religious society known by the 
above name, was organized on the fourth 
Saturday in Sept., 1857, by Elder H. 
Cain. W. F. Hicks was the moderator 
of the meeting. The original members 
of the church were W. F. Hicks, Joseph 
Moore, James R. Spencer, Major Spen- 
cer, Simeon Munday, William Barnett, 
Albert Goacher, Joel Mitchell, and their 
wives, Mrs. Schauntz and Frank Nich- 
ols. The first clerk was Joel Mitchell, 
and the present one is Jas. F. Cannedy. 



The second sermon was preached by 
Rev. W. F. Hicks, who was the first 
pastor of the church. The church edi- 
fice was built in 1861, at a cost of some 
$500. It is located on the northwest 
quarter of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 17. This was afterward somewhat 
added to, and is a very neat church 
building. Rev. J. D. Johnson is the 
present occupant of the pulpit. This 
church has a membership of over 100. 

BAPTIST CHl'KCHES OF GREENE COUNTY. 

We are largely indebted to Rev. B. 
B. Hamilton for most of the history of 
the Baptist churches of Greene county, 
he having written a very fine account of 
the organization of the various churches 
of this denomination, which was largely 
used in a former history of the county, 
and which we have drawn from, by 
kind permission of the author. 

The account of the organization of 
the first Baptist church in the county, 
is given further on in the history of the 
church at Carrollton. 

In Oct.. 1826, what was known as the 
Henderson creek church, was formed 
by David R. Chance, with some seven 
members. This was the beginning of 
the White Hall church, a history of 
which is given elsewhere. 

In 1832, Jacob Bower gathered together 
a church near where Woodville is 
now situated, of which Mashek Brown- 
ing was clerk. This church afterward 
split in two, and both branches had 
various fortunes; sometimes flourishing, 
sometimes almost defunct, but still sur- 
viving. 

Says Mr. Hamilton: "It was with 
the Woodville body that the meeting 
of the Apple creek association occurred 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



771 



in which Harrison Witt, M. Browning 
and J. V. Rhoads took the side of mis- 
sionary efiorts, and John Record and 
Stephen Coonrod took tlie Antinomian 
side of the controversy, and this led to 
the formation of the Concord associa- 
tion, wliile the Apple creek body began 
to approximate more nearly to the mis- 
sionary, a point not reached for several 
years. The Apple creek association 
was formed from the Sangamon associa- 
tion, in 1830, and both of these bodies 
were anti-mission. The latter covered 
the territory embraced in the counties 
of (ireene, Macoupin, Madison, Bond 
and St. Clair. This Concord associa- 
tion had three churches in (Jreene 
county — Hopewell, on the west side of 
Apple creek, now extinct; Union, now 
located at Barrow; and one near (Ireen- 
field, over which Stephen Coonrod pre- 
sided for many years. At Wilmington 
was a church connected with the Apple 
creek association, and to this came 
•lo^iiah Whiteside, who became its 
pastor." Under his preaching the 
church became strong, but later, the 
pastor turned Universalist, and the 
church became somewhat weakened, 
and in the end it divided. The larger 
division followed Henry L. Johnson into 
the Sandy Creek association, wiiile the 
others hung to the Apple Creek associa- 
tion, but some time after this disbanded, 
and re-organized at Barrow, leaving the 
church and other property in the hands 
of the other faction. 

\\'hat was known as the JIartin's 
Prairie church was organized in the 
summer of 1842, by Joel Sweet, Thomas 
Taylor and Jacob Bower. In 1859" the 
congregation erected a church edifice, 
about live miles east of Roodhouse. 



Among the early preachers were Elijah 
Dodson, Joel Terry, H. T. Chilton, J. 
M. Wells, D. Wilson, and T. N. Marsh. 
It is said that they have never had a 
resident minister except Rev. J. B. 
Van, who preached here, being a resi- 
dent of the neighborhood. 

The Richwoods church is situated di- 
rectly east of the above named, and is a 
member of the Western association. 

About the year 1873, a church was 
organized at Taylor creek, but it is now 
extinct. 

criI15ERI..\.\D PRESIiVTERI.\X ClUKCII, 
CiREEX FIELD. 

A congregation or class of this church 
was organized at Greenfield in 18-3], and 
to them was deeded one-half of the 
Union church, which was Iniilt by the 
community at large, and enjoyed by this 
church and the Baptist denomination. 
In this bitilding then, they opened 
services with Rev. ^^'illiam Bell, as 
stated preacher, and George Shackel- 
ford and Wm. A. Secor, as elders. For 
some reason not stated or known, this 
church had a fierce struggle to keep 
up, but for some years kept up the fight 
manfully, under the ministrations of 
Revs. Daniel Bell, Lorance, \'iney and 
others. Sometimes public service would 
be entirely suspended, sometimes they 
were regularly conducted. After a pre- 
carious existence, covering the best part 
of 20 years, it finally succumbed to the 
force of circumstances, and ceased to 
exist as a congregation or church. 

METHODIST KPISCOP.VL CIirKCII, CiUEEX- 
FIELD. 

Religious exercises were enjoyed by 
the settlers of this denomination at a 



I'ri 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



verj' early date, at the residence, of 
George W. Allen, Joel Edwards, and 
George A. C'owden, and were encouraged 
in the faith by the traveling " circuit 
riders " and liy local preachers. In 1824 
and for four years thereafter, occasional 
services were held by Isaac Scarrett and 
I. T. Johnson, circuit preachers, and by 
the well known Peter Cartwright, the 
presiding elder of the circuit. In 1829, 
L. Bogart and I. French were on this 
circuit. In 1830, the first regular 
preacher at this place made his appear- 
ance, in the person of Rev. James 
Bankston. In 1831, W. D. Trotter and 
William Haskins, were upon this cir- 
cuit, and in 18.32, John Vancleve and 
Levi Springer. These were followed by 
many others. Local preachers, as they 
were called, tilled up the time be- 
tween the visits of these itinerants. 
In 1841 George W. Allen donated a lot 
for the purpose, and the church editice 
was built. As the early settlers were 
not blessed with a superabundance of 
wealth, their contributions toward the 
new edifice took the form of lumber, 
bricks, hardware, labor, and some few, 
money. Under the supervision of Icha- 
bod Valentine, the structure, which 
was but modest in dimensions and 
finish, speedily went up, and it was 
opened for service during the winter of 
the same year as witnessed its incep- 
tion. Dr. B. C. Wood, of Carrollton, 
preached the first sermon in the build- 
ing, it being a funeral oration over the 
remains of Samuel Capps. The Meth- 
odists of this vicinity, now having a 
house of worship of their own, now 
congregated at this point, and the 
church could then number some 50 
members. They remained in this 



church until 1856, when they built their 
present brick edifice. During the years 
1853 and 1854, it had been seen that the 
old building could no longer meet the 
necessities of the growing congregation, 
and accordingly, in 1855, a plan was 
put on foot to build a better, more com- 
modious church, and one more in conso- 
nance with the progress of the age. An 
edifice costing about $3,000 was sup- 
posed to be about what was wanted, and 
this amount was readily raised by sub- 
scription, throughout the entire com- 
munity, all without regard to sect or 
belief. The work was commenced, but 
before it was completed, it was found 
that an error of about $3,000 had been 
made in the estimate of cost, and a sec- 
ond subscription not proving as success- 
ful as the first, caused much trouble to 
the trustees. They finally saddled the 
matter upon themselves. Through some 
fault in its construction, it had at vari- 
ous times necessitated repairs, additions 
and alterations to the amount of $3,000 
more, but now is one of the features of 
the town. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CARROLL- 
TON. 

The early history of Methodism in 
Carrollton and its immediate vicinity is 
somewhat obscure, owing to the loss of 
the church records. Indeed much val- 
uable history of every new country is 
lost in the same way, or by making no 
recorded account of its events, trusting 
merely to memory. The pioneers finally 
die or move to other sections of the 
country, and thus the means of informa- 
tion are lost. In the year 1821 the Dodg- 
son family came from Yorkshire, Eng., 
and settled some two and a half miles 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



north of Carrollton. John Dodgson, 
the fiitlior of this noted and worthy 
family, was a Wcslej'.an Methodist in 
England, and soon after coming to this 
country, in about 1S22 or 1823, a society 
was organized, called the Hopewell 
class. This was the first organization 
of Methodists in Greene county. The 
first jireaching iilacc was at Mr. Jack- 
son's, a little north of where Benjamin 
Roodhouse now lives, and occupied at 
that time by John Dodgson. This so- 
ciety, in a few years, built a brick church, 
a little north of Daniel Morfoot's, which 
continued a preaching place for many 
years. The first organization of the 
M. E. church in Carrollton, of which 
there is any record, was in 1832. This 
was included in the present Apple Creek 
circuit. John Van Clevc, who died some 
years ago, was preacher in charge, as- 
sisted by Levi Springer. Prominent 
among the early members might be 
mentioned M. P. Taylor, who was leader 
of this class, Ansel Hubbard, Charles 
Stout and wife, Mr. Landiss, father of 
W. H. Landiss, and several other chil- 
dren, the first wife of Dr. Samuel, who 
soon afterward also became a member 
of this society, and Thomas Short, who 
was so long and favorably known in 
Greene county. The Rev. B. C. Wood, 
universally loved and respected, to- 
gether with his wife, have long been 
mendjcrs of tliis society. The church 
fisst worshipped in the court-house, and 
afterward lield meetings in a school- 
house which stood on the east side of 
the square, about where Loomis & Vil- 
lingcr's jewelry store now stands. In 
ISoG, a brick church building was erected 
on the present site. This was an awk- 
ward, ungainly building, and was after- 



ward torn down to make room for a 
more sightly one, which was erected in 
1850-51. Among those who have l^pen 
stationed here as preachers are: Rev. 
Messrs. Wm. H. Askins, J. Van Cleve, 
I. Phelps, Jesse Hail, David Cory, 
Norman Allen, B. Randall, J. C. Houts, 
Richard Bird, S. Sweeney, — Carpenter, 
W. D. R. Trotter, J. S. Akers, J. B. 
Corrington, E. Corrington, Wm. Wil- 
son, J. Anderson, E. Gentry, Newton 
Cloud, Wm. R. Powers, A. M. Pitcher, 
Robert Clark and others. The present 
magnificent church edifice owned l)y 
this society was erected in 1888, at a 
total cost of $20,500, including the price 
of the lot. It is a brick structure, with 
a fine rock foundation, and stone window 
caps and trimmings. The main front is 
to the south, and on the southwest cor- 
ner has a handsome spire, some 00 feet 
high, in which is a fine town clock. 

AKKRS M. E. CH.\rEr,, UNDER TOW.NSHir. 

The church building which is known 
by the above name is situated on the 
center of section 23, and was built in 
1866. The society was organizeil in 
1831, or 1832, at the house of Amos 
McPheron, where services were held 
for about 20 years. After this they met 
in a school-house close by, and later ni 
the Walnut Grove school-house. Ser- 
vices were held in the latter building 
until the church edifice was built as 
above. This structure is 39x40 feet in 
ground area, and was completed at a 
cost of $2,500. Among the original and 
early members of this church were 
Amos McPheron and wife, Mrs. Nancy 
Morris, Daniel Kirl)y and wife, Thomas 
Robinson and wife, John Legg and wife, 
James, Martha and Sarah Legg, Isaac 



774 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Colby and wife, Samuel McPheron and 
wife, James A. McPheron and wife, 
Olii^r Colby, Joseph Rhoads and wife, 
and John Waggoner. Rev. Mr. Clark 
preached the first sermon in the new 
church. 

B.\PTIST CHURCH AT CARROLLTOX. 

The first church of this denomination 
in Greene county was organized in Car- 
rollton by Elder Jones, of Madison 
county, very shortly after tlie laying out 
of that town, in 1821. Their first meet- 
ing house was a log cabin not far from 
the present residence of Dr. J. F. Simp, 
son. Among the original members of 
this pioneer church was Thomas Carlin, 
the founder of the town, and afterward 
the governor of the state. This was 
originally what is called the hyper-Cal- 
vinistic anti-mission church. In course 
of time it moved eastward, and is now 
the Providence church. On the 28th of 
April, 1827, at the house of Justus 
Rider, in the town of Carrollton, was 
founded the present Baptist church of 
Carrollton. The original members were 
but six in all — Sears Crane, Anna Crane, 
Abraham Bowman, Mary Bowman, 
Elizabeth Rider, and Phoebe Harris. 
Some of these had been excluded from 
the anti-mission church near Carrollton, 
for holding missionary views. The 
minutes of the second meeting of this 
church, to which is appended the name of 
Gorham Holmes, as clerk, is a specimen 
of almost Spartan brevity. It reads: 
" Fourth Saturday in May, 1827, church 
met and after worship proceeded to bus- 
iness : 1st, chose Brother Crane, mod- 
erator ; 2d, the brethren all in peace ; 
3d, Brother Bowman chosen clerk. Dis- 
missed by prayer." Elijah Dodson and 
wife presented letters for admission 



into the church, the first additions to 
the little flock, in March, 1828. Rev. 
Elijah Dodson was the first pastor of the 
flock, from that date, if not from its 
organization, until June, 1830. The 
congregation then had difierent supplies 
until May, 1834, when Rev. Alvin 
Bailey took charge, and remained pastor 
until March, 1840, except about six 
months in the early part of 1836, when 
Rev. Amos Dodge seems to have sup- 
plied the pulpit. He was succeeded bj"- 
supplies among whom was Rev. VV. H. 
Briggs until March, 1811, when Jacob 
Bower devoted one-fourth of his time 
to this church. Rev. Elijah Dodson 
again filled the pastorate for one year 
from 1842, one-fourth his time. Rev. 
W. H. Briggs next succeeded from June, 
1843, to July, 1845, and was followed by 
Rev. Porter Clay, who remained one 
year. In Jan., 1847, J. N. Tolman be- 
came pastor, and remained until March, 

1851. when he was succeeded liy W. F. 
Boyakin who had charge until Aug., 

1852. Rev. E. J. Palmer acted as a sup- 
ply until March, 1853, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. A. Bailey, who re- 
mained two years. Rev. J. Bulkley 
now took upon himself the pastoral 
duties, and' served nearly nine years, 
until April 1864. Rev. N. Kinne, from 
June, 1864, to Feb., 1866, and Rev. 
James M. Stiffler and other supplies 
filled the pulpit until Jan., 1868, when 
they were succeeded by Rev. W. D. 
Clark. The latter continued in the 
pastoral relation for two years and was 
succeeded, in April, 1870, by Rev. B. 
F. Parshall. He was followed by Rev. 
H. A. Guild, whose term of service ex- 
tended from June, 1872, to Feb., 1874. 
Rev. J. C. Bonham was pastor from Oct., 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



I til 



187-5, until April, 1876, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. J. E. Roberts. 

Where or when the first house of 
worship was built, the records of the 
church do not state. But in May, 1834, 
it is recorded, that the church held its 
meeting in the new church building. 
Under date of January, 1835, is the 
entry "church met in the brick meet- 
ing room." 

In March, 1852, during the adminis- 
tration of \\ . F. Boyakin, a committee 
consisting of A. W. Caverlj^, Thomas 
Hobson, John Headrick, Alfred Hinton 
and Francis P. Vedder, was appointed 
to inquire into the expediency of erect- 
ing a new house of worship. On April 
24, they submitted a report, through 
Judge Caverly, chairman, recommend- 
ing that the church be built of brick 
and rock, with a basement story — the 
building to be 6()x42 feet in size, and, 
with lot, to cost $5,000. To carry out 
the purposes contemplated in the report 
of the committee, a building committee 
was appointed, consisting of David 
Bierson, Thomas Hobson, John Head- 
rick, A. W. Caverly and Z. A. Morrow. 
In time the committee reported §2,700 
raised and the rock and brick contracted 
for. In July, 1852, the trustees were 
instructed to sell to the highest bidder, 
the south side of the lot, purchased for 
the site of the house, which they sub- 
sequently sold to Lyman Wheeler for 
$501. The old church was also sold to 
advantage to 1'. M. i'.rown for §410. It 
finally passed into the hands of the 
Cumberland Presbyterians. The new 
house was dedicated Jan. 6, 1856, D. P. 
French preaching the dedication ser- 
mon. 

It maj' be interesting to note the pro- 



gress made in the salaries paid the 
various pastors. In 1838, A. Bailey 
was paid at the rate of $200 a year for 
one-half his time, with a pledge that 
the church would pay him $500 for his 
entire time in 1839. David Pierson and 
George Pegram were appointed to raise 
the money. For 1889, they paid him 
$250 for one-half of his time. In July, 
1844, William H. Briggs was oti'ered 
$100 for one-quarter of his time one 
year, provided he would live in Car- 
roUton, and take one-half of it in pro- 
duce. He must have refused the offer, 
because two weeks later, the church 
agreed to raise a reasonalde portion for 
his support, and he accepted. In 1845, 
Porter Clay agreed to preach one quar- 
ter of his time Saturday and Sunday, 
and an additional one-quarter Sunday, 
if the church would clothe him, and de- 
fray his expenses. In December he 
announced his intention to give his en- 
tire time to Carrollton and vicinity. He 
was a brother of the statesman, Henry 
Clay. In 1847, J. N. Tolman was given 
$200 and board, the money to be paid as 
fast as collected from subscriptions. In 

1849, the finance committee reported 
that for the previous 18 months they 
had paid Brother Tolman $219.14; voted 
to add $200 within six months. In De- 
cember, 1849, the church agreed to pay 
him §250 salary for his entire time, sal- 
ary to be paid in quarterly installments, 
and $50 more if possible. In July, 

1850, W. T. Boyakin received $40(); 
Oct., 1852, Alvin Bailey, $200; April, 
1855, J. Bulkley, $600, afterward raised 
to $800; Sept., 1866, agreed to pay Rev. 
Stifller, for supply, $600; Sept., 1867, 
offered 0. B. Stone $1,800, off"er de- 
clined; Jan., 1868, W. D. Clark, $1,500; 



76 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Jan., 1872, H. A. Guild, $1,500 and ex- 
penses of moving; June, 1875, J. C. 
Bonham, §2,000. Since that time they 
have been supplied by John E. Roberts, 
for which they pay at the rate of $520 
per year. 

The town of CarroUton and vicinity 
was devastated by the cholera, in 18;:57, 
and this was followed by a great revi- 
val, one of the most extensive in the 
history of the church. Another exten- 
sive revival was held in 1852, which 
resulted in some 49 being added to the 
church. 

The first clerk of the church was 
Abraham Bowman, who was elected in 
May, 1827, and served until June, 1834, 
seven years. The first deacons were 
Abraham Bowman and Justus Rider, 
elected in June, 1834. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CARROLLTON. 

On the 30th of April, 1823, a little 
knot of people, among whom were Rev. 
Oren Catlin and Rev. D. G. Sprague, 
met at the house of Zachariah Allen, in 
CarroUton, to confer upon the subject 
of organizing a Presbyterian church. A 
second meeting of the kind was held 
soon after, and, finally, upon the 4th 
of May, 1823, at a meeting held at the 
old court-house, was instituted a church 
of this denomination. Tlie original 
members were 21 in number — Zachariah 
Allen, Elizabeth Allen, Ruloff Stevens, 
Elizabetli Stevens, Anthonj^ Potts, Jno. 
Allen, Polly Allen, Thos. Allen, Mar- 
gery Allen, Wm. Morrow, Jean Mor- 
row, John Dee, Frances Bell, Elizabeth 
Bell, Wm. Allen, Sally Allen, Christian 
Link, Fannie Painter, Lucretia Brush, 
Lavina Bedel and Lucy Thomas. The 
first elders chosen were: Zachariah 



Allen, Ruloff Stevens, Anthony Potts 
and John Allen. 

This infant church could not have a 
shelter that it could call its own, but 
meetings were held, not regular Sabbath 
services, for they were impracticable, 
as circumstances would permit, some- 
times in the court-house, sometimes in 
a blacksmith shop near the northwest 
corner of the village, and sometimes 
north of Apple creek, where many of 
the members resided. At the latter 
place, in 1827, a sacramental meeting 
was held, and some added to the mem- 
bership. This state of affairs continued 
for eight years, under the ministrations 
of various clergymen, among whom 
were, in addition to those named as in- 
strumental in the organization, the 
Revs. Jno.Brich, J. M. Ellis, — Hawley, 
Henry Herrick and Solomon Hardy. 
In 1831, a change took place — CarroU- 
ton had increased until it had become 
the social and business center of the 
county, but as the majority of the mem- 
bers of the church lived north of Apple 
creek, that part of the country was 
made the center of operations. Under 
these circumstances, the members resi- 
dent at CarroUton desired a separate 
organization, and permission was asked 
of the Presbytery, July 23, 1831, for the 
same, and granted. In consequence of 
these the following named parties came 
together and organized the CarroUton 
Presbyterian church : Anthony Potts, 
Joseph Gerrish, Elizabeth Gerrish, Cor- 
nelia H. Leonard, Elizabeth Page, Abi- 
gail T. Hopping, Miriam Turner, Sarah 
Lee, Reuben Page, Morris Lee, Julius 
A. Willard, and Almira C. Willard. 
On their organization they chose as rul- 
ing elders : Julius A. Willard, Joseph 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



777 



Gerrish and Anthony Potts. This es- 
tablishment took place under the min- 
istry of Rev. Henry Herrick. In Ma}', 
1832, Rev. Elisha Jenney succeeded 
Mr. Herrick as stated supply in the 
little church, and continued until the 
end of July, of that year, when, after a 
meeting of 11 days duration, with the 
assistance of Rev. Thomas Lippincott, 
some 50 had been added to the flock, the 
last named gentleman succeeded to the 
charge as stated supply. Under this 
gentleman, the church flourished, and 
led away by the accession to their num- 
ber, tliey were induced to purchase a 
lot with the expectation of building a 
church edifice in the spring. But their 
plans met with a sudden check. In a 
letter written by the cliurch to the sec- 
retary of tlic American Home Mission- 
ary Societ}-, they state : " We engaged 
Mr. Lippincott to supjily us, lioping we 
should be able to furnish much of his 
support, but party influence crept in 
and, aided by strong prejudice against 
eastern emigrants, of whom the church 
was then largely composed, and against 
Presbyterianism, drew away many to 
the Bajjtist and Campbellite churches, 
and some who had pledged their word 
to assist liberally in supporting Mr. 
Lippincott." 

The purpose of building tlie church i 
was now postponed indetinitcly, buttiie [ 
congregation still went on with its wor- 
ship, in tlie old blacksmith shop, sus- 
taining their school, and meetings, and 
gradual)}' receiving accessions to their 
numbers. One of the elders, Mr. Ger- 
rish, withdrew with 10 others, to form a 
church in what is now Jersey county; El- 
der Willard removed to Alton, and the 
ravages of the cholera in 1833, and the 



removal of the other two elders, weak- 
ened the infant church, but the organi- 
zation was kept intact and new elders 
elected. These wereS. D. Gushing A. L. 
Shull and John Evans. In the spring 
of 1835, Rev. Hugh Barr became the 
successor of Mr. Lippincott, as stated 
supply. This gentleman's labors cov- 
ered a period of 10 years, against the 
most adverse circumstances. In 1837, 
the subject of building a church edifice 
was revived, and J. H. Hinton, Peter 
Vanarsdale and Geo. Wright were ap- 
pointed a building committee. Though 
times were hard and money scarce, and 
subscriptions were paid in wood, farm 
produce, live stock, labor, anything, 
still they found contractors, Lynn and 
Wright, to undertake the building, and 
work was commenced. It was carried 
to a successful issue at a cost of $2,5(X), 
and free from debt or incumberance, it 
was dedicated to Divine worship, a neat 
commodious house of praise and prayer. 
Early in 1842, as the result of a re- 
vival, some 50 people were added to 
the church. In 1845, Mr. Barr termi- 
nated his labors here, leaving the 
church in excellent shape, but for the 
following six years a feeling of apathy 
pervaded the church. Rev. James Dunn 
only preaching about two years of the 
time, and a partial disorganization was 
the result. An effort was nuideto mnke 
it Congregational, and much dissension 
crept in to the body. However, in Feb., 
18.50, the Presbytery of Illinois assem- 
bled in Carrollton, and re-organizeil the 
church with 31 enrolled communi- 
cants. A. W. Lynn, R. F. Clark, C. 
Armstrong, M. D., and J. li. Wilson 
were ordained elders. Rev. E. Jenney 
supplied the pulpit one year, and was 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



succeeded by Rev. J. G. Rankin who 
labored faithfully in this portion of the 
Lord's vineyard for 10 years. Revivals 
were held by him in 1854 and 1857, 
whereby many were added to the 
church. In addition f o the regular church 
work, they projected, and with the aid 
of outsiders, erected the adjacent acad- 
emy building, at an expense of over 
S2,800, making it the property of the 
church, placing it under the control of 
a board of directors consisting of the 
trustees of the church, and three per- 
sons chosen by the subscribers to the 
fund, of which board the minister was, 
ex-officio chairman. A parsonage, cost- 
ing $1,000, was also built. 

Mr. Rankin was succeeded by Rev. 
Morgan L. Wood who remained with 
this people until the summer of 18G4. 
He was succeeded by Rev. S. H. Hyde, 
in Nov., 1861. 

At the very beginning of his work, 
the need of a new house of worship was 
confessed, but war prices ruled in labor 
and material, and the undertaking 
was postponed. In 186G it was felt that 
they could delay no longer, and the 
initial steps were entered upon. The 
chief labor in soliciting suljscriptions 
devolved bj' common consent on Elder 
Robert Clark, and with signal success 
he prosecuted it. George Wright, C. 
Armstrong, M. D., and Lyman Wheeler 
were appointed a building committee, 
and the contract was let to Engleman 
Gatchell. As a happy result a pleas- 
ant and beautiful house was erected and 
furnished at a cost of $11,000, and, un- 
incumlK-rcd liy debt, dedicated on the 
18th, of March, 1868, to the worship of 
God. Nor was this all. They have 
added improvements to the parsonage 



to the value of $1,500, during Mr. 
Hyde's pastorate, thus evincing their 
care for the Lord's servants, and further 
proving their devotion to the cause. 
This gives the sum total of the property 
at hot less than 616,000. 

MT. ZIOX P. M. CHURCH. 

This is located on the southeast cjuar- 
ter of Sec. 33, T. 12, R. 11. The first 
building here was erected shortly after 
the organization of the society, in 1844, 
at a cost of about $600. The first min- 
ister was Elder George Stevens, who 
labored with the little flock for about 
three years. The building was also 
used as a school-house for about eight 
years. It was remodeled and rebuilt in 
1878, at a cost of some $600. The first 
minister in the new church was Rev. 
Anderson Orr, who preached here for 
four years. The present jtastor is Rev. 
Mr. Sturges. Tlie church has a present 
membership of but a few, and it is not 
in as good condition as the cause de- 
serves. Owing to removals and deaths, 
the little congregation has grown small, 
and spiritless. Joshua Jones deeded 
the land, some three-cjuarters of an 
acre, upon which the church is built. 

OAKLAND BAPTIST CHIRC'H. 

The edifice occupied by this congre- 
gation was erected in 1867, on land do- 
nated to the society by George Johnson. 
The first ministers to preach here were 
Revs. John Bush and M'illiam Smith. 
The church has a very fair membership 
now, and is (juite prosperous. 

FIRST rxiVERSALIST CHURCH. 

This church was organized about the 
year 1871, under the pastoral care of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



779 



the Rev. Mr. Carney, who preached but 
a short time, when he was called away. 
The church building, wliich is open to 
any denomination to hold services in, 
was built about the time of the organi- 
zation of this church, at a cost of about 
83,0(X). It is located on the northwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter of 
Sec. 16, T. 11, R. 12, and was erected 
out of a fund raised by subscription of 
111 liberal minded, public spirited citi- 
zens. E. A. Giller, B. F. Baldwin, L. 
P. Griswold, Edgar Griswold and E. 
\'. Baldwin, were the first directors. 
The church has a membership of about 
50, but has no regular pastor. 

tXITED B.\rTIST CHrRCH, ATHK.NSVIM.E. 

This society was organized in 1860, 
by Revs. C. A. Worley and B. F. 
Cleveland. Mr. Worley was the first 
pastor, but after about three years, was 
succeeded by Rev. B. F. Cleveland, 
who also ministered here three years. 
Elder Lewis G. Hart was the next occu- 
pant of the pulpit. In 1875, Elder J. 
1). Johnson assumed the pastorate, and 
has continued in that relation ever 
since. Mr. Johnson has liad great suc- 
cess in the church, he having baptized 
44 during one revival, and many at 
others, and has added to the member- 
ship some 120 souls during the 10 years 
of his mini.'^try. The society had no 
regular church edifice until 1882, when 
a building was jjut up, at a cost of about 
§1,600. This structure is 34x48 feet in 
size. A bell ha.s been ordered, and 
soon will summon the faithful to wor- 
ship. The present officers are as fol- 
lows: G. W. Callahan and Win. Hop- 
per, deacons; Sarah Stoddard, clerk. 
It has now a membership of about 80, 



and is in excellent condition. Their 
edifice has not yet been dedicated. 

B.\PTIST CHURCH, .MIDDLE FORK OF .VPPLK 
CREEK. 

This church organization came into 
existence on Saturday before the second 
Sunday in Nov., 1861, at a meeting held 
at the house of Harris Cox, across the line 
in Morgan county. Elder Isaac Conlee, 
assisted by Deacons J. Mcacham and 
K. Dcatherage, was chiefly instrumental 
in the organization. The first members 
were as follows: Isaac Daniel, Abigail 
Daniel, Wiley B. Daniel, Julian Daniel, 
Harris Cox, Mary Cox, Bartley Wilker- 
on, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Elijah Steele, 
William F. Starner, Claiborne Dalton 
and Emory D. Grider. The first preach- 
er of this church was Elder Isaac 
Daniel; and the deacons, Emory D. 
Grider and Harris Cox. Mr. Grider 
was also the first clerk, and held that 
office until 1869, when he was succeeded 
by Marshall F. Grider, the present oc- 
cupant of the office. The following 
reverend gentlemen have filled the 
place of pastor to this flock: Elders I. 
Daniel, T. Shepherd, S. Coonrod, A. 
W. Murray, R. Q. West. J. C. Simmons, 
and W. Sbepler, the present incumbent 
of the pulpit. Services were held in 
Morgan county, at the residences of the 
members, until March, 1868, when they 
moved into a church building, which 
they had erected on land donated to the 
society by T. Shepherd, on the north- 
west quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section 23, of this township, in which 
they hold services. The edifice is 
28x30 feet in size, and cost about S700. 
The society has but twenty ?iiembers, 
but is in good, fair condition. Services 



780 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



are held eveiy four weeks, regularly, 
and sometimes in the interval, preach- 
ing is had of some traveling elder. 

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CARROLLTON. 

* Prior to 1871 the members of the 
Episcopal congregation in Carrollton 
held their services in the court-house. 
During the winter of 1870-71 the subject 
of providing some more suitable place 
of worshiji was earnestly discussed, and 
in April, 1871, it took effective form. 
Some time in April, 1871, there was a 
meeting of the leading male members of 
the congregation, held at the office of 
the Hon. Jas. W. English, for the pur- 
pose of discussing the feasibility of 
buying or building a house for worship. 
That meeting was composed of Judge 
CD. Hodges, Dr. J. T. Crow, Jas. W. 
English, Oman Pierson, H. C. Withers, 
R. H. Davis, W. C. Sleight, B. B. Bar- 
tholemew, Chas. H. Hodges and others. 
A plan was proposed by which some 
$1,500 was then guaranteed. Judge C. 
D. Hodges also gave notice of his dona- 
tion of a lot on which to erect a build- 
ing. When the committee appointed to 
solicit subscriptions commenced this 
work, they were met with so much lib- 
erality, on the part of the public, that it 
was determined to erect a much better 
and more costly building than first in- 
tended. At a subsequent meeting a 
building committee was appointed, con- 
sisting of the following persons, to-wit : 
R. H. Davis, chairman; C. D. Hodges, 
Dr. J. T. Crow, Ornan Pierson and B. 
B. Bartholemew. This committee em- 
ployed Wni. Emldey as architect, whose 
plans, after some alteration by the com- 
mittee, were adopted, and the contract 
for buildinff the church given to Adam 



Englemari. The building is of Gothic 
architecture about 60x30 feet in size, 
including tower and vestry, with a seat- 
ing capacity for about 400 persons and 
beautifully finished inside in hard 
wood. Thus from the leaven of the 
small congregation that worshipped at 
the court house, the liberal donation of 
Judge Hodges of the lot, the liberality 
of the general public, and the untiring 
devotion and self-sacrificing labors of 
the ladies of the congregation, sprung 
the beautiful little church that stands on 
the corner of Church and West 6th 
streets to-day. Commenced in the sum- 
mer of 1871, it was finished and paid 
for and dedicated on the 10th of March, 
1872. But one event alone occurred, 
from its beginning to completion, to 
mar the pleasures of its success, and 
that was the death of Mrs. R. H. Davis, 
on Feb. 18, 1872, a lady whose christian 
devotion and influence in the matter did 
much for its success, whose death in 
the meridian of her life and useful- 
ness, cast a gloom over the community. 
The church was duly consecrated by the 
bishop of the diocese. 
■ In 1884, under the rectorate of Dean 
Whitmarsh, the building was exten- 
sively repaired and beautified, and a 
handsome brass lectern added to the 
chancel furniture as a memorial of 
Judge Hodges, which was consecrated 
by Bishop Seymour, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 
1885. 

A memorial window to the memory 
of Mr. Withers, Jr., is of peculiar 
beauty and with the handsomely draped 
altar, contributes to produce an eff'ect of 
special richness to the interior of this 
beautiful little church. The font is at 
the entrance under the large and hand- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



781 



some west window ; the organ at the 
south end of the chancel. The reredos 
bears the symbol of the Holy Trinity, 
to whom the church is dedicated, and 
the chancel walls are handsomely illu- 
minated in oil polychrome. All the 
windows are of stained glass. . 

EHEXICZER M. E. CHURCH, ROODHOrSli; 
TOWNSHIP. 

The church of this denomination was 
erected in 1871, at a cost of $1,800, and 
is 28x40 feet in dimensions: The first 
pastor was J. J. Gardiner, who remained 
about three years. The first offices of 
the congregation were filled by John 
Spencer, Thomas H. Wilson, John K. 
Moore and James Bradley. The pres- 
ent officers are John Spencer, James 
Shaw and ti. Keller. There is at pres- 
ent a membership of about 19. Services 
are held regularly every two weeks by 
Rev. S. G. Tera. 

mauti.n's i'r.virie bethel b.\ptist 
cHiRCH, RoonnorsE township. 

The organization of this denomina- 
tion was eflected in 1834, with 34 mem- 
bers. The first ministers were Thomas 
Taylor and Jo(d Sweet. The edifice 
used by this society at present was built 
in 1856, at a cost of about §1,000. It 
was constructed by sub.'fcrij)ti<>n, and in 
size is 3(j.\40 feet in ground area. The 
pioneer ministers of the churcli con- 
ducted services in a log cabin erected 
for the purpose, until the present build- 
ing was erected as above. The original 
oHicers were Josiah Morton, deacon; 
James D. Morton, clerk. From the 
time of the organization the following is 
a succession of tlie different pastors of 
the church: Elijah Dodgson, Joel Terry, 



G. W. S. Bell, Joel Terry.- R.C.Keeler, 
John M. Wells, W. C. Harney, J. D. 
Wilson, Elder Fleming, George W. Ste- 
vens, John Van, Daniel Wise, B. B. 
Hamilton, T. M. Marsh, George Rob- 
inson, Stephen Gate, W. F. Hicks, 
and the present pastor, William M. 
Rhoads. From 186G to 1870 there was 
no regular services, as the church was 
destitute of a regular pastor, although 
Bro. Wise occupied the pulpit occasion- 
ally on Sunday. Also from 1873 to 187(3 
the church was without a regular minis- 
ter of the gospel, but during the latter 
year ])rayer meetings were instituted, 
and at a special revival some 30 new 
members were added to the congrega- 
tion. Since tlien the church has pros- 
pered and at present there is a mem- 
bership of about 85, services being held 
regularly every four weeks, while there 
is a flourishing Sunday-school con- 
ducted every Sabbath. The church edi- 
fice is kept in good repair and is located 
on the Y'est half of Sec. 13, T. 12, R. 11. 
The present officers are Josiah and Sam- 
uel Martin, deacons, and ('. K. Smcad, 
clerk. 

METHODIST CIU'RCIi, WHITE HALL. 

This society was organized, as a class, 
about the year 1823. For several years 
they held services, wherever they could 
fin<l a room, but it was not mitil aliout 
1832, that they had any recognized 
house of worship. In that year, in 
connection with the Baptist congrega- 
tion, they erected a imion church edi- 
fice. This was a frame structure, and 
is now the Old Bajitist church. About 
the year 1837, the Methodist congrega- 
tion ])Ut up a separate cliurrh building 
on a lot opposite the present postofhce, 
which they used for a place of worship 



782 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



until the erection of their present sjik-n- 
did edifice, in 1872. Thi.s latter is of 
brick, and cost about S23,000, and is one 
of the ornaments of the town. The 
first regular pastor was Rev. ]\Ir. Bank- 
ston, who came here about 1830. After 
a time he was succeeded by Rev. \Vill- 
iani Askins, and he, by Rev. Mr. Trot- 
ter. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. 
Stevens, wlio succeeded Rev. Isaac 
Hisojs, in Sept., 1885. Perhaps it would 
not be out of place in this connection, 
to say that the second churcli building 
of this congregation was removed on to 
another street, and converted into two 
dwelling houses, and is still used for 
that purpose. 

ST. .John's kom-^x (•.\THoi,ir cnrRCH, 

C.\RROLI,TON. 

This society was organized about the 
year 1860, and among the original mem- 
bers were the following named gentle- 
men and their families : Cornelius Car- 
mody, Michael Carmody, Thomas Car- 
mody, Andrew Sheedy, Andreas Witer- 
schek, Joseph Storrs, Matthew Mark- 
ham, James Mahoney, Thomas Scott, 
James Dunford, Thomas Luneen, and 
John Mc^Mahon. The lots were bought 
by a fund raised by subscription among 
the members. On these the front part 
of the church building was erected in 
18(54, of brick, at a cost of §13,000. An 
addition was built to this in 1883, at a 
cost of 87,000, making the cost of the ed- 
ifice about 820,0<jO. It is one of the 
handsomest buildings in the city, arch- 
itecturally, and quite an ornament to 
the same. In 1870 a comfortable par- 
sonage was erected by the congregation, 
at an expense of 83,000, and in 1877, a 
building, which is used as a school-house. 



was erected, in which a school is sup- 
ported. 

The palish was commenced about 
18(30 under the direction of visiting 
priests, with a few Catholic settlers from 
Ireland, as above stated, and Father 
Klein, a German, was the first resident 
rector. In 1871 the parish was increased 
by the accession of about 50 German 
families. It now contains about 150. 
Under the present rector. Father Sauer, 
who came in 1877, the parish witnessed 
its greatest success. In 1881 a house 
was built for the Sisters, who since then 
have taken charge of the parochial 
school. The present trustees are 
Michael Carmody, Tobias Schnelt,Thos. 
Luneen, and John Schnelt. 

ST. .\L0VSirS C.VTHOLIC CHrECII, EOOD- 
IIOUSE. 

This building was erected in the year 
1874. It is a brick structure, one story 
in heiglit with a vestry on the east end. 
The main building is 30x50 feet in 
dimensions, and is located on Railroad 
street, nearthe Victor mills. The build- 
ing committee was composed of Thomas 
Lawlus and Matthew Sterrit. The cost 
of the building, including the furnishing 
of the same, was $4,000. The first priest 
to hold mass in this church, was Father 
Victor, of Quincy, 111., who came here 
once a month and held mass and was so 
employed for two )'ears. He was suc- 
ceeded by Father Metzler, who remained 
about three years. Next came Father 
Kearne, who held services in the church 
once a month for one year. After him 
came Father Deitrick, who was the priest 
for about two years, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Father Johannes who remained 
only four months. Father Fallon is the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



78.1 



jd'esent instnictor. The cliurch has a 
iiipiubershij) of about SO. They hold 
mass twice a month. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
HOUSE. 



EOOD- 



This building was erected in the year 
1882, at a cost of $3,600. Itisabrick 
structure 44x60 feet, and one story in 
heiy;ht. It was built by subscription, the 
building committee being P. J. Sharp, 
Adam Chapman, G. W. Armstrong, E. 
8 Bundy, and A. Orr. The church was 
(ledicalcd by Rev. Horace Reed, D. I)., 
of .Jacksonville, and while the Rev. .I.J. 
Dugan was serving as pastor. Previous 
to the erection of the above named 
church the organization held services in 
the Cumberland Presbyterian building. 
The first niinisters were Henry C. A\'al- 
lace, served one year; Rev. .lames K. 
Maxficld, one year; Rev. Howard Mil- 
ler, two years; Rev. A. Orr, two years; 
and Rev. J. S. Akers, two years. Rev. 
,J. J. Dugan was the first pastor in the 
new church and served one year, when 
he was succeeded by the Rev. Frank 
Crane, who served as pastor two years. 
Next came Rev. C. W. Jacobs, who is 
the present pastor. They have a par- 
sonage adjoining the church building, 
which is a one-storj' frame structure, 
24xHO feet in dimensions with five rooms. 
The present trustees are G. W. Arm- 
strong, P. J. Sharp, John Roodhouse, 
.\ndrew J. Watson, and Adam Cliapman; 
Carl Savage, Sec'y and Trcas. They 
Imld services every Sabbath, both morn- 
ing and evening, also Sabbath school 
every Sunday. Prayer meeting is held 
every Wednesday evening. The pres- 
ent membership is ].')(), ami the church 
is in a flourishing condition. 



CUMP.KUr.A.M) PRESIJYTERIAN CliriUII. 
KOODHOUS?:. 

The society known by the al)(}vc name 
was organized in 1878, and at first 
held meetings in the old union church. 
In 1879, under the pastorate of D. H. 
Starkey, they bought the building from 
the Methodists. After four years spent 
here. Rev. Starkey was succeeded by 
Rev. J. H. Millholland, and he liy Rev. 
Thomas Potter. The present jjastor. 
Rev. E. L. Prather, succeeded Potter. 
The present ofllicers are: Arthur Davis, 
D. B. Moore, Benjauiin Ru^hwortb and 
John W. Starkey, trustees; Benjamin 
Rushworth, cKa-k; James C. Starkey, 
Treas. The present membership is 
about 60. Services are conducted by the 
pastor every Sabbath, morning and eve- 
ning. Sabbath-school is held regularly 
each week, commencing at i):oO A. M. 
John W. Starkey is the present super- 
intendent. Prayer meetings are also 
held on Wednesday evening of each 
week. 

The house of worship of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian society is 40x25 feet 
in ground area, is of frame construction, 
and is surmounted by a cupola, at a 
height of 20 feet. This cuimla contains 
the bell. 

The flock may be said to be in a grow- 
ing condition, and considerable interest 
in its prosperity is manifested by the 
nu'inbers. 

This church, like all those of Rood- 
house, is of recent organization, as com- 
pared w'ith those of the older settled 
portions of the county; but it may lie 
said of all, tiiat their jjrogress has been 
greater than is their age. It is to be 
hoped that they may still grow. 



784 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



WASHINGTON ISAPTIST C'HUKCH OF 
ROODHOUSE. 

This society was organized in the fall 
of 1881, by Rev. Hobart, state mission- 
ary. Their first meetings were held in 
the Cumberland Presbyterian church 
edifice, in which they continued to hold 
services until IHSo. 

The first members were: C. S. Terry, 
Rebecca Sitton, E. S. Needles and wife, 
John Jones and wife, Isaac Hodges and 
wife, E. B. Winslow and wife. They 
held services in the Presbyterian church 
under Elder Hanulton, of White Hall, 
until Jan., 1884. They commenced the 
erection of the present church building 
in 1883, the building committee com- 
prising E. S. Stroud, John Jones, E. S. 
Needles, W. P. Gilmore, Ellis Briggs, 
James L. Patterson. The building has 
a ground area of o6x60 feet, is one story 
in height, and is constructed of brick. 
The ceiling is 24 feet from the ground 
level at the highest point, and at the 
eaves 18 feet. It has a spire 85 feet in 
height. The seating capacity is about 
40(1 The cost of the edifice was about 
$5,300, the amount being raised by sub- 
scription. Robert Latham, of Jersey- 
ville, contributed S1,000 toward the erec- 
tion of the building, on condition that 
it be called the Washington Baptist 
church. The present pastor is Rev. J. 
S. Deck. Meetings are held twice each 
Sabbath, and prayer meetings every 
A\'ednesday evening. In connection 
with the church services, tliey hold 
Sunday school every Sabbath at 9:30 
A. M. James L. Patterson is superin- 
tendent. The average attendance is 160 
scholars. , This is the largest and best 
church building in the city of Rood- 
house. 



THE C0NGHKGATI0.\.\L CHURCH OF ROOD- 
HOUSE. 

The organization of this society was 
effected Jan. 3, 1873, by M. M. Longley, 
of the American Home Missionary So- 
ciety. He came here in 1872, and held 
meetings in the old union church. In 
1874 they made arrangements to build a 
church of their own. The first mem- 
bers were: John P. Drennan, Rebecca 
R. Drennan, George N. Sawyer and 
wife, Dr. William T. Day and wife, Geo. 
W. Martin, Norman S. Martin, Adelia 
Sawyer, Emma Sawyer, Mrs. Lotta 
Houck, and Susan Mills. 

They held occasional services only 
until their own church building was 
erected. The trustees under whom the 
church was built were J. P. Drennan, 
G. N. Sawyer and W.T.Day. E. S. 
Bund}' was the contractor. The church 
is located on the corner of Palm street 
and Roodhouse avenue. It is a fraine 
structure, 80x45, and is surmounted by 
a cupola, which contains a bell. The 
entire cost was about $2,000, this sum 
being raised almost entirely by subscrip- 
tion. The present pastor is Rev. Wm. 
W. Hazen. Services are held morning 
and evening, every Sabbath, and prayer 
meeting on Wednesday evenings. Sab- 
bath school, with an average attendance 
of 90 scholars, is held at 9:30 A. M. 
each Sunday; F. C. Smith is superin- 
tendent. The present officers of the 
church are: C. C. Van Doren, E. S. 
Nichols, J. P. Drennan, Sr., Frank C. 
Smith, G.N. Sawyer, J. H. Carkhufl', 
trustees; W. H. Murray, treas.; J. P. 
Drennan, Sr., clerk; J. P. Drennan, Sr., 
G. N. Sawyer, J. H. Carkhuff, deacons. 
The present membership is about 50, 
and the church is in good condition. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



785 



QHAPT^EIR XV. 



The civil sub-division of Greene 
county, wliicli bears the above name, is 
located in the center of tlie southern 
tier of to\vnshi])S, and is bounded on 
the north by the townships of Linder 
and C'arrcdlton, on llie east by Rock- 
bridge township and Jersey county, the 
latter of which forms its southern boun- 
dary also, on the west by Woodville 
township. It embraces the west half of 
T. n, U. 11, and Sees. 3, 10, and the 
nortli li:iir of lo, of the eastern half of 
the same township and range, and all of 
T. 9, R. 12, except Sees. 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 
IS, 10, 20, 30, and 31, which are included 
in Woodville township. The Macou- 
])in creek, or Maquapin (white potato) 
creek, as it was called by the Indians, 
meanders with pellucid stream, through 
the entire township, crossing, in its tor- 
tuous passage. Sees. 15, Ifi, 17, 8, 6, of 
T. i), R. 11, and Sees. 12, 11, M, 15, 22, 
21 , 28, 29, 30, T. 9, R. 12, and with its nu- 
merous adluents, affords amiile drainage, 
beside being an unfailing source of run- 
ning water for stock purposes. A large 
amount of the land is timbered yet, 
which, with the artificial groves sur- 



KANE TOWNSHIP. 

from north to south, andtherc is one 
considerable town within its limits on 
this line, Kane. Tlie inhabitants are, 
as a class, industrious and energetic, 
and manifest, by their neat surroiind- 
ings and fine buildings, the thrift that 
follows intelligently directed labor. 



EARLY SKTTI.EJIKNT. 

Tlie first actual settlement made 
within the limits of what is now Greene 
county, was made in Kane township. 
In 1815, several parties settled in the 
northern part of what is now Jersey 
C(umty, and raised a crop, but in the 
autumn of 1816, three of these, Daniel 
Allen, Sr., and his sons, James and 
Danitd, removed aliout six miles west 
and north, to S. 23, of T. 9, range 12, 
and James made a farm, which is now 
occupied by his son, E. W. Allen. 
James lived here until his death. The 
other Aliens did not remain here long, 
moving away about a year afterwards. 
John H. Allen, another son of Daniel 
Allen, made some improvements on 
Sec. 19 in T. 9, R. 11, which he after- 
wards sold to William L. (ireene. 
oo 



rounding the mansions and cottages of He, too, left with the balance of the 
the well-to-do farmers, adds beauty and family. A short time after the Aliens 
picturesqueness to the landscajjc. The had moved here, Thomas Daniel, a na- 
fertility of the soil and the unexcep-' five of Kentucky made his appearance 
tional beauty of this section of the I and built a cabin in the vicinity of the 
county, caused it to be among the sec- I Allen's. In 1817, bis son, M'alker 
tions first settled. The line of the ('., I Daniel, long a prominent citizen of the 
A. t\: St. L. R. R. traverses the township ! county, came from (ieorgia, and made 



786 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



a settlement on section 24, just east of 
the Allen's, on the place now owned by 
Rowland Huitt. These were the pio- 
neers of Kane township, and this count)'. 

John (ireene was one of the earliest 
pioneers of this region, locating in this 
township in 1S19. A sketch of this old 
pioneer is given in the chapter entitled 
National, State and County Representa- 
tion, under head of general assembly, 
he having been honored hy his fellow- 
citizen with the office of representative 
to the state legistature. 

Nathan Daniel, came to this town- 
ship in 1819, and being a young man, 
hired out to work for a time. In a short 
time he located on a farm and married 
Louisa Allen, a daughter of Daniel 
Allen, .Jr. He was a Kentuckian by 
birth. He had five children, and died a 
resident of this county. 

Maj. William Costley a son uf Will- 
iam and Margarette Costlej', came to 
this county with his father's familj', in 
1819, being then about IS years of age. 
He was a native of Kentucky, born on 
the 15th of October, ISOl, but had been 
reared mostly in Missouri. His father 
dying soon after their coming here, he 
had to shift for himself, which he did to 
good advantage. About 1823 lie was 
married to Elizabeth Mathis. They had 
a family of fifteen children. Maj. 
Costley kept the first public house be- 
tween Carrollton and Alton, or at least 
between the former point and John Wil- 
kins' on the Piasa. He gained his title 
from a commission in the militia of the 
da}'. He died at his residence in Kane 
township, Jan. 31, 1869. 

With him came Robert Means, a 
native of Virginia, who settled here and 
was a resident for some years. 



James Whitlock came to this town- 
ship in 1819, and made a settlement, 
entering some 900 acres of land. He 
served as captain all through the Black 
Plawk war, and is generally known 
throiighout this region as Capt. Whit- 
lock. He resided in this township until 
1850, when he started for California and 
died on the way. 

William Greene came to Greene 
county in 1819, from his home 'neath 
the genial skies of Tennessee, and made 
a settlement on Sec. 24, T. 9, R. 12. 
With him came bis wife, Matilda Greeiie, 
also a native of Tennessee, born in 1800, 
and married to Mr. Greene in 1817. 
This pioneer was a man of rare ability 
and of a magnificent physique, and was 
noted all over this county, for years, for 
his strength, courage, and endurance. 
Nelson Greene was a son of this gentle- 
man. 

With him came Wiley Greene who 
lived in tliis settlement some years. 

Nelson Greene was born in (ireene 
county, Dec. 22, 1822, and was a son of 
William and Matilda (Greene) Greene, 
his father being a native of Kentucky, 
and his mother of Tennessee. His 
father came to Illinois, first locating in 
Bond county, and from tliere went to 
Madison county; and in 1819, came to 
Greene county, and located on S. 24, 
T. 9, R. 12, where he lived until his 
death, Aug. 20, 1825. He was a captain 
in a militia company after he came 
liere. Nelson's mother died in 1879. 
During the war of 1812, his grandfather, 
George Greene, concluded to plant a 
piece of corn, and as the Indians were 
very bad, he told the family, if they 
saw any signs of them, to scream' so he 
could hear them. There was an old 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



787 



well about 10 feet deep, covered with 
Ijoards, near there, and one day a neigh- 
bor girl came over, and Nancy and 
Polly (ireene told her to get on t]ie>;e 
boards and spring up and down. This 
she did, and the boards broke, precipi- 
tating her to the bottom of the well. 
Tlic girls began to scream, and liis 
grandfather and three boys came run- 
ning, expecting to Hud the whole family 
massacred; but when they found it to 
be nothing but a girl in the well, tliey 
were so angrj' that they had a notion to 
shoot the girls for screaming. Our sub- 
ject, Nelson Greene, remained with his 
parents until their death, at which 
time he was left the heir of (>"2 acres of 
land, which he farmed several years. 
He added to this until he now has 120 
acres in the homestead tract, and IG 
acres of timber land. Mr. Greene was 
married Jan. 1, 184(5, to Elizabeth A. 
Gano, daughter of .Jolin S. and Mary 
(Hartsuj)) (Jano. To this unicm ten 
children were born, eight of whom are 
now living — John, married Emilj' Per- 
ry, is a banker in Raymond, Mont- 
gomery county; Emily, wife of Nathaniel 
Perry, residing in Jlissouri; Mary, wife 
of Luther Snell, residing in Macoujnn 
county; Harah, wife of Scott Greene, 
residing in Menard county; Herschel 
\\, now in Independence City, Kan.; 
Lucy, Robert and Clarence, living at 
home. Those deceased are William, 
and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
Greene has held the office of justice of 
the peace two terms. He and his wife 
are members of the Baptist church. 
He is a liberal gentleman, and highly 
esteemed by his many friends. 

Joseph Piggott came to Greene county 
in the fall of 1819, and made a settle- 



ment on some land near what is called 
"Old Kane." He purchased this place 
and making the necessary improvements 
resided here until 1831, when he re- 
moved to Jersey county. 

Benjamin Allen, a (ieorgian, came to 
this infant settlement in 1819, and re- 
mained here some 3'ears. 

David Williams, a native of N'irgiuia, 
came to this section in 1821, and located 
upon Sec. 11, T. 9, R. 11, wliich he en- 
tered. He was married in St. Clair 
county, 111., in 1823, to Margaret Stout, 
a native of that county, by whom he had 
three children — Clarissa, Sarah and 
David J. Mr. Williams died on the 
farm he first settled on, in November, 
1828. 

Rev. C. J. Gardiner settled in tliis 
township in 1821. 

Rev. Christopher J. Gardiner, one of 
the earliest pioneers of Greene county, 
was born in Prince William <'ounty, 
Va., June 10, 1798. His parents died 
in his infancy, and he was reared liy his 
brother-in-law, William Evans, until ho 
was 16 years of age. In the spring of 
1814, he immigrated to Kentucky, and 
located in Hopkinsville, where he pro- 
fessed religion, and united with tin; 
Methodist church, of which, during his 
life, he lived an exemplary member, 
and was a minister for about 50 years. 
In July, 1818, he left Kentucky, locat- 
ing in St, Louis, Aug. 18, wdiere he es- 
tablished a tan-yard, which he continued 
to operate until the fall of the next 
year. While there, he was the first, 
and part of the time the only, Metho- 
dist class-leader in St. Louis. In Dec, 
1819, he came to (ireene county, and h)- 
cated on the farm, where be spent the 
remainder of his life. After selecting 



788 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



his land, he buried his money, all coin, 
and made a brief trip to St. Louis. 
After his return, he liegan improving 
his land, situated in T. 9, R. 12, on the 
south bluff of Macoupin creek. He 
was married, Dec. 14, 1823, to Margaret 
Mains, daughter of Robert Mains, an 
early pioneer of Illinois, and a native 
of North Carolina. By that union 
there were six sons — James B., died in 
Feb., 1881; William P., left many years 
ago, for California, and has not since 
beenheard from; Sam'l G.. present post- 
master at Kane; Joshua A., residing in 
Mexia, Limestone county, Tex.; Chris- 
topher J., Jr., residing at Kane, and L. 
D., now residing at the old homestead. 
All those living, married, and all are 
members of the Masonic order, except 
L. D. Gardiner. It may be said that 
Mr. Gardiner raised a large and intelli- 
gent family of children; who grew up to 
be honorable men. Mrs. Gardiner died 
Oct. 10, 1SH5, and he was again mar- 
ried March 26, 18o7, to Sarah Arn- 
si)iger. By this union there were three 
children, two of whom died in infancy. 
Their daughter — Mary E., has been 
thrice married, and is now the wife of 
Dr. Wier. Mr. Gardiner's second wife 
died June 5, 1844, and he was again 
married to Elizabeth Burch, Aug. 20, 
1845. By that union there was one 
daughter, who met with a sad fate, hav- 
ing been burned to death by kerosene. 
She was the wife of George W. Witt, at 
the time of her death. Rev. Mr. Gar- 
diner has the credit of preaching the 
first sermon in this township, and be- 
sides being a good citizen, of contribut- 
ing his part to the growth and develop- 
ment of the country. When he landed 
in Greene county, he had only a small 



capital, but being a man of considerable 
energy and economy, he became emi- 
nently successful in his business of tan- 
ning and farming, and had the satisfac- 
tion of being able to live in affluent 
circumstances. He was one of the 
early advocates of the temperance 
cause in this state. He became a mem- 
ber of the whig party from principle, 
and was the early friend of the free soil 
movement. He often regretted that his 
native state, Virginia, should have 
raised her hand against the Union. 
Henry Clay was his ideal statesman, and 
he never failed to vote for him when he 
had the opportunity. He was beloved 
and respected by a large circle of friends, 
and the purity of his christian charac- 
ter was known to all. In June, 1874, 
he died, and was buried in the Jalappa 
cemetery. 

A man by the name of John King is 
said to have settled in this township in 
1821, but no authentic account has been 
obtainable in regard to him. 

A settlement was made by Jesse 
White in this townshij), probably about 
the year 1824. He was a native of 
Madison county, this state, and his wife 
Tabitha,nee Carrico, of Kentucky. He 
entered 160 acres of land near the west 
line of this township on the Macoupin 
creek, and worked for 50 cents per hun- 
dred, making rails, to raise the money 
to pay for his land. 

Benjamin G. Tompkins, a native of 
Virginia, came to Kane township from 
Kentucky, where he was reared, in 1826, 
and located on section 28, near the site 
(if the village of Kane, where he entered 
160 acres of land, where he resided un- 
til the day of his death, Oct. 16, 1878. 
His wife was formerly Rebecca Hoff- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



789 



man, born in \'irginia, and brought up 
in Kentucky ; slie died in March, 1873. 

.John Stevens came to Greene county 
in 1828, and liking the country, located 
upon 100 acres of land, in Sec. 9, T. 11, 
R. 9, now in this sub-division of the 
county, where he remained until over- 
taken b}' death. 

Clark Stevens, a native of Coles county. 
Mo., was born Jan. 7, 1823, his parents 
being John and Elizabeth (Terry) Ste- 
vens, natives of Virginia. John .Stevens 
came to Hardin county, Ky., where he 
was married. After remaining there a 
short time, he moved to Ohio, thence 
to Indiana, then to Tennessee, and in 
1811 to Coles ciiunty, Mo., where he 
remained 12 years. In 1S2S he came to 
(Jreene county, 111., and located on Sec. 
9, T. 9, R. 11, where he entered 160 
acres of land, on wliich he lived the re- 
mainder of his life. At the time of his 
death, he owned 240 acres of land. He 
had made 14 diflV-rent improvements 
from the date of his marriage until his 
death, and had built a log cabin on each 
improvement. There were eight chil- 
dren in the fanuly — Belinda, Jasper, 
Sarah, Isaiah, Clark, Jolin, Elizabeth, 
and Mary. Only three of these are liv- 
ing — Elizabeth, wife of J. T. Mclntyre, 
residing in Texas; Mary, wife of James 
Daudall, living in Greene county; and 
Clark, the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Stevens died Alarch 12, 1853, and Mrs. 
Stevens in 1881, having survived her 
husband nearly 30 years. Clark was 
reared on the home farm until he was 
20 years of age. He then started in 
life for himself, commencing with 80 
acres of land, which he cultivated about 
10 years. After his fath<;r's dcatli he 
bought tlie liomestead, moved on to it. 



and it has since been his home. When 
he was but 18 years old, his father had 
erected a large two-story brick house, 
and Clark made the mortar, tramped it 
with his feet, chipped it down with a 
spade, and made an average of 3,000 
. brick per day, besides waiting on three 
brick masons. Mr. Stevens was mar- 
ried, March 11, 1S41, to Mildred Cooper, 
daughter of Ednaund L. and Mary 
Cooper. By that marriage there were 
13 children, nine of whom are liv- 
ing — Mary F., wife of Michael Han-i- 
gan, residing in Greene county; Robert, 
married Lizzie Dowden, residing in this 
township ; Lucy, wife of John Ashford, 
residing in Greene county ; Laura, wife 
of John T. Briggs, residing in Carlin- 
ville ; Cornelia E., wife of W. T. King, 
residing in Kansas ; Charlie, married to 
Mattie Irwin, residing in Jersey county; 
Maggie, wife of Franklin Freeh, resid- 
ing in Greene county; Edmund L., and 
Cora. Those deceased are Emma, Mar- 
tha, Edna 0., and one who died in 
infancy. Jan. 24, 1877, his wife died, 
and on the 8th of November, 1877, he 
was again married to Elizalieth E. Buck, 
daughter of Jacob and Elizal)eth Aula- 
baugh. Mr. Stevens has worked hard 
for the comforts which he now has, and 
has won the confidence of all whoknuw 
him, by his honesty and integrit}'. lie 
and his wife are members of the church. 
Franklin Witt, one of the afterward 
prominent men of Greene county, set- 
tled in 1826, in this township, south of 
the Macoupin creek, where he lived 
until his death in 1851. He is noticed at 
length in the chapter entitled, Naticmal 
State and County Representation, he 
having been a member of the general 
ssemblv several terms. 



ies 



790 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



William Thomasson, in 1828, came 
from Tennessee, and taking up a farm 
in Kane township, made it his residence 
for about two years, when he removed 
to BlufFdale township, and in 1847 to 
Woodville township, where he died. 

Samuel Martin, a native of Ambrose 
county, Va., came from Kentucky to 
Jersey county, in 1829, settling in Rich- 
woods township, but in 1831, with his 
family, came to this township and 
county, where he lived until 1844, when 
he was called to cross the dark river. 
His wife was Elizabeth Gunterman, 
daughter of John Gunterman, one of 
the early settlers of Jersey county. 

With his father came James Martin, 
then about 18 years of age. 

Section 26, of T. 9, R. 12, received a 
settler in 1829, in the person of Marvil 
Morris. He was a native of Tennessee, 
the son of John and Mary (Lewis) Mor- 
ris, and was born Oct. 2, 1807. In 1809 
his father brought his family to Illinois, 
settling in Pope county, where he died 
in 1822. The same year the family 
removed to Jefferson county, this state, 
where Marvil and Mary Estes were 
united in marriage. In 1829, he came 
here, as above stated, and lived here for 
a life-time. His wife died in Oct., 1868, 
but in Nov., 1872, he was married to 
Mrs. Maria Redding. Mr. Morris died 
in St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 7, 1876, but was 
at the tinie a resident of this township. 

Eli Witt, with his family, came to 
Greene county from their home in Ten- 
nessee, in Dec, 1829, and located on 
the southwest quarter of section 3, 
Kane township. In 1845, he removed 
to Texas, but returned shortly after- 
ward and located just east of Carroll- 
ton, where he died in the fall of 1851. 



With Mr. Witt came his son, Randolph, 
then a young man of 19 years. 

Randolph Witt was born in Jefferson 
county, Tenn., Dec. 30, ISIO, his par- 
ents being Eli and Nancy (McNealy) 
his father a native of Virginia, his 
mother of Tennessee. He came with 
his parents to Greene county. 111., in 
Dec, 1829, and they located on what is 
now Sec. 3, T. 9, R. 12. They remained 
there several years, and in 1845, Eli 
Witt moved to Texas, but after a short 
time he returned to Illinois, and located 
east of Carrollton, where he lived until 
his death, in Oct., 1851. His wife died 
in 1857. Randolph attended the com- 
mon schools of Tennessee and Illinois, 
attaining a fair business education. The 
first work he did, after coming to this 
county, was for Franklin Witt, and then 
for Samuel Thomas, the early settler of 
the county. The first land that he 
bought was the place on which he lived 
and died, which at first contained but 
40 acres, on section 10. By hard work, 
perseverance, and good management, he 
added to this, until he owned 312 acres 
on sections 9 and 10, having started out 
with nothing but his own strength and 
energy. He was married Aug. 18, 1836, 
to Polly Tunnell, daughter of Calvin and 
Jane (Adair) Tunnell. By this union 
they had five children, four of whom 
are living — Andrew J., married Frances 
Ball, resides in Montgomery county; 
William T., at home; Jane E., wife of 
John Ball, residing in Macoupin county; 
Elzina, wife of George Ball, residing in . 
Macoupin county. The one deceased 
was John C, who died in infancy. Mr. 
Witt was a staunch democrat, and his 
first vote for president was cast for 
Martin VanBuren.in 1836. He departed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



7U1 



this life June 24, 1SS4. His life had 
hecii that of an honest and upright man, 
and he was a true and loving husband 
and father. A widow and four children 
and a large circle of friends were left to 
mourn his departure. Mr. Witt was 
one of the pioneer settlers of (Ireene 
county. He was obliged to toil very 
hard, when settling there, but at last 
lie had secured a good home, and made 
his mark with the other early settlers, 
who have nearly all passed away. 

William T. Witt was born in Greene 
county, on the 14th day of Jan., 1844. 
His parents were Randolph and Polly 
(Tunnell) Witt, his father being a native 
of Jefferson county, Tenn., and his 
mother of Greene county, 111. His 
father came to Greene county in the fall 
of 1829, and located on the northwest 
i|uarter of section 3, in Kane township. 
He lived there with his parents, until 
1836, when he began farming for him- 
self, liaving bought 40 acres of land on 
section 10, in this township. On this he 
first built a little log cabin, but after- 
ward erected a frame residence, wiiere 
he lived until the 24th of June, 1884, the 
date of his death. William has always 
made his home with his parents on the 
farm. In the year 1871, he went to 
Washington county, Kan., in company 
with another man, making the trip in a 
wagon. He went to look at some land, 
but only remained a short time when he 
returned home. In the year 1873, he 
went to Virginia on business, and also 
for the lienefit of his health, and after a 
stay of three months came home. Mr. 
Witt has devoted his attention to farm- 
ing and stock-raising all his life. He is 
a democrat, and his lirst vote was cast 
for George B. McClellan, in the year 



1864. Mr. Witt is an intelligent gentle- 
man, and is respected by all who know 
him. 

Among the settlers of 1831, in Kane 
township was Abraham Enslow, a Feim- 
sylvanian, who came here from Ohio. 
On coming here, he moved to a place 
two miles north of Kane, occupying 
part of a house with the widow Daniel, 
for the first winter. In the spring of 
1832, he purchased 40 acres of land on ■ 
section 33, this township, and lived on 
it three years, when he sold out and 
bought 80 acres about one and a half 
miles northwest of Kane. He moved 
several times after this, and died near 
Old Kane, in 1874. 

John Varble with his family, left their 
home in Kentucky, in 1831, and cast in 
their lot with the pioneers of Greene 
county. They located upon Sec. 4, T. 
9, R. 11, where Mr. Varble entered 
some 200 acres of land. About 1845, he 
sold out and removed to Montgomery 
county, where he died. 

His son, John H. ^'arllIc, was for 
many years a respected citizen of this 
part of the county. He was born in 
Kentucky, in 1827, and died here in 
March, 1877. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Jacob L. Pope was born in Somerset 
county, N. J., his parents being Samuel 
and Mary (Gaddis) Pope, natives of 
New Jersey. They came to (ireene 
county. 111., in 1836, and his father lo- 
cated at Old Kane, where he bought 184 
acres of land. He was a blacksmith by 
trade, and was the first one in that town. 
He also kept the first hotel there. His 
death occurred in 1850, and that of his 
wife in 1868. Jacob L. remained at 



792 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



home, working in the hotel and black- 
smith shop, until he was 24 years of age. 
He then began farming for himself, on 
some land that he had previously bought 
in Jersey county, consisting of 7-1 acres, 
on which he remained until 1855. He 
then sold out and bought 200 acres, 
known as the Smith farm, in the same_ 
county, and after living on that one 
year, he sold it and bought the Long- 
• street farm of 230 acres, on which he 
remained two years. This he then sold 
and purchased 480 acres in Sangamon 
county, and after living there four 
years, sold out and bought 336 1-2 acres 
in Greene county, on section 21, in Kane 
township. He now owns 256 1-2 acres 
in this county, and 160 acres in Sedge- 
wick county, Kan. In 1862 he enlisted 
in the 122d 111. Inf., and served until 
the close of the war. He went in as 
first lieutenant and was promoted to 
captain of his company in 1865. He 
was in the battles of Blue Creek, Mo., 
when fighting with Price; Parker Cross 
Roads, Paducah, Ky., Tupelo, Miss., 
Nashville, Tenn., the capture of Fort 
Blakeley, and ]\Iobile, and several skir- 
mishes. He was married in July, 1848, 
to Eliza A. Longstreet, who, with her 
parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Long- 
street, had emigrated from Montgomery 
county, O., in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Pope 
are the parents of 10 children, nine of 
whom are living — Samuel L., now in 
Kansas; Jacob G., married to Susan 
Parker, residing in Kane township; 
Laura V., wife of George H. Gardiner, 
residing in this township; Anna E., 
wife of Whitney Tucker, residing in 
Wichita, Kan.; Ada B.; Grace H., wife 
of Wallace A. Wood, residing in Chase 
county, Kan.; Elizabeth M., Jessie W. 



and Mary F. The one deceased is Guy 
R. At the close of the war, Mr. Pope 
returned home, where he remained un- 
til 1872, when he went to Sedgwick 
county, Kan., and to W^ichita, where he 
spent nine years trading in stock and 
land. In 1878, he took his family to 
Eureka Springs, Ark., for their liealth. 
They were there a short time and then 
returned to Kansas. He afterward took 
them to Siloam Springs, Ark., and after 
spending a while there, returned to his 
home in this county and resumed farm- 
ing. Mr. Pope is a member of tlie Ma- 
sonic fraternity and of the G. A. R. 
post. He is an intelligent, enterprising 
man and has thus far been very success- 
ful in farming. Mr. S. Longstreet, after 
selling his farm to his son-in-law, J. L. 
Pope, engaged in business in Jersey- 
ville for some time. In 1860 he moved to 
lola, Allen county, Kan., where he re- 
sumed farming. He died in 1865. In 
1873 his widow and only remaining son 
moved to Lewis county, W. T., where 
they still reside. 

John Pope, a prominent citizen of 
this county, was born Oct. 3, 1836, in 
Old Kane, Greene county. III. His 
parents were Samuel and Mary (Gaddis) 
Pope, natives of New Jersey. They 
came to this county in 1836, and located 
at Old Kane, where Samuel bought 
about 300 acres of land, and remained 
on it until his death, which occurred 
about the year 1848. He came from the 
state of New Jersey to Alton, and from 
there to Old Kane, in a one-horse 
wagon. He was the second man to 
locate there, and had the first black- 
smith shoi^, and also the first tavern in 
the town. His wife, Mary (Gaddis) 
Pope, the mother of our subject, died 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



793 



in I860. John Pope was raised on a 
farm, having remained at homo until he 
was 28 years of age. In 1858, he and 
his two brothers bought 1,000 acres of 
hmd in Sangamon county, on which 
they remained aliout t.vo years, when 
they siAd out and came back to Old 
Kane, where John remained about six 
years, following farming. In 1863, he 
went to California, taking horses and 
mules, going all the way horseback. 
He sold them in San Francisco and 
Sacramento, and made the return trip 
around by water to Alton, and from 
there came home, having visited New 
York, Cleveland, Dunkirk, and several 
other cities, on the way. He still deals 
in stock, as well as engaging in farming. 
In 1864, he purchased 240 acres of land 
on section 2, Kane township, and has 
since resided there. About four years 
ago he built a large frame house at a 
cost of $2,800, and the surroundings 
show him to be a man full of energy 
and enterprise. On Dec. 8, 1864, he 
was married to Marietta Enslow, daugh- 
ter of Abram and Julietta Enslow. 
Three children were born to them — 
Lulu, William 0. and Rua. Mr. Pope 
is tlie present school director of district 
No. 4. He is a democrat in politics; is 
one of (ireene county's prominent men, 
and is lield in high esteem by all who 
know him. 

Benjamin F. Ozbun was born in Sum- 
ner county, Tenn., Nov. 18, 1810, his 
parents being Bartholomew and Eliza- 
beth (Abbott) Ozbun, natives of \'ir- 
ginia. He came with his parents to the 
territory of Illinois, in 1816, and most 
of liis boyhood days were si)ent in 
clearing up his father's farm, so that he 
became proficient in the duties of farm- 



life. In the year 1832, he removed to 
Greene county, Ind., where he renuiined 
until the fall of 1884, when he came to 
Greene county. 111., landing here with 
50 cents in silver and a horse which he 
had rode all the way from Tennessee. 
He began to work for Samuel Thomas, 
one of the early pioneers, at S12 per 
month. He worked around for about 
two years, and on the 9th of July, 1837, 
was united in marriage with Nancy 
McCool, born Aug. 10, 1817, in Pope 
county. 111. She was the daughter of 
Jesse and Jane McCool. By tliis union 
there were 10 children, six of whonv 
are living — John F., married Lena Lcs- 
man, resides in Kane township; Daniel 
T., spoken of elsewhere; Rol^ert B., 
lives at home; Jane E., wife of John 
Roberts, residing in Kansas; Jesse A., 
married Mary Ryan, lives in this town- 
ship; and Mary M. Those deceased 
are Bartholomew, George W., Lucy A. 
and James L. After his marriage he 
moved on the farm he had previously 
purchased, in the northeast part of the 
county. In 1857, they moved on the 
farm where they now reside, on Sec. 3, 
T. 9, R. 12. He owne<l 220 acres of 
land on sections 3 and 10 at the time of 
his death, and his family were sur- 
rounded with all the comforts of a good 
home. He was, in politics, a democrat 
and his first vote for president was cast 
for Andrew Jackson, whose principles 
he followed ever afterward. He died 
July 18, 1885, leaving his wife and chil- 
dren to deeply mourn the loss of a kind 
husband and a loving father, an<l the 
community to regret the loss of so good 
a citizen. He was buried in the Car- 
roUton cemetery. The farm is now 
managed by his son, Robert. He was 



794 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



(iiie of tlie oldest settlers of Greene 
county, ami but few of our readers can 
imagine what those pioneers had to go 
through when they settled in the now 
rich and fertile Greene county. They 
are one by one passing away, and may 
a rich reward be theirs. 

Daniel T. Ozbun was born in Greene 
county on the 7th of Oct., 1839, his 
parents being Benjamin and Nancy 
(McCool) Ozbun, natives of Tennessee. 
They came from that state to Greene 
county. 111., about the year 1835, and 
located in Kane township. Daniel T. 
Ozbun was reared on the farm, but 
learned the carpenter's trade, at which 
he has worked, off and on, all his life. 
He made his home with his parents un- 
til he was 35 years of age, at which 
time he started out for himself, buying 
SO acres of land on section 3. He 
cleared it off, built a house, into which 
he moved, and on this land has since 
lived. He now owns 120 acres of land, 
on which he has worked very hard, 
most of it having been timber. He has 
the greater portion cleared off, and has 
a nice residence, and his surroundings 
show him to be an energetic, industri- 
ous man. He was married, April 7, 
1875, to Susan J. Summers, daughter of 
Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Tunnell) Sum- 
mers. They have three children — 
Charles U., born Feb. 22, 1876; Alice 
E., born Oct. 25, 1878; Jackson L., born 
Feb. 6, 1881. Mrs. Ozbun is a member 
of the M. E. church. Mr. Ozbun has 
held the office of school director five 
years. 

Peter Felter, deceased, was a native 
of Nyack, Rockland county, N. Y., and 
was born Oct. 19, 1819, his parents being 
William and Elizabeth (Slocum) Felter, 



natives of New York. In 1834 they 
came to Illinois, locating near Carroll- 
ton, where Peter began learning the 
tailor's trade, which he afterward fin- 
ished in St. Louis. They moved to 
Fieldon, Jersey county, in 1844, where 
they resided until the death of Mr. 
William Felter, in 1846, when Mrs 
Felter removed to Jersey ville, and spent 
the remainder of her days there. In 
about the year 1843 our subject moved 
near Fieldon, where he bought 120 acres 
of land and to that he added exten- 
sively, and by also being engaged in 
boating, merchandising, stock raising, 
etc., laid the foundation of future suc- 
cess. In 1866 he moved to Greene 
county, and located on section 29 in 
Kane township, where he bought 223 
acres of land. Here, by prudence and 
thrift, he made for himself and family 
a home most comfortable, on a farm the 
best cultivated of any around him. He ac- 
cumulated acre by acre, until by taking 
advantage of every purchase that seemed 
profitable, he became the possessor of 
1,000 acres of land. He was married 
Oct. 10, 1844, to Harriet G. Bramlette, 
daughter of Elkano and Sarah N. 
(Lofton) Bramlette. Mr. Felter spent 
most his time with his family, and his 
abundant means was used for their com- 
fort and pleasure. Unfortunately he 
had, while obtaining his property, 
undermined his health, by giving such 
constant care and attention to business, 
and from that on his constitution became 
weaker and weaker, until on Jan. 23, 
18S1, at 1 o'clock p. m., he departed 
this life, leaving a widow and a large 
family of children. His departure was 
deeply felt by all who knew him. He 
was a kind and faithful husband, a lov- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



795 



ing father and a true friend. After a 
life of activity, he had reached that pin- 
nacle of success, open to all who display 
that amount of energy that has marked 
Mr. Felter's career from l)oyliood. 

William Mason, deceased, was born 
in Virginia, near Elizabethtown, Aug. 
1:5, 1815, being a son of Joseph and 
Sarah (Wilson) Mason, natives of Mary- 
land. William came to Greene county 
in 18'28, and located near RockI)ridge, 
where he bought a farm of 160 acres, 
and lived there 20 years. He then sold 
it and moved to Macoupin county, 
where he bought 120 acres of land near 
Carlinvillc, and after remaining on that 
six years, he sold out and bought 80 
acres of land in Jersey county. This 
he sold after ayear'stime, and removed 
to Greene county, locating on section 
18, in Kane township, where he bought 
84 acres of land. Here he spent the 
remaining days of his life. He was 
married, Dec. 30, 1850, to Abigail 
(Whitlock) Ritchey, daughter of Capt. 
James and Rhoda Whitlock. By this 
luiion they had three children, all of 
whom are dead. Mr. Mason died May 
30, 1870, leaving a widow and three 
children, to mourn the loss of a kind 
and faithful husband and father; and 
the Baptist church to lose a true and 
liberal member. Mrs. Mason has one 
cliild living, by her first husband — 
llura, married to John Wright, residing 
in Kane township. She owns 84 acres 
of land, and manages the farm herself. 
She is a member of the Baptist church. 

Captain James M'hitlock, deceased, 
Mrs. Mason's father, came to (Jreene 
county in 181'.), and located in what is 
now known as Kane township, on sec- 
tion 20, where he bought 900 acres of 



land on that and adjoining sections, and 
remained until 1850. In April of that 
year, he started on the road to Cali- 
fornia, with three teams, and got as far 
as the plains when he took the cholera 
and died. There was quite a train of 
emigrants going through at the same 
time, and a great many of them died with 
this disease. In the year 1820, James 
was married to Rhoda Green, widow of 
Thomas Green. They were the parents 
of 10 children — Elizabeth, Abigail, 
Matheny, John W., Nancy, Henry R., 
Hannah D., and three who died in in- 
fancy. Only three are now living. 
They are — Abigail, Matheny and Han- 
nah. Captain Whitlock served all 
through the Black Hawk war of 1831-2. 
Augustine T. Perry, a prominent resi- 
dent of Kane township, was born in 
Hopkinsville, Christian county, Ky., 
on the 23d of Sept., 1829, and was a son 
of Nathaniel M. andP'^rances A. (Tandy) 
Perry. Col. Nathaniel M. Perry, a 
native of Orange county, Va., was liorn 
Nov. 30, 1806, being a son of James and 
Ann Perry, of Englisli descent. His 
father died in 1815, and in 1818, his 
mother removed with her children to 
Christian county, Ky. She died Oct. 
7, 1853, at the residence of her son, 
N. M. Perry, in Greene county. 111. 
Col. Perry received his education in 
the schools of Kentucky, and after 
iinishing, he engaged in teaching a se- 
lect school at Nashville, Tenn.,and was 
very successful. In the winter of 1828 
he was married to Frances A. Tandy, 
daughter of Henry Tandy, of Chirks- ^ 
villc, Tenn., originally from Virginia. 
By this union there were four cliihlren, 
of which Augustine, the subject oftliis 
sketch was one. After his marriage 1 



jm 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



Mr. Perry engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. He left the state of Kentucky 
and came to Illinois, arriving in Greene 
county in 1836, and soon after locating at 
Homer, where he built a residence and 
the first business house in the town. 
He put a general stock of merchandise 
in this store, and continued in that busi- 
ness until 1872, carrying on farming at 
the same time, he having bought 200 
acres of land when he first came to the 
comity. In IS^io he became partner in 
a lirm to build a steam grist mill, and 
afterward became sole owner, which he 
was for several years. In the month of 
Dec, 1837, his wife died, and in 1840 he 
was again married to Eliza Hill, daugh- 
ter of Rev. William Hill, formerly of 
Virginia. By this union there were five 
children. Col. Perry became a member 
of the Baptist church when only 17 
years old, and ever afterward lived an 
exemplary life. He was a deacon in 
the church for many years. In July, 
1861, he was again called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife. In the fall of 1864 
he was nominated and elected to the 
legislature, by the democratic party, 
which position he ably filled, with honor 
and Integrity. On the 2d of Oct., 1872, 
he was married to Maiy Bowman, daugh- 
ter of Martin Bowman of Carrollton. 
.\fter selling his store out he retired 
from business altogether, intending to 
take some ease and enjoj'ment tlie re- 
mainder of his days. On the 5th of Oct., 
1875, he departed this life. He was ad- 
mired by all for his sociability, honor- 
able integrity and rectitude. Augustine 
went behind the counter in his father's 
store when he was in his 16th year, and 
ren)ained as clerk 10 years. He then 
became a partner, and so continued for 



two years. Jan. 1, 1858, he withdrew, 
giving place to a younger brother, J.M. 
Perry, now of Kansas City, Mo. In June, 
1858, he formed a partnership with his 
brother-in-law. Dr. B. G. Culver, and 
sold goods at White Hall for four years, 
when he was advised by his physicians 
to cjuit the business, which he did, and 
in the fall of 1862, returned to his old 
home, and engaged in farming, and has 
since continued in that occupation. He 
now owns 800 acres of valuable land, 
and is an extensive farmer and dealer 
in stock. He isamember ofthe R.A.M. 
chapter, No. 77, and of connnandery, No. 
29, of Carrollton, and also of the A. F. 
& A. M., of Kane. In politics, he is a 
democrat. He is one of Greene county's 
wealthy and most prominent men, and 
enjoys the esteem of all who know him. 
Ira White was liorn in Greene county, 
111., on the 24th of Feb., 1837. He was 
a son of Jesse and Tabitha (Carrico) 
White, his father a native of Madison 
county. 111., and his mother of Ken- 
tucky. His parents came to Greene 
county at an early day, settling in what 
is now Kane township, near the west 
line, on the Macoupin creek. His 
father entered 160 acres of land, work- 
ing for 50 cents a hundred making rails 
to get enough money to pay for entering 
it. He toiled hard, thus making a suc- 
cessful farmer, so that at the time of his 
death he owned considerable land. 
When he first came to Greene county, 
deer was more plenty than rabbits now 
are, and wild turkeys were seen by the 
hundreds. In those early days tlie 
people were compelled to kill sutli 
game for food. He was one of the old- 
est settlers in this township. Ira VV^hite 
spent his youth with his parents on the 



HISTORY OF (IREENE COUNTY. 



farm, and when lie became of age, in 
1858, hia father gave him 40 acres of 
land in Jersey count}'. He farmed that 
one j'ear and then traded it to his 
brother, Louis, for the homestead of 85 
acres, to which he moved and has since 
made his home. He now own.s 140 
acres of lainl on Sec. .')(), T. 9, R. 12, 
and his resitlence, with all its surround- 
ings, show him to be a man of energy, 
intelligence and enterprise. He has 
been twice married, first, on the 4th of 
JIarcli, 1858, to Fannie Close, daughter 
of William and Lucretia Close. To 
them were born two children, both ot 
wIkjui are dead. Mrs. ^^'hite died in 
1869, and in 1870 he was again married 
to Eliza Close, a sister of his first wife. 
He and his wife were both born on the 
farm he now owns. By this marriage 
there are two children — Thir/a and 
Minnie. In the fall of 1883, he, with 
some others, took a trip to Black river, 
on a hunting expedition. 'J'hcy hired a 
steamer and went down the river and 
staid two weeks, during which time 
they killed eight deer, and a number of 
(lucks, turkeys and squirrels. They re- 
turned home feeling refreshed, and with 
many pleasant recollections of the good 
time they had spent. 

Charles F. Gano, a native of Berkeley 
county, Va., (now West Virginia) and 
was born May 25, 1832. He was a son 
of John L. and Mary (Hartsook) Cano, 
natives of Virginia. In 1840, he, with 
his parents, came to Greenfield, Greene 
county, 111., where. they staid one win- 
ter. They came through with a four- 
horse wagon, being oh tlie road several 
weeks. In the spring of 1841, they 
moved to what is now Kane township, 
locating on Sec. fi, T. 9, K. 11, where 



John L. bought 160 acres of land. He 
lived there until 1858, when he sold ou 
and removed to Henry county. Mo., 
and there bought 1,200 acres of land, 
where he remained until his death, in 
Feb., 1883. His wife died in 1880. 
Charles F. started out for himself at the 
age of 22, first renting land of his 
father; but in the course of a year or 
so, bought 160 acres of land in Kane 
township, and has since lived on it. He 
moved there in ISIarch, 1855. He now 
owns 320 acres on section 2, in Kane 
township, 20 acres in Benton county, 
and 100 acres in St. Clair county. Mo. 
His residence, with its convenient and 
pleasant surroundings, show that he is 
a man of vim, thrift and intelligence. 
He was married March 8, 1855, to Caro- 
line Hoffman, daughter of William and 
Margaret (Goforth) Hofi'man. They 
are the parents of 10 children, seven of 
whom are living — John W., married 
Susan F. Foley, and resides in Kane 
township; Maggie B., wife of John C. 
Carter, Jr., residing in Carrollton town- 
shiji; Mary J., wife of George Carter, 
of Carrollton township; Freddie W, 
Avery W., Emma C, and Leonard. 
Those deceased, are — Charles F., Alva 
W. and Arthur. ]Mr. and Mrs. Gano 
are members of the Baptist churcii. 
Mr. Gano has held the ofhce of school 
director for about 15 years, and is now 
holding the office of township trustee. 
He is one of the leading and influential 
men of his township. 

George Cole was born in Greene 
county, Ky., April, 3, 1840, and isason 
of William and jSIary (Bolin) Cole, na- 
tives of Kentucky. His father died in 
Keokuk county, la., in 1844. The fam- 
ily came to Greene county in 1845, and 



798 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



located on Lorton's Prairie, where they 
ri'iiiained about 12 years. In 1857, they 
moved to Jersey county, near Delhi, 
where George farmed until 1868. His 
mother died there in the year 185"), and 
after her death the children scattered 
here and there, to do for themselves. 
On the 10th of Aug., 1869, George was 
married to Louisa Swifle, daughter of 
William and Elizabeth Switle. By this 
union there were three children — Levi, 
Lilian and Rosa L. In the year 1875, 
his wife died, and in the year 1876, he 
was again married to Millie Ann Shaw. 
By this marriage there was one child — 
Millie A. In 1877 he was called to 
mourn the loss of his second wife. He 
was married the third time in 1879, to 
Maria Morris. They are the parents of 
one child — William. Mrs. Cole has 
three children by a former marriage — 
Mary, Freeman and Rosa. Mr. Cole 
owns 120 acres of land on section 26, in 
this township, and is an industrious 
farmer. In politics he is an independ- 
ent. 

Ricliard C. Waddle was born in .ler- 
sey county, May 19, 1842. His parents 
were William G. (deceased) and Susan 
C. (Fuller) Waddle, his father being a 
native of IMississippi, his mother of 
North Carolina. When William P. was 
one year old, his parents came to Illi- 
nois, and located in Madison county, 
where they resided a number of years. 
He then removed to Jersey county, and 
located at what is now Newborn, remain- 
ing there until 1848. In that year Win. 
G. moved to Greene county, to what is 
now New Kane, and there bought 40 
acres of land, on which he lived for 
two years. He then sold and moved to 
Jersey county, there buying 80 acres 



of land on section 33, where he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 
1872. His mother is still living, and 
resides with her son Richard, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. His early life was 
spent on his father's farm, he remaining 
there until his death. Dec. 19, 1866, he 
was married to Martha M. Snell, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Asa and Priscilla Emeline 
(Landon) Snell. They are the parents 
of four children: James H., (^lussie L., 
Susan E. and Charles E. Mr. Waddle 
owns 310 acres of land, 110 of which lies 
in Jersey county, and 200 on section 33, 
this township and county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Waddle are members of the M. E. 
church of Kane. Mr. Waddle has been 
an industrious farmer, and thus has laid 
by enough to ensure him a comfortable 
life as long as he lives. 

Joseph Dressel, a native of Germany, 
was born on the 19th of March, 1843, 
his parents being Fiadel and Sophia 
Dressel, natives of Germany. In 1853, 
he with his parents bade farewell to 
their fatherland and took passage at 
Havre on a sailing vessel bound for 
New Orleans. On arriving there, they 
sailed up the river to St. Louis, where 
they remained three years. His father 
was a stone-cutter by trade, and worked 
at it while in St. Louis, and after that 
time he came to Greene county, 111., 
locating on Link's branch, and working 
on the railroad a short time. Joseph's 
father, mother and two sisters died in 
St. Louis. Joseph remained in that 
city awhile after his father left, and 
then followed him to Greene county, 
where he worked around for two or 
three years. In 1861, he went to Old 
Kane and worked in the flouring mill 
two years. He then bought a steam 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



799 



thresher, the first that was brought into 
Kane township, and lias since engaged 
in threshing, during the season. He 
came to Greene county without a dollar, 
hut by keen judgment, integrity and 
attending strictly to business, he has 
accumulated a small fortune, owning 
192 acres of well cultivated laud on sec- 
tion 30, and a tine residence in Old 
Kane, which was built at a cost of 
about $4,U(J0. Not many have had to 
toil as Mr. Dressel has, to make a start 
in life. In the month of Dec, 1865, he 
was united in marriage with Minerva 
Hudson, daughter of John H. and 
Samantha (Hodge) Hudson. This nuir- 
riage has been blessed with eight chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living — Mat- 
tie, Jessie, Freddie, John, Addie, Wal- 
ter and Warren, the last two being 
twins. The one deceased is George, 
who died in 1874. Mr. Dressel is a 
member of King Solomon's lodge. No. 
197, of Kane, and of chapter No. 77, of 
Carrollton, and of Hugh de Payen's 
commandery, No. 29, all of the A. F. 
and A. M. In politics he is a d(anocrat. 
Mr. Dressel has by honesty and integ- 
rity wontlie estimation of all who know 
him or have had any dealings with him. 
Plenry Curtius was born in Greene 
county. 111., on Feb. 6, 1858, his parents 
being Luman and Ellen K. (Beeby) Cur- 
tius. His father was a native of New 
York and his mother of the state of New 
York. They came to Greene county in 
the fall of 1844, and located one mile 
east of Carrollton, wliere Mr. Curtius 
bought 800 acres of land on which he 
has since resided. He has been a suc- 
cessful farmer and ranks among the best 
of them. Our subject, Henry, was 
reared on the farm of his parents, where 



he remained until he was 22 years of 
age. In the year 1881 he bought the 
place where he now resides, consisting 
of 120 acres of land on section 17, Kane 
township. He has been twice married, 
first on the 17tli of March, l.SSO, to 
Minnie A. Landis, daughter of Wm. H. 
and Mary Landis. By this marringc 
there was one child — Nellie M. On the 
30th of March, 1882, his wife died. He 
was again married on the 3d of April, 
1884, to Lois Lee, daughter of John M. 
and Mary Lee. Politically, Mr. Curtius 
is a republican, and is an industrious 
and intelligent citizen. 

Rowland B. Huitt was born in (irecno 
county, on the 4th of May, 1822, hence 
is among the oldest residents in this 
county. His parents were John W. and 
Rosanna (Harriford) Huitt, his father 
being a native of Franklin county, Ga., 
and his mother of Tennessee. They 
came from Georgia, and located in what 
is now Jersey county, Iluyle townshi)), 
in 1818, and John W., with his brother 
Hiram, entered a half section of laud 
where he remained until 1823. In the 
sj)ring of that year he i)urchased 80 
acres of land in Linder townshi)), on 
which he removed and remained until 
1878, when he removed to Carrollton, 
where he lived until his deatli, Oct., 22, 
1882, he having survived his wife a few 
years. She died on the 21st of April 
1880. Rowland spent his youth on the 
farm, working for his parents until he 
was 24 years of age. He then com- 
menced in life for himself, and farmed 
two years on his father's farm. In the 
spring of 1849, he removed to Kane 
township, and located on section 25, 
where be still resides. Mr. Huitt was 
married on the 29th of March, 1844, to 



800 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Meddy A. Liles, daughter of George W. 
and Elizabeth Liles. They are the 
parents of nine children, five of whom 
are living — William, married Olivia J. 
O'Fara, (now dead) is now in Kansas; 
Elizabeth married Richard Rains, and 
resides in Kane; Richard, married Sarah 
A. Jackson; John W'., married Mary A. 
Brooks, resides in this county; and 
Ella, at home. Those deceased are — 
Elizabeth, Rosanna, Lillie L., and one 
who died in infancy. Mr. Huitt owns 
180 acres of land on which he raises 
stock and grain, and is a successful 
farmer. He was elected township trustee 
in 1880, and served four years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Huitt are members of the 
Providence church. 

John W. Hunter, deceased, was born 
in county Antrim, Ireland, on the 9th 
of Feb., 1824, being a son of John and 
Catherine (Wallace) Hunter, natives of 
Ireland. In 1851 he bade farewell to 
his fatherland, and taking passage on a 
vessel at Belfast, sailed for New York. 
From there he went to New Jersey, 
where he remained two years. In 1853, 
he came to Illinois, locating near Jer- 
seyville, where he followed farming a 
short time. He rented land for about 
12 years, and then purchased some. In 
1867, he came to Greene county and 
purchased 200 acres of land, 80 of which 
lies in Jersey county, and the remainder 
on section o3, in Kane township, where 
he resided until his death, which oc- 
cured on the 20th of Feb., 1882. He 
was twice married; first to Jane Robb, 
daughter of James and Esther Robb, on 
the 14th of Nov., 1848. By this union, 
they had eight children, six of whom 
are living — Sarah, married Frank E. 
Brown, resides in Kane; James, married 



Allie D. Davis, resides in Carlinville; 
William A.; Albert E., deceased; mar- 
ried Martha J. Allen, who resides in 
this county; Thomas, Sophronia A., 
wife of William Fitzgerald, resides in 
Sumner county, Kan.; Charles W. and a 
child who died in infancy. Mrs. Hun- 
ter died Jan. 5, 1867, and Mr. Hunter 
was again married, June 18, 1868, to 
Matilda J. Crone. By this union they 
had eight children, five of whom are 
living. They are — John, IMary, Harry, 
Julia and Mabel. Those deceased are — 
Jessie, and two who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Hunter now owns 130 acres of 
land, and the farm is managed by Wm. 
Hunter, her step-son. Mrs. Hunter 
and family are members of the ]\I. E. 
church. 

John G. Weller, a native of Wurtem- 
burg, Germany, was born on the 30th of 
May, 1834. He was a son of Christo- 
pher and Catharine Weller, natives of 
Germany. His father was a farmer and 
followed that occupation in the old 
country. In June, 1853, after bidding 
farewell to country and friends, he took 
passage at Bremen and sailed to New 
York. On arriving there he went to 
New Jersey, and after working on a farm 
four years, he left that state and came 
to Illinois, where he worked on a farm 
two years in Jersey county. In 1859 he 
came to Greene county and settled on 
section 35, where he farmed for six 
years, and then removed to another por- 
tion of the same section, where he had 
bought 20 acres of land. He built a 
house on it, but only remained there 
one year, then removed to the Good- 
man farm and lived there nine j'ears. 
He then bought 120 acres of land on Sec. 
34, T. 9, R. 12, to which he moved and 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



801 



has since remained. On Nov. 9, 1862, 
he was united in marriage with Matilda 
Foster, daughter of Mrs Matilda Foster. 
They are the parents of six children, 
five of whom are living — lolin F., Wil- 
liam B., Edward E., Katie and Delia A. 
The one deceased is Christie. Mr. 
Weller's farm now contains 129 acres of 
land, and he has procnvcd this by indus- 
trv and enterprise. 

Jolm L. Bray was born in Jersey 
county, Illinois, April 26, 1848, his 
parents being Ira and Mary (White) 
Bray, his father a native of North Caro- 
lina, and his mother of Illinois. His 
father came to Jersey comity at a very 
early day, and located near Grafton, 
where he lived for several years. He 
then moved into Otterville precinct, 
where he resided until his death, which 
occurred in the year 1851, when that 
dreadful disease, cholera, was raging, 
and with which he was carried off. His 
wife survived him until ihc fall of ISGO, 
when she too was laid to rest. John L. 
remained with his parents daring their 
lifetime, being left an orjihan when 
only 10 years of age. His grandmother 
then took him to raise, and with her he 
lived two years. He then came to G reene 
comity, and lived with his uncle, Jesse 
VVHiite, for four years, when he began 
working around, and continued so doing 
until he was married. In 1874, he began 
to learn the plasterer's trade, and 
worked at it four years. On the 2Gth 
of Nov., 1876, he was married to Sarah 
F. Stamps, daughter of Thomas and 
Ellen (Lapiere) Stamps. ^Ir. Bray 
farms to some extent, hut works most 
of the time at his trade, jjlastering and 
Inick masonry, and is a good workman. 
In politics, he is a republican. 



Thomas S. Parker was born in Hamp- 
shire county, W. Va., on the 28th of 
Feb., 1837, his parents l)eing Jacob M'. 
and Mary (Ludwig) Parker, natives of 
M'est Virginia. His father was born in 
June, 1801, and his mother in May, of 
the same year, and they were married 
in 1824, in their native state, and re- 
mained there until 18.')7. In the fall of 
that year they came to Greene county 
and located on Sec. 14, T. 9, R. 12, 
where they lived seven years. They 
then moved on to the west half of the 
southeast quarter of section 14, which 
they rented for seven years, after which 
time they purchased the same, contain- 
ing 80 acres, and Jacob lived on this 
until his death, July 26, 1871. He lived 
in this county 14 years before he owned 
any real estate. At the time of his 
death he owned 160 acres. A\'licn they 
left Virginia they went over the moun- 
tains to Wheeling, in wagons, and from 
there by water to St. Louis, thence to 
Columbia, where they landed. Thomas 
S., the subject of this sketch, remained 
with his parents on the farm during 
their lifetime, and afterwards took 
charge of the homestead and made his 
home there until 1883. In 1874, Mr. 
Parker, who had been farming and deal- 
ing in stock up to that time, had a pub- 
lic sale and disposed of all his personal 
property, after which he went to St. 
Louis and joined the firm of M. C. 
Thompson & Co., dealing in live stock 
at the stock yards. After being there 
about seven months, he became dissat- 
isfied, dissolved partnership, and made 
a trip to the old homestead in Virginia. 
From there he came lu)me, staid a short 
time, and then went to Kansas, where 
he had taken a claim of 160 acres. He 



802 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



remained there during the years of 1875 
and 1876, and bought 1,200 acres of land 
on which heconnnenced improvements. 
In 1877, he returned home, and shortly 
afterward sold nnd traded off all the 
Kansas land. He now owns about 1,200 
acres of land, all in Greene county. He 
was married on the 10th of March, 1878, 
to Lydia Gilleland, daughter of Robert 
and Lucy Gilleland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Parker are the parents of three children 
— Susan, Mary E. and Ruth. Mr. Par- 
ker is a member of the A. F. & A. M. 
lodge, at Kane, and is, in politics, a 
democrat. He is one of the wealthiest 
and most prominent men in the county, 
and is noted for his enterprise and in- 
tegrity. 

Elias Greene, another representative 
of that family who were among the 
earliest settlers in Greene county, was 
born in this county, on the 25th of 
March, 1831. He is a son of John and 
Nancy (Mains) Greene, his father a na- 
tive of Kentucky, his mother of Georgia. 
A sketch of them will be seen in another 
part of the history, so that more will 
not be said of them here. Elias Greene 
remained on the farm with his parents 
during their lifetime. In the year 1860, 
he started out in life for himself, and 
moved on to 65 acres of land which he 
had been left heir to. On this he erected 
a comfortable two-story frame residence 
in which he has since lived. He has 
been a successful farmer, and has added 
200 acres to his original farm, thus giv- 
ing him a nice farm of 265 acres. On 
the 1st of April, 1860, he was united in 
marriage with Olive Enslow, daughter 
of Abraham and Julia F. Enslow. By 
this union five children were born, four 
of whom are now living — Jennie B., 



Dudley E., Foster P. and Julia B. The 
one deceased was Edward A. Mr. and 
Mrs. Greene are members of the M. E. 
church. The improvements on his 
place, and the pleasant surroundings 
show him to be a man of thrift and in- 
telligence. Politically he is a democrat. 
James E. Brooks, a native of Lanca- 
shire, Eng., was born March 14, 1828. 
His parents were ^\'illiam and Mary A. 
( Wagstaff ) Brooks, natives of England. 
They emigrated from their native coun- 
try to America, stopping at Patterson, 
N. J., for a short time, and then went 
to Manns ville, R. I., where five of the 
family worked in the cotton mills, 
William, the father, Sarah, Robert, 
James E. and Charles. In the year 

1844, his parents moved to Illinois, lo- 
cating in Greene county, on Sec. 33, T. 
9, R. 11, where his father bought 80 
acres of land, to which he afterward 
added 240 acres, and resided there 
until his death, in 1869. James E. fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming after 
coming to Greene county, which was in 

1845, having bought 40 acres of land to 
start with, on section 33, in this town- 
ship. This he cultivated one year, and 
then bought 60 more on the same sec- 
tion, where he moved, and has since 
continued to reside, having added to 
his farm 80 acres more, thus having 180 
acres all in one tract. On the 8th of 
Dec, 1853, he was married to Anna 
Davis, daughter of James and Elizabeth 
Davis. They have had eight children 
born to them, six of whom are living — 
Mary A., wife of Frank L. Felter, mer- 
chant and resident of Kane; Harriet E., 
wife of Charles V. Perrine, of Jersey 
county; George H., married to Ida J. 
Morris, residing in Kane; Sarah B., 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



803 



wife of Wm. Cockrell, residing in 
Greenwood county, Kan.; Charles W.. 
and Laura A. The ones deceased were 
Clara J. and Katie. Mr and Mrs. 
Brooks are members of the Baptist 
eliureh. He is also a member of the 
A. F. & A. M. lodge, of Kane. Mr. 
Brooks has, by his thrift and energy, 
secured for himself a comfortable home. 
John McKalmey, a native of Ty- 
rone, Ireland, was born Jlarch 17, 1823, 
his parents being .James and Rebecca 
(Sprole) McKabney, natives of Ireland. 
His father was a linen weaver by trade, 
and made the finest that was used in 
making up articles of clothing, etc. In 
1851. .John bade farewell to the Emerald 
Isle, and took passage on a vessel, at 
Londonderrj', sailing for America. He 
arrived at Philadelphia, and remained 
about five years, following farming. In 
the summer of 1857, he came to tlreene 
county, 111., and worked for Samuel 
Armstrong about two years, for Richard 
Lowe, about three years, for Robert 
Brooks, eight months, and the rest of 
that season, for himself. In 1861, he 
went to work for Curtis Brace, where he 
remained until Aug., lSfi"2, when he en- 
listed in Co. C, 122d 111. Inf., and served 
until the close of the war. He was in 
the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, 
Tupelo, Miss., Nashville, Tenn., and 
Fort Blakeley, Ala. He was mustered 
out at Mobile, and taken to Springfield, 
where he was jiaid ofi' and discharged. 
Mr. McKabney then came back to 
Greene county, and purc'hased 65 acres 
of land on section 17, on which he 
moved. In 1878, he built a large story 
and a half frame house, besides all the 
necessary and convenient outbuildings. 
Everything around shows that he takes 



pride in his own and his family's wel- 
fare, and that, by his thrift and enter- 
prise, he has made a successful farmer. 
He came to this country without a dol- 
lar, and now he has 118 acres of land on 
sections 17, 9 and H. He has been 
twice married; the first time to Mary 
(Hamilton) Madden, in May, 1873. She 
died in 1877, and in 1880, he was again 
united in marriage, to Delia (Johnsten) 
Greene. Two children have blessed 
this union — Samuel and Lucy. Mr. 
McKabney is a repvdjlican politically, 
and an enterprising citizen of this town- 
ship. 

FIKST ITEMS. 

The first marriage in the township 
was that of William Stockton and Mar- 
garet McFadden, which took place on 
the 4th of August, 1821. 

The first death was that of a man b)' 
the name of Frazier. They had to hew 
out puncheons to make him a coffin. 

The first mill in the township was 
erected by Massey VanMeter, in 1834, on 
the Macoupin creek, near the state roa<l 
bridge. This mill cost §250. 

The first wheat sown in Kane town- 
ship was committed to the ground in 
1828. When it was ripe it was cut with 
sickles and tramped out on a <lirt lloor 
by horses, and fannt'd out with a sheet. 

In 1830 William Massey built the first 
tread-mill in the township. The first 
bolt that he used was a piece of fine 
domestic muslin and was turned by 
hand. 

The first Sunday-school in the town- 
ship was held in the Woodbury school- 
house in 1832. It was conducted by C. 
J. (iardiner. 

The first religious services were held 
at Walker Daniel's house on section 25, 



804 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



where Rowland Huitt now lives, and 
was conducted by tlie celebrated Lorenzo 
Dow, about the year 1828. 

The first frame house was built in 
1828, by James Wliitlock, on section 20. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

School district No. 1, has a school 
building located near the center of sec- 
tion 4, which was built in 1866 at a cost 
of about S600. Tt is 24x30 feet in size. 
The first teacher was Sidney Smith. 
Average attendance now is about 16. 

School district No. 2 has a school 
house which was erected in 1871. It 
was built by George Burke, at a cost of 
S750. The first teacher was Thomas 
Mi-Intyre, and J. G. Weller the first 
director. There is an average attend- 
ance of aliout 25 children. 

School district No. 3, in T. 9, R. 11, 
has a school building on the southwest 
quarter of section 16. It is a frame 
structure, 28x30 feet on the ground, 
and was erected in 1872, at a cost of 
about $700. Annie Parker taught the 
first term of school in this house. Lulu 
Pojje is the present teacher. 

In school district No. 3, in T. U, R. 
12, there is a school house which was 
built in 1838, for a Methodist church, 
and was used for that purpose for many 
years. It was ciuite a number of years 
after this before tliere was any school in 
the district. In 1S62, tliis house was re- 
modeled and leased by the school direc- 
tors for 30 years, and it is now used for 
both school and church purposes. The 
average attendence is about 65 scholars. 
It is situated on the southeast quarter 
of section 22. The present teacher is a 
Mr. Shirley. 

District No. 4, has a school house 



which was erected in 1861, at a cost of 
$1,200. John McMahan was the first 
teacher in this building. It is, in size, 
26x34 feet, and is located on the east 
half of the southwest quarter of Sec. 2, 
in T. 9, R. 12. Average attendance 
about 35. 

CEMETf:RIES. 

Kane cemetery was established in 
1851. The first burial there was that of 
Mrs. Cyrus Lake. 

Jalappa cemetery was laid out at a 
later date; the first burial was that of 
Mathew Mains. 

Pisgah cemetery was laid out in 1873, 
on the southwest quarter of Sec. 3, T. 
9, R. 11. It is, also, known as Stevens 
cemetery. The first burial was that of 
an infant daughter of Elijah Brown. 

CONVVAVSVir.LE. 

This ])lace took its name from Daniel 
Conway,w]io started a grocery and liquor 
store, about 1865, at this point. It was 
from this, called Conwaysville. He 
ran this store until 1877, when he sold 
out to Cornelius McNernj% who opera- 
ted in until four years later, when he 
was killed by a cow. Michael McNerny 
then was the proprietor for three years, 
when it was closed up, and no business 
has been done since. There was also a 
blacksmith shop run here for about 
eight years, which was owned by Dan- 
iel Conway. The Empire mill is loca- 
ted here. 

The Empire mill, one of the oldest in 
the county, was built in 1845, by Massey 
VanMeter,who ran it for about 10 years, 
when he disposed of it to Thomas Rat- 
tan. This gentleman operated it for 
some time, and then sold it to Hugh 
Jackson and John King. It then he- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



805 



came the property of Jacob Ersnian, 
who ran it about 10 years. He was suc- 
ceeded by W. H. Staiitcm, who kept it 
about three years, wlien .John T. Briggs 
and Frank Freeh bought it, and are the 
j)resent owners. They took hold of the 
institution in March, 1885. At first it 
was known as the VanMeter mill, later 
as the United States, but on coming in- 
to the possession of the present owners 
they changed the name to that of Em- 
pire mill. It is a water-mill, and here- 
tofore made flour by the old process, 
but the new firm arc putting in the roller 
system. They use one double set of 
Allis & Craig's noiseless roll, one double 
set of Todd & Stanley rolls, one single 
set Dunton rolls, two new scalpers, two 
smutters. This, besides the old machin- 
ery. makes this one of the best equipped 
mills in the county. It has a capacity 
of 30 barrels per day. It is located on 
Macoupin creek, at what is called Con- 
waysville. This bids fair to be one of 
the leading institutions ofthe county. 

Frank Freeh was born on the 27th of 
Sept., 1857, in Belleville, St. Clair 
county. 111. His parents were Jacob 
and Catherine (Reddish) Freeh, natives 
of Europe. In 1850, his father bade 
fanwcU to his native land, and sailed 
from Europe, landing at St. Louis, where 
he remained al)out 14 years. He was a 
shoemaker, and followed that trade 
while in St. Louis. From there he 
moved to St. Clair county, where he re- 
mained about one year, and then, in 
1865, came to Greene county, and lo- 
cated at what is known as Jsilappa, on 
the Macoujiin creek. There he bought 
150 acres of land, and has since resided 
on it, following the occupation of farm- 
ing. The first four years of tiur subject's 



life were spent in the city of St. Louis, 
when he moved from there with his par- 
ents, and remained with them until he 
was 22 years of age. He then went to 
Belleville, where he learned the miller's 
trade, with the firm of F. A. Rice A' Co., 
serving three years. From there he 
went to Kane, Greene county, and 
worked for the Yaeger firm one year, and 
while there had two fingers and a tliiimh 
taken off,which disabled him for several' 
months. In March, 1885, he, with John 
T. Briggs, purchased the llouring mill 
ofW. H. Stanton, on the Macoupin 
creek, about five miles south of Carroll- 
ton, and is now running the same. The 
firm of Briggs & Freeh owns 20 acres of 
land connected with their mill. On the 
15th of March, 1883. he was united in 
marriage with Maggie Stevens, daughter 
of Clark and Elizabeth Stevens. Mr. and 
Mrs. Freeh are members ofthe Baptist 
church. Politically, Mr. Freeh is a re- 
publican. He is industrious and enter- 
prising, and is esteemed by all his ac- 
(juaintances. 

KANE. 

There have been two places of this 
name in the county, of which Old Kane, 
or Homer, as it was once called, was 
much the older. This town was laid 
out on Sec. 36, T. 9, R. 12, in 1837, by 
Nathaniel M. Perry, Abraham B. Har- 
ris, and W. W. Myrick, the plat of the 
same being filed for record Dec. 14, 
1837. Also prominent in the laying out 
of the new town were Z. H. Adams and 
a Mr. Brainard. It is not definitely 
known who the first settlers upon the 
site of the place were, but it is generally 
conceded to have been the Brainard 
brothers, for, when Z. H. Adams came, 
in 1830, he took up his residence with 



Xi} 



806 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



them. Soon after settling in the incipi- 
ent village, a postoffice was established, 
with Mr. Adams as postmaster. He 
was succeeded by N. M. Perry. 

The first store was opened by Zenas 
H. Adams in the front room of the 
Brainard Brothers' dwelling. He re- 
tailed drugs, groceries, dry goods, hard- 
ware, and all other articles that go to 
make up the country store, and con- 
tinued the same until the store of N. M. 
Perry was started, when Mr. Adams 
discontinued the business. 

N. M. Perry came to Kane in the 
early part of I806, and in the fall of 
that year erected a store building. In 
the early part of 1837, he opened the 
second store in the place, carrying a 
general stock, which he prosecuted vig- 
orously and successfully until 1872, 
when he discontinued business at this 
place. 

Soon after Mr. Perry had established 
his business, Samuel Pope opened a 
blacksmith shop, and the old town rang 
with the merry sound of the hammer on 
the anvil. He also kept weary travel- 
ers, and the stage made a stopping place 
of his house. 

In 1837, William Myrick opened a 
shop and commenced making and re- 
pairing shoes. The same year two men 
by the name of Strong and Wyckofif, 
both deaf and dumb, commenced tailor- 
ing. 

Dr. Augustus Knapp was the first 
physician to locate at Homer, as it was 
then called, and remained until 1845. 
Dr. Luther Cory was the next perma- 
nent physician to locate here, in 1844, 
where he remained until his death, July 
29, 1850. 

The town now commenced to grow, 



dwellings springing up all over the 
town site, and considerable trade was 
done. 

In 1838, the Baptists, as noted else- 
where, erected a church edifice, which 1 
was dedicated and occupied by this de- 
nomination, until about 1870. 

In 1856, a steam flouring mill was 
erected by a stock company, consisting 
of N. M. Perry, W. 0. Tolman, S. W. 
Tolman, G. C. Richards and Willis Bor- 
row. The building was built during 
the summer of that year, and when fall 
had come, Myron Cory, the contractor 
and builder, turned it over to the own- 
ers. In 1859, N. M. Perry bought out 
his associates, and operated it alone 
until 1866, when it was purchased bj' 
S. M. and Z. M. Titus, who enlarged 
the building, and placed initan amount 
of new, improved machinery. They 
operated it at its best capacity for sev- 
eral years. In 1874, it was sold to Jef- 
ferson Bolt and John W. Finney. In 
1877, Mr. Bolt purchased Mr. Finney's 
interest and operated the mill success- 
fully. In 1881, he sold it to Alonzo 
Hebron, who again sold the same in 
1882, to H. C. Stevens. In the' same 
year James Bothwell bought and owned 
it until 1883. In 1884, C. J. Gardiner 
became a purchaser, and in the fall of 
1885, it was purchased by some St. 
Louis parties. The building is in a 
good state of preservation for one erect- 
ed nearly 30 years; is lai-ge, airy and 
commodious, in the midst of as good a 
farming and wheat region as Illinois 
can boast of. No other mill is in the 
place. 

During the years 1854 and '55, while 
the preliminary survey for the railroad 
— now the Chicago & Alton — was being 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



807 



made by J. T. Hunt and Charles Allen- 
dorf, endeavors were made to find a 
praeticaMe route into and out of tlie 
town, but nothing like a proper grade 
could be found, and much, to the regret 
of the citizens, the line adopted ran 
about a mile to the east of the place. 
This sealed its doom. The road was 
opened for business from White Hall to 
(iodfrc}', Jan. 1, 186G. 

In Nov., ISO.T, Tobias Holliday, who 
owned a tract of land on Sec. 29, T. 9, 
R. 11, which was intersected by the 
railroad, laid out a town on the west 
side of the track, which was known for 
a time as Hollidaysburg. Some time in 
the summer of iSiiQ, Thomas H. Boyd, 
a wealthy resident of Carrollton, pur- 
chased 20 acres on the east side of the 
railroad, which he laid out and gave 
the name of Kane, but is now known as 
Boyd's addition to Kane. The place 
soon took the nanu' of its older neigh- 
bor. 

Jolin Greenfield erected the first 
buildhig in the embrytj town, commenc- 
ing it in the fall of 1865. In Feb., 18(50, 
S. G. Gardiner commenced building a 
wood shed and commenced hauling the 
material for a dwelling, but Greenfield 
had his completed first. This historic 
structure of Mr. Greenfield's is still 
standing, a monument of former days. 
It has been altered and added to until 
it is now quite a large building, but 
originally it was only 14x16 feet in size. 
It is now owned by Elizal)eth, widow of 
C. J. Gardiner, and is rented. Green- 
field was an Englishman by birth. 
During the late civil war he volunteered 
in the service of the United States and 
nearly lost his sight. When he came 
back he worked by the day. He had a 



wife and one child. Later, he removed 
to Iowa, where he died. 

J. B. Enslow started the erection of 
the second permanent structure in tlie 
town. This was a store building, two 
stories high, the upper story being used 
for dwelling purposes, and in it he put 
a stock of groceries, etc. He is still 
running the same store in the same 
l)uilding which he has had two additions 
made to. 

S-. G. (iiirdiner was the next mer- 
chant of the town. He opened a stock 
of general merchandise, June 1, 18()(). 
He carried dry goods, groceries, boots, 
shoes, hats, caps, drugs, medicines, oils, 
hardware, etc. This stock he closed 
out in the spring of 1882. The build- 
ing was removed a short distance north, 
and two brick structures were erected 
upon the site. One is now occupied by 
L. L. Roberts, as a grocery store, and 
the other by Frank McClure, as a hard- 
ware store. 

PRESENT BUSINESS. 

The dry goods establishment of Smith , 
Irwin & Culver, is one of the largest in 
this part of the county. Its history is 
this: On the 1st of Jan., 1880, C. A. 
Smith, Robert Hobson and Mrs. M. A. 
Archer bought out the firm of (ireene i<: 
Smith, wlio had been running the place 
for a time, and continued the partner- 
ship until the death of Robert Ikibson, 
in July, 1882, when his widow took his 
interest, and Jeff Bolt purchased the 
interest of Mrs. Archer, but tlie firm 
continued under the old name of Smith, 
Hobson & Co., until Feb., 1883, when 
Mr. Bolt retired from the firm. In 188-1 
Mrs. Hobson retired and a new partner- 
ship was formed, with Chas. S. Smith, 
James M. Irwin and Edward A. Culver 



808 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



as its components, under the name 
above given. They carry a stock rang- 
ing from S12,(¥)0 to $20,000, including 
dry goods, hoots, shoes, notions, etc. 
The building is owned by John Greene, 
the former member of the firm, but who 
is now engaged in the banking business, 
at Raymond, 111. It is 24x76 feet in 
size, and well fitted up. 

James M. Irwin was born in Mont- 
gomery county, 111., on the 6th of April, 
1856, and i.s a son of Enoch and Cath- 
erine (Irwin) Irwin, natives of North 
Carolina. They moved from Montgom- 
ery county to Madison county, and there 
his father enli.sted in Co. D, 59th 111. 
Inf., and was killed in the last battle at 
Nashville, Tenn. In 1864 Mrs. Irwin 
removed with her family to Greene 
county, locating near Kane, where they 
have since resided. Our subject, James 
M., was the first of a family of three 
children. He remained at home on the 
farm until he was 21 years of age. He 
then attended school at Kane two years, 
and in the winter of 1879, he was em- 
ployed as clerk by the firm of Greene & 
Smith, in the mercantile business. He 
was thus employed until 1884, when he 
bought in, as a member of the firm, now 
known as Smith, Irwin ct Culver. Tak- 
ing into consideration the chances which 
Mr. Irwin has had, he has made his 
mark very young in life, and has so 
conducted himself that he is held in 
the highest estimation by the commun- 
ity and society in which he moves. He 
is a member of Kane lodge A. F. and A. 
M., and the I. 0. O. F. He attends 
the M. E. church, of which he is a 
member. 

Edward A. Culver was born in White 
Hall, Greene county, on the 12th of Oc- 



tober, 1858, being a son of Buel G. and 
Anne E. (Perry) Culver. His father 
W'as born in Greene county, Illinois, in 
1831, and his mother was a native of 
Kentucky. Buel, our subject's father, 
was a physician. He was raised in 
White Hall and there received his early 
schooling. He then attended Rush 
Medical College, at Chicago, where he 
finished his education. He first prac- 
ticed at Kane, then at White Hall, and 
finally quit the profession and went into 
the mercantile business, which he con- 
tinued some few years. In 1878 he re- 
moved to Humboldt, Kansas, where he 
now resides, and is again practicing 
medicine. Edward attended the high 
school at Greenfield four years, and re- 
ceived his diploma there. In 1877 he 
was engaged in the White Hall Co-op- 
erative Association, or Grange store, in 
dry goods and groceries, where he 
remained something over two years. 
On the 1st of January, 1880, he com- 
menced clerking for the firm of Smith, 
Hobson ct Co., at Kane, Avhich situation 
he held imtil he bought into the firm in 
February, 1884, and is still a partner. 
Mr. Culver is a member of the M. E. 
church, and of King Solomon's lodge. 
No. 197, A. F. and A. M. He is one 
of Kane's most enterprising young men 
and hold a high place in the estimation 
of those who know him, or have had 
any dealings with him. 

Cyrus Morris, commenced the busi- 
ness of dealing in hardware, harness, 
etc., in 1870, erecting the building in the 
winter of 1869-70, removing part of it 
from the old town. He has conducted 
the business alone ever since. The 
hardware department is 24x30 feet in 
dimensions. An L, 20x40 feet in size. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



809 



contains the harness department. He 
handles stoves, tinware, furniture, un- 
dertaker's goods, etc., in addition to his 
other lines. His stock is valued at 
about $4,000. 

Frank McClurc, a prominent dealer in 
the hardware line, occupied a building 
that was erected in 1881, by W. W. Fel- 
ter. This building is 24x50 feet in 
ground area, one story in height. It 
was first occupied by Felter & McClure 
who i)ut in a stuck of hardware, and also 
had a printing (iflice in the same build- 
ing. These gentlemen ran the paper for 
alxiut six months, when they quit the 
journal, but continued the jol) depart- 
ment for two years longer. In July, 
1883, Frank McClure and A. W. Felter, 
dissolved partnership, Mr. JlcClure 
purchasing the full stock of hardware, 
which he is o[)erating at the present 
time, in a l)uilding erected by C. W. 
Brace, into which he removed his stock 
during the summer of 188"). 

The pioneer drug store of Kane was 
opened by Dr. A. B. Allen in 1869 or 
187(1. He ran this two or three years, 
when he removed his stock to Jersey- 
ville. In 1871, F. S. Torroy opened a 
store of this character and continued it 
for two or three years, when he sold out. 
The next party to open a drug store was 
Hermann Ruesch, who, after about two 
years, sold out to Dr. J. B. Hamilton, in 
1878. This gentleman ran it a short 
time, when he sold to .lohn Robinson. 
He was succeeded liy Dr. I. S. Hughes, 
who took in as a ])arlner, W'm. Enslow, 
and afterward sold to the latter gentle- 
man, in 1S7S. In lS7ii it was sold out 
and purchast'd by .lohn B. Enslow, and 
is now operated by Enslow it Enslow. 
They carry about 81,000 worth of stock. 



William C. Reinecke started in the 
dry goods business in Kane, in 1878, 
moving the building now occupied by 
him from old Kane the same year. The 
latter is 21x40 feet in floor area, and 
was erected in 1838 for a Baptist church. 
He carries a general stock of drugs, 
medicines, jewelry and sewing ma- 
chines. 

William C. Reinecke was born in 
Germany, .June 19, 1853, his parents 
being William and Christiana Reinecke, 
natives of Germany. His father was 
born in Germany, Nov. 8, 1818, and 
died Jan. 12, 1880. He was a lumber 
dealer in the old country. His mother 
was born in 1818, and died April 3, 1883. 
His sister, Sophia, married lleinrieh 
Meine, a carriage manufacturer in 
Koechingen, Germany. Our subject 
received his education in the University 
of Goettingen, Germany. Here he re- 
ceived his diploma, in a medical course, 
in 1868. In the year 1870, he bade fare- 
well to his native land and friends, and 
took passage at Liverpool for New 
York. From there he came to Quincy, 
111., where he was employed as a drug 
clerk for the firm of Brink, Thieneman 
& Co., and subsequently salesman in a 
notion house. In the summer of 1878, 
he came to Greene county, and located 
at Kane, where he bought a stock of 
drugs from Hermann Roesch & Co., to 
which he added a stock of about §2,0(X), 
and started in business for himself. On 
Sept. 15, 1877, he was married to Emily 
Siegle, daughter of Gottlieb and Char- 
lotte Siegle. The}' are the parents of 
two children — William S. and Charlotte 
C. In 1881, Mr. Reinecke erected a 
brick building opposite the one he now 
occupies. He formerly oecuj)ied the 



SIO 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



brick building, but thinking the old 
place a better location, he moved into 
it in the spring of 1885. Mr. Reinecke 
is an enterprising citizen, and one who 
takes an interest in the growth and de- 
velopment of his village. By being 
genial, intelligent and industrious, he 
has won the esteem of all who know 
him, and has a large circle of friends. 

F. L. Felteris engaged in the grocery 
business. This stand was established 
in Kane, by David Thompson, who mov- 
ed it from the old town. It was at first 
a dry goods store, but about 1876, Wm. 
Enslow established the grocery busi- 
ness in the building. He was succeed- 
ed by McClure & Enslow, who ran but 
a short time, when they removed to a 
building across the street. Edward 
Hamilton next conducted the business, 
soon taking Charles D. Warren as part- 
ner, but the latter finally purchased the 
interest of Mr. Hamilton, and operated 
it alone. In Jan., 1883, he was succeed- 
ed by Felter <fe Brooks, and one year 
later, F. L. Felter became sole owner. 
The building is 22x50 feet in size, in the 
main building, there being an addition 
of 22x12 feet in size. The stock will in- 
voice about S2,000. 

Louis L. Roberts opened a grocery 
and provision store in Kane, in April, 
1882, in the building fsrmerly occupied 
by S. G. Gardiner & Bro., Mr. Roberts 
purchasing a portion of the stock of the 
latter firm on their closing out, and 
ad<ling thereto about $1,000 more. He 
cariies a stock of about $2,500, and does 
a good business. His clerks are Thos. 
W. Delicate and Jolm Valentine. 

Dr. Peter Fenity commenced the 
practice of medicine in Old Kane, May 
18, 1857. Here he remained until July, 



1866, when he removed to the new 
town and built one of the first dwell- 
ing liouses in that infant city, where he 
has remained in practice ever since. He 
was, as will be seen, the first physician 
of the place. An extended sketch of 
this gentleman will be found in the 
Medical chapter. 

The first millinery establishment in 
Kane was started by Mrs. Mary Weir. 
It is now owned by Marj' Varble, who 
bought it in 1882. 

In 1867, Peter and William W. Fel- 
ter erected a liriek biailding, the first in 
the village. This was 35x60 feet in 
ground area. On the lower floor was a 
store, and the second floor was fitted up 
as a hall, and in this was held the first 
religious services in the burg. Services 
continued to be held here until the M. 
E. church was built. 

Jesse Cockrell commenced the lum- 
ber and coal business in April, 1883, in 
connection with M. Cockrell, of Jersey- 
ville, but in Oct., 1883, the latter with- 
drew from the firm, and the business 
has been under the control of the present 
proprietor ever since. He carries a full 
and complete assortment of all kinds of 
lumber, lime, cement, coal, etc. The 
business will average not far from 
$8,500 per year. 

Jesse Cockrell, a native of Jersey 
county, was born Dec. 26, 1840, his 
parents being Moses and Katie Ann 
(Utt) Cockrell. His father was born in 
Scioto county, 0., was reared there, and 
in 1833 removed to Jersey county, 
locating in Mississippi township. His 
death occurred April 15, 1882. Mrs. 
Moses Cockrell is living in Jerseyville. 
Jesse, the subject of this sketch, spent 
his youth in his native county, and in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



811 



1861 engaged in the grocery business at 
Alton. In 1862, like many other young 
nifu of the county, he enlisted in the 
Union service, .selling out his business 
at Alton. He enlisted in Co. K, 97th 
111. Inf., on the 20th of Aug. The 
regiment rendezvoused at Camp Butler, 
near Springfield, 111. From there tliey 
went to Cincinnati, and later were 
placed in the loth A. C. at Memphis, 
under Cieneral John A. McClernand. 
They were in engagements at Chicka- 
saw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, campaign at 
Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Raymond, 
Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, and 
siege of Vicksburg. They then went to 
Jackson, Miss., and thence to New 
Orleans, where the regiment was laid 
uji for nine months on account of a rail- 
road accident, only 83 men being left 
for duty. After recruiting up, they 
went to Morganzia Bend, where they 
were engaged in a number of skirm- 
ishes, thence around to Pensacola, thence 
to Pollard and from there to Fort 
Blakolcy. Mr. Coekrell was accidently 
wounded at Young's Point. He was 
mustered (jut at Galveston, Te.x., and 
discharged at Camp Butler .Vug. 9, 1865. 
He then returned to Jersey county and 
engaged in farming. In 1883 he moved 
to Kane, and engaged in the lumber, 
coal and grain business. He was married 
in Jersey county on the 27th of March, 
18G7, to Mary E. Hamer, daughter of 
John Hamer. They have one child — 
Stella. Mrs. Coekrell lost her eyesight 
from neuralgia, in 1877, which was the 
reason of their quitting farm life. Mr. 
Coekrell is (quartermaster of the G. A. 
R. post at Kane, and was one of the 
charter members. 

John T. V\'illiaiiis was the first to 



build the necessary warehouse to carry 
on the grain trade, which he did shortly 
after the advent of the railroad here. 
In size this structure is 35x50 feet, and 
has the capacity of holding nearly 
10,000 bushels. About that time Mr. 
Williams handled a great deal of grain, 
but in 1880 discontinued it, renting the 
warehouse to Jesse Coekrell, who kept 
it one year. Then D. A. Thompson 
rented it and ran it for a season, to be 
succeeded by Joseph Went. He ran -it 
a season and then it was rented by II. 
C. Yeager, of the mill, and after his 
departure, Mr. Williams again took it, 
but has been doing but little lately, on 
account of the shortage in the wheat 
crop. 

John T. Williams, a native of Bote- 
tourt county, Va., was born on the 11th 
day of Feb., 1811, and was a son of 
John and Elizabeth (Rock) Williams. 
His mother was a member of the Rid- 
dlebarger family, was of German de- 
scent, and a native of Pennsylvania. 
His father was a natfve of Virginia, and 
was of Welsh descent. He engaged in 
farming. About the year 1873, he died 
at the age of 85. His mother died five 
years later, at the age of 90. In 1833 
John T. left Virginia and came to In- 
dianapolis, and there worked at the car- 
penter trade a year, when be returned 
to Virginia, and after a short stay came 
to St. Louis. He was engaged in the 
lumber business there, about one year, 
and then took a situation in a dry goods 
store, for a year. He then built a mill 
on Macoupin creek near Wagoner's ford, 
close to the iron bridge, and there con- 
tinued in business until 1844, wlien the 
high water destroyed the mill-dam and 
all the improvements which lie had 



812 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



made on his farm adjoining. He then 
came to what is now Kane township and 
has since resided here. He built a 
handsome residence on his place in 1S69, 
and since that year has been engaged in 
farming and stock-raising principall}', 
and in the grain business, he being the 
first grain dealer in Kane. In Nov. , 1836, 
he was married to Margaret Williams, a 
daughter of Lewis Williams, and a na- 
tive of Pickaway county, 0. Her pa- 
rents were natives of Delaware. Mr. 
and Mrs. Williams are the parents of 
nine children — Elizabeth Jane, wife of 
H. W. Manning, who died when re- 
turning from the war, is now deceased; 
Annie M., wife of Elisha W. Page, re- 
siding at Girard, Macoupin county ; 
Rachel Harriet, deceased, aged 13 ; 
Sarah Virginia, deceased, aged nine ; 
Lewis R., married Melissa Morris, liv- 
ing near Wellington, Kan.; Henrietta 
Catherine, wife of John S. Anderson, of 
Greene county; Mary Isabel, wife of 
John D. Anderson, of Greene county; 
Margaret Eliza, and Clara H., both de- 
ceased. Being an industrious and care- 
ful man, he has by his thrift and steady 
attention to business, accumulated about 
1,770 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. 
Williams are members of the Ba])tist 
church. 

In October, 1884, Jesse Coekrell and 
W. J. Pope formed a co-partnership 
under the firm name of Coekrell & Pope, 
in the grain trade, and are engaged in 
that line to-day. They handle corn and 
oats principally, having purchased this 
3'ear, 1885, some 15,000 bushels of the 
former. The warehouse, that is used by 
them, is rented from H. C. Yaeger, of 
Carlinville. 

The first butcher shop in the village 



of Kane was kept by T. Early, in 1SG8. 
He was succeeded by Titus Claflin. 
George England ran it about three years 
and built the first slaughter house. Sev- 
eral parties have run it since that time, 
it changing hands every few months. 
In March, 1885, R. Huitt and R. Raines 
took charge of it. It is now operated 
by a Mr. Fresli. 

The w-agon and ■\vood-working shop 
operated by Philo Adams, was opened 
in 1881, by James Nutt, who ran it about 
18 months, when it came under the con- 
trol of the present proprietor. 

Henry Yahncke connnenced business 
in Kane in the fall of 1866. He still 
carries on a general wood-working estab- 
lishment which he founded at that early 
day in the town's history. His shop is 
31x16 feet in ground area. 

W'illiam Sunderland is engaged in the ' 
blacksmith business. This shop was 
opened during the year 1865 in Old 
Kane, in which Smith Gill, the pioneer 
blacksmith of Kane commenced busi- 
ness. He ran it for about three, years, 
when he sold out to Cyrus IMorris, who 
operated it but a short time. It lay idle 
then for some time, but in 1882, M'illiam 
Sunderland, a worthy disciple of Vulcan, 
rented the shop of Cyrus Morris, and 
opened his present business. 

William S. Sunderland was born in 
Jersey county, Jan. 17, 1849, his parents 
beiiig Lloyd and Sarah ^Steinburgj Sun- 
derland, natives of New Jersey. They 
came to Illinois, locatingin this county, 
where they have since resided. Wil- 
liam S. was raised on a farm, remaining 
with his parents until he was 15 years 
of age. He then commenced to learn 
the blacksmith's trade, but worked at it 
only a short time, when he enlisted in 



HISTORY OF GREEXE COUNTY. 



813 



Co. F, 144th 111. Inf., in 1864, and 
served until the close of tlic war. He 
was stationed as guard at the Alton 
penitentiary during the whole j^ear. At 
the close of the war he came to Jersey- 
ville, where he staiil a short time, work- 
ing at his trade, that of blacksmith. In 
1870 he went to Fieldon, where he 
finished his trade, under William 
Hutcliinson, remaining there fouryears. 
He then returned to Jerseyville and 
Avorked for Robert Newton about eight 
years. In 1882 he came to Greene 
county, and located at Kane, where he 
started a blacksmith shop, and has since 
remained. He was twice married. First, 
to Isabel Moore, May 18, 1878, and to 
them one child was born — Maude 15. 
His wife died in 1881, and on the 14th 
of Nov., 1884, he was again married to 
^'ina Erwin, daughter of Budd and 
Melinda Erwin. liy this union they 
have one child — Eva P. Mr. Sunder- 
land is a member of the I. O. 0. F., and 
also of the G. A. R. post, No. 410, of 
Kane. He is an intelligent, enterpris- 
ing citizen. 

A. H. Kight conuiKMiccil the black- 
smitli business here in 1872, and has 
conducted it ever since. His shop is 
20x42 feet in size. He came from St. 
Cbarles, Mo., to Old Kane, and from 
there, here. 

I!.\.\KS. 

The bank was established and opened 
for business, in Sept., 1881, by S. F. 
Greene and George W. Witt. They 
have a capital of about $10,(X)0. Most 
of their loans are niade on personal 
security, and they are doing a fine busi- 
ness. The firm name is S. F. Greene & 
Co., but it is under the management of 
Itobert W. (ireene, to wliom is due, ina 



large measure, the popularity of the in- 
stitution. 

There was a bank here prior to this, 
organized in 1874, by Dr. Casey, of Jer- 
seyville, and E. C. Leigh, which had a 
capital of about S5,(X}0. They occupied 
a building owned by \V. \V. Felter, for 
a time, and afterward removed to the 
l)nilding now owned by Dr. Fenity, 
which they erected. They continued 
business until 1878. 

IKiTKI.S. 

The pioneer hotel of the village was 
opened in 1867, by Andrew Ciiles, who 
had just erected the necessary building. 
He has been the proprietor ever since. 
When he first put up the edifice, it was 
only a story and a lialf high, and 26.x80 
feet in ground area, but in 1878, he 
erected an addition to it, 18x82 feet in 
size, and two stories high. In 1882, he 
i'cmodeled the original jjortion of the 
building, making it 26x30 feet in dimen- 
sions, and two stories high. It is very 
comfortably arranged, and accommo- 
dates about 25 people. 

The Kane House was built in 187"), by 
William Parker. The first to keep this 
house was Louis Turner, who ran it but 
a short time, when he was succeeded by 
Dr. Weir. This gentleman remained 
about a year, when T. J. Enslow took 
charge, and kept it about a year. It 
has never been long un<ler one proprie- 
tor, changing ever}' few j-ears. The 
last to keep it was William Pennell, 
who took it in 1881, and ran it until 
1884. The Parker heirs own tlie huihl- 
ing. 

KAXE XURSERV. 

This institution was established by 
S. G. Gardiner, the present itrojirietor, 
in the spring of 187o, and it lias re- 



S14 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



mained under his control ever since. It 
covers 11 acres of ground. The trade 
extends as far north as Menard county, 
and as far south as the state line. Mr. 
Gardiner employs from two to four 
traveling men, and sells a large amount 
of his stock l)y letter, besides. He 
grows, principally, apple, ])ea('h, cherry, 
quince and pear trees, besides all kinds 
of small fruit. Fancy and ornamental 
shrubbery enter, also, into the list of 
the productions of this place. The 
business will average some $3,(100 a year. 
Samuel G. Gardiner was born in 
Greene county. 111., Sept. 23, 1829, and 
is the third of a family of six children, 
his parents being Christopher J. and 
Margaret Gardiner, early pioneers of 
this count}'. Samuel's birtliplace was 
at the old homestead, where his father 
settled, on coming to this county, in 
Feb., 1819, and which is now owned by 
C. J. Gardiner, Jr. There Samuel was 
reared and received what education 
could be obtained in the district school. 
At the age of 16, he commenced learn- 
ing the saddler's trade, at which he con- 
tinued five years, remaining at home 
during all that time. His father then 
gave him a farm, on which he labored 
to raise two crops, but on account of the 
failure of these, he decided to quit farm- 
ing. This he did, and then engaged in 
the saddlery business, at which he con- 
tinued three years. He then engaged in 
merchandising at Old Kane, entering into 
partnership with Filley & Williams. In 
three months the firm dissolved, and 
Mr. Gardiner again resuinc<l his old 
business, at wdiich he was engaged for 
one year. He then purchased a stock 
of merchandise, and in partnership with 
his brother, carried on that business 



until 1882, when he closed out. Mr. 
Gardiner lias also been in the nursery 
business since about 1875, to which he 
has devoted most of his attention, his 
brother attending to the store. He has 
two pieces of land outside of town, but 
most of his property lies in the village, 
he owning seven ))uildings there. On 
the 3d of Oct., 18o3, he was married to 
Sarah Morris, daughter of Marvil and 
Mary Morris. There were five children 
by this marriage, two of whom are liv- 
ing — Eugene M., married, and residing 
in Limestone county, Tex., where he 
has a sheep ranche; Clara V.D., now in 
the postoffice here. Mrs. Gardiner died 
Nov. 6, 1866. On the 28th of Sept. ,1867, 
Mr. Gardiner was again married to 
Carrie Griswold, daughter of Elias and 
Lucinda Griswold. He has been a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order since 185(l, 
having been initiated in the Morning 
Sun lodge, at Jerseyville. He joined 
the chapter at Alton, in 1862, and was 
one of the charter members of the chajj- 
ter, at Carrollton. He is one of the trus- 
tees of the ilethodistchurch, and isnow 
the postmaster of Kane. He is a pleas- 
ant, companionable gentleman, and is 
esteemed by many friends. 

LIME KIL\. 

This was started in the fall of 1882, 
by J. G. Weller, the present proprietor, 
who has continued in the business ever 
since. He nuikes an excellent quality 
of lime, the best in the county. It is 
recommended by all who have used it. 
He makes about oO barrels per day. 

1<.\ILR0.\D. 

The Jacksonville branch of the Chi- 
cago, Alton & St. Louis railroad passes 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



815 



tlirough the town of Kane, and has a 
(U'|Hit lieru. The road was built through 
licrc in 1804 and 186"j, and opened for 
business with the beginning of the fol- 
hnving year. Henry D. Fields was the 
first station agent. He was followed by 
C. E. Neeley, now in Arkansas; T. A. 
Hillman, D. C. Owens, now in Godfrey; 
W. H. Ogle, Henry Howell, C. E. Un- 
derwood, now at CarroUton; G. W. 
Quackenbush, now at Mt. Leonard; B. S. 
McGinn is, train dispatcher at Slater, Mo.; 
and L. C. Adams, the present agent, who 
entered this olRee May 14, 1885. The 
freight business at tliis point will aver- 
age $300 per month for freight received, 
while the freight forwarded will average 
about $'2i'>0 \>er month. The passenger 
l)UsiHcss will run from S'ioO to $275 per 
mnntli. 

L. C. Adams was born on the 20th 
day of March, 1868, in the city of Jer- 
seyville, Jersey county. 111. His pa- 
rents are Charles N. and Nancy Bell 
Adams. He was reared in JerseyvilJe, 
and there received his education, attend- 
ing school until he was 18 years of age. 
At that time, or in the year 1881, he 
commenced the railroad business, 
going in as night operator in the Chi- 
cago & Alton office at Jerseyville, 
after learning telegrajihy. He held 
that position in the same office up to 
the time of coming to Kane, with the 
exception of two months spent at Mi- 
nier, Tazewell county. He was assigned 
to the position at Kane in the month of 
May, 1885, and attends to all the busi. 
ness in that office. His parents are res- 
idents of Jersey township, Jersey 
county, and live near Jerseyville. His 
grandfather, N. L. Adams, erected the 
first steam mill that was built in tliat 



city. By continuing a-; lie has begun, 
Mr. Adams will secure tlie reputation of 
being an active, intelligent gentleman. 

OTinOli CITIZKXS. 

Henry L. Parker, deceased, was born 
in Hampshire county, Va., on the 22d 
of Dec, 1825, and is a son of Jacob and 
Mary (Ludwick) Parker. His father 
was a native of Virginia, and his mother, 
of Pennsylvania. Henry came with his 
parents to Greene county. 111., in 18;j9, 
and liis father located in Kane township, 
on section 23, where, after he had work- 
ed around and earned money enough, 
he purchased 80 acres of land and farm- 
ed for several years, or up to the time 
of his death. He died in July, 1871, 
having survived his wife several years, 
as her death occurred in July, 1867. 
When our subject was about 26 years of 
age, he purchased 80 acres of land, and 
by industry and frugality, added to this 
until he had 30(J acres in one tract, on 
sections 25 and 26. He lived on the 
farm about 17 years, and in 1866, he 
purchased property in Kane and moved 
to the village, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his days. He bought 2011 
acres more land on sections 19 and 30, 
north of the village, and so continued 
to increase his j)roperty until he was 
the possessor of 810 acres of land, all of 
which was obtained by vigilance, enter- 
prise and careful attention that Mr. 
Parker always gave to business. He 
also owned town property, consisting 
of his residence and two town lots. He 
was first married to Mary Thoin]>son, 
in August, 1849. By this union there 
were six children, four of whom are 
living— Susan C, wife of Jacob (1. Pope, 
residing on the homestead; Lucinda, 



816 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



wife of Mitchell M. Leigh, residing in 
Trenton, N. J.; Anna M. and George 
T. Mrs. Parker died in Jan., 1866, and 
was buried at Kane. On the 13th of 
Oct., 1867, Mr. Parker was again mar- 
ried to Hattie E. (King) Armstrong, 
daughter of Lucian and Almira (Lemon) 
King. There were three children by 
this marriage, two of whom are now liv- 
ing — Emma F. and Myra M. The one 
deceased was Hattie Grace. On the 
26th of July, 1888, Mr. Parker was 
called away from this busy world to one 
of peace and rest, leaving a widow and 
seven children to mourn the loss of a 
true and faithful husband, and a kind 
and aifectionate father. Mrs. Parker 
manages one farm herself, the others 
having been left to the other heirs. She 
is a member of the M. E. church. 

Albert G. Hughes was born in Bel- 
mont county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1847, his 
parents being Scotland Phoebe Hughes. 
His early life was spent upon a farm, 
receiving his education in the common 
schools. March 26, 1864, he enlisted in 
the 1st Ohio Ind. Sharpshooters, and 
served until mustered out at the close 
of the war. The following document, 
dated at the headquarters of the mili- 
tary department of the Mississippi. St. 
Louis, July 17, 1865, speaks for itself 
and is as follows: "The general com- 
manding, tenders to the officers and 
men of the 1st Independent Ohio Sharp- 
shooters, his personal thanks for their 
long and valuable service near his person 
in the eventful campaigns, beginning at 
Chattanooga, on the first of May, 1864, 
and ending with the war. He commends 
them as .a fine body of intelligent young 
Volunteers, to whom he attributes his 
personal safety in the battles, marches 



and bivouacs in Georgia and the Caro- 

linas. He wishes them a long life and 
a proud consciousness of having done 
their duty with a cheerfulness, precision 
and intelligence worthy the great cause 
in which they were engaged, and be be- 
speaks for them a kindly and generous 
welcome back to their old homes in 
Ohio." This document l)ears the sig- 
natures of ^\'. T. Sherman, major gen- 
eral, and R. M. Sawyer, brevet colonel 
and A. A. G., and bears the address, 
"For Private Albert Hughes." After 
lieing mustered out Mr. Hughes re- 
turned to Ohio, and in 1866 removed 
witli his parents to Morgan, Mo., where 
they engaged in farming. In 1872, Al- 
bert went to St. Louis, where he served 
as city agent for the Missouri Republican 
two years, and was then engaged with 
the St. Louis Tiine.t for about a year. 
In 1880. he came to Illinois, locating at 
Kane, where he entered 'into the saloon 
business, and since June, 1885, has con- 
ducted a like enterprise at Carrollton. 
Feb. 4, 1883, he was married to Bridget 
Hanneghan, by whom two children have 
been born — Howard and Scott. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Hughes is a republican, and 
has taken an active part, and wields 
considerable influence in that party. 
He is a member of the I. 0. O. F. and 
G. A. R. societies, and has good bus- 
iness qualifications, and is honest and 
honorable in all his dealings. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first religious services were held 
in Felter's hall, by the Baptists and 
Methodists, in a union meeting, in 1867. 
It was not long after this however be- 
fore a subscription paper was circulated 
to secure money to build a church edi- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



817 



fice. Tlie people responded liberally, 
and the same year a house was put up, 
especially for the Metliodists, l)ut was 
called a I'Minn churcii, and worship was 
held liy various other dcnduiinatious. 

MUNICII'AI,. 

The town nf Kane was inccirpurated 
April •"), ISGU, with tlio following offi- 
cers: Henry D. Fields, president; Jas. 
B. Gardiner, John H. Enslow, S. G. 
Gardiner and J. H. Felter, trustees; J. 
H. Felter, treasurer, and Joseph S. 
Carr, clerk. 

On the 7t]i of May, 1883, on a peti- 
tion of 2.") voters, a special nieetinfj; was 
lield and the [dace organized under the 
ficncral village laws. Tlie officers for 
188") arc as follows: L. L. Roberts, 
president; Silas Stroud, Michael Hinkle, 
W. \V. Felter, W. S. Sunderland and 
Joseph Strunk, trustees; F. K. Felter, 
clerk, and Ivl. E. Culver, treasurer. 

KDICVTIONAI.. 

Tlie (own of Kane is included in 
schocd district No. 7, u liich was cut off 
from district No. 1, of T. '.», R. 12, and 
No. 3, of T. it, R. 11. For this purpose 
a meeting was ludd at the store of S. G. 
Gardiner, in T. '.I, I!. 11, Oct. 29, 1866, 
in accordance with a petiti<Hi from the 
citizens of the new district, and on the 
oth of November of the same year, the 
trustees of T. 0, R. 12, convened with 
the above, and acceded the division. 
On the 2d of March, 1S(i7, William A. 
Tolman was elected director for three 
years; Dr. I'eter Fenity, for two years, 
and S. G. Gardiner for one year. The 
east half and the northwest quarter of 
lot 11, Ilollidayshurg, was purchased 
for a school lot for $2r)0. §2,000 in bonds 



were issued, and purchased by Stiger- 
walt, to raise money to erect a building; 
S2(K) was borrowed from the townsbiji 
treasurer; 8500 was also borrowed of 
John V. Waggoner, all for the same pur- 
pose. The contract for the building was 
let to Solomon Fales, of Carrollton. 
Tlie foundation was jiut in by Josejih 
Stolir for §182. The edifice was com- 
jileted tlie same year and the school 
opened therein on the 7th of October, 
1867, with E. II. Rennick as teacher. 
The ))uilding cost §2,2")0. It is a sub- 
stantial brick structure, with self-su])- 
porting roof, and jiresents a handsome 
appearance. In ground area it is 28.\-10 
feet. In the fall of 1870 Mrs. Sly was 
appointed assistant teacher, the first 
emiiloyed. In the summer of 1874, an 
addition was made to the building. Mr. 
Rennick remained someyearsin conner- 
tion with the school. He is now in 
Texas. The present principal, 1885, is 
James W. Dewell, assisted by Mrs. 
Alice W. Bridges. The present direct- 
ors are — C. J. Gardiner, i)resi(ient; C. 
S. Smith, secretary, and W. 0. Tolman. 

rosTOKKICK. 

About 1830 a postoffiee was estab- 
lished at Old Kane, of which Zenas H. 
Adams was the first postmaster, and 
was the only postoffiee between Carroll- 
ton and .\ltonr The following gentle- 
men have filled the office of postmaster 
in this town : N. M. Perry, L. B. Filley, 
William Robinson, N. JI. Perry, again, 
S. (\. (Jardiiier, a]j])oiiited March 1. 
1862, and resigned in June, 18(i6 ; John 
Hudson, about one year. In May, 1868, 
the office was removed to the new town 
of Kane, and H. L. Parker appointed 
postmaster, March 1, 1872, S. G. Gar- 



818 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



diner was re-appointed postmaster and 
has held that position e-ver since. The 
office was made a money-order one in 
July, 1884. 

SOCIETIES. 

King Solomon Lodge, No. 197, A. F. 
& A. M., was instituted at the meeting 
of the grand lodge, in 1854, and com- 
menced work under a dispensation, as 
usual. The following were the officers 
appointed at that time: George W. 
Cory, \V. M.; Augustine T. Perry, S. 
W.; James W. Allen, J. W.; Cyrus R. 
Lake, T.; Alexander H. Smith, S.; S. 
G. Gardiner, S. D.; Thomas Dodson, J. 
D.; and James Brooks, tyler. A new 
disjiensation was granted by the grand 
lodge, in 185."), and the same officers 
were re-appointed. On the 7th of Oct., 
18ofi, a charter was granted the lodge, 
and it was organized with tlie following 
charter members: G. W. Cory, A. T. 
Perry, J. W. Allen, C. R. Lake, A. H. 
Smith, W. B. Conner, James Brooks, 
D. Barrow, E. J. Lovell, S. B. Hatfield, 
Lucian King, J. B. White, Lewis White, 
Joel Terry, P. B. Cook, G. S. Cook, W. 
P. Ozbun, S. A. Brewster and S. G. 
Gardiner. On the 12th of Nov., 1856, 
Dr. J. B. Samuel, acting as grand mas- 
ter, appointed the following officers 
under this charter: G. W. Cory, W. 
M.; A. T. Perry, S. W.; J. W. Allen, 
J. W.; C. R. Lake, T.; A. H. Smith, 
S.; S. G. Gardiner, S. D.; J. I). White, 
J. D.; and E. J. Lovell, tyler. The 
office of worshi})ful master of this lodge 
has been filled by the following gentle- 
men: (i. W. Cory, A. T. Perry, M. 
S. Cory, J. R. W. English, W. m". Fry, 
Seymour Wertz, C. T. Bannister, Asa 
Cummings, Dr. Peter Fcnity, S. G. 
Gardiner, Dr. J. B. Hamilton, J. M. 



Perry, F. W. Smith, George W. Trask, 
George W. Witt, Samuel E. Brown and 
Newton H. Close. Since the organiza- 
tion of the lodge there have been 18 
deaths, the first being that of Cyrus R. 
Lake, which occurred July 18, 1858. 
He was murdered. The lodge was first 
started in Old Kane, Init was removed 
to Kane, Feb. 6, 1870, when they took 
up cjuarters in the hall over Felter's 
brick store, where they remained until 
Jan. 1, lS7(i. They then removed to 
the hall they now occupy. This room 
is 24x76 feet in size, and is well fur- 
nished. Tlie building was erected by 
John Greene, and the lodge, at a cost 
to the latter of $1,600, including furni- 
ture and all. This sum was raised by 
the subscription of the members. The 
building committee were Dr. Peter 
Fenity, Lucian King and J. M. 
Perry. The lodge is in a prosperous 
condition, having 66 active members. 
Of these, 57 reside in Illinois, and the 
other seven still retain their standing in 
the lodge, while residing abroad. The 
present officers are: Samuel E. Brown, 
W. M.; C. S: Gardiner, S. W.; E. A. 
Culver, J. W.; J. E. Brooks, T.; Frank 
MeClure S.; Dr. P. Fenity, C; R. W. 
Greene, S. D.; Amos Irvin, J. D.; Cieo. 
Witt, S. S.; Joseph Dressel, J. S.; and 
L. S. Roberts, tyler. Hanging upon 
the walls of the lodge room is a memo- 
rial, giving the names and amount of 
subscription of each member, toward 
the building of the lodge room, which 
is here inserted: A. T. Perry, S112; J. 
B. Gardiner, $110; George W. Witt, 
$102.10; C. J. Gardiner, $76.60; G. W. 
Trask, $54; Dr. Peter Fenity, $53.90; 
J. M. Perry, $53.25; G. W. Cory, $51; 
S. G. Gardiner, $51; T. S. Parker, 50; 



George C. Coekrell, 830.50; Z. M. 
Titus, 8oO; Lucian King, $27.85; Enoch 
Liltli'field, 827. SO; Simoon Woolscy, 
827.10; J. E. Brooks, .«i27; H. L. Parker, 
.827: S. J. Downey, 827; Joseph Dres- 
sel, 82().55; J. I). Woolsey, 826.50; (i. 
W. Erwin, .§22; E. C. Jewsberry, 826; 
Oeorge Gerdis, 826; William Rainey, 
825.50; A. H. Smith, 825; J. S. Erwin, 
825; John C. Carrico, $25; Clark Er- 
win, 825; Frank W. Smith, $25. J. H. 
Greene, $20; Henry Newton, $19; J. F. 
Irwin, $16.60; Silas Stroud, $16; John 
Powell, 811.60; Jeff P>olt, 811: J. B. 
Hamilton, $10; E. P. Woolsey, $10; G. 
H. Gardiner, $10; L. M. Haver, $10; 
.Vinos Irwin, 810; C. E. Neeley, 810; 
1. S. Hughes, 810; J. V. West, $6.55; E. 
I). Seago, $6; H. W. Stroud, $6; F. M. 
Carrico, 85; L. j\[. Littlefield, .$5; Frank- 
lin Renno, $1.60; and 1). T. Dei)ry, 810. 
Mutual Lodge, No. 480, 1. 0. O. F., was 
instituted at Kane, July 5, 1870, with 
the following charter members: Joseph 
S. Carr, Marcus M.Johnson, M.S.Love, 
S. S. Torrey, J. W. Button and R. N. 
McClure. G. S. Miles, of Jerseyville, 
liaving received a sjiecial a|>pointment 
as (lej)uty grand master, installed the 
following ofh.-ei's: Josej)h S.Carr, N.(i.. 
S. S. Torrey, V. G.: M. M. Johnson, 
sec., and R. N. McClure, treas. The 
charter is dated Oct. 7, 1870. At the 
first meeting, F. D. Well, O. P. Cory, 
J. M. Robinson and W. W. Felter were 
admitted to membership. The lodge 
is in a nourishing condition, having 
about ■'!() active members, and has over 
8500 loaned out, drawing interest. They 
also carry an insurance of 8600 on the 
furniture of the lodge room. Over 100 
have been initiated in this lodge since 
its organization, and only once has 



death snapped the mystic lie that binds 
them together, and that when John P. 
' Waggoner was called to the higlier 
I lodge, Feb. 5, 1877. Their hall is 24.x;}0 
feet in size, besides ante-room and 
regalia closet. It is located over Pope's 
grocery store, and meetings are held on 
j Wednesday evenings of each week. The 
i degree of Rebekah has been conferred 
upon about 40 ladies, relatives of the 
( members. The following gentlemen 
j have held the position of noble grand 
of the lodge, some of them several 
terms: J. S. Carr, three terms; John 
Robinson, George W.Witt, (). P. Cory, 
three terms; Pliilo Adams, A.J. Brown, 
two terms; C. S. Smith, three terms; 
C. E. Neelej-, John Streetmaker,.C. N. 
Adams, J. S. Hughes, J. M. Irwin, two 
terms; ^^'illianl Sunderland, two terms; 
W. M. (;ory, George W. West. The 
present officers are: William Sunder- 
land, N. G.; J. M. Irwin, V.(i.; W.W. 
Felter, treas.; (), P. Cory, R. S. 

Lucian King post. No. 410, (i. \. R., 
was organized Feb. 20, 1884, with the 
following charier members: H. P. 
Cook, M. C. Thompson, James B. Wool- 
sey, Wharton English, Frank Rollins, 
Jesse Seroggins, H. AI. Brown, ('< . W. 
Bridges, Joseph A. Harris, John Mc- 
Kabney, James T. Dodson, George 
Wooley, Samuel Pope, late members of 
the 122d III. Inf.; John Dugan and Ellas 
Clark, of the 61st 111. Inf.; J. Stanton 
Deck of the 80th 111. Inf.; W. L. Bur- 
nett and G. P. Lambert, of the 27th HI. 
Inf.; A. G. Hughes, 7th Ohio indepen- 
dent sharpshooters; Jesse Coekrell, 97th 
111. Inf.; William Rainey, 11th III. 
Cav.; R. M. Osborn, 2Stli Kentucky Inf.: 
S. F. Fessler, 99th III. Inf.; Jonathan 
Marr, 54th 111. Inf.; R. H. Esprey, 25th 



820 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



111. Inf.; Henry Yahncke, 9th 111.; and 
G. D. P. Coonrod, of the r2th 111. Cav. 
The post was named after Lucian King, 
the captain of Co. C, 122dlll. Inf. regi- 
ment. The first officers of the post 
were the following comrades: M. C. 
Thompson, C; John Diigan, S. V. C; 
H. P. Cook, J. V. C; J. S. Deck, Chap.; 
W. L. Burnett, Surg.; A. G. Hughes, O. 
D.; .J. G. Woolsey, 0. G.; B. F. Good- 
man, Q. M.; Jesse Cockrell, Adjt.; J. P. 
Lamhert, S. M.; William Rainey, Q. 
M. S The post is in excellent con- 
dition, and has a membership of 32. 
They hold meetings, in Felter's hall, 
which they rent. Some 48 brothers of 
lS(;i-5, have been mustered into this 
post, since organization. The present 
officers are: M. C. Thompson, C; 
JohnDugan, S. V. C; H. P. Cook, J. 
V. C.: J. P. Lambert, chap.; Elias 
Clark, surg.; A. G. Hughes, O. D.; 
Henry Yahneke, O. G.; J. Cockrell, Q. 
M.; G. W. Bridges, Adjt.; W. S. Sun- 
derland, {}. M. S.; George Stone, S. M. 
Evergreen lodge No. 1344, K. of H., 
was organized Jan. 25, 1879, with 20 
charter members. The first officers of 
the society were Joseph Carr, D.; Don- 
ald Carmichael, V. D.; C. E. Neeley, 
A. D.; Dr. I. S. Hughes, P. D.; A. W. 
Fletcher, R.; C. M. Carr, F. R.; W. B. 
Parker, P.; N. E. Harmon, C; Horace 
Lobb, S.; W. Hastings, G. N.; E. C. 
Leigh, G. For some time the lodge ex- 
perienced a rapid and healthy growth, 
but finally disbanded and the major 
portion of the members were trans- 
ferred to the Jerseyville lods;e. 

THE Y.VEGER MILLS, .\ND THEIR BURNING. 

The principal industry of Kane, in 
the past, was the Yaeger mills, which 



institution has had quite an eventful 
history, the main points of which are as 
follows: In 1869, John E. Van Pelt, 
who claimed to have §30,000, borrowed 
$10,000 on two years' time, at 10 per 
cent, interest, from the people of the 
vicinity, and constructed a large flouring 
mill, at an alleged cost of S42,00O. 
VanPelt lan the mill for about two 
years, and then failed, owing $30,000 to 
Carmichael & Howe, borrowed money. 
In 1870, VanPelt got up a grand lottery 
for disposing of the mill, a quantity 
of flour, and all of the other property. 
About $27,000 or $28,000 was realized 
from the sale of tickets, and when the 
drawing occurred, the mill was said to 
have been drawn by a man in Georgia. 
Soon after after VanPelt announced 
that he had bought the property back 
from the Georgian. A number of people 
living in the vicinity of Kane, drew 
numbers calling for sacks of flour, but 
many of them never received their 
prizes. After the lottery had occurred, 
Carmichael i*i: Howe foreclosed a mort- 
gage on the mill, and took possession. 
Later, this firm mortgaged the property 
to a bank in Worcester, Mass. They, 
however, ran the mill for a year or two, 
being succeeded by M. M. Johnson, who 
had been in their employ, and who had 
leased of them. Johnson made some 
money, but did not remain long. After 
his departure the mill was idle for some 
time. In 1874 and 1875 Zebulon 
Titus had charge of the mill. He, 
too, made some profit from it. He 
was followed, successively, by Cockrell 
& Turner, Turner & Leigh and Joseph 
Strunk. In Sept., 1880, the Worcester 
bank, which had obtained possession of 
the property after a long law suit, sold 




irerngl HisM Cc 






"ng"* by E GWilllensiBrn N.Y: 




^^ZA^ yf7^/.-j^ (j/L^a^cyt 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



825 



it to the Yaeger Mill Co., who made 
extensive repairs, and started the wheels 
in January, ISSl. During the four 
years that he possessed the property, 
Mr. Yaeger made almost constant ad- 
ditions and improvements, and when 
the calamity occurred which reduced 
the huilding to ashes, the capacity 
of the mills was nearly five hundred 
harrels of the finest flour per day. 
March 1 ,1881, occurred the conflagration 
mentioned. The mill, as usual, was 
operated until 12 o'clock, Saturday 
night, and was then left in charge of 
watchman Tolly, and a few other 
employes. Between 6 and 7 A. M., 
Tolly discovered that the scale house, 
just east of the mill, was on fire. An 
alarm was sounded, and every effort 
made to suhdue the flames, hut without 
success. The fire soon found its way to 
the windows of the mill, and as soon as 
it came in contact with the dust, which 
is always a source of danger in 
such places, the fate ot the huilding 
was sealed. Nearlj' every ahle hodied 
man in Kane was on the spot soon after 
the first alarm, and all worked with the 
utmost vigor to save the property. 
Large quantities of flour and other val- 
uable property was carried from the mill 
to a i)lace of safety. When it was seen 



that the office building must burn, its 
contents were taken out, with the excep- 
tion of the safe, which was supposed to 
be sufficiently secure to protect its con- 
tents from the heat of a small, one-story 
building. Soon, however, the smell of 
burning leather indicated that some- 
thing was wrong, and as soon as possi- 
ble the safe was forced open and the 
books removed in a badly damaged con- 
dition. Mr. Yaeger and his son were 
in St. Louis, Mo., at the time of the 
fire, and did not reach Kane until 
the day after the occurrence. He 
placed his loss at $81,0(X), on which 
there was insurance of S42,5t)t), in a St. 
Louis agency, and between $7,000 and 
$8,000 in a Jerseyville agency. On the 
second day after the fire, the officials of 
the C. & A. R. R. showed their interest 
in the affair in an a])propriate manner. 
A directors' car arrived, with General 
Manager Chappell and Superintendent 
Bates, as passengers, on a visit of con- 
dolence to Mr. Yaeger. The loss of the 
mill was a severe blow to Kane. Its 
citizens, and those of the vicinity, cir- 
culated a subscription paper to secure 
the re-building of the mills, but the 
projjrietors received an oifer from Car- 
linville, which they accepted, and they 
are now conducting a mill there. 



QHAPO^RR XVI. 



BLUFFDALE TOWNSHIP. 

The township of Bluff'dale lies in the 
western tier, the second from the south 
line of the county. It embraces all of 



congressional township 10, range 13, 
sections SI, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, town- 
ship 11, range 13, and the fractional sec- 



■3?r 



826 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



tions 1, 12, 13,24, 25 and 36, of township 
10, range 14, and 36, township 11, range 
14. It is bounded on the nortli by the 
township of Walkerville, on tlie east by 
CarroUton, south by Woodville, and 
west by Calhoun county, from which it 
is separated by the Illinois river. It 
contains about 45 sections, about one- 
half of which is the rich bottomland of 
the Illinois river, the rest being high roll- 
ing timber land. These bottoms are of the 
rich alluvial soil so characteristic of all 
the river bottoms of the western states, 
somewhat broken by lakes, ponds and 
marshy places, but if the annual over- 
flow of the waters of the river can be 
restrained, will make the finest farming 
land in the world. Running in a nearly 
north and south line through the center 
of the township is a line of bluffs, some 
300 feet in height, rough, abrupt and 
craggy, and on the summit of these, the 
elevated plateau, covered with timber 
originally, and mostly covered with its 
primeval growth. Small streams, all 
known by local or no names, except 
Hurricane creek, run down through the 
ravines, and drain the uplands. Hurri- 
cane creek rises near the eastern limit 
of the township in section 25, and crosses 
the entire precinct, emptying into Long 
lake, and through its waters into the 
Illinois river. Potatoe Prairie lake lies 
in the southwestern part of the town- 
ship. Long lake in the western, and 
Halfway lake in the northwestern, all 
on the bottom land. Many fine farms 
are located along these low lands at the 
foot of the bluffs, and many are on the 
upland, where clearings have been 
made. The early settlers of this terri- 
tory preferring to locate on timber land, 
in preference to the prairie. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first to make a settlement in 
what is now the township of Bluff'dale 
was Luther Calvin, wlio, with liis fam- 
ily, came to this portion of Greene 
county, in 1818, and settled under the 
bluffs, jorobably on section 33. The 
family was a large one, consisting of 
seven or eight children. He followed 
farming, and was considered a good 
neighbor. Both he and his wife died 
here, and are buried in the Bluffdale 
cemetery. Two or three of his sons 
were married and lived under the bluff, 
on section 28. One of the daughters mar- 
ried John Woolley, and a grand-daughter 
became the wife of Weslej' J. Rickert, 
a resident of St. Louis. There are none 
of the family living here now. 

In the fall of 1818, Thomas Hall and 
John Stone came up here from the Wood 
River settlement, and selected homes on 
the northeast quarter of Sec. 31, T. 10, 
R. 12, and built a cabin, into which tin y 
moved. John Stone was a native of 
Tennessee. 

Thomas Hall, deceased, one of the 
pioneers of Greene county, was born in 
in Rowan county, N. C, May 28, 1792. 
He was reared to manhood there, and 
learned the trade of a worker in wood, 
making chairs, spinning-wheels, etc., 
at which he worked in North Carolina, 
Tennessee, and on the American Bottom. 
He removed to Tennessee, when he had 
grown to manhood, and from there he 
went to take part in the last war witli 
Great Britain, serving under General 
Jackson. He was at Mobile Bay at the 
time of the battle of New Orleans. On 
arriving home, at the close of the war, 
he was married May 4, 1815, in Ten- 
nessee, to Mary McVay, a native of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



8 27 



South Carolina, born Feb.23, 1797. From 
Tennessee they removed to the Wood 
River settlement, in Illinois, in 1817, 
and after remaining there one year, 
came to Greene county, in 1818. Thos. 
IImII and John Stone came that same 
fall and built a cabin on the northeast 
quarter of Sec. 31, T. 10, R. 12. They 
did not stop to cut the doors in the 
cabin then, but went back after their 
families, and when they returned they 
cduld get inside the cabin no other way 
than by crawling under the sills. Doors 
were soon constructed, and the family 
lived a few inonths there, and then 
removed on to the northwest quarter of 
section 32, in the same township. They 
built another house there, where they 
lived until 1833. From there they re- 
moved to the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 31, and there Thomas lived until 
the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. 
Thomas Hall were the parents of eight 
children, seven of whom are living — 
Enoch, married Louisa Stone, residing 
about four miles west of Vinlen, 111.; 
Samuel, married Eveline Reynolds, 
living west of Virden; Jane, wife of 
R.C. Bradl(-y, living in Rluffdale town- 
ship; Elizabeth, wife of J. C. Reynolds, 
living ill W'oodville towusliip; James, 
married Eli/.a Short, living at Wood- 
ville; Marj', wife of Henry Stone, liv- 
ing about six miles west of Virden; 
Clarissa, living in Virden, married Wes- 
ley Stone, now deceased; and John, who 
died at the age of two years. Thomas 
Hall died March 17, 1855, and is buried 
at the Dunncgan cemetery. Mrs. Hall 
resides with her daughter Clarissa, at 
Virden, being now at the advanced age 
of 89 years. She removed to Macoupin 
county about the year 1860, and has 



lived with her children since that time. 
Mrs. Hall is now the only one living of 
the pioneers of 1818, who were at the 
time grown to manhood or womanhood. 
Reuben C. Bradley was born in Ten- 
nessee, in the year 1818, his i)arents 
being Alexander and Elizabeth Bradley. 
When he was four years old, he was 
bound out to a man named E. Barnard, 
with whom he lived until he was 18 
years of age. In 1830 he cameto Illinois, 
making the trip with an ox team, driv- 
ing it for Mr. Barnard. He arrived in 
Greene county in the fall of that year, 
with but a quarter of a dollar in his 
pocket, as his only earthly f)ossessions. 
The first five months he was in the 
county he worked for $8 per month, 
and then worked in the distillery of 
Samuel Thomas about six weeks. For 
several years after that he was engaged 
during the summer at farm work, and 
in winter in making trips to New 
Orleans on rafts, taking produce, etc., 
to sell. His next move was to rent land, 
which he did until 1850, when he pur- 
chased 120 acres. By thrift, energy and 
good management, he has succeeded in 
adding to this until he now has 484 
acres in Greene county, 250 in Macoupin 
and Sangamon counties, and 32li in 
Clarion county, Kan. He has a saw 
mill on his premises, which was erected 
in 1852. On Dec. 21, 1843, he was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Hall, 
a native of this county, and a daughter 
of Thomas and Mary (McVay) Hall. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley were the parent.s 
of 10 children, eight of whom are liv- 
ing — Mary E., wife of George Short, 
living in Page county. Mo.; James B., 
married Emily Barneft, living in Marion 
county, Kan.; Clarissa H., deceased, 



828 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



wife of Oscar Clendennen, deceased, 
she dying in Jan., 1872, and he three 
days later, leaving two children — Reu- 
ben and Nettie, who are being reared by 
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley; Thomas A., 
married Phenie Cafer, lives in Wood- 
ville township; Jeannette Z., wife of 
Martin Bowman, living in Bluffdale 
township; Reuben H., married Laura 
Smith, living in Marion county, Kan.; 
Charles D., living at home; Joseph L., 
living out west; George I., deceased, 
and an infant not yet named. Mr. 
Bradley is an enter jndsing gentleman, 
and holds a high place in the estima- 
tion of all who have anj' acquaintance 
with him. Starting out in the world 
with no capital, he has acquired what 
may be considered a small fortune, all 
of which is due to good management 
and close attention to everything per- 
taining to the business of farming. 

Hartwell Hunnicutt and his family 
made a settlement in this township in 
the spring of 1820. He was a native of 
South Carolina, and in 1817, removed 
to the territory of Illinois, and located 
between the mouth of Wood river and 
the American Bottom. There they re- 
mained until the date above, when he 
came to this county. On the 1st day of 
May, of that year, he settled on section 
3, of this township, where he lived until 
1823, when he removed to Walkerville 
township, where he died in 1833, in the 
latter part of February. Mrs. Hunni- 
cutt, formerly Margaret Cunningham, 
died in 1837. 

Gideon Spencer settled in 1820, or 
'21, on the place owned by Spencer G. 
Russell, where he lived until his death. 

Edward Flatt came to this township 
in 1820, and made a settlement. He 



was born in Barren county, Ky., and 
was the son of John and Patience 
(Logston) Flatt. He was reared in his 
.native state, and there he was married, 
in his 19th year, to Rosa Garrison, a 
native of North Carolina. From there 
they removed to Hamilton county. 111., 
and in 1820, to this county, as above 
stated. He purchased an improvement 
when he came here, but subsequently 
settled on section 14, where he made his 
home until Sept., 1879, when death 
called him from this world. He was 
the parent of eight children — James, 
deceased; Patience, deceased; Jolm; 
Ransom, married Ann Reed, both dead; 
Polly, wife of Alex. Logan; Jesse, de- 
ceased; Aaron, deceased; David, also 
dead. 

John Flatt, the only surviving son, 
was born in Kentucky, Sept. 15, 1815; 
was married in 1843 to Elizabeth Gar- 
rison, who died in 1866. He was again 
united in marriage, in March, 1868, 
with Martha Chapman. 

Jesse Flatt, deceased, was born in 
Kentucky, and was a son of Edward and 
Rosa Flatt, both natives of Virginia. 
He was reared in that state until reach- 
ing the age of about 16 years, when his 
parents removed to Illinois, locating in 
what is now Bluffdale township, Greene 
county, some time after 1820. He was 
here married to Rhoda Ray, and tliat 
union was blessed with three children — 
Wesley, whose sketch follows this; 
John B., married Kate Bechdoldt, and 
resides in BlutWale township; and 
James P., married Angeline Bushnell, 
also living in this township. Mrs. Flatt 
died in 1864. On the 18th day of May, 
1865, Mr. Flatt was again married to 
Jeannetta Taylor, a daughter of Fred- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



829 



iriik and Jeannetta (Jackson) Taylor. 
Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, 
lier mother, of Kentucky. They came 
to Calhoun county, 111., in 1820, where 
Mr. Taylor resided until his death, 
which occurred in 1850. Mrs. Taylor 
died in 1877, and was buried in Cal- 
houn county. Mr. and Mrs. Flatt were 
the parents of three children — Emma, 
Ross and Jesse. Mr. Flatt died on the 
2.5th of April, 1873, and was buried in 
the Simpson cemetery. He was a good 
citizen, a kind father and husband, and 
his loss was deeply felt by all. Mrs. 
Flatt was again married on the 6th day 
of Nov., 1874, to Daniel Harkins. By 
this marriage there are five children — 
Freddie, Cora B., Rollie, Susie and 
Danna. Mrs. Harkins owns 69 acres of 
land, on Sec. 16, R. 12, and 200 acres in 
Allen county, Kan. 

Wesley Flatt, eldest son of Jesse and 
Rhoda (Ray) Flatt, was born Oct. 8, 
1840, in what is now BlufFdale townshij), 
in Greene county, Illinois. He was 
reared in the township, and has always 
made it his home. On Dec. 9, 1866 lie 
was united in marriage with Ellen M. 
Davis, a native of Winchester, Scott 
county. 111., in wliich place she grew to" 
womanhood. She is a daughter of Au- 
gustus and Esther (Lyman) Davis. Mr. 
Flatt owns 60 acres of land in Biufl'dale 
township, making his home on Sec. 20, 
T. It), R. 13, west. His parents were 
among tlie early settlers of this county, 
coming here more than half a century 
ago, hence they are mentioned in connec- 
-jion with the early settlement of this 
township. INIr. Flatt is now conunis- 
sioner of roads in Biufl'dale townshiii. 

James B. Flatt was born in what is 
now Blurtdale township, Greene county, 



Oct. 31, 1844, his parents being Jesse 
and Rhoda Flatt. He was reared here 
and was married Jan. 18, 1870, to Ange- 
line Bushnell,a nativeof Greenecounty, 
and a daughter of Curtis Bushncll. By 
this union they have had five children 
— Mary Ellen, Alice, Rhoda, deceased; 
Luella, Myrtle and Wesley. Mr. Flatt 
owns land in T. 10, H. 13. 

W. M. Flatt was born on the 15th of 
March, 1854, at the place where he now 
lives, in Bluffdale township, Greene 
county. 111. He is a son of Ransom and 
Sally Ann Flatt, natives of Illinois, who 
settled in this state about the year 1820. 
Willet received his education in the dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood, and 
outside of school hours, his time was 
spent in assisting with the work on the 
farm. He now owns 69 acres of land in 
T. 11, R. 13, where he is engaged in 
farming. On the 20th of Aug., 1877, 
Mr. Flatt was imited in marriage with 
Lugina Bradford, a daughter of Robert 
and Rosa (Louper) Bradford, now living 
in Calhoun county. By this marriage 
there arc three children — Robert Ran- 
som, Dennis and Edward, making an 
interesting little family to labor for. 

Capt. Richard Roblej- came to this 
township, and made a settlement in the 
spring of 1821. He had come here the 
year previous and selected his lands. 

Richard Robley, one of the early set- 
tlers of this county, was born in New 
Hampshire, on the 12th of May, 1791, 
and was a son of Matthew and Mary 
(Scott) Robley, natives of England. 
The family consisted of seven child- 
ren — Elizabeth, Mar\', Eunice, Angeline, 
Matthew, Ric]iar<l and Henry. On the 
11th day of August, 1814, Richard was 
married to Desire Griswold. This mar- 



830 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



riuge was blessed with seven children — 
Eliza A., married Thomas J. Brown, 
died Dec. 29, 1834; Henry G., married 
Caroline Griswold, lives near Carlin- 
ville; George B., married Mary Jordan, 
lives in this county; Charles, whose 
sketch follows this, lives on the old 
homestead; Emily, married to Julius 
Twitchcll, died Sept. 22, 1872; Villroy, 
married Catharine Spencer, lives in this 
township; Walter S., died Nov. 6, 1836; 
Mary, wife of Thaddeus Brace, resides 
in Carrollton. Mr. RoLiley came from 
^'ergennes, Vt., to Greene county. 111., 
in 1820, when this country was but a 
ivild prairie and selected a location, 
where he built a log cabin. This was 
the only move he ever made. In the 
spring of 1821, he went for his family to 
St. Louis, having left them in Missouri 
while he went in search of a good place 
to settle. He brought them on a flat 
boat, which he had built for that pur- 
pose, landing at the point where the 
town of Newport is now located. Mr. 
Robley resided in this township, in which 
he first located, for more than half a cen- 
tury. He was captain of a militia com- 
pany during the time of the Black Hawk 
war. He died on the 3d of January, 
1879, at the age of 87 years, having sur- 
vived his wife over 40 years. She died 
on the 22d of July, 183(3. They are 
buried in the family Ijurying ground, 
side by side. 

C'harlcs Robley was born on the (Uli 
day of Nov., 1822, on the farm where 
he has been reared, and where he still 
resides. On the 15th day of Nov., 1849, 
he was united in marriage with Lydia 
A. Day, a daughter of Samuel Day, a 
native of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robley are the parents of four children 



— Walter,' married Louisa Crane, now 
residing near Greenfield; Heni-y S., 
married Mary Crane, living six miles 
east of Carrollton; Emily, wife of Geo. 
Giller, living in Kirksville, Mo., and 
Arthur, living at home. Mr. Ro1)ley is 
the possessor of 680 acres of land on 
sections 8, 9, 10 and 15, and 200 acres 
lying east of Carrollton, and has sur- 
rounded himself with all the comforts 
of a good home. On account of his 
many good qualities, he commands the 
respect and esteem of all his acquaint- 
ances. 

Villroy Robley was born in Greene 
county, Illinois, on the 2Gth of August, 
1827, and is a son of Ricliard and Desire 
(Griswold) Robley, whose sketch ap- 
pears in this work. Villroy was reared 
to farm life and assisted his parents on 
the farm until his marriage. Mr. Rob- 
ley was married April 27, 1854, to Cath- 
arine Spencer, a daughter of Stephen and 
Catherine Spencer, whose sketch also ap- 
pears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robley are the parents of seven children 
— Edward V., living at home; Charlie 
A., deceased; Mary E., deceased, aged 
11 months; Cora B., wife of Thompson 
B. Gullet, who died, leaving her with 
the care of a daughter; Clara E., Lettie 
A., and Harry A., living at home. Mr. 
Robley has, by energy, good man- 
agement, and close attention to business, 
been enabled to acquire a considerable 
amount of property, and he is now pos- 
sessed of 1,365 of land, all of which is 
in Greene county, except 160 acres in 
Kansas. It is well improved, and has 
a substantial residence and outbuildings 
thereon, making it a very comfortable 
home. Mr. Robley divides his atten- 
tion between the raising of stock and 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



831 



grain, and his labor in that direction 
has met with decided success. He has 
never aspired to any public office, nor 
never intends to, unless it would be for 
the presidency. 

George B. Robley, son of Richard 
Kobley, one of the pioneers of Greene 
county, was born in Vergennes, Yt., 
.June K), 1S19. When he was but a year 
old his i)arents removed to Illinois and 
located under the lilufi', in Bluffdale 
township, on Sec. 1), T. 10, R. 13, where 
his father built what was known as the 
Buckeye cabin, at a spot where a bear 
had been killed just previous to the erec- 
tion of the cabin. Wild animals of almost 
every description abounded here then, 
and even Indians were yet numerous, 
as settlers had not as yet come in suffi- 
cient numbers to push them farther 
back. The location was then, indeed, a 
wild one, the nearest neighbors to this 
pioneer family being the families of 
Gideon Spencer, a man named Brush, 
J.H.Rogers, Mr. Davenport, Hartwell 
Hunnicutt, and a few others scattered 
here and there through the county. The 
first year or two the family were all 
sick, and were attended by the j)ionoer 
physiiian, Dr. Polls, who used to come 
down from near C'arrollton to attend 
them. Among sucli scenes as might be 
expected in a new country of this sort, 
George B. was reared and grew to man- 
hood. He resided with his parents 
until the time of his nuirriage, Dec. 31, 
1847, to Nancy \. .Jordan, a native of 
Pennsylvania, born near W'aynesburg. 
Her parents were William and Cath- 
arine (Rummell) Jordan, who came to 
this county in 1845, and located in this 
township. Her father died at Cham- 
paign, May 23, 1870. Her motlier is 



still living in Montgomery county, 111., 
in the 89th year of her age. Mr. and 
Mrs. George Robley were the parents of 
six children, of whom five are living — 
Angeline, living at home, married Geo. 
Chizum, now deceased; Albert, who 
was killed by lightning in 1880; Eliza, 
wife of William 0. Eldred, living near 
Wichita, Sedgwick county, Kan.; Alice, 
at home; Etta, wife of Ward Eldred, 
living in this township; Mary, wife of 
William Evans, living at Cliataunua, 
Kan. The family have lived at their 
present location, on section 2, in Blufif- 
dale township, since 1857, the farm con- 
sisting of 190 acres of well improved 
land. Mr. Robley is a member of 
White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. 
M. He has been connected with the 
schools of his township, as director of 
district No. 1, and has borne his share 
of the burdens of local office. The 
Robley family have been identified with 
Greene county almost since Illinois was 
a territory, and many of its representa- 
tives are still residents here. What 
was then a wilderness is now one of the 
most prosperous sections of the state, 
and this pioneer family have witnessed 
all of its developments. 

In 1822, David Woolley left his home 
in New York with his family, and came 
west some 300 miles by team, to the 
Allegheny, thence down that river and 
the Ohio to the Mississippi in a tlat- 
boat. He located on section 21, under 
the bluff" in this township, to which he 
brought his fanuly. He was a native of 
the hills of Washington county, N, Y., 
and was united in marriage, in that 
place, with Laura Hodge, also a native 
of the same county. Mr. Woolley was 
a mill-wright by trade, and followed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



that business somewhat in this part of 
the country. He and his wife were the 
parents of 13 children, eight of whom 
are living. Mr. Woolley lived on the 
place where he located, although absent 
at times on business, until his deatli, in 
Aug., 1860. His wife died in Macoupin 
county, at the residence of her daugh- 
ter. 

Samuel Gates settled here about the 
year 1823, on section 21, under the 
bluff', where he and his wife died in 
after years. Among their children were: 
Harriet, who married a man by the 
name of Sprague, but she is now dead; 
Eunice, lives in Jacksonville; Phoebe, 
married Jacob Strawn, living also in 
Jackson ville;Susan, married Dr. Sterrett, 
of Winchester; Daniel, deceased; James, 
now a resident of Iowa, and Marion, 
deceased. 

Seldon Beebe came to Bluffdale about 
this time, from Apple Creek Prairie, 
where he settled about 1820. He is no- 
ticed in connection with his settlement 
in that place, in greater detail. 

James Stockton made a settlement on 
Sec. 35, T. 11, R. 13, in 1823, and im- 
proving the land, lived there many 
years. 

Daniel Bushnell, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, a single man at the time, came 
west in 1824, and located in this town- 
ship, and made it his home until he 
died, in 1850. He was married here in 
1829, to Parthenia Norris; they were the 
parents of eight children. 

William McAdams came to this town- 
ship about the year 1824, and made a 
settlement. He was a native of Tennes- 
see, born in 1797. He was married in 
1814, to Beckie Cashin, and they were 
the parents of 12 children, six of whom 



are living. He died here April 9, 1849, 
and his wife survived until the 25th of 
Dec, 1880. Joseph McAdams, their 
son, was born in this county in 1826, and 
is still living in this township. 

Among the settlers of 1826, in this 
township was John Nolan, who was 
born in Kentucky, on the 17th of May, 
1817. When nine years of age, he came 
to Greene county, and for a time made 
his home with Hartwell Hunnicutt, but 
had no permanent location until he at- 
tained the age of 18 years, when he was 
united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth 
Flatt, a native of Kentucky. After his 
marriage, Mr. Nolan located on the 
southeast (juarter of Sec. 1, T. 10. R. 13, 
in what is now Bluff'dale township, 
where he resided up to the day of his 
death, Oct. 14, 1879. His wife died Dec. 
8, 1883, and was buried beside her hus- 
band, in the Carrollton cemetery. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nolan were the parents of five 
children — Dennis R.,who married Mary 
Lahr, and now resides in Montgomery 
county, Mo.; Lottie T., the wife of 
Jacob Conrad, of Bluffdale township; 
Ellen, John and William H. 

\A'illiam H. Nolan, the youngest son 
of John and Elizabeth Nolan, was born 
in this county on the 1st of Feb., 1861. 
He was reared and educated in the 
township where his father settled, over 
half a century ago. He was imited in mar- 
riage in this county, on the 13th of 
Sept., 1882, with Mary D., a daughter 
of Nathaniel and Mary (Kennedy) 
Brown. Her father was a native of 
Tennessee, and her mother, of Ken- 
tucky, while she was born in Iowa. Mr. 
Brown is now a resident of Bluffdale 
township, his wife having died in March, 
1879. Mr. and Mrs. Nolan have been 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



833 



blessed with one child — Mary Eunice. 
Mr. Nolan is now the possessor of 130 
acres of land in Bluft'dale townsliip, sec- 
tion 36, which is well improved. As 
noted above, his father was numbered 
among the early settlers of Greene 
ciiunty, having come here when the 
country was in a wild state. He, how- 
ever lived to see it changed to one of 
the most prosperous counties in the 
state . 

Jesse H. Rogers, settled on Sec. 9, in 
this township, in an early day. He was 
a smart, enterprising man, and in those 
times had the best herd of fine cattle that 
was owned in this region. He was born 
at Sag Harbor, Long Island, N. Y., and 
in 1816, moved to St. Louis. While 
there he was united in marriage with 
Anna, daughter of Gideon Spencer. He 
was a builder and contractor, and erected 
tlie United States arsenal, part of Jeffer- 
son Barracks, and the court-house, and 
many others of tlie largest and finest 
buildings in St. Louis. At the time of 
his death, in Aug., 183S, he had on his 
hands a 8200,(XX} contract on the Illinois 
and Michigan canal. He lived at that 
time in this townshij). 

In 1828, John Russell came to this 
township and settled on section 4. 

John Russell, deceased, was born in 
Cavendish, Windsor county, Vt., July 
'.1, 1793, his parents being John and 
Lucretia (Preston) Russell. His father 
was a Baptist preacher, and was a native 
of M'ethersfield, Conn., as was also his 
wife. There the family had lived, in 
generations farther back, since 1622. 
John received such education as the 
common schools afforded, supplemented 
afterward by a collegiate course at the 
Middleburv College, which he entered 



March 25, 1814. He had ere that, com- 
menced authorship as a means of ob- 
taining pecuniary funds for educating 
himself, his first work being "Tlie Au- 
thentic History of the Vermont State 
Prison," published at Windsor, in 1812. 
By the profits received from the sale of 
this work, by funds received for ser- 
vices as a school teacher, and by otiier 
means, he was enabled to finish liis 
college course, graduating in the class 
of 1818. He immediate!}' went from 
Middleburj', Conn., to (ieorgia, where 
he taught school three months, but not 
liking the country, he left there and 
overtook his father, then on his wav to 
the state of Missouri, at Whitewater, 
Ind., where he was married to Laura 
Ann Spencer, Oct. 25, 1818. She was a 
daughter of Captain Gideon Spencer, of 
Vergennes, Vt., where Mr. R. taught 
school nearly a year. In 1819 he removed 
to Missouri where he taught five years 
in the Bonhonmiie Bottom, and while 
there he wrote for the St. Charles J//«- 
xnnriaii, a local paper, an anonymous 
article entitled "TheVenomous Worm," 
which immediately began to attract at- 
tention, and st)on became universally 
known and read. It went the rounds of 
the press both in America and in 
Europe, where it was translated and 
published in many languages. When 
Pierpont, the poet, comj)ilcd his 
"National Reader," this article was in- 
troduced into it, anil afterward into the 
McGuffey readers. It has, since the 
time of its conception, exerted a powerful 
influence over public opinion and the 
minds 6f school children. After leaving 
Boidiommie, Mr. Russell taught a year 
at St. Louis, which was then a little 
French town. He then taught in \'an- 



834 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



dalia, 111., and two years in Alton Sem- 
inary, now Sliiirtlefl' College. In 1828 
he came to Greene county, and located 
on Sec. 4, T. 10, R. 13. He gave the name 
of Bluffdale to his premises, which has 
given its title to the township. He re- 
ceived license as a preacher, from the 
Baptist church at Bluffdale. Feb. 9, 
1833, he, however, only preaching oc- 
casionally. He was principal of Sj^ring 
Hill Academy, in the parish of East 
Feliciana, La., for eight years, during 
which time he was also superintendent 
of public schools in the parish. On his 
return home in the summer of 1843, he 
found the little church, to which he be- 
longed, much demoralized. He preached 
to the flock. a sermon entitled, "The 
Serpent Uncoiled, or a Full-length View 
of Universalism," which was printed, 
and accjuired a great deal of popularity. 
He wrote for the press continually, dur- 
ing the last 25 years of his life. He was 
the first editor of the Backwoodsman, at 
Grafton, Illinois, having furnished the 
brains of that institution during the 
years 1838-39. In 1841-42, he edited 
the Advertiser, at Louisville, Ky., and 
after that contributed for it continually. 
At the time of his death he had in pro- 
gress several elaborate works, among 
them "The Black Hawk War," "Evi- 
dences of Christianity," and a "History 
of Illinois." He read with fluency 
Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, Cierman 
and Italian, and had a knowledge of 
Dutch, Welch and Icelandic. In 1862 
he received the degree of Doctor of 
Laws from the University of Chicago. 
He wat, the author of "The Mormoness, ' ' 
"Little Granite," "AliceWade," "Lame 
Isaac," "Going to Mill," "Claudine 
LaValle, or the First Trial by Jury." 



All of these were stereotyped and some 
went through several editions ^Ir. 
and Mrs. John Russell were the pa- 
rents of four children, who grew up 
to manhood and womanhood. Dr. 
\\'illiam A. J., a graduate of the Iowa 
State University at Keokuk, who mar- 
ried Caroline Pegram. He was caji- 
tain of Co. G, 10th Mo. Vol., and 
was killed Nov. 2.3, 1863, in battle, in 
the second charge at Mission Ridge; 
Juliet A. E., wife of Bainbridge Gilling- 
ham, living in Walkerville township; 
Spencer G., whose sketch follows this, 
and Francis I., married Sarah J. Burk- 
holder, and lives in Hamilton, 111. 
John Russell died Jan. 21, 1863, and is 
buried on the old homestead. His wife 
is still living, making her home with 
Spencer G., at the old family home, a 
most pleasant place. 

Spencer G. Russell, son of John and 
Laura Ann (Spencer) Russell, was born 
in Greene county, on the place on which 
his father had settled in 1828. The 
date of his birth was Feb. 10, 1828. He 
was reared in the township, and early 
received such education as the pioneer 
schools of that day afforded. At the 
age of 18 years he began a collegiate ed- 
ucation at Shurtleif College, Upper 
Alton. He there graduated June 23, 
1853, in tlic classical course, receiving 
the degree of B. A. He then began 
reading law with C. D. Hodges, at Car- 
rollton, there continuing three years. 
He then returned to Shurtleft' College, 
where he received the degree of A. M., 
on the 26th of June, 1856. After com- 
pleting his education, he then returned 
to CarroUton, and commenced the 
practice of the legal profession. From 
there he came back to Bluffdale 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



835 



township; bought his father's farm, and 
has since resided on it. He was married 
Dec. 10, 1X56, to Louisa C. Spencer a 
native of Morgan county, though reared 
in (Jreene county, from lier first year. 
She was a daughter of Maj. Steph(!n 
\V. and Mary (Smith) Spencer, lie a 
native of Vergennes, Vermont, and she 
of Addison county, Vermont. Her 
father was a major in the war of 1S1"2. 
Mr. and Mrs. Russell are the parents of 
five cliildren — Pauline, Hugli S., WU- 
liam M. and Frank H., twins, and Nora. 
Mr. Russell owns 640 acres of land, all 
in one body, in this township. Mr. 
Russell is a surveyor, and has done con- 
siilfvalde work in that profession, partly 
in this state, and was also engaged for a 
short time on the Iron Mountain road, 
ill that capacity. Nearly a decade over 
half a century his parents came to this 
county, and his father was identified 
with a number of events in its early his- 
tory, and equally so with that of other 
conmiunities, and, in fact, was a man 
jM'obably as well known over the country 
at large, as in Greene county. Spencer 
Russell has, at his home, many relics of 
by -gone days, among them hundreds of 
autograph letters, written to his father 
by some of the most noted characters 
in American history. He also lias relics 
of tlie battle fields around Chattanooga, 
collected by hitu when he went after the 
body of the brother who gave up his 
life at Mission Riilge. The postoliice at 
lihitldalc has been conducted by some 
iHciid)er of the family ever since it was 
established, and Spencer G. has been 
cither postmaster or deputy for over 
half a century) having been sworn in as 
deputy wdien seven years of age. Ili.s 
grandfather Spencer was one of the min- 



ute men in the Revolution, and Mr. 
Russell now has some of the money 
with wliich he was paid. 

William Halbut, with his family, 
eaine to this township in Nov., 182iS, 
and located on the east half of the south- 
west quarter of section 11. He came to 
this county from Ohio, and resided on 
the farm he made until bSGU, when he 
was called to the better land. His lirst 
wife, Matilda Pilcher, died in Ohio, and 
he was united in marriage wdth a Miss 
Good, in that state. She is still living 
in Missouri, with her daughter. 

Isliam Adcock made a settlement on 
section 25, in 1830. He resided tliere 
until his death, which occurred A]iril 
18, 1857. He was a Kentuckian bj' 
birth, and married, in that state to 
Rachel Stinnet. His wife is still sur- 
viving. 

John Adcock was born in tircene 
county, 111., on the 11th of April, 1832. 
He is a son of Isham and Rachel (Stin- 
nett) Adcock, natives of tlie state of 
Kentucky. His father died on the 18th 
of April, 1857, while living on what is 
known as the Jonas Ward farm, aljout 
one and one-half miles northeast of the 
town of Woodvillc. His mother is still 
living, and resides with her children. 
On the IGth of June, 185<), John Adcock 
was married to J^ydia Hooper, a daugh- 
ter of William and Elizabeth (Witt) 
Hooper. Mr. Adcock has a farm of KiO 
acres on Sec. 36, T. 10, R. 13, and also 
owns a house and lot in Wixidvillc. lie 
is a steady, industrious fanner, andwill 
respected by the community in which 
he resides. 

Pennell Short came to Greene county 
m the fall of 1831, and like all those 
whii Inul live<l in the tiiidjer lands of 



836 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Kentucky, settled in the forests that 
clothed this part of the county, near 
tlie present site of the village of Wood- 
ville. Here he lived until 1853, when 
he was called hence by death. 

John Short was born in Scott county, 
Ky., on the 17th of Oct., in the year 
1815, and is a son of Penncll ami Jane 
(Butler) Short. His father was a native 
of Delaware, and his mother of Indiana. 
Jdhn came with his parents to Greene 
county, in the fall of 1831, and they 
settled not far from Woodvillc. His 
father died in 1853, and was buried at 
the Donnegan cemetery. His mother 
died in Kentucky, in tlie year 1821. 
Mr. Short, our subject, was married on 
the 17th of Oct., 1839, (his birthday) to 
Mary French, a native of Tennessee. 
She was the daughter of Nathan and 
Nancy French, natives of Tennessee. 
This union was blessed with eight chil- 
dren — James A., married Olivia Tillery, 
botli now deceased; Nancy J., died in 
her loth year; Mary, wife of Peter Hall, 
who is now dead, resides in Hamilton; 
Gassy E., wife of William Swires, liv- 
ing in this township; John M., married 
Mary Anderson, living in Bluffdaie 
township; Martha A., wife of Theodore 
Tillery, also in this township; William 
C, deceased; Margaret, wife of George 
Claflin, living in this township. Mr. 
Short has 80 acres of land, which he 
cultivates, and is a thrifty farmer, 
and a good and influential citizen. 

A. Wood came to Greene county in 
1833, and settled on the farm now 
owned by his son, John L. 

Aman Wood was born in the state of 
Maryland, in the }'ear 1777, and was a 
son of Stephen and Rachel ^\'ood, na- 
tives of Maryland. His father served 



in the war of 1812. Aman moved, with 
his parents to Kentucky, where he was 
married to Sarah Baker, a daughter of 
David Baker. They were the parents 
of 14 children — Bennett, deceased; 
James, deceased; Mahulda and Mahala, 
twins, deceased; Phebe, deceased; Cyn- 
thin, married ^\'illiam R. Rice, who 
died, and she was again married to 
James Short; S<piire, deceased; Sarah, 
married George Rice, now deceased, and 
is again married to Gillespie Lapdice; 
Aquilla, married Mary Dix; Wilson 
and Allen, deceased; John L., the sub- 
ject of the sketch which follows, and 
one child, who died an infant. Mr. 
Wood came to Greene county in the 
fall of 1833, settling in Bluft'dale town- 
ship, on. the section where John L. now 
resides. The town of Woodville re- 
ceived its name from Mr. -Wood. He 
died in June, 1850, and was buried in 
Mabcrry cemetery. Mrs. Wood sur- 
vived him 15 years, and was buried by 
the side of her husband. 

John L. Wood, a son of Aman and 
Sarah (Baker) Wood, was born in Ken- 
tucky, Feb. 17, 1825. He was reared 
on a farm and has always been engaged 
in farming. April 15, 1859, he was 
united in marriage with Mary J. Mar- 
shall, a daughter of Sanford and Mary 
Marshall, natives of Kentucky. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wood are the parents of four 
children — Maxey, died Jan. 4, 1S63; 
Letitia, wife of Lualvis Hutchins, living 
with her father; Rufus, living at home; 
and Adella, who died in 1869. Mrs. 
Wood departed this life May 14, 1878, 
and was buried in the Maberry ceme- 
tery. Mr. Wood owns 97 acres of land 
on Sec. 36, T. K), R. 13, on which he 
raises stock and grain. 



HISTORY OF GREENP: COUNTY 



837 



Allen B. Wood was born 8ept. 19, 
1822, in Kentvicky, He was united in 
marriage with Tryphena Mulberry, Dec. 
2(5, 1850. She was born Aug. 2(5, 1827. 
By this utiiim there were eight ehihl- 
ren — John P., born Oct. 10, 1851; George 
T., born Aug. 22, 185;*); Henrietta, born 
Oct. lo, 1855, died at the age of two 
years; Amelia Viscar, l)orn May 2, 1858, 
died at the age of two year.s; Sarah 
Adelene, born Nov. i;5, 1860; Judah 
Ethel, born April 28, 1868; Hattie 
Sophronia, born Dee. o, 1865, died Oct. 
4, 1875; Delia Octavia, born Fel). 21, 
1869, died Dec. 27, 1876. Mr. Wood 
followed farming for a few years, but his 
health failing him he engaged in tlie 
mercantile business, in wliich he was 
quite successful. In the year 1862 or 
'6o, his health ngain failing, he returned 
to farm life, thinking the change would 
benefit him. Here he resided until his 
death. Tn 1869, Mrs. Wood's healtli be- 
.iran to fail, she being taken with a severe 
cough, which finally terminated in death 
on the 18th of March, 1871. She left 
si.\ (hildriMi without the tender care of 
a mother. Mr. Wood soon followed his 
beloved wife to the grave, his death oc- 
curring Sejit. 21, 1878. He had been 
troubled w'th a et)Ugh for 16 \'ears, but 
his ambition kept him up, until he at 
last fell dead, with hemorrliage of the 
lungs, leaving the younger children to 
the care of the two eldest sons, Perry 
and George. Mr. and Mrs-AV'ood lived 
a happy life together, making many 
friends in and around the vicinity of 
Woodville and through the county of 
Greene. Mr. Wood was a very enter- 
prising man, always attentive to busi- 
ness and gaining many friends by his 
lionesty, uprightness and integrity. 



John P. Wood was married Sept. 8, 
1874, to Elvira Maberry, and by this 
union there were tliree children — Will- 
iam C., living with his grandfatiier, 
William Maberry; Kate Pearl, deceased; 
Gertrude, also living with her grand- 
parents. John P.Wood died June 21, 
1879, and his wife died Aug. 1, 1880. 
tieorge T. Wood was married Oct. 25, 
1874 to Mary B. Robinson, of ^\'ood- 
ville. He now resides at Canon City, 
Col., where he went five years ago this 
fall on account of ill health, and is now 
in the transfer business there. He has 
three children — Claudius, Roy and 
(ieorgia May. Sarah Adelene Wood, 
unmarried, travels forher health, which 
is poor, and makes her home with re- 
latives — while in Greene county with 
her uncle and sister. Judah E. Wood 
was married Dec. 15, 1881, to B. B. An- 
drew's, son of Nat Andrews, of Carroll- 
ton, Mr. Andrews, is a farmer, and 
devotes his attention mostly to rais- 
ing wheat. They have one child — 
Ethel, born Oct. 28, 1882. The de- 
ceased mend)ers of the Wood family 
are l)uried side by side in the Maberry 
cemetery. 

Stephen Sf)encer made a settlement 
in this township in 1888, and dieil here 
in 1846. 

Stephen Spencer was born in Ben- 
nington, Vt., of English jjarentage, and 
was educated in the schools of his na- 
tive state. Oct. 29, 1829, he was mar- 
ried to Catherine M'alker, daughter of 
Johnson Walker, an old resident of the 
the state of Vermont. Mr. Spencer and 
wife had five children, only two of 
whom are now living. In the fall of 
1833 he left the scenes of his childhood, 
for the great west, and after loading his 



838 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



family in the wagon, with some others, 
started for Illinois, where the arrived 
Oct. 28, 1883. He immediately after 
settled in T. 10, R. 1.3, Greene comity, 
at the liase of the blulfs on the Illinois 
river hottoni. The following year he 
built a good, commodious brick house, 
which at that time was the finest and 
best house in the county. ]\Ir. Spencer 
was in rather comfortable circumstances 
when he came Illinois, and he pur- 
chased a fine tract of land. He was 
among that liardy class of New Eng- 
landers who inherit purity of principles, 
energy, and economy, and was a fair ex- 
ample of the Yankee character, pos- 
sessing these qualities in a high degree. 
He had what could be classed, for that 
day, a liberal education, and was a man 
who, by his careful reading, kept well 
posted on the current topics of the day. 
At tlie time of his settling on the Illi- 
nois bottom, there was no system of edu- 
cation, and to obviate that difhculty, 
for the benefit of his own and others' 
children of the neighborhood, and he 
built a brick school at his own expense. 
He was a man of great kindness of heart, 
and his liberality was felt far beyond 
the limits of his own family. He was 
in the war of 1812, and took part in the 
contest of Plattsburg. Mr. Spencer 
was generally of delicate health. Their 
only daughter is the wife of Vilroy Rob- 
ley, residing within a short distance of 
the old homestead. Mr. Spencer died 
at his residence on the 26th of Nov., 
1846. Mrs. Spencer died Sept. 9, 1873. 
Henry R. Spencer was born in Ver- 
gennes, Vt., May 8, 1833, his parents 
being Stephen and Catherine Spencer, 
with whom he came to Illinois, when 
but an infant, they settling a quarter of 



a mile south of the place where Mrs. 
Etta Spencer now resides. Henry R. 
was twice married. First on the 11th 
of June, 1856, to Laura A. Smead, a na- 
tive of Vermont. To them were born 
four children, the first of whom died 
when an infant — Stephen W., born Feb. 
5, 1859, died Feb. 1, 1879, at the age of 
21 years; William, married Libbie Ed- 
monds, and John R., living with his 
brother, William. Mr. Spencer died 
Dec. 12, 1863. Mr. Spencer was again 
united in marriage, on the 9th day of 
Nov., 1865, to Etta B. Woodcock, daugh- 
ter of Edmond and Susanna Woodcock. 
Her father died in Quincy, 111., about 
the year 1855. Her mother is yet living, 
at the advanced age of 85 years, and re- 
sides at Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spencer were the parents of seven chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — Edwin 
A., Charles H. and James F. Those 
deceased are — Julia, died Aug. 31, 1879; 
Gertrude, died Feb. 10, 1874; an in- 
fant son, died Sept. 2, 1875, and Cath- 
erine S., died June 6, 18S0. Mr. Spencer 
departed this life on the 9th day of Oct., 
1873, and was laid to rest in the family 
burying ground. He was a member of 
the Jlasonic order, which body officiated 
at his funeral. He was a faithful hus- 
band, a loving father, and an enterpris- 
ing citizen, and his loss was mourned 
by all. He had accmnulated a large 
amount of land, thus leaving his family 
in very comfortable circumstances. Mrs. 
Spencer still resides at the homestead, 
which consists of 1,100 acres on sections 
3 and 4, in this township. She is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church at Richwoods, 
and is a very intelligent and estimable 
lady. 

William B. Spencer, oldest living 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



839 



child of Henry R. and Laura (Smead) 
Spencer, was born in this county Sept. 
15, ISGl. His father was an earl}' set- 
tler in the county and was identified 
with its interests for ov(!r half a cen- 
tury. William was born and reared in 
Blufldale township, and yet resides 
there, being the owner of 175 acres of 
land, on which is a spacious and hand- 
some residence, erected in 1882. The 
main building is 28x40 feet in dimen- 
sions, and two stories in height. Mr. 
Spencer was married on the 24th of 
Dec, 1882, to Libbie Edmonds, a native 
of Greene count}', and a daughter of 
Thomas Ellsbury and Nancy Jane Ed- 
monds. By this marriage three chil- 
dren were born, of whom one is living 
- — Minnie Amelia. Two died in infancy. 
Mr. Spencer is a careful, enterprising 
farmer, hence jjleasant, coiufortable 
surroundings are to be found at his 
farm, and he is a genial, companionable 
gentleman. 

Thomas Logan, a native of the Pal- 
metto state. Smith Carolina, came here 
from Bond county. 111., where he had 
been living, in 1835, and made a settle- 
ment in this township. In 18f)7, he 
left here, going to Missouri, where he 
died, in 1869. His wife, nee Elizabeth 
Swann, born in South Carolina, died in 
Wisconsin, in 1S43, of the small-pox. 

M'ith him, came his son, Alexander 
Logan, who was horn in ISl;!^ in South 
Carolina, and who is living in this 
township yet. Alexander was married 
in this county, to Lucinda Aslott, in 
1837. She died in 1841, when he was 
again married, in 1842, to Mary Flatt. 
They live on section 15. 

OliGAXIC. 

At the time when the county was re- 



organized, in 1885, the election in this 
township was held at the North Rich- 
woods school house, in district No. 1, 
at which time the following otHcers 
were chosen: F. M. Fishback, super- 
visor; E. C. Sackett, clerk; Arthur 
Robley, assessor and treasurer; Daniel 
Flatt, Stephen King and Wesley Flatt, 
highway coniniissioncrs. 

SKKI.EV'S Mil. I,. 

One of the oldest mills in the county, 
is the Seeley mill, which stands on Sec. 
1, T. 10, R. 13. It lately belonged to 
Judge A. S. Seeley. It is about 40x50 
feet in ground area, and two and a half 
stories in height. It is equipped with 
two sets of buhrs, one for Hour and one 
for corn, and is run by water power, 
furnished by Apple creek. The dam is 
loO feet wide, and has a fall of six feet. 
The mill is furnished with the pictur- 
esque, but clumsy, old-fashioned tub 
wheel. The wheat that J. II. Jones, 
the miller, can grind ui) in a day, will 
average about 60 bushels. All the work 
is custom. This mill was built by John 
and James Beeman, about the year 1821. 
At first they put up a rude saw-mill, 
with which they sawed out the lumber 
for the grist mill. They were the first 
to run the mill, and did a good busi- 
ness. 

John H. Jones was born in Gallia 
county, 0., July 10, 1838, and is a son 
of G. W. and Eliza A. Jones, both de- 
ceased. They were natives of Virginia. 
His mother died in Ohio when John was 
a mere child. His father came with 
him to Illinois in 1878, locating in 
Greene county, where he died in the 
fall of 1883. John H. learned the mill- 
ing business at his home in Ohio, when 



840 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



a boy. Ill July, 1862, he enlisted in 
Co. L, 7th 0. Cav., and was assigned 
to the army of the (.'unil)erland, under 
the coniniand of Gen. Kilpatrick. He 
was with him during the Atlanta cam- 
paign, and tlie raid around that city. 
He was with Sliernian's army in all the 
fighting from Chattanoaga, including 
Resaca, Dalton, Marietta. Altoona, 
Kenesaw and othfer battles. After the 
taking of the city, he went back to go 
on the Wilson raid, and went all through 
that, with the command to which he 
belonged, after which he came back to 
Nashville, Tenn., where he was mus- 
tered out in July, 1865. He then re- 
turned to Ohio, and in the fall of that 
year, came to Hamilton county, 111., 
where he resided until coming to Greene 
county, in 1876, locating under the bluff 
in Bluffdale township. He followed 
fcrming after coming to Illinois, until 
he took charge of the 8eely mill, July 
lo, 1885. He was married in Ohio, 
Nov. 15, 1860, to Mary Hemphill, a na- 
tive of Ohio. Their marriage was 
blessed with a family of 10 children, 
eightof whom are living — Ella, George, 
William, Walter, Elizabeth, Joseph, 
Clara and Maude. Those deceased are 
— Belle and Charles. Mr. Jones is an 
industrious man, and gives careful at- 
tention to the business in which he is 
engaged. 

BLUFFDALE POSTOFFICE 

Was established in 1829, during the ad- 
ministration of President Jackson. The 
first postmaster was John Russell, who 
remained in that capacity until 1843, 
when he was succeeded by W. A. J. 
Russell. In 1849, he, in turn, was fol- 
lowed by his father, John Russell, who 
held it until the time of his death, Jan. 



21, 1863. S. G. Russell was then ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy, receiving his 
commission on the 3d of Feb., 1863, and 
has been the postmaster ever since. 
The first postoffice was in the log cabin 
in which the Russell family lived when 
they first came here. This was about 
16x18 feet in ground area, one and a 
half stories high. 

ELDRED POSTOFFICE. 

This was established July 1, 1884, 
with Warren Beebe as postmaster. The 
office is kept at his residence, on Sec. 
33, T. 10, R. 13. The first postoffice in 
this vicinity was kept years ago by 
Jordan Calvin. He was succeeded by 
Richard S. Cole, who bought out the 
the improvements of Calvin, and kept 
the postoffice in the same house. 

EDUCATION.^L. 

School district No. 3.— The first 
school house in this district was built 
about the year 1839. It was a stone 
building, built without windows, and 
only a little dome on top to admit light. 
C^TUS Sargent taught the first school 
here in about 1840, and at that time 
gave the building the name of "Stone 
Jug," a name quite applicable, and 
which stuck to it as long as it was used 
for a school house. It has since been 
enlarged and is now used as a depot by 
the L., C. & W. R. R. 

District No. 5, is better and more fa- 
miliarly known as "Whistle Jacket." 
The first school in this district was held 
in the dwelling house of John Snyder, 
on section 23. He bought this pilace in 
1849, and on the land was a log cabin, 
and as he was not ready just then to 
move into it, he allowed it to be used 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



841 



for school purposes. Stephen Lewis was 
the pioneer teacher. When Mr. Sny- 
der moved into the house with his fam- 
ily, he still allowed them to use one 
end of it for a school, while he lived in 
the other. In 1850, by permission of 
Mr. Snyder, a log school house was 
erected on his land, on the site of the 
j)rcsent building, he furnishing the 
money and part of the work, the balance 
of tlie worlv being furnished by the dis- 
trict. A Miss Miller was the first 
teacher. Tliis school was christened 
lij' some one by the euphonious nick- 
name that its successor bears, even to 
this day. The building spoken of con- 
tinued in use until 1861, when a new 
one was erected on its site, at a cost of 
$4(X). The first teacher here was Eliza- 
beth Martin. The present directors 
are— Wm. Dan, Wm. S. Flatt an.l .J.. 
F. Huff. Present teacher— A. W. Scott. 

REPRESENT.\TIVE CITIZENS.- 

Hiram Keach, deceased, was born at 
Abingdon, Va., in 1802. He was there 
reared to manhood, and learned the 
saddlery business at Stevens' tannery. 
He was educated there l)y his brother 
John R., who was a Methodist preacher. 
He followed the saddlery business in 
his native state until coming to Illinois, 
about the year 1829. He located at 
-Mbion, Edwards county, where he con- 
tinued his business until 1833, when he 
removed to CarroUton. There he added 
merchandising to tlie saddlery business, 
and carried that on awhile, and finally 
commenced dealing in land. During 
his life he accumulated vast tracts of 
land in Greene and other counties in 
Illinois, and also in Missouri and Texas. 
He was married in Scottsville, Va., to 



Gary Ann Mayo, a native of Virginia, 
living near the University, at Char- 
lottesville. They were the parents of 
two children — John Roswell, whose 
sketch follows this, and Virginia, wife 
of Joseph Brown, formerly mayor of 
St. Louis. She died in CarroUton in 
Nov., 1882. Hiram Keach died in 
Sept., 1868, his wife surviving him until 
Feb., 1881. Both are buried in the 
CarroUton cemetery. Mr. Keach was 
one of the early settlers of the county, 
and became one of its most prominent 
and prosperous residents. He was a 
member of the Masonic order. 

Capt. John R. Keach, the only living 
child of Hiram Keach, was born in Ed- 
wards county. 111., Oct. 21, 1830. When 
three years of age, he removed with his 
parents to CarroUton, Greene county, 
and was there reared and received his 
preliminary eeducation, then finishing at 
ShurtlefF College, Upper Alton. After 
leaving college he went on the river and 
was there captain of several river boats — 
the McKee, running from Keokuk to 
Rock Island, the Tishomingo and Ben 
Campbell, making the same runs, and 
the L. M. Kennett, running to New Or- 
leans, continuing on that "from the 
spring of 1859, until May 10, 1861, the 
night of the taking of Camp Jackson. 
After that he bought the steamer Emma, 
at Helena, and started down the river 
with a Heet of 84 boats, and was in all 
the fighting on the Yazoo river, at 
Haines' Bluff, Young's Point and Ar- 
kansas Post, and was with the fleet 
almost until the taking of Vicksburg. 
His boat, the Emma, was one of those 
who went down the pass, and she was 
so badly torn up that the repairs made 
by Capt. Keach, at St. Louis, cost the 



842 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



government $23,000. He made one 
more trip with her up the Missouri 
river, and was fired on continually from 
the banks. He then retired from that 
branch of the service and located in St: 
Louis, where he entered the wholesale 
grocery trade, as a member of the firm 
of Wilson & Keach. He continued in 
that business from 1864 till 1876, when 
he came to Calhoun county, locating at 
Reed's Landing, where he built a home 
and made imjjrovements. The resi- 
dence erected was a fine two-storj' build- 
ing, 30x40. The next year he determined 
to remove the house across the river, 
and by his knowledge of boating he was 
enabled to complete the undertaking. 
He located it two miles from the shore 
on the opposite side of the river, the 
undertaking being completed in safety 
and without any damage, the carpets 
not even being taken off the floor. He 
has resided on Sec. 31, T. 11, R. 13, ever 
since. He was married in New York 
city, June 29, 1872, to Anna C. Coffin, 
a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., 
and a daughter of William H. and Jane 
(Mabbett) Coffin. Both were natives of 
New York, her father being born in 
Dutchess county, and her mother in the 
city of Albany. Mr. Coffin was a 
wealthy and noted railroad owner and 
director, distiller and banker. Mr. and 
Mrs. Keach were the parents of five 
children, of whom three are living — 
JohnRoswell, Jr., Anna Pearl and Grace 
Reed. Those deceased are — Virginia, 
died in Calhoun county at the age of 
four years, and one who died in infancy. 
Capt. Keach has about 10,000 acres of 
land, all in Greene county, and may be 
classed among the wealthiest land 
owners in the state, and is a most 



genial, intelligent gentlemen. His 
father came to Greene county over half 
a century ago, and when he came to 
Carrollton and engaged in the manufac- 
ture of saddlery, he was the first one in 
that line there. He ran a large number 
of hands, and sold his goods as far 
south as Louisiana, and also in many 
parts of the west. 

George Darr was born in York county, 
Pennsylvania, June 7, 1817, his parents 
being John and Catherine (Wunbach) 
Darr, both natives of Pennsylvania. 
When George had reached the age of 12 
years, he went to Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, where he was reared to 
manhood. His parents also removed to 
that county five years later. George 
was brought up to farm life and has fol- 
lowed that occupation nearly all his life. 
He was married in his native state, Sept. 
4, 1836, to Rebecca Hofi"man, anative of 
Pennsylvania, and a daugliter of Philip 
and Savina (Benedict) Hofl'man. Both 
her parents were born in Pennsylvania, 
and there both died. In the fall of 1848 
Mr. Darr removed to Illinois and located 
in Calhoun county, where he rented 
land for three and a half years. He 
then came to Greene county, locat- 
ing in what is now Carrollton town- 
ship, where he remained six years, and 
then bought 200 acres on sections 23 and 
24, in Blufl'dale townshiji, where he has 
since resided. He found comparatively 
no improvements there, at that time, 
but set right to work with an energy, 
bound to eff'ect prosperity. Mr. and 
Mrs. Darr were the parents of 10 chil- 
dren, of whom nine are living — Eliza- 
beth, wife of A\'illard Swan, is now de- 
ceased; Amos, married Henrietta Adams, 
lives in this township; Susan, wife of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



843 



Dennis Flatt, livino; in Johnson county, 
Kansas; Cntheiinc, living at home; 
Mary Ann, wife of Reuhen Proffil, 
living in Rice county, Kansas; Sarah, 
wife of Elias Swires, living in ^lissouri; 
Rebecca, married Edward Butte, living 
in Marion county, Kansas; George Wil- 
liam, married Louisa Snyder, lives on 
the home place; Ruth E., wife of Wil- 
liam Robinet, living in Missouri, and 
Adeline, wife of Arthur Bendy, living 
at the Darr homestead. Mr. and Mrs. 
Darr are members of the Pacific Union 
Baptist church, of Bluffdale township. 
Coming here over a third of a century 
ago, with no money and no capital, save 
willing hands, Mr. and Mrs. Darr have 
persevered until they now have a splen- 
didly improved farm, owning 200 acres 
of land, with fine improvements. 
George Darr found tinilier on most of 
his land when he came here; its place 
is now occupied by one of the finest 
farms in the county. IMr. Darr desires 
to sell his place, and any one seeking a 
location could find no pleasanter one 
than this. 

John Snyder was born in Hanover, 
Germany, June 9, 1819, his parents 
being Harmon G. and Mary (Benen) 
Snyder. There John was reared to 
farm life, and lived in his native coun- 
try until he had reached the age of 19 
years. He then bade adieu to relatives 
and friends, and going to Bremen, took 
passage on a vessel bound for New 
Orleans, touching at San Domingo and 
other points in that latitude. After a 
voyage of 11 weeks, he arrived at New 
Orleans, and after a stay of five days 
in the Crescent City, he took a boat for 
St. Louis, and 16 days later he arrived 
at that city. He remained there six 



days, and then came up to Calhoun 
county, where he remained one month, 
and then came to Greene county, in 
.\pril, 1839, and has been a resident of 
the county since. He first went to work 
for \Vard Eldred, and remained in his 
employ about two years. He leased 
land from William Eldred, in 1842, in 
what is now Carrollton township, and 
there remained until he came to his 
present location, on Sec. 23, T. 10, R. 
13. At that time he purchased 70 acres 
of land, but, through industry and good 
management, he has added to that from 
time to time, until he now has 550 acres 
in that tract, besides 40 acres in another. 
He was married in this county, May 28, 
1840, to Nancy Portwood,a native of Hart 
county, Ky., and daughter of Lloyd 
and Sallie Portwood. Her parents were 
both born in southern Kentucky and re- 
moved from there to southern Hlinois 
in 1823, and from there to ( : reene county 
in 1829, locating in what is now Carroll- 
ton township. Both died the same year 
after coming to this county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Snyder were the parents of seven 
children — Hiram, married Laura Ann 
Flatt, lives in Greene county; Louisa, 
wife of William George Darr, living in 
Blutidale township; John Allen, married 
Susan Campbell, lives in this county. 
Those deceased are— Mary Ann, William 
S., James, and one who died in infancy. 
Mr. and Mrs. Snyder arc members of 
the Pacific Union United Baptist church. 
Mr. Snyder has been township treas- 
urer since 1SG2, and still holds that 
position. He has been justice of the 
peace for 12 years and was a member of 
the commissioners' court for three years. 
He has been identified with the educa- 
tional interests of his district since its 



844 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



early daj'S, and is a man whom the com- 
munity place all confidence in on account 
of his honesty, integrity and enterprise. 
Nathaniel Pegram was born in Bruns- 
wick, Va., on the 15th day of Sept., 
1807, and is a son of Edward and Re- 
becca (Harper) Pegram, natives of Vir- 
ginia. His father died about the year 
1820, in Virginia. His mother and fam- 
ily then moved to Alabama. On the 
15th of Sept., 1838, Nathaniel was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth King, who was raised 
by her uncle, John King, she being an 
orphan. By this marriage, there were 
12 children — Alvin, married, and lives 
in Carrollton, where he is engaged in 
the lumber business; Edward B., mar- 
ried Rosa Watson, living near Wood- 
ville; J. B., married Elizabeth Rollins, 
living in Bluffdale township; Martha 
J., wife of Herbert Taylor, living in 
Carrollton; Maria, wife of Samuel Gra- 
ham, living near Middletown, Mo.; 
Elizabeth, wife of Richard N. Kelly, 
living near Udel, Kan.; Nathaniel, 
married Nellie J. Vinyard, residing in 
Bluffdale township; Caroline, wife of 
John Vinyard, residing near White 
Hall; and four children, two boys and 
two girls, that died in infancy. Mr. 
Pegram has a tine farm of 501 acres, in 
T. 10, R. 13, and he divides his atten- 
tion between the raising of stock and 
grain, and the success with which he 
has met, is due to his thrift and energy. 
He was elected captain of a militia 
company, in Alabama, when he was in 
his 18th year, and served in that capac- 
ity for three j'ears. Mr. Pegram has 
been connected with the schools of his 
district, as director, and has also held 
the office of supervisor, and performed 
the duties of these oflfiees with honesty. 



F. M. Fishback was born in Culpep- 
per county, Va., on the oOth day of 
March, 1830, and is a son of Frederick 
and Sophia A. Fishback, natives of 
Virginia. He came west in 1851, and 
settled where he now lives, in Blutf- 
dale township. He owns 235 acres of 
land on S. 13, T. 10, R. 13, and 80 acres 
on section 10, of the same township and 
range, which he is the possessor of 
through his industry and economy. 
Farming and stock-raising take up all 
his attention. On the 4th of Sept., 1855, 
he was married to Mary L. Stith, a 
daughter of Daniel B. and Mary L. 
Stith, natives of Virginia. They are 
the parents of six children — Etta, mar- 
ried Donald Simpson, now living in 
Carrollton township; David M., in the 
flour .business with R. H. Davis, in 
Carrollton; Katie L., Edith V., Frank 
and Frederick L. Mr. Fishback was a 
a member of the county commissioners' 
court, from 1865 to 1873. He is the 
present supervisor of this township, is 
member of the Good Templar's and 
the Masonic lodge, at Carrollton, and of 
the M. E. church at that place. 

Louis Lembke was born in the Grand 
Duchy of Mecklenburg Schwerin, Nov. 
29, 1833, his parents being Ludwig and 
Elizabeth (Jennerjohn) Lembke. He 
spent his early life in his native country, 
and there learned the trade of a guilder 
or worker in fine metals, beginning his 
apprenticeship in his 16th j'ear, and 
continuing until he had reached the age 
of 20 years. On completing his appren- 
ticeship, he bade adieu to family and 
friends, and going to Hamburg, took 
passage, March 1, 1854, on a vessel 
bound for New York. He landed there 
April 21, 1854, and after a stay of three 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



845 



days, started for Wisconsin. After 
reaching that state he worked on a 
canal at Appleton, Outagamie county, 
for a year and a half. He then came 
down to St. Louis, where he only re- 
mained two weeks, and then removed 
to Greenecounty, 111., where he worked 
for Charles Roliley for some two years. 
He then took a trip to Wisconsin, on a 
visit to his uncle, who lived near Apple- 
ton. He remained there nearly a year, 
coming back to Greene county in Aug., 
and on arriving here had not a single 
cent in his pocket. He again went to 
work for Charles Robley, where he con- 
tinued a little over a year, and was 
then married, Nov. 9, 1859, to Silvina 
Osborn, a native of Sangamon county, 
and a daughter of Moses and Judith 
Osborn. Mr. and Mrs. Lembke have 
no children, but are rearing two, a 
brother and sister, who with them find 
a comfortable home. Mr. Lembke and 
his wife started out in this county with 
little or no capital, but so well have 
they managed and so well directed have 
been their efforts, that their possessions 
now comprise 382 acres of good land, all 
in one body, in Bluildale township. 
Mr. Lembke's parents both died in the 
old country. Mrs. Lembke's parents 
died at the home of their daughter, the 
wife of our subject. 

(ieorge W. Bechdoldt was born in 
Calhoun county, 111., on the 20th of 
Oct., 1851, and is a son of Henry and 
Elizabeth (Meyers) Bechdoldt, natives 
of Germany. His father was born on 
the 3d of Nov., 1818, on the banks of 
the river Rhine, and came to America; 
landing in Calhoun county, in 1832. 
His mother was born on the 24th of 
Nov., 1819, on the banks of the river 



Main. His mother took passage on a 
boat sailing for America, on the 1st day 
of Jan., 1846, but on account of wind 
and storm the voyage was extended so 
that it took 83 days to cross the ocean, 
seeing nothing all this time but the blue 
sky and the stormy sea. They landed 
at the port of New Orleans, on the 1st 
of March, and had to remain there about 
a week, as the river was blockaded with 
ice. They then sailed up the river, ar- 
riving in Calhoun county on the 7th of 
April, having been 116 days in making 
the entire journey. In July, 1846, Henry 
was married to Elizabeth Meyers, and 
they were the parents of six children, of 
which our subject was the third. Geo. 
W., was married on the 25th day of 
Dec, 1879, to Flora Wardinski, a 
daughter of John and Mary Wardinski, 
natives of Poland. Her father was 
killed at Columbiana, about three miles 
from the blufi', by the bushwhackers, 
during war times. Her mother is now 
living with Mr. Beclidoldt. Three child- 
ren have been born to them — one died 
in infancy; Mary Elizabeth, deceased; 
George W., was born Oct. 21, 1882. Mr. 
Bechdoldt has 167 acres of land on Sec. 
28, T. 10, R. 13, on which he spends 
most of his time, knowing that industry 
and economy are the surest means of 
success. He has been connected with 
the schools of his district, as director, 
and has held the office of road super- 
visor. 

Herman Rawe was born in Hanover, 
Germany, Dec. 12, 1855, his parents be- 
ing Joseph and Emma M. (Middendorf) 
Rawe. Herman lived with his parents 
as long as he remained in his native 
country, and was reared to farm life. 
In November, 1858, Herman took a last 



846 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



farewell of home and relatives and going 
to Bremen, took passage on a vessel 
hound for New Orleans. After a voyage 
of about three months, he arrived at the 
Crescent city, and immediately took a 
steamer for St. Louis. He remained 
there but about a week, and then came 
to Greene county, and engaged in the 
employ of Eldred Brothers in Carroll- 
ton township. He only remained there 
three months and then returned to St. 
Louis, where he began to learn the ma- 
son's trade, at which he continued 
something over two years. He then 
came back to Greene county and bought 
80 acres of land on Sec. 26, T. 10, R. 
K^>, in what is now Blutfdale township. 
He removed to his present location, on 
the same section, in the fall of 1878. 
After coming to the county a second 
time, Mr. Rawe worked at his trade 
and carried on farming for a number of 
years, but now pays all his attention to 
farming and stock raising. He was 
married in St. Louis, May 5, 1859, to 
Mary Pranger, a native of Hanover, 
and daughter of Henry and Elana 
(Schneider) Pranger. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rawo are the parents of six children 
living; Margaret, wife of Tobias Siemer, 
living in Carrollton township; Ellen, 
Elizabeth, Herman, AVilliam and Mary. 
There are three deceased — Benjamin 
and two named Katrine. When Mr 
and Mrs. Rawe first came to this county, 
a quarter of a century ago, they had 
scarcely any money, and no capital save 
willing hands and dauntless energy, but 
210 acres now comjuise their landed 
possessions, all of which lie in section 
26. They are both members of the Cath- 
olic church, and attend at Carrollton. 
Mr. Rawe's parents are both dead; his 



mother dying in Hanover, Germany, 
his father in Calhoun county, Illinois, 
in 1877. Mrs. Rawe's parents both died 
at their home in Maco'upin county, near 
Fayette. 

John Rathgeber was born in Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany, Feb. 26, 1834, 
his parents being John and Margaret 
(Kramer) Ratligeber. John was reared 
to farm life in his native country. In 
the year 1855 he went into the army of the 
Elector of Hesse-Darmstadt, and staid 
in the service nine 3'ears and six months. 
During the Crimean war, he started with 
the division of fiying artillery to which 
he belonged, but they were not sent to the 
seat of war, as peace was declared soon 
afterward. He was also in the armj' 
during the trouble with France, in 1859. 
In 1864 he took leave of the army, and 
on arriving home, he bade farewell to 
home and friends, and went to Maj'- 
ence, where he took passage on the 
Saxonia, a vessel bound for New York. 
After an ocean voyage of 16 days, he 
arrived at that port, uieeting there his 
parents, brothers and sisters, who had 
come to America ten years before. He 
remained with them about one year and 
a half, and was then married, in Sept., 
1865, to Rachel Grasser, a native of 
Baden, and a daughter of Fred. Grasser. 
B}' that marriage there were four chil- 
dren — John, Jacol), Rosa and Christina. 
Mrs. Rathgeber departed this life on 
the 1st day of Jan., 1877. i\Ir. Ratlige- 
ber was again married, Nov. 25, 1880, to 
Frederika Mueller, daughter of John 
and Mary Mueller, and a native of 
Hesse-Cassel, Germany. By that union 
they have one child — Amanda. Mr. 
Rathgeber is the possessor of 200 acres 
of land, all on section 10, in Bluff dale 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



847 



township. Roth his parents are dead, 
his lather having died in New York, in 
1878. 

Jacob Conrad was born in Calhoun 
county, Oct. 14, 1850, and is the son of 
Jacob and Barbara (Mahler) Conrad. 
They were both natives of Baden and 
came to this country by way of New 
Orleans about the year 1845. After 
stopping in that city some time they 
came up to Calhoun county, by way of 
St. Louis. His father died there in the 
year 1850, and his mother now lives with 
a son by her second marriage, Fred 
Yanna, who resides in Carrollton town- 
ship. The remainder of the Conrad 
family now live in Chicago. Jacob was 
reared to farm life and lived there, in 
Calhoun county, until the fall of 1863, 
when removed to Greene county, where 
he was in the emploj' of J. J. Eldred 
from that time on for 14 years. He then 
rented land from Tunnell and Ben 
Roodliouse for five years, and then in 
July, 1883, he bought 180 acres of land 
on Sees. 1 and 12, T. 10, R. 13, it being 
the old John Gamlde place. Here he 
has continued to live since that time. 
He was married in this county, March 
27, 1877, to Charlotte Nolan, a native of 
Greene county, and daughter of John 
and Mary Nolan. Her parents were 
early settlers and will be noticed else- 
where in this work. Mr. and Mrs. 
Conrad are the parents of three child- 
ren — John J., Lee M., and Flora T. Mr. 
Conrad is a member of tlie Knights of 
Honor, at White Hall, and also of the 
Grange. He is an esteemed citizen and 
an enterprising farmer. 

Henry F. Bechdoldt was born in Cal- 
houn county, HI., on the 29th day of 
July, 1854. He is a son of Henry and 



Elizabeth (Meyers) Bechdoldt, natives 
of Germany. His father lived on the 
banks of the classic river, Rhine, and 
his mother on the banks of the JLiin. 
His sketch will be found elsewhere in 
this work. Henry was brought up to 
farm life, and has since been occupied 
in the same, with the exception of the 
time that he assisted his father in the 
mill. He now owns 150 acres of land, 
50 of which is on section 22, 30 on sec- 
tion 29, and 80 on section 30, all in T. 10, 
R. 13. His time is spent here in the 
raising of stock and grain, in which he 
has been very successful. Mr. Bech- 
doldt was married on the 17th day of 
Jan., 1879, to Mary Boyce, a daughter 
of Thomas and Martha Boyce. Three 
children have blessed this union — Jacob, 
Thomas and Katie. 

Daniel Flatt is a son of John and 
Elizabeth (Garrison) Flatt, and was 
born on the 15th of Sept. , 1849, in Greene 
county. His life has thus far been that 
of a farmer, and he has a good farm of 
160 acres on Sec. 11, T. 10, R. 13,where 
he is engaged in the raising of grain and 
stock. On the 4th of July, 1871, Mr. 
Flatt was married to Katie King, a 
daughter of Alfred and Charlotta (Gib- 
son) King, mentioned elsewhere in this 
work. By this marriage three children 
were born — Stephen, Anna May, de- 
ceased, and one who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Flatt is a member of the United 
Baptist church. Mr. Flatt is an indus- 
trious farmer, and a well respected 
citizen. 

Abraham Madison was born in Jladi- 
S(m county, Ky., three miles south of 
Bowling Green, Jan. 2, 1816, at 4 a. m. 
lie was a son of Leroy and Teziah 
(Lindsay) Madison, natives of Virginia. 



848 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



His grandfather on his father's sijle was 
a native of Ireland, and his grandmother, 
of Holland. On his mother's side, his 
grandfather was an Englishman, and his 
grandmother was French, having been 
liorn in one of the Rhine provinces. 
Abraham was reared to farm life, right 
on the place where he was born. In 
1833 he came to Illinois, and located in 
what is now Scott county, then Morgan 
county. There he was married, April 
19, 1845, to Margaret Fletcher, a native 
of Clark county, Ky., and a daughter of 
Vardeman and Elizabeth (Rodgers) 
Fletcher. By this marriage there were 
eight children, only three of whom are 
living — Elizabeth, deceased; Winfield 
Scott, married Ida Cumbe^', living on 
the same farm with his father; Emily, 
deceased; Catherine, deceased; Martha, 
wife of Albert Tredway, living at 
Beardstown; John, deceased; Rebecca, 
wife of Harrison Shumate, living in 
Bluffdale township; and one who died in 
infancy. Mr. Madison enlisted in the 
service of his country, Aug. 7, 1861, in 
Co. B, 27th 111. Inf. He was mustered 
in at Camp Butler, joining his regiment 
there, under Col. Buford. They were 
under the great commander. Gen. Grant, 
at first, and Abraham was at Belmont, 
Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, 
Stone River, and the siege and capture 
of Mcksburg. At Stone River they lost 
their lieutenant, and Col. Herrington 
and our subject assisted in carrjnnghim 
off the field. They came back through 
Tennessee, and from there down to 
Atlanta, Ga., he being in all the engage- 
ments in which his regiment partici- 
pated up to that point. Abraham was 
mustered out at Atlanta, and discharged 
at Springfield in 1864. From there he 



returned to his home in Scott county, 
but not in as good condition as when he 
entered, the service, having lost a leg, 
as the result of his faithfulness to the 
union cause. He lived in Scott county 
until 1873, when he removed to Greene 
county, and located in what is now 
Blufidale township, where he yet re- 
sides, on section 35, to which section he 
removed in Feb., 1884. He owns 
KKJ acres of land there, all well culti- 
vated. On the 18th of .July, 1885, Mrs, 
Madison was called away from this 
world to one of rest and happiness, and 
was buried at the Eldred cemetery. ^Ir. 
Madison's parents went to Missouri, in 
1835, and there both departed this life. 
John B. Pranger was born in the 
Kingdom of Hanover, now in the em- 
pire of Germany, Aug. 15, 1831, his 
parents being B. H. and Marj' (Ficker) 
Pranger. Jno. B. lived with his parents 
until he had arrived at the age of 20 
years, assisting them with the duties 
and labors of the farm. He then went 
out to work for himself, continuing until 
1858, when, deciding to come to Ameri- 
ca, betook leave of home and friends, 
and going to Bremen, took passage on a 
vessel bound for New Orleans. After a 
long voyage of ten weeks, and an addi- 
tional week at New Orleans before leav- 
ing the ship, he arrived at the Crescent 
City. The journej' was a very unpleas- 
ant one, and he experienced the worst 
form of sea life, the ship having gotten 
out of her course, and going by way of 
Cuba, San Domingo, etc. The yellow 
fever was then raging at New Orleans, 
and he took the boat for St. Louis, at a 
point distant from the former city. He 
remained in St. Louis two years, work- 
ing at the cooper's trade most of the time. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



849 



He then eame up to Greene ooxinty, 
wliere lie had relatives livinc;, ^Ir. Sny- 
der being amonij; thcTn. Tlius tlmse 
two gentlemen were about the first 
(jeniian settlers of this vieinity. On 
arriving here. John was employed by 
Mr. Snyder the first year, and the next 
year he rented five acres of land, and 
hired the work done on it, he himself 
working at the cooper's trade mostly, 
thereby turning out over 10,00() staves. 
In 1874, he purchased 30 acres of land 
on S. 12, T. 10, R. 13, where he has 
since resided. There were then no 
buildings on it, and the ground was 
mostly wild. It is now a finely im- 
proved farm, with very creditable and 
substantial buildings thereon, and he 
has since added to his land, so that he 
now has 60 acres. Mr. Pranger was 
married in St. Louis, Dec. 24, 1858, to 
Ileh'ua Jt)hnson, a native of Hanovei", 
and a daughter of Henry Johnson. This 
marriage has been blessed by seven 
children — Anna, married Oswald Beck- 
er, living in Washington territory; 
Henry, who married Frances C'amerer, 
and also lives in W^ishington territory; 
Catherine, Benjamin, John, Mary and 
Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Pranger are 
members of the Catholic church, of 



CarroUton. Coming here 25 years ago 
with no capital save energy and willing 
hands, Jlr. Pranger has certainly made 
a creditable record. 

Silas H. Winchell was liorn in New- 
port, Vermillion, county, Iiid., Jan. 10, 
1836. He was a son of Sylvia and 
Agnes Winchell, natives of New York. 
His father died at Newport, Ind., and 
his mother now lives at Maple River, 
la. Silas H. came to Greene county, 
111., in !March, 1858, settling under the 
lilufTs, in Blulfdale township. Mr. W'in- 
chell enlisted in the service of his coun- 
try, at Bedford, in the 7th 111. Inf., Co. 
K, and was mustered into the service on 
the 2d of Oct., 1861, at Post Holt, Ky. 
He served three years, and engaged in 
the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, 
and Corinth, under Gen. Grant. He 
was mustered out, Oct. 2, 1864, aTul re- 
turned home. He was married in Dec, 
1864, to Jennie Phillips, daughter of 
Curtis BushncU, of Woodville town- 
ship. The}' are the parents of six chil- 
dren — Violetta, wife of John Loger, 
now living at Maple River, la.; Alvin, 
Franklin, John, Monroe and \\'altcr. 
Mr. Winchell owns 60 acres of land on 
sections 32 and 38. For the past 18 years 
he has served as school director. 



QHAPXEIR XVII, 



WOODVILLK TOWNSHIP. 



The sub-division of (ireene county 
known as Woodville, is an irregular 
shaped body of land, and comprises, 
firstly, all of T. 9, R. 13, except the por- 



tions of Sees. 32, 33, 34, and 35, south 
of tlie Macoupin creek, lying in Jersey 
county; secondly, of Sees. 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 
IS, W, 20, 30, and 31, of T. 9, R. 12; 



850 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



thirdly, of fractional Sees. 6, 7, and 18, 
of T. 8, R. 13; fourthly, of fractional 
Sees. 1, 12, 19, and 20, T. 8, R. 14; and 
fifthly, of fraetional Sees. 1, 6, 7, and 
18, of T. 8, R. 13. It is hounded on the 
north by Bluifdale township, on the east 
by Kane township, on the south by 
Jerse}' county, from which it is sepa- 
rated by Macoupin creek, and on the 
west by the Illinois river. The western 
part of the township is the l>ottom land 
of the Illinois river, the richest soil in 
the world, but liable to annual over- 
flow, and therefore not relialde as farm- 
ing land. Back of this rises the line of 
bluffs that form the true banks of the 
river, and east of these, and on the sum- 
mit of the i)rairie plateau, the land is 
generally of a rolling character, rich and 
fertile, where cleared of the primeval 
forest that encumbered the ground when 
this county was first settled, and which 
now covers a consideraljle portion of 
this territory. The most of this town- 
shij) would be available for cultivation 
as the timber could be cleared off and 
levees built to restrain the waters of the 
river. The inhabitants, are as a class, 
not able to incur tlie heavy expense at- 
tendant upon this, and hence the growth 
in that direction is necessarily slow. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

As far as can be ascertained, the tirst 
permanent settler within the present 
limits of Woodville township was made 
by George W. Clendenen. This gentle- 
man was a son of Robert and Mai-y 
Clendenen, the former of whom was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war and 
had command of the fort at Gallopolis, 
on the Ohio river. George W. Clen- 
denen was born in Greenbrier countj', 
Va., aliout the year 1779, and spent his 



early life in the state of his nativitj'. 
His father afterward removed to Bour- 
bon county, Ky., where George was 
married to Mary Reynolds. In 1817, he 
removed with his young family to St. 
Charles county. Mo., making the trip 
in a one-horse Dearborn wagon. He 
resided in that locality until 1819, when 
he came to Greene county and made a 
settlement on section 27, near where the 
Macoupin creek breaks through the 
bluffs. Here he lived, a pioneer, until 
his death, which occurred in 1841. He 
was the first justice of the peace in the 
township, and was a man respected by 
all his associates. His widow survived 
him until Nov., 1869. With Mr. Clen- 
denen, came his son Hazard Perry 
Clendenen, then a lad of eight or nine 
years. 

■ H. P. Clendenen, father of Mrs. Rob- 
ert King, was born in Bi)url)on county, 
Ky., Oct. 12, 1812, his parents being 
George W. and Mary Clendenen. In 
1817, Mr. Clendenen went, with his pa- 
rents, to St. Charles county. Mo., where 
they resided until 1820, when they came 
to Greene county. 111., settling in what 
is now Woodville township. Here he 
received his early education, principally 
from his father, and afterward became a 
man well informed on the leading top- 
ics of the day. He assisted in the farm 
duties at home, during his early life, and 
when about 20 years of age, he engaged 
in tlat-boating for about 14 years, taking 
farm produce and stock to New Orleans. 
He was married Dec. 20, 1842, to Maria 
A. Clark, daughter of Absalom and 
Lydia Clark, early settlers of this 
county, having located on the Macou- 
pin creek, in the fall of 1819, where 
Maria was born, Nov. 16, 1823. By 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



851 



that marriage there were six children, 
two of whom died when quite yomig. 
Those living are— Mary A., wife of 
Robert King; Jennie M., wife of James 
Ellis, living in Montgomery county, 
111.; and two sons. Mr. Clendenen 
started in life with almost nothing, but 
succeeded, by economy and industry, in 
aciiuiring a large amount of ))rojperty, 
having a farm of 1,7U0 acres on the Illi- 
nois bottom. He early became identi- 
fied with the whig party, and so contin- 
ued until it disorganized, when he joined 
the ranks of the republican party, and 
two of his family, Oscar C, and Robert 
King, aided in the preservation of the 
Union, in the late war, and Mr. Clen- 
denen was one of the strong supporters 
of the Union cause. Mrs. Clendenen 
died on Dec., 5, 18(52, and Mr. Clen- 
denen survived her until Nov. 20, 1880, 
both being buried at the old homestead. 
He was highly respected and esteemed 
by all who knew him. 

Robert King was born in Copiali 
county. Miss., Dec. 2;], 1843, his par- 
ents being John and Zerilda (Stewart) 
King. His father was born in Ken- 
tucky, and his mother in Mississippi. 
In 1847, his parents left the state in 
which he was born, and removed to 
Illinois, locating in Jersey county, 
under the bluff in Richwoods township. 
There Robert was reareil, and thrri- his 
jiarents resided, until their death. His 
fathtr was engaged in farming, all his 
life. He died Feb. 14, 181)2, and is 
buried in the Campbell cemetery, as 
is also his wife, she having died 
in .Ian., IS(il). Robert, our subject, 
came to (Ireene county in 18157, and 
located in the now townshij) of Wood- 
villc. He was married tbe saim- vear, 



on the 7th of May, to Mary A. Clen- 
denen, daughter of H. P. and Maria 
(Clark) Clendenen, who were among 
the pioneers of Greene county, he hav- 
ing come in 1819. A sketch of his life 
will appear elsewhere. Mrs. and ^Irs. 
King were the parents of seven children, 
five of whom are living — Morgan L., 
died in 1869, aged 14 iVionths; ^[aria, 
Orson, Janie; Oscar, died in 187(5, aged 
about 14 months; Frederick and Joseph. 
All the living children reside at home. 
Mr. King remained in this county until 
1861, when he went to Saline county, 
Missouri, where he resided until JIareh, 
1885, when he moved back to Greene 
county, Illinois, where he now lives, on 
section 16. He has a farm of 80 acres 
here, and one of 160 acres in Missouri. 
On the 1st of May, 1861, though only 17 
years of age, Robert enlisted in Co. E, 
6th Mo., Inf., being mustered in at St. 
Louis. He was assigned to the com- 
mand of Gen. Grant, and his first ser- 
vice was at Pilot Knob. He was at 
Champion Hills; the siege and cai)ture 
of Vicksburg; Jackson, Mississii*])! ; 
;Mission Ridge ; then in the fighting 
from Chattanooga to Atlanta, partici- 
pating in the battles of Dalton, Resaca, 
Lost Mountain, and Kenesaw Mountain. 
At the last named battle, he was wounded 
in the left leg, and lay in the hosjutal 
mostly from that time till the close of the 
war, but remained in the service, and was 
not discharged until the 17th of July, 
1865. He was mustered out at New 
York city, and from there he returned 
to Jersey county. Although he was 
among the first in the service, and one 
of the last to leave it, he was never in 
the guard-house during the entire period 
t)f his enlistment. 



852 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



Matthew Dayton, deceased, was born 
in Schoharie county, N. Y., July 6, 
1798, his parents being Thomas and 
Elizabeth Dayton, of English parentage. 
His early life was sjient on his father's 
farm, and when about 20 years old im- 
migrated to the west. In 1S19 he came 
to Greene county, and located in this 
township, on the Illinois bottom. On 
coming to the west, he was accompanied 
by Capt. Robley and others, making the 
trip by wagon. Like many others of the 
old settlers of the county, he would build 
a boat, fill it with produce and float down 
the river to market. In 1825, he was 
married to Margaret Taylor, who died 
in March, 1862, and he died Oct. 4, 1874, 
in Montgomery county. They had a 
family of eight children — Lewis, living 
in T. 9, R. 13; Harvey and Matthew, 
living in Bates county. Mo.; Smith, liv- 
ing near the old homestead; Thomas H.', 
deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Wm. R. 
Thomas, Jr., living near Virden, Ma- 
coupin county; and two daughters, de- 
ceased, Amanda, wife of Absalom Clai'k, 
and Jane, wife of Col. Nulton. Mr. 
Dayton commenced life without capital, 
but by thrift, energy and perseverance, 
succeeded in making a good farm of 
about 500 acres of fine land, along the 
Illinois river bluff. He was a member 
of the whig party until it disorganized, 
when he united with the democratic 
party. Two of his sons, Smith and 
Thomas H., and one son-in-law, Col. 
Nulton, ])articipated in the late war, 
from 1861, until its close. 

Thomas H. Dayton, deceased, was 
born in Woodville township, Greene 
county. 111., Nov. 6, 1843, and was a 
son of Matthew and Margaret (Taylor) 
Dayton. Thomas was reared within the 



limits of this township, and made that 
his residence during his entire lifetime. 
He lived at home imtil the date of his 
marriage, Dec. 31, 1867, when he was 
united in marriage with ]\[attie J. Rick- 
etts, daughter of Aaron and Margaret 
(Barr) Ilicketts. Her father was a sol- 
dier in the Black Hawk war, and after 
its expiration, settled in Jersey county, 
locating in Richwoods township, where 
her parents were married. Her father 
died there in March, 1852, and her 
mother died in this county, April 21, 
1874. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton were the 
parents of seven children — John M., 
Lizzie J., Margaret Gertrude, Amanda 
Ann, Robert E. Lee, Guy, and Thomas 
Henry. Mr. Dayton departed this life 
May 7, 1882. He was an enterprising 
energetic citizen of that community, an 
affectionate husband and father, hence 
his loss was deeply mourned by family 
and friends. He was a soldier in the 
civil war, having been mustered in 
Oct. 9, 1861, in Co. G, 61st 111. Inf. 
He was at the battle of Shiloh, and 
participated in the siege and eajjture of 
Vicksburg, and many other engage- 
ments. He was with his regiment all 
the time of his enlistment, until when 
taken very sick, he was compelled to 
return home, rejoining his regiment 
after a stay of about six months. At 
the close of the war he was mustered 
out at Springfield. The regiment was 
commanded by his brother-in-law. Col. 
Nulton, of Carrollton. Mr. Dayton had 
been connected with the schools as 
director. He owned 575 acres of land, 
all in this township, and was well fixed. 
Mrs. Dayton was again married on the 
29th of July, 1884, to Frank Clark. 
Lewis Dayton, a son of Matthew and 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



853 



Margaret (Taylor) Dayton, was born on 
Sec. 4, T. 9, R. 13 west, in this county. 
He was born .June 26, 1S26, and in the 
ten years over lialf a century which has 
elapsed since tbat time, he has never 
called any place home except the section 
on which he now resides, and the ad- 
joining section 9. His father, Matthew 
Daj'ton, was one of the oldest [jioneers 
of the county, and is mentioned at 
length, elsewhere. Lewis, although 
reared in this county, at present so well 
settled and prosperous, grew up among 
scenes of wildness, it l)eingthen a wild, 
nnimproved country. What schooling 
he received was in a little stone build- 
ing, at wliat is now the station of El- 
dred, in Blufl'dale township. AUhougli 
his entire time of attendance did not 
exceed over two years, yet it was as 
good an education as the children of 
an}' of the neighbor's families received. 
Amid such circumstances he grew up, 
the i)rincipal features of his life being 
the hard work incident to clearing up 
the land, and the consequent hearty 
enjoyment of all opportunities for pleas- 
ure and recreation. Mr. Daj'ton was 
married on the 24tb of March, 1853, to 
Sarah Ann Anderson, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Nancy Andcrsim. They were 
all natives of Kentucky, and came to 
Greene county, 111., in 1851. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dayton were the parents of six 
children — Luetta L., deceased; Sarah 
Jane, wife of William S. Miller, living 
in tills township; Nancy M., wife of 
Henry J. Keyes, living at Roodhouse; 
Marj' Ellen, deceased, and two who 
died in infanc^y. Mrs. Dayton died on 
the 20tli day of Oct., 1876, and is buried 
in till' Dayton cemetery. Mr. Dayton 
is a member of the Forest Oak church, 



of Woodville township, and is a well 
respected citizen of the community in 
which he lives. 

Vines Hicks made a settlement in 
this township in 1820. It is said of him 
that he was fearful that the land sales 
would occur before he could obtain mon- 
ey to purchase the land, and that some 
one else would j)urchase it and deprive 
him of his improvements, therefore, lie 
selected for his home, a poor, flinty 
point of the Macoupin bluff, where he 
would feel perfectly secure in its pos- 
session, as no one would want so poor a 
))iece of land. He afterward accumu- 
lated considerable monej' and did not 
live here long, but i)Urchased iiropcrty 
north of Apple creek. 

.John Stone made a settlement in this 
township, on Sec. 6, T. 9, R. 12, abmit 
1823 or 1824, although he had come to 
the county in ISIS, Ho ilied here 
about 1854. 

James Stone, was born in (ireene 
county, 111., July 22, 1826, on the jilacc 
where his parents then resided, on Sec. 
6, T. 9, R. 12, on the adjoining quarter 
to that on Avhich James now lives. His 
parents were John and Anna (Arnold) 
Stone, who came to this county, from 
Kentucky, in the winter of 1818. They 
were among the earliest pioneers of 
Greene county, coming the same year 
as Samuel Thomas. They first located 
in what is now Carrollton township, on 
the farm on which Mr. Hogg now re- 
sides, and which is now owned by Wil- 
liam Charles Ward. From there they 
moved to the phico wliere James was 
born, now in Woodville township, 
where, by hard work, his father accum- 
ulated enough to enter that (piarter sec- 
tion. James was reared at the same 



854 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



place, and, after arriving at manhood's 
estate. he went out to work for hiai.self. 
In March, 185'2, he went out to Califor- 
nia, and while there engaged in min- 
ing. He remained there one year, and 
then returned liy way of the I.sthnms. 
The fall after his return, his father 
died, and was i^uried in the Dunegaii 
graveyard, by the side of his wife. In 
1858, James was married to Mary Ann 
Allen, a daugliter of "William Allen. 
By that marriage, there were seven 
children — Alice, deceased; Viola, wife 
of Lemuel Wood, living in Woodville; 
Luella, wife of James Harwood, liv- 
ing in Woodville; Orville, Etta, Otis, 
and Charles Orrin. Mrs. Stone died. 
Mr. Stone has 209 acres of land, all of 
wliich is in Woodville township, and is 
now the owner of the old honjestead. 
Nearly 20 years over half a century ago, 
his parents ct^me to this county, and 
they occupied an honored j)lace in its 
early history, and will be mentioned at 
length in this work. Mr. James Stone 
was married a second time, to Mary 
Louisa Burns, daughter of Samuel Ma- 
rion Burns, on the 18th of Nov., 1882. 
Mr. Stone, has, by his manly qualities, 
gained the respect and esteem of all 
who have had anj^ acquaintance with 
him. 

Samuel Martin and his wife, both na- 
tives of Kentucky, made a settlement 
imder the bluffs, in what is now Wood- 
ville township, in 1824 or 1825. From 
here,- after some years, they removed to 
Sec. 7, T. 9, R.12, where they both 
died. Isaac N. Martin, for many years 
a resident of the count}', was a son. 

Isaac N. Martin, deceased, was born 
in the territory now embraced in Wood- 
ville township, under the bluff, Decem- 



ber 20, 1826. He was a son of Samuel 
and Elizabeth Martin, natives of Ken- 
tucky, who in an earlj' day removed to 
Indiana. From that state they came to 
Illinciis, and were among the early set- 
tlers of Greene county, locating under 
the bluffin this township, where Isaac 
Newton was born. He was reared there, 
and lived within its limits until the 
time of his death. He was married 
Oct. 3, 1848, to Jane Thomasson, a 
daughter of William and Sarah (Stone) 
Thomasson, her father a native of Mis- 
sissippi, and her mother of South Caro- 
lina. They came to this county about 
the year 1831, and a sketch of their lives 
will be found elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin were the parents of sixteen chil- 
dren, of whom ten are living — William, 
George, John, Samuel, Douglas, Ed- 
ward, Frank, Eudora, wife of Wyatt 
^Vatts, living in this county; Delia and 
Stella. Those deceased are Mary, 
Albert, Ellen, Georgiana and Clarence, 
twins, and James B. Mr. Martin died 
on the 30th of January, 1880, and is 
buried in Mt. Gilead cemetery. He 
was a kind husband and father, and a 
well respected citizen, and his loss was 
mourned by all. At the time of his 
death Mr. jNIartin had 200 acres of good 
land, 80 of which Mrs. Martin now re- 
tains. He had held several local offices, 
perftu'ming the duties attached thereto, 
with satisfaction to all. 

Robert Scroggins, a native of Ken- 
tucky, the "Dark and Bloody Ground," 
came to Greene county in 1828, and 
located on Sec. 13, T. 9, R. 13, now in- 
cluded within the limits of Woodville 
township, where he lived several years. 
He then removed to a farm in Carroll- 
ton township, now owned by the heirs 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



855 



of Peter Hobson. While living at this 
place, during a severe thunderstorm, 
the house in wliich he and his laniily 
resided, was struck hy lightning, and 
three ol' his children killed, and his wife 
sevcrelj' burned, and rendered for a 
time insensilile. From there he re- 
' moved to Kane townshi|i, wiiere he 
lived four years, and then left the 
county, going to the American Bottom. 

With Robert Scroggins, came his son, 
C^J., then a lad, who was for many 
' years a resident of Woodville township, 
where he remained after his father's 
removal from the county. He is a na- 
tive of Kentucky, l)ornin ISl-'), and was 
married in 1837, to Maliala Rrown. He 
died .July 15, 1883. 

In 182!), Willis Hanlwiek and iiis 
family made a settlement in this town- 
shi]i, about two uules south of tlie town 
of ^\'o<)dville, where he and his wife 
lived to tlie advanced ago of 88 years, 
and departed this life residents of 
(ireene county. Mr. Hardwick was a 
nativ(> of Virginia, and his wife, of 
Kentucky. 

Jolm H. Reynolds came to (rreene 
county in 1829, and passed the winter 
of l!S2U-3(), in a small log cabin in what 
is known as the Luther Tunnell place. 

John H. Reynolds, deceased, was 
born in \\'ashington county, Va., Aug. 
5, 1804, and was a son of Madison and 
Mary Reynolds. He was reared in Vir- 
ginia, i)artly to farm life, though when 
grown, he was engag("d as overseer of 
the Elizabeth Salt Works there. He 
was married in Virginia, June 5, 1823, 
to Catherine Klepper, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. They removed to Tennessee, 
in which state they remained \uitil 1829, 
when they removed to Greene county, 



Illinois, locating five miles east of Car- 
rollton. In 1830 they removed three 
miles southwest of Greenfield, where 
Mrs. Reynolds died, on the 27th of 
August, 1837. In the following spring, 
Mr. Reynolds removed with his fannly 
into the neighborhood wdiere his s-on 
Joseph now resides, and lie remained 
in that locality until his death. He 
died starch 15, 18o8, and is buried at 
thefarm mi which he then lived, on Sec. 
17, T. 9, R. 12. Mr. and Mrs. John II. 
Reynolds were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, live of whom are now living— IJe- 
becca Jane, widow of Mr. Fuller, lives 
at Kane; Joseph, whose sketch follows 
tliis; Mary Ann, living in Sangamon 
county; Emeline, deceased: Eveline, 
wife of Samuel Hall, living near Virden, 
Macoupin county; Willis, Jiving in this 
tow'nship; Samuel, deceased, and two 
otliers, twins, wdio died in infancy. 

Joseph C. Reynold, son of John H., 
was born in Roane county, ICast Tenn., 
Oct. 10, 1825, hence was about four 
years old, when he first came to (ii-eene 
comity. He was reared here, and has 
lived in the county ever since, with the 
exception of about six month-^, during 
the year 1845, which he si)entin Arkan- 
sas. On arriving at the age of 22 years, 
he went to work for himself, living at 
two other locations in the neighborliood, 
before moving to his present place on 
Sec. 7, T. 9, R. 12, in the spring of 
1867. He was married, Feb. 27, 1851, to 
Elizabeth Hall, a native of Carrollton 
township, Greene county, born Oct. 15, 
1826, and has spent her life thus far in 
this county. Her father, Thomas Hall, 
was born in North Carolina, and her 
mother, Mary (McVeigh) Hall, in South 
Carolina. They were married in East 



856 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Tennessee, in 1815, just after the war 
of 1812. Mr. Reynold's father served 
all through that war, in the American 
army, and was at Quebec at the time of 
the hattle of New Orlcnns. They re- 
moved from Tennessee to Illinois in 
1818, locating on Wood river in Madison 
county, and in the following year, 1819, 
removed to Greene county and settled on 
160 acres of land, erecting his cabin on 
tlie northwest (juarter of Sec. 32, T. 10, 
north, R. 12 west, now in Carrollton 
township. They lived there some 15 
years, and he then moved his house on 
to the south side of Dry creek, on the 
southwest quarter of .the same section. 
Mr. Hall died March 18, 18.54, and is 
buried at Mt. Gilead cemetery. He 
was one of the ,first pioneers of this 
county, and lived here a useful life, 
esteemed by all. His wife now lives,, 
at the advance ago of 89 years, with her 
daughter, Mrs. Clarissa Stone, at Vir- 
den. 111. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have 
had seven children, six of whom are 
living — Oscar, married Gulnare Heron, 
is now deputy clerk at the county seat, 
Mary Catherine, at home; Samuel C, 
married Anna Pierce; George Henry, 
Joseph M'illiam, Clarissa Jane, and 
Maria Ellen, deceased. Mr. Reynolds 
has held the office of school director of 
district No. 5, a great many years. He 
was once elected justice of the peace, 
but did not qualify. Mr. and Mrs. 
Reynolds have both been indentified 
with this county for over half a century. 
James Wood, a native of Kentucky, 
came from the vicinity of Ijcxington, in 
that state, in the year 1830, and located 
this township. He was a man of family, 
who came with him. His wife was 
formerly Jane Arnold, also a native of 



Kentucky. He is long since dead, but 
some of his descendents still live in the 
county. 

John Clai'k made a settlement in 
Woodville townshij), in 1831, among 
the pioneers of that region. With him 
came his father-in-law, Rooney Camp- 
bell. With them they brought their 
families. 

John Clark, deceased, was born near 
Lexington, Ky., April 20, 1806, and was 
a son of William Clark. When he was 
nine years old, his parents removed 
across the Ohio river, into the state of 
Ohio, where they remained one year, 
and then went to Cabell county, \V . Va. 
There John was reared to manhood, and 
both his parents died there. He followed 
boating fur many years. From that 
state he moved to Ohio, annd was there 
married, Dec. 12, 1830, to Mary Camp- 
bell, a native of Hampshire county, Va. , 
and a daughter of Rooney and Susan 
(Miller) Campbell. Her parents came 
to this county with Mr. and Mrs. Clark, 
and lived here until their death. Mr. 
Clark remained in Ohio one year, and 
then removed to Illinois, locating in 
what is now Woodville township, Greene 
county, in 1831, and they have lived 
under the bluff, it being now 54 years. 
They there built a small cabin on gov- 
ernment land, which was entered by 
Sam'l Gates, and is now owned by Alex. 
Logan, it being about two and a half 
miles from where they now live. In 
1841 they removed to their present lo- 
cation on section 16, where Mr. 
Clark lived until his death, and where 
his widow still resides. He died July 17, 
1881, and is buried at the old homestead. 
When the family came to this count}', it 
was but a wilderness, and deer were to 



%■ ■ im 









-t-^^ 




^.^OcaV iXT; O, 'Gy'.^/C^Ln/L^a^ f^ 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



8(;i 



be seen from the cabin door in droves. 
There were scarcely any improvements 
for miles around, and they did their 
trading at Carrollton, when there were 
but two small stores there. For over 
lialf a century they have witnessed the 
changes which have taken place in trans- 
forming this count}' from a wilderness 
to its present cultivated and populous 
condition. In those early days farm life 
was conducted with much greater trouble 
and hardship than at jircsent. Mrs. 
Clark has 80 acres of land under cultiva- 
tion. They raised a child, Charles 
Edwin, that they had adopted, but he 
died at the age of 24 j'ears. Uncle John 
Clark, as he was familiarly known in this 
neighborhood, died from injuries re- 
ceived from a team running away with 
him, in Carrollton. Charles Edwin, their 
adopted son, who was a very promising 
young man, died with the consumption, 
and was also buried on the old home- 
stead. 

Aljout the year ISol, Col. Purnell 
Short, a native of Kentucky, with his 
family, among wdiom was his son 
James, came to Woodville township. 
They had come to fJrcene county the 
year previous, and made a tenij)orary 
stay in Carrollton township. The 
colonel lived liere for some years and 
died here 

James Short was, at the time of his 
arrival, some 18 years of age, and 
shortly after coming heie located on a 
farm in this township. 

Elkanah Hutchens made a settlement 
on the southwest quarter of section 5, in 
this township during the year 18ol. 

Elkanah Hutchens, an early settler of 
Greene county, was born in Surrey 
county, N.C., Nov. 20, 1803, his parents 



being John and Jane (BrazweH) Hutch- 
ens. His father was a native of Virginia, 
his motherof South Carolina. Elkanah 
was reared in North Carolina, living 
with his parents until the time of their 
death. His father was a farmer and 
mill owner, and Elkanah learned the 
miller's trade, and spent his early life 
in that Ijusiness. At his father's death, 
he succeeded to the ow'nership of the 
mill and continued in the management 
until he removed to Illinois, in 1829, 
arriving in Morgan county in May,whe4i 
he commenced farming. He remained 
in that county until 1831, when he re- 
moved to Greene county, and settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 5, in 
this township, where he found a cabin 
on the premises, but had about all the 
imijrovements to make himself. He 
had been married in Surrey county, 
N. C, in 1821, to Frances Pilcher, 
a native of that state, and a daughter of 
James Pilcher. By this marriage there 
were 14 children, of whom five grew to 
manhood and womanhood. Ciideon, 
married Rebecca Short, lives in Marion 
county, Kan.; Brazwcll, <licd in July, 
1878, and his widow now lives near 
Woodville; Mary T., wife of Samuel B. 
Hill, living in Marion, Kan.; Ellis B., 
married Almira Starling, and Elkanah 
D., whose sketch follows this. Mr. 
Hutchens made his home on the tract 
of land on which he first settled in 
Greene county, for over half a century, 
but in the spring of 1882 he removed to 
Marion, Kan., where he now resides, at 
an advanced age. His wife died there, 
July 7, 1884. 

Elkanah Delaney Hutchens is the 
only one of the family of Elkanah 
Hutchens that now resides in Greene 



862 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



county. He was born here, Dec. 11, 
1845, and has never made his home per- 
manently in any other place. He was 
married Nov. 16, 1871, to Sarah A.Bell. 
By that marriage there was one child — 
Clara, who died in infancy. Mrs. Hutch- 
ens died Sept. 20, 1874. On the 17th of 
Feb., 1876, Mr. Hutchens was again 
married to Lucy J. Anderson, daughter 
of Samuel Anderson, who resides in 
Kane township. By this marriag'e there 
are three children — Eva J., Clarence 
Elmer and Walter A. Mr. Hutchens 
has 480 acres of valuable land, all in T. 
9, R. 12, and is one of the enterprising, 
energetic farmers of that community. 
He has been engaged in teaching school 
in this county since 1S65, except about 
five years, in which he devoted most of 
his time to farming. During the years 
of his teaching, he has always attended 
to his farm during the summer months. 
In 1885 he was elected, at the first elec- 
tion under the new organization, as clerk 
of Woodville township for the ensuing 
j^ear. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchens are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. 

In the spring of 1832, Daniel Heron 
came to Greene county and made a set- 
tlement in what is called the bend of 
the Macoupin, in T. 8, R. 13, where he 
lived until called upon to pay the debt 
of nature, in 1857. He was a native of 
Lenore county, N. C, but came here 
from Randolph county, 111. 

Ro!)ert Mills, deceased, a settler of 
the year 1832, was born in Maryland, on 
the 15th day of October, 1777, as near 
as can be now ascertained. When he 
was a mere child his parents removed 
to North Carolina, and he there grew to 
manhood. From there he removed to 
Kentucky, residing, while in that state. 



in Franklin county. In 1832, he came 
to Illinois, and in the fall of that year 
located in Greene county, settling first 
in Carrollton. In the fall of 1833, he 
went to Edwardsville and entered 40 
acres of land on the southeast quarter 
of section 13, in Woodville township, 
and on going there to locate, found a 
log house erected on the land, which 
had been put there by a man named 
James Gilleland. He also found about 
three acres of his land broken out by 
another man,' and in cultivation. He 
paid for the improvements and took 
possession. Like almost all the settlers 
who had come from the timbered states 
of the south, he preferred a location in 
the wooded country, with springs and 
water courses at hand, to the prairie 
regions already cleared. On taking up 
his location on section 13, he made it 
his home until the time of his death. 
He had been married in Kentucky, 
about the year 1808, to Susan Swigert, 
a native of Franklin county, Ky., born 
Jan. 11, 1797. Of their children, two 
sons died in Kentucky, in infanc}'. 
Those who have lived in this state are — 
Mary, born in Franklin county, Ky., 
died in this county in 1834; Almeda 
Ann, deceased, born in Franklin county, 
Ky., March 19, 1828; Lafayette, born 
in Kentucky Oct. 1, 1830; John Henry, 
born Dec. 14, 1832, in Kentucky; Mar- 
garet Ann, born July 25, 1835, married 
William Thomasson, who removed to 
Osage county, Kan., in Feb., 1884, and 
now resides there; Andrew Jackson, 
born in Greene county. 111., Aug. 5, 
1838, married Annetta Reed on the 21st 
of May, 1885, she being a daughter of 
William Reed, now living in Washing- 
ton territory. Andrew J. has taught 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



863 



school in Jersey, Calhoun and Greene 
counties, one term in each. Lafayette 
and John H. still occupy the old home- 
stead which their father took posses- 
sion of in the then wilderness, over a 
half century ago. They, with their 
hrother, A. J., carry on the business of 
farming and stock raising, in partner- 
ship. They have 770 acres of land, 
most of which adjoins. John H. has 
been connected with the schools of the 
township, as director of district No. 2, 
and is now trustee. Lafayette has also 
filled positions in the township. The 
house thej' occupy is the same that was 
on the land when they first came to the 
county, with the exception of one room 
which is added, hence, it is one of the 
old landmarks of the county. 

William Thomasson, an early settler 
of the county, came to Woodville town- 
ship in 1846, although he first located 
in the county in 1828. William Thom- 
asson, deceased, was born in Tennessee 
in 1804, and was a son of William 
Thomasson. His early days were spent 
in his native state and in the Carolinas, 
Alabama and Mississippi. He w^as 
married in Tennessee, in 1822, to Sarah 
Stone, a native of South Carolina. They 
came to Illinois and located in Greene 
county about two and a half miles east 
of Woodville, in T. 9, R. 11, now in 
Kane towship, at an early day. There 
they remained until 1830, when they 
removed to what is now the Reuben 
Bradley place, about one mile west of 
Woodville, in T. 10, R. 13, now in Bluff- 
dale township. There they resided 
until 1846, when they removed to Texas, 
where they spent the winter, returning 
the next spring to (ireene county, and 
locating on Sec. 18, T. 9, R. 12, in Wood- 



ville township, where he resided the 
rest of his life. Mrs. Thomasson died 
on the 20th of June, 1866. She was 
the mother of ten children, of whom 
seven are living — Nancy E., deceased; 
Sarah C, deceased; Mahala M., living 
in this county; Cassie Jane, widow of 
Isaac Newton Martin, lives in this town- 
ship; William B., married Margaret 
Mills, lives in Osage county, Kan.; John 
N., whose sketch follows this; Fannie 
E., married Wiatt Whitlow, living in 
Montgomery county; George W., living 
in Osage county, Kan.; Millie A., wife 
of John W. Clark, living in Macoupin 
county; and James H., deceased. Mr. 
Thomasson was married a second time 
to Mary Stone, daughter ot John Stone. 
On the 23d of October, 1881, Mr. Thom- 
asson departed this life, and was laid to 
rest in the Dunegan cemetery. • He was 
an highly respected citizen of the com- 
munity in which he resided, and left 
many relatives and friends to mourn his 
loss. 

John N. Thomasson was born July li, 
1833, and was the seventh child of AA'il- 
liam and Sarah (Stone) Thomasson. He 
was born in this count}', in Bluffdale 
township, where his parents lived on 
what is now the Reuljen Bradley place. 
He was reared in this county, and re- 
ceived the usual limited schooling of 
the early days, to which he afterward 
added by study at home. He learned 
the carpenter's trade, and worked at tliat 
a number of years, and in 1866 he began 
business as a contractor. In 1867 he 
worked with David Hartwell, and the 
next year engaged in contracting for 
himself again. Since 1870 he has been 
engaged almost exclusively in farming. 
Nov. 8, 1868, he was married to Sarah 



864 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Varble, a native of Kentucky, and a 
daughter of George and Henrietta Var- 
ble, natives of Kentucky. They were 
early settlers of tliis county, and the 
family are noticed elsewhere in this 
work. Mr. Varble died in the house of 
our subject, and is buried at the Dune- 
gan cemetery, as is also his wife, who 
died a year or two before him. Mr. and 
Mrs. John N. Thomasson were the pa- 
rents of eight children, of whom seven 
are living — Sarah Posey, Sophia Jane, 
George Tilden, born July 4, 1872. John 
Norman, Parley Epler, Bertha Adeline, 
and an infant, not named. One, named 
Hendricks, died in infancy, Mr. Thom- 
asson has about 300 acres of good land, 
all in Sees. 17 and 18, T. 9, R. 12. He 
and his wife are both members of the 
Mt. Gilead Baptist church, of which 
Mr. Thomasson has been a member for 
30 years. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

School district No. 1 has a building 
on the northwest quarter of section 12, 
known as Forest school, was built about 
the year 1878. It is a good sized brick 
structure, and cost about $1,500. J. C. 
White, the present county surveyor, 
taught the first term of school in this 
building. Samuel Reynolds is the pres- 
ent teacher. The first school house in 
this di.strict was of frame construction, 
built about 25 years since. It was after- 
ward destroyed by fire. A log cabin 
was then removed from the farm of 
Elisha Varble, to the school house site 
of the district, but a few years after- 
ward. It was also destroyed by fire, at 
which time the present brick structure 
was erected. 

District No. 2, Rough Edge school 
house, is situated at the northeast corner 



of the southwest quarter of Sec. 24, T. 9, 
R. 13. It was preceded by a small log 
school house, which had been used for 
a dwelling. Prior, even to that, there 
had been used another log cabin, in 
which the first school of the district was 
taught. At the time it was used as a 
school, it had only one window, and 
that, with only one pane of glass in it, 
on the same side as one of the doors. 
Among the first scholars of this first 
school were: Sarah Miller, the Giber- 
son children; John, Frances and Caro- 
line Herring; James, Alex., and Eliza 
Gilliland; Hiram S. Miller; George and 
Joseph McCormick; Thomas Rayfield; 
Luther Connor; Mary and Catherine 
Walter; James and Lucy Rayfield. This 
first school was taught by Katie Culti- 
more, in 1861. The piresent school 
building was erected in 1863, and the 
first school therein, was taught by Mag- 
gie Clark. The directors are, Henry 
Borlin, John D. Varble and John T. 
Heron. Henry Borlin is clerk. The 
building is 18x24, and cost $500. 

School district No. 3, known as Mt. 
Gilead, had the first school building, 
a brick one, erected in the district 
in 1851. It stood near the site of the 
present building, on the southeast cor- 
ner of the northeast quarter of Sec. 
7, T. 9, R. 12. This edifice was used 
for school and church purposes, until 
about June, 1878, when it was destroyed 
by fire, supposed to have been started 
by an incendiary. Another brick struc- 
ture was built that same fall, at a cost 
of $1,395, which was used until 1882. 
In Sept., of that year it, too, was 
burned. The walls were not destroyed, 
however, and the building was rebuilt, 
at a cost of $1,239, including furniture. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



865 



The directors are: Willis Brooks, Perry 
C. Short, and Joseph C. Reynolds. The 
ground on- whieh this school house is 
built, was donated by James Short, and 
contains about one acre. 

School district No. 6, is known as 
Sunrise. The school house was erected 
in 1866, and is about 18.\"24 feet in size. 
The contractor who built it was David 
Hartwell. It is still standing on the 
original site, on the southwest quarter 
of Sec. 20, T. 9, R. 12. The first teacher 
was a Mr. McNiitt, and the present one 
is Jasper Wright. The directors are: 
Geo. L. Scroggins, J. D. Anderson and 
Isaac Holmes. 

ORc;.\xic. 

The election for the organization under 
the township system, was held at the 
Pleasant Grove school house, in district 
No. 2, April 7, 1885. The judges of 
election W'ere: Jno. Borman, Sr., Perry 
C. Short and Willis Brooks. The elec- 
tion resulted in the choice of the follow- 
ing officers: E. B. Pegram, supervisor; 
Samuel C. JIartin, collector; E. D. 
Hutchens, town clerk; Wm. T. Short, 
assessor; Geo. Sturman, Wm. R. Heron 
and John B. Logan, commissioners of 
higliways; J. S. Heron and Jno. Bor- 
man, Sr., justices of the peace; M. S. 
Ferguson and Robert Martin, consta- 
bles. 

CEMETERY. 

The cemetery, on the southwest ([uar- 
ter of section 5, known as tlie Hutchens 
burying ground, was established about 
the year 1840, and contains about two 
acres. 

WOODVILLE. 

The village of this name, which lies 
in th(i northern part of the township on 
Sec. 1, T. 9, R. 18, was laid out on the 



10th of Oct., 1835, by Aman Wood, Sea- 
wright Wood, Cyrus A. Davis, Squire 
Wood and Harrison Poindexter, and the 
plat thereof was filed for record with the 
county recorder, on the 26th of March, 
1836. The first store here was erected 
prior to the date of the laying out of 
the town, in 18.34, by Han-ison Poindex- 
ter. It was a small shanty, and report 
says, that whiskey was the principal 
goods dispensed. About 1836, George 
Rice opened a general merchandise 
store, and did a large business. After 
his death, John Bronough, a son-in-law, 
and Allen Wood, succeeded him. A 
frame store building was erected in 1836, 
by Squire Wood, but for some reason, 
was never used for that purpose. Russell 
Rice opened a small grocery in a 
building which he erected for that pur- 
pose, in 1837. The fourth Imilding 
upon the town .site, was a log dwelling, 
put up by Benjamin Powell, for a dwell- 
ing, the same year. Allen \\'ood dis- 
pensed drugs, although the hamlet 
never had an exclusively drug store. 
There has been but little growth to the 
village since that date. In 1870, Dr. 
Bruner located as a physician at this 
point, and built a fine residence. 

The general merchandise establish- 
ment of John W. Powell, was originally 
established in 1834, but was moved to 
its present location by Melvin Brown- 
ing, who erected a frame building on the 
site now occupied by Mr. Powell, about 
1870. He operated this until 187G, 
when the building and its contents were 
burned to the ground. E. B. Pegram 
then erected the present brick structure 
and commenced business in this line. 
He, in 1879, sold out to Paul Wood, 
wlio ran it until Oct., 1883, when he 



SG6 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



was succeeded by the present proprietor. 
Tlic ))uilding is substantially construc- 
ted, is 20x40 feet in size, two-stories 
high. The upper floor is used as a hall. 
Mr. Powell handles all the various lines 
of goods that goes to make up a store of 
this character. 

Leonard W. Wood is also engaged in 
the sale of general merchandise, hav- 
ing erected the building and entered 
into this business in Oct., 1883. He is 
young, enterprising, and endowed with 
good business tact, and is bouml to 
make a success. 

Leonard W. Wood was born Dec. 31, 
18")9, in Bhifl'dale township, Greene 
county, 111., and is a son of Wilson and 
Luotta (Mulberry) Wood. On the 29th 
of April, 1884, he was united in mar- 
riage with Viola Stone, a daughter of 
James and Mary (Allen) Stone. One 
child — Clarence — has blessed this union. 
In Oct., 1883, Mr. Wood erected a store 
building in the town of Woodville, in 
which he carries on a general merchan- 
dise business. His stock consists of 
dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, 
queensware, and everything belonging 
to a general store. He also owns a res- 
idence and a blacksmith shop, both in 
Woodville. Returning to the history of 
his youthful life, Mr. Wood spent his 
school days at the Woodville school until 
he was advanced sufficiently to enter col- 
lege. He then went 31 years to the State 
University of Missouri, at Columbia. 
Becoming tired of school, and wishing 
to see the west, he went to Colorado, 
where his brother ('larence was in the 
cattle business, and doing well. Find- 
ing, however, that he did not like the 
business, he went farther west, obtained 
a position in a grocery store at Canon 



City, and remained there nine months. 
He then went to Leadville and other 
points. Remaining a feiv days with his 
sister at Denver, the Queen city, he then 
returned home, and soon went into bus- 
iness, having decided that "there is no 
place like home." He has since met 
with good success, and being a live, en- 
ergetic business man, increased pros- 
perity will doubtless be his lot. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The Woodville postofiice is known as 
Woody, there being another in the state 
of the former name. It was estal^lished 
here May 8,. 1883, with .John W. Powell 
as postmaster, and lie has continued in 
that capacity ever since. This postoffiee 
was formerlj' known as (treenburgh, 
but did not continue for any length of 
time iinder that name. 

The pioneer blacksmith of this vil- 
lage was Henry C. Sieverling, who came 
about 1836, and set up-a-forge. He was 
succeeded by Andrew Kelley. Thomas 
Lyle, about 1840, built a second shop. 
A sketch of Mr. Sieverling will be given 
in the history of Carrollton, where he is 
now in business. 

OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE. 

Thomas King, deceased, was born in 
Sheffield, Yorkshire, Eng., and was a 
son of Joseph King. He was reared in 
his native jjlace, and there learned the 
cutler's trade, at which he worked as a 
journeyman some years. He then went 
into business for himself, and was en- 
gaged in filling orders, in that line of 
business, for ten years, or more, before 
coming to America. In the winter of 
1841, accompanied by his son, Thomas, 
Jr., he took passage at Liverpool on a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



867 



vessel bound for New Orleans. On ar- 
riving there they came up the river to 
St. Louis, and on the trip they became 
acquainted with Mordecai Robinet and 
Thorret Griffin, two Greene county men 
who had been down to New Orleans 
with produce, and by the time they 
reached St. Louis, he had made up his 
mind to come to this county with them. 
He located in what is now Blufi'dale 
township, where the widow and family 
of his son Thomas now reside. He pur- 
chased a farm there from Mr. Robinet, 
made improvements, and there made a 
permanent location, where he resided 
until his death, Feb. 23, 1862, aged 70. 
He was buried near where he lived, as 
was also his wife, she dying Dec. 12, 
1863, aged 71. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
King were the parents of seven child- 
ren, three of whom died in England, 
and two in this county. Tiiose who 
came to America were — Alfred, de- 
ceased; Charles, whose sketch follows 
i this; Thomas, deceased; and Nathan 
Ashbury, married Eugenia Griffin, lives 
in Kansas, at last accounts. On coming 
to this country, Mr. King adopted farm- 
ing as his future occupation, and carried 
it on until his death. 

Charles King, son of Thomas King, 
was born in Shelfield, England, Aug. 
2, 1821. He was reared there, and in 
that city famous for its manufacture of 
edged tools, he learned the cutler's 
trade, serving the full seven years, from 
his 14th to his 21st year. He followed 
that trade until coming to this country, 
which was one year after his father had 
adopted America as his future home. 
He went in the stage to Manchester, 
then by rail to Liverpool, arriving tliere 
the same day, April 1, and sailed on 



the 4th, on the ship Craton, commanded 
by Capt. Gay. He come by way of 
New Orleans and the river, arriving at 
Columbiana, this county, June 4, 1842, 
coming up the Mississippi on the 
Gulnare, and from St. Louis to Colum- 
biana on the Mermaid. They had a 
pleasant voyage, and were seven weeks 
and three days nuiking the trip, he be- 
ing accompanied by his mother and the 
rest of the family. Cliarles lived with 
his father until his marriage, April 15, 
1845, to Nancy Crotchelt, a native of 
southern Illinois, and a daughter of 
James Crotchelt. By this union seven 
children were liorn, of whom four are 
living — Martha Elizabeth, living south 
of Woodville, married Jas. Frye, now de- 
ceased; Pauline, at home; Mary Louisa, 
wife of Martin Harris, living in Saline 
county, Mo.; Lydia Ann, wife of Jasper 
Short, living in Woodville township. 
Those deceased are — Albert, Hester and 
an infant unnamed. He has followed 
farming since coming to this country. 
He has lived at his present location 
since 1852, then renting land, which he 
afterward purchased, and he has by en- 
terprise and industry, added to his pos- 
sessions from time to time, until he now 
owns 520 acres of land, part in Wood- 
ville and part in Blufl'dale townships. 
His present spacious and handsome 
residence was erected in 1869. The 
main part is 26x30, with a wing 16x24, 
it being a two-story building. Jlr. 
King has in every day use, a set of 
table knives and a set of dessert knives 
and forks, the blades and prongs of 
which he brought from Sheflleld. On 
these lie jiut handles which he made 
here of buekhorn, an<l though they have 
been in constant use ever since his 



1 



868 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



marriage, they are yet as guod as new. 
They are considerable of a curiosity, 
showing tlie diflerence l)etween the fine 
Slieffield manufacture of that time, and 
tlie ordinary cutlery of to-day. Mr. 
King has been connected with the 
schools of his township as trustee, and 
now holds that position, and is one of 
the most prominent citizens in that sec- 
tion of country in which he resides. 

Frank Schild was born in Nicholas- 
dorf, Austria, ou the 13th of December, 
18o5, his parents being Joseph and Mary 
(Canote) Schild. Frank was reared in 
his native country, and there learned 
the trade of shoemaking, and after finish- 
ing his apprenticeship, started to travel 
tlirough the country in order to better 
familiarize himself with the details of 
his chosen trade, as is the custom in the 
old countries. After traveling awhile 
he concluded to cast his fortunes in the 
new world. Repairing to Hamburg, 
witli a brother and sister, they took 
passage on an ocean vessel bound for 
New York. Arriving at that port, they 
remained but one week and then went 
to Milwaukee, where Frank obtained 
employment at his trade. After spend- 
ing six months there he went to Man- 
idtee, Mich., where he worked in a saw- 
mill about a year. While in Michigan 
he met his present neighbor, Jacob 
Schueter, and becoming friends they re- 
mained together. From Manistee they 
went to St. Louis, and from there, after 
a stay of about a week, they came up) to 
Greene covmty. The first five years 
Mr. Schild worked by the month for 
H. P. Clendenen, and at the expiration 
of that time, he rented land from him. 
He rented about five years, and tlien 
purchased 80 acres on section 16, in this 



township. Tlie land was rough and 
mostly timbered, and he set to work to 
clear up and make improvements. It 
took many years and a great deal of hard 
labor to bring it to its present condition. 
He now has a substantial stone resi- 
dence, erected in 1871, and other good 
improvements. He has increased his 
possessions, until he now has 240 acres 
of land, all lying on section 16. In the 
month of March, 1860, he was married 
to Anna Lager, a native of Hesse-Cassel, 
Germany, and a daughter of Henry 
Rehl, she being a widow when Mr. Schild 
married her. They are the parents of 
two children — Joseph and George. Mrs. 
Schild had two children by her first 
marriage — Henry and Huston. They 
both live in this townsliip. Mr. Schild 
has been connected with the schools as 
director of district No. 3. 

Henry Selhorst was born in the prov- 
ince of Westphalia, in the empire of 
Germany, Dec. 2, 1846, his parents be- 
ing Henry and Mary (Koppel) Selhorst, 
also natives of Westphalia. Henry was 
reared there to farm life, and when 21 
years old, entered the German army, 
serving four years. During tiiat time 
the Franco-Prussian war came on, and 
in this he took part. His regiment, the 
5th Uhlan, was in the 7th division, 
under Gen. Zoebner, in the corps com- 
manded by Gen. Steinmetz. Among 
other battles, campaigns, etc., he was 
in the siege of Metz,and participated in 
all the fighting around that point until 
its capitulation. From there he went 
into Normandy, where he was in the 
fighting which took place in that de- 
partment. They then went to Germany, 
and one year later his term of service 
expired. He re-engaged in farming,but 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



sm 



soon began making preparations to come 
to America. He went to Bremen and 
took passage for Now York, in the year 
1874. On arriving there he came di- 
rectly to St. Louis, and staid there one 
year, then came to Greene county. 111., 
and bought 40 acres of land in T. 9, R. 
]■'!. He kept that three years and then 
sold it and moved to Jersey county, 
where he rented land for two years. He 
then returned to Greene county, and 
bought SO acres of land, under the bluff 
in Woodville township. This he sold 
in the fall of 1884, and bought 377 acre.s 
on sections 22 and 27, in the same town- 
sliip, on which he now resides. He was 
nuirried May 25, 1876, to Elizabeth 
Goeddy, a native of this county, and a 
daughter of Henry and Mary Goeddy. 
V>y this marriage there are three chil- 
dren — Mary, Elizabeth, and an infant, 
not yet named. Mr. and Mrs. Solhorst 
are members of the Catholic church, at 
Carrollton. Mr. Selhorst's parents both 
(lied in the old country. 

Amlrew Witaschek was born in Prus- 
sia, Nov. l(i, 1815, and is a son of Peter 
and Anna (Tonnebaum) Witaschek. His 
father died in 1843. Andrew was reared 
in his native country, and on arriving 
at a suitable age, he learned the trade 
of stocking making. After an appren- 
ticeship of three years, he worked as a 
journeyman for some time at Neustadt, 
Prussia. In 1838 he worked in Saxony 
one year, and in 1839 went to the Rhine, 
and to Coblentz and Koln. In 1840 
went to Bremen, Hamburg, Lubec and 
Berlin, then returned to Saxony, not far 
from Leipsie, in Delitz, and from there, 
in 1841, went to Prague in Bohemia, and 
Wien in Austria, and from there to Tri- 
este, Ungarn and Hamburg. From 



there in 1842, he went to Ofen and 
Pesth, and from there to M'ien, where 
he received from the Prussian consul 
new passports. From there be went to 
Venice and Milan, and in February, 
1843, left Milan and went to Rome, 
where he staid until July of the same 
year, when he went to Venice and Tri- 
este, through Ungarn, Hermanstadtand 
Kronstadt, through Turkish Wallacia, to 
Bucharest. From there he proceeded to 
Zchurgug, Rutschuk and Varna, on the 
Black sea, and thence to Constantinople. 
In March, 1844, went to Jerusalem; 
then to Jordan and the Dead sea, and 
thence to Nazareth, on the sea of Galilee, 
then to Mt. Carmel and Beirut, crossed 
Mt. Lebanon to Damascus and thence 
back to Jerusalem. From there trav- 
eled to Damietta and Cairo, in Egypt; 
from Cairo to Suez, and from there sailed 
on the Red sea U Tor, iuid thence trav- 
eleil on foot to Mt. Sinai, Mt. Horeb and 
Mt. Catherine, and back again to Cairo. 
From Cairo, in 1845, he went to Alexan- 
dria and to Malta, to Naples, to Civita 
Vecchia and to Rome, and in July, 1S4(), 
again returned home. They visited 
altogether 463 cities, Andrew liaving 
been accompanied in his travels by his 
brother Anthony. In 1850 Andrew bade 
farewell to his mother and friends in 
the fatherland, and went to Bremen, 
where he took passage on a vessel bound 
for New York. His brother came to 
America a year before that. After a 
voyage of five weeks, Andrew arrived 
at the port of New York, and from there 
went to New Orleans, going by the way 
of the Ohio and Mi.>^sissipi)i rivers. He 
remained in New Orleans that winter, 
and in March, 1851, he went to Central 
America, going to Chagres, and after 



870 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ri'iiiainiiiga few days, to San Juan. His 
brother Anthony was witli liini; but 
from tliere he went back to New York, 
wliile An(h-ew went to New Orleans, 
anil from there to St. Louis, where he 
staid about one year. He then took a 
trip to New York to see his brother, 
and after remaining a short time in the 
vicinity of that city, he returned by 
way of Detroit and Chicago to St. Louis. 
He staid there about a year, but being 
sick all the time, he went to St. Paul, 
and thence to Lyons, la, for his health. 
He then came to Greene count}', Hlinois, 
and went to work for James Eldred, an 
old settler residing under the bluff'. He 
next put in a wheat crop for himself, 
but it failed. In 1857 he came to Wood- 
ville township and located under the 
bluff'. In 1860 he bought 80 acres of 
land on sections 14 and 15, on which he 
located. By thrift and industry he has 
added to this until he now has 200 acres, 
and he divides his time between stock 
and grain raising. He was married 
January 1, 1857, to Christina Gralmes, 
a native of Germany, and to them one 
child was born — John, living at home. 
Mrs. M'itaschek had two children l)y a 
former marriage — Joseph, and Ann, who 
married Joseph Lessman, now living in 
Montgomery county. Mr. Witaschek 
has probably been the greatest traveler 
among the citizens of Greene county, 
he having spent about eight years trav- 
eling through Europe, Asia, North and 
Central America, making his own way 
all the time. 

Philip Varble, deceased, an early set- 
tler of this county, was born near Lex- 
ington, Ky., and was the son of Charles 
Varble. He was reared in his native 
state and was there married to Sarah 



Barrett, also a native of Kentucky. 
They removed to Illinois, locating in 
Greene county, in 1835, on the south- 
west quarter of section 13, where Philip 
resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. 
\'arble were the parents of 13 children, 
nine of whom grew to manhood and 
womanhood — Henry, deceased; Peggy, 
wife of W'illiam Barrett, both deceased; 
Elisha, subject of the following sketch; 
Polly, wife of Andrew McCormick, of 
this township; George, deceased; Har- 
rison, now living near Hepler, Kan.; 
Betsy, married Lewis Dayton; Philip, 
married and living in this township; 
and Sallie, wife of John McCormick, 
also of this township. Philip Varble 
died alxnit the year 1850. Mrs. Varble 
died about the year 1867, and both are 
buried at the old homestead. 

Elisha Varble, son of Philip and 
Sarah (Barrett) Varble, was born on 
the 22d of Oct., 1816, in Henry county, 
Ky. When he had reached the age of 
19 years, he came with his parents to 
Greene county, 111. He was married 
July 9, 1838, to Sarah Fry, born Sept. 
2, 1819. She was a daughter of George- 
Fry, well known at that day. By this 
union tliere were eight children — James, 
born June 26, 1839, married Elizabeth 
Varble, daughter of Charles Varble; 
she died and he was again married to 
Melissa Nemore, and now resides in 
this township; Emeline, born Nov. 4, 
1841, married Caleb Stout, who died, 
and she was again married to George 
Anderson; he also died and she then 
married Moses Underwood, and in 1866 
she, too, was called hence by death; 
George, born Feb. 7, 1845, married 
Nancy Ann Gilleland, who died, and 
he was again married to Martha Fry, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



871 



widow of James Fry, and resides in 
this townsliip; John D., horn Sept, 28, 
1847, married Sarali Malenda Sturinon, 
resides in this township; Mary A., horn 
Nov. :->0, 1S4U, married Saniuol Martin, 
residing in this township; Preston, horn 
Jan. 29, 1851, deceased; Jacob, born 
Feb. 22, 185o, is deceased; Eliza, horn 
Jvnie 19, 1857, married Cieorge Sturmon, 
and they now reside with her father. 
Mr. Varhle has 160 acres of land and is 
comfortably fixed. He has spent a half 
century in this townsliip, witli the ex- 
ception of the time occupied during two 
trips to Kansas. He is a well respected 
citizen of the community in which he 
resides. 

Christian Schmidt was Imrn in Sax- 
ony, Empire of Germany, on the 8th of 
Dec, 182(5, bis parents being Michael 
and Jane (Bodcher) Schmidt, both na- 
tives of Saxony. Christian was reared 
in his native country, and there learned 
tlu' carpenter's trade, in the town in 
which he was born. After finishing his 
apprenticeship, he started out to travel, 
as is usual in the old country, so as to 
more thoroughly fit hiniselfin the trade 
which he had acquired. In his travels, 
be went through lower and middle Ger- 
many, and then went to Switzerland, lo- 
cating in the city of Basle, where be 
obtained steady employment at his 
trade. While there, he was married, 
on the 4th day of March, 18tj4, to Sophia 
Doebclin, a native of Baden, (iermany, 
and a daughter of Mathias and Arcbada 
Doebelin. In 1869, Christian deter- 
mined to remove, with bis family, to 
America. He first went home to make 
a parting visit to bis parents, and from 
there, went to Bremen, and took passage 
on a vessel bound for New York. On 



arriving there, he remained but a few 
days, and then came out to Cireene 
county, 111., where be had relatives liv- 
ing. He first located under the bluff, in 
T. 9, R. 13. He worked at his trade 
five or six years after coming to this 
county, part of the time in Calhoun 
county, and has built many structures 
in this vicinity. In 1875, he rented a 
piece of land, and commenced farming. 
In 188U, he bought 2(K) acres of land, on 
Sec. 1, T. 8, R. l:!, on to which he 
moved, and has since made his resi- 
dence there. He has made all the im- 
provements that are on the ))lace, there 
being nothing on it when he came, ex- 
cept some old shanties. Mr. and Mrs. 
Schmidt are the parents of five chil- 
dren — Emma, Charles, Emil, Rosa, and 
Mollie. Mr. Schmidt has been super- 
visor one term, and is an energetic and 
enterprising man. His father is still 
living in Germany, his mother having 
died in 1870. 

William M. Ashlock was born in 
Greene county, near Kane, May 28, 
1850. He is a son of Jesse and Nancy 
' (Boyle) Ashlock, the former a native of 
Tennessee, the latter of Kentucky. 
Jesse Ashlock's death occurred about 
1852 or 1853. His wife still survives 
him, and resides with her son Jesse, 
near Kane. William M. was married, 
Jan. 9, 1873, to Dora Ashlock, daughter 
of Meredith and Lizzie (Martin) .\sb- 
lock, the former a native of Tennessee, 
the latter of Kentucky. Her father re- 
moved from Illinois to Texas in 1845, 
and her mother removed from Kentucky 
to the same state in 1844, and there they 
were married. Dora was reared in 
Texas, and in that .-tate occurred her 
marriage to our subject. After this 



S72 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



event tliey remained in Texas about 
three years, and then came to Illinois, 
settling near Kane, Greene county, 
where they lived until 1880, when they 
came to their present location, in this 
township. They have a family of six 
children — Docia B., born Nov. 20, 1873; 
an infant son, deceased, born Sept. 16, 
1875; Florence, born Oct. 22, 1876; Liz- 
zie M., born .Ian. 19, 1880; Bettie C., 
born Sept. 30, 1883, and William. Jr., born 
May 2, 1884. Mr. Ashlock has 120 acres 
of good land, and by thrift and energy 
his efforts in farming are very success- 
ful. Politically, he is a democrat. 

Peter Mayer, was born in the prov- 
ince of Lorraine, then in France, on the 
10th of Oct., 1826, his parents be- 
ing Peter and Margaret (Champierre) 
Mayer, natives of Lorraine. There 
Peter was reared, mostly to farm life, 
though he worked some two j'ears at 
weaving, that being his fatlier's trade. 
In 1846 he entered the French army, 
and served until 1853. Three years 
and a half of that time he served in 
Algiers, Africa, in the department of 
Oran, taking part in all the service re- 
cjuired of the soldiers there. He re- 
ceived his discharge from the army in 
Jan., 1853, at Oran. He then returned 
to France, and after his return, visited 
Paris. In May, 18-54, he went to 
Havre and took passage on a vessel 
bound for New York, and after a voy- 
age of 69 days, arrived at that port. 
He remained there but a few days, and 
then went to Dayton, O., where he 
staid a short time, and then went into 
the county near there, and worked on a 
farm during that winter. In the spring 
he went to Indianapolis, Ind., staid a 
a month, then returned to Hamilton, 



0., where he worked on a farm until 
fall, and then went to New Orleans. 
He remained there that winter, and 
engaged in shipping on a boat, running 
to St. Louis, remaining on the river 
about two years. Mr. Meyer has been 
three times married. In 1857, he was 
married at St. Louis, to AnnaSchaaf, a 
native of France. By that union there 
were two children, one of whom is liv- 
ing — Frank. Mrs. Me\-er died, and in 
1877 he was again married to Mrs. 
Elzina P. Crotchett, by whom one child 
— Peter, was born. Mr. Meyer was 
again left a widower, and in 1879 he 
was a third time married to Annie 
Hermsen, a native of Hanover, Ger- 
many. By this imion there are two 
children — .\ngelina and Charles Ed- 
ward. After this last marriage, Mr. 
Mayer removed from St. Louis to G reene 
county, 111., and bought 136 acres of 
land on Sec. 2, T. 9, R. 13, where he 
now resides. 

Henry Walter, a native of Germany, 
was born July 18, 1817, in Frankfort-on- 
the-Main, bis parents being Henry and 
Katherine (Knoepp) Walter. M'hen 
Henry was 12 years old, his parents de- 
cided to come to America to spend the 
remainder of their days. They sailed 
to New York city, and from there pro- 
ceeded to Jefferson county, N. Y., where 
Mr. \\'alter bought a farm. He lived 
there between three and four j'ears, and 
then removed to Oswego, where he staid 
about three years, and then came to 
jMadison county. 111., where lie bought a 
farm, and he and his wife resided there 
while they lived. He died abt>ut the 
year 1833, and Mrs. Walter about 1830. 
in 1832, Henry enlisted in Co. D, 2d 
U. S. Inf., and was soon on his way to 



HI8T0RY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



873 



Florida, to take part in the Seminole 
war. He served under Gen. Winfield 
.Seott, during all the ^wanip fighting, 
inarching and campaigning of that .severe 
war, from the time of his enlistmcMit 
until the close of the war, retaining his 
health all the time they were in the 
Everglades. When the war with ^Mexico 
came on, while not in active service at 
the front, he was engaged as drill-master 
in drilling recruits for the regular ser- 
vice, at Governor's Island, and in that 
time drilled thousands of men, hence 
most of them were in good condition for 
future service in the Mexican war. As 
soon as it broke out, he went with Co. 
A, 3d U. S. Inf., to Vera Cruz, arriv- 
ing in time to take part in thebombanl- 
ing and capture of that city. The 
authorities wanted him to remain at 
(iovernor's Island, but he had gone 
three times to Mexico with stjuads of 
men that he had drilled, and the third 
time was allowed to remain. He was 
given a sergeant's position, and served 
with his regiment through all their tri- 
umphant progress from Vera Cruz to the 
city of Mexico, engaging in every battle 
with them. After the capture of the 
last named city he was given the com- 
mand of a company of city guards, dur- 
ing the four months ofoccuijation. From 
there they went to Mobile, where he was 
discharged. He went to St. Louis, where 
he remained some time, and from there 
removed to JIadison county, 111., where 
he bought a small tract of land. In 
18.55, he came to (ireene county, locating 
where he still resides, on Sec. 2, T. 9, 
R. 13. Oct. 1, 1851, he was married in 
St. Louis, to Mary Kemper, a native of 
Hanover, and a daughter of Victor 
Kemper. To them were born eleven 



children, ten of whom are living — Mary, 
wife of Henry Borlin; Katherine, wife of 
Harmon Schepers, living in Carrollton 
township; Henry, married Nettie iJusch, 
and lives near his parents; Eliza; Sophie, 
wife of Bernard Wiist, living in Jersey 
county: Charles, married ^[iss Dugan; 
Laura, Helen, and Rosa. The one de- 
ceased is Sarah, who died at the age of 
five years and foiir months. Mr. Walter 
has a fine farm of 500 acres of land, well 
improved. He and his wife are both 
members of the Presbyterian church. 
Jlr. Walter spent 12 years of his life in 
the service of his country, most of the 
the time in some of the severest fighting 
and campaigning in its history, and 
though surviving all the dangers of war, 
he came out with his health so impaired 
that he he has endured much suffering 
since, as a result of his service. 

Jacob Nulton, deceased, came to 
(ireene county in 1842, and located 
under the blufi' in what is now Wood- 
ville townshij). He w.is born in Ohio, 
and came to Illinois from there. He 
was married in Washington county, O., 
to Pamelia Cheadle, a native of Ver- 
mont. They were the parents of 11 
children, only three of whom are now 
living — Col. Jerome Boneparte Nulton, 
residing in Carrollton, who commanded 
the Gist 111. Inf. in the civil war, and 
whose sketch, with a history of liis reg- 
iment, appears in this volume; Drusilla, 
wife of William Collison, living in 
Washington county, 0., and Elizabeth, 
now residing in the county. Jacob 
Nulton died Nov. 11, 1857, and is 
buried at the Dayton cemetery, in this 
townshij). Mrs. Nulton died Sept. 4, 
1874, and is buried beside her husband. 
Christian Malcolm Nulton, father of 



874 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Jacob Nulton, was a native of Switzer- 
land, and died in 1835, at the age of 94 
years. Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob 
Nulton, was married in 1847, to John 
Clatlin, a native of Gallijsolis, O., born 
in 1824. He came to this county 
with his parents in 1827, and then 
settled under the blufl', in what is 
now Woodville township, where his 
father built a mill. ^Ir. ClaHin was 
reared in that locality, and, on growing 
up, managed the mill, but, after mar- 
riage, adopted farming as his vocation. 
By that marriage, there were five chil- 
dren, four of whom are living — Mar- 
shall, died, aged one month; George, 
married Margaret Briscoe, and lives in 
this township; Jacob, living at home; 
Florence, wife of Walter Prather, who 
lives in Chicago; John B., living at 
home. Mr. Claflin died on the 6th day 
of Feb., 1868. Mrs. Clatlin was again 
married on the 11th of April, 1876, to 
William Harper, a native of Greene 
county, and a son of Calton Harper. 
Mrs. Harper was again left a widow, by 
the death of her husband, on the 19th 
day of August, 1882, at the age of 44 
years. Mrs. Harper is comfortably 
fixed, having 380 acres of land, all in 
this township. She makes her home on 
Sec. 4, T. 9, R. 13. 

Henry Borlin was born in Basle, 
Switzerland, on the 10th day of March, 
1843, his parents being Jacob and 
Verana (Waibel ) Borlin, both natives of 
Switzerland. Henry was reared in his 
native country, and there learned the 
trade of weaving silk ribbons, which he 
followed while living at Basle. In Aug., 
1867, he went to Liverpool, England, 
and from there took passage for the 
new world. On arriving at New York, 



he remained there but one day, and 
then set out for Illinois. On arriving 
here he located in Greene county, hir- 
ing out by the month. After three 
years he rented land in Carrollton 
township, from Leonard Eldred, and 
then sent for his parents, remitting to 
the old country, money which he had 
accumulated for that purpose. They 
came to America, and have been living 
with Henry ever since. Henry con- 
tinued renting about seven years, and 
then purchased 80 acres of land on Sec. 
13, T. 9, R. 13, on to which he moved, 
and has since resided there. Besides 
that he has 26 acres of good timber 
land. On the 9th day of Nov., 1870, 
he was married to Mary Walter, a na- 
tive of Woodville township, and a 
daughter of Henry Walter, one of the 
old settlers of the township. By this 
union there are four children — Jacob, 
John, Lucy and Henry — an interesting 
family. Mr. Borlin is one of the direc- 
tors of school district No. 2, in his 
township. The family are members of 
the Methodist church at Carrollton. 

George W. Hardwick was born in 
Jefferson county. 111., on the 31st day 
of October, 1827, his parents being 
Willis and Anna (Scoggins) Hardwick. 
From Jefferson county, his parents re- 
moved to Morgan county, when George 
was but an infant, and in 1829, they 
came to Greene county, and located two 
miles south of Woodville, in what is 
now Woodville township. There they 
resided until, their death. His father 
died 10 years before his mother, and both 
died at the age of 88 years. They are 
buried in the Fry family cemetery, with 
some of their neighbors, with whom they 
spent their lives. George lived with 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



875 



his parents, until his marriajro, on the 
loth ofApril, ISol, to Ann Eliza Watson. 
8he was born in Schuyler county, 111., 
and is a daughter of John and Charlotte 
^\'atson. To that union were born 10 
children, four of whom are now living — 
Clarissa Ellen, wife of .John Tulley, 
living in this township; George W., 
married Julia X'irginia .Vdrnirc, living 
in this township ; Fannie liludora, wife 
of George W. Jones, living in this 
township; John W., living at home. 
Those deceased are — Mary Elizabeth, 
Robert W., who was killed by an acci- 
dent, in the 16th year of his age, hav- 
ing been run over by a wagon; James 
Allen, William LeRoy, and two who 
died in infancy. !Mr. Hardwick has 120 
acres of land, all in Sec. 10, T. 9, R. 18. 
He has been connected witli the schools 
of his township as director of district 
No. 1, and is an enterprising and indus- ; 
trious farmer, well respected by all. 

George Varble, son of Elisha and 
Sarah (Fry) Varble, was born near 
Woodville, Greene county. 111., on the 
7th of Feb., 1845. He remained at 
home with his parents until he was 21 
years of age. On the 11th of Feb., 
1865, he was luiitcd in marriage with 
Nancy Ann Gilliland,daughter of Robert 
and Lucy (Cummings) Gilliland. By this 
nuirriage they are the parents of hve 
children — Lucy, born Nov. 10, 1866; 
Etna Luella, born Feb. 6, 1868; (icorge 
Lee, l)or.n Nov. 1, 1S6'.); Delia Ma}',born 
Aug. 26, 1871, and .Julia Araiiella, born 
Sept. 21, 1873; Sarah Lena, born Feb. 
25, 1881; Edgar, born July 30, 1884, 
died Nov. 20, 1884. Mr. Varble owns 
80 acres of land in Sec. 18, T. !J, R. 12, 
but resides on land belonging to his 
father-in-law, on section !■'!, in Wood- 



ville township, and divides his, atten- 
tion between the raising of stock and 
grain. Mr. and Mrs. Varble and family 
are members of the Forest Oak Baptist 
church. Mr. Varble's political views 
are democratic. He is a highly re- 
spected citizen of that community, and 
is a thrifty, industrious farmer. 

Herman Gocddy, a native of Langen- 
berg, Prussia, was born Nov. 30, 1833, 
his parents being Herman and Elizabeth 
Goeddj'. He was reared in his native 
country to farm life, and at the age of 
21 years entered the army, serving tiiree 
years. After returning from the service, 
he remained in his native country one 
year, and then, at the advice of his phy- 
sician, removed to America, thinking 
the sea voyage would have a beneficial 
effect on his health, he having received 
injuries from a fall, which took from 
him much of his strength. On the 
ocean journey he suffered severe attacks 
of sickness, but finally arrived safely in 
New Orleans, in the summer of 1848. 
The cholera was then breaking out and 
he immediately took a l)oat for St. Louis 
and from there came up to Greene 
county, where he went to work by the 
month i)art of the time for the old pio- 
neer, Samuel Thomas, and part of the 
time for Mr. Chirk. He was in their 
employ two years, then worked for 
John Hetrick, and then for .Martin 
Bomen over four years. He then en- 
tered into jiartnership in the livery bus- 
iness, but did nut continue long. He 
was married in March, 1858, to Eliza- 
beth Brotche, a native of Switzerland, 
born near Solsturn, her parents being 
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Hammer) 
Brotche. After their marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Goeddy lived in CarroUton two 






876 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



years,, and then came to T. 8, R. 13, 
now in \\'oodville township, where he 
resided until his death, and where his 
family still lives. By this marriage 
there were six ehildren, three of whom 
are now living — Mary, wife of James 
Burns, living in Snmmerville, Macoupin 
county; Lizzie and Harry, living at 
home. The other three died in infancy. 
Mr. Goeddy regained his health to a 
great extent after coming to this coun- 
try, but was easily subject to sickness, 
and on the 4th of Jan., 1870, he died of 
lung fever, and was buried in the West- 
woods graveyard. The parents of Mr. 
and Mrs. Goeddy are all deceased, her 
father having died at the age of 70, and 
her mother at the age of 72. Mrs. 
Croeddy has 122 acres of land in a good 
location. Her brother, George Brotche, 
lives in Macoupin county, two and a 
half miles from Fayette, and her sister 
Anna lives with him. 

William Allen Groves was born in 
Sumner county, Tenn., on the 10th day 
of Oct., 1856, and is the son of Gabriel 
Jones Groves. His mother died when 
he was a mere child. His parents were 
both natives of Tennessee, in which 
state his father still lives. William 
was reared to farm life, and lived in his 
native state until Nov., 1879, when he 
came to Greene county. 111., locating in 
what is now ^Voodville township, where 
he has since continued to reside. He 
was united in marriage on the 26th day 
of March, 1884, ivith Sophronia Brown, 
a native of Greene county, and a daugh- 
ter of William Brown, one of the early 
settlers of this county. He was born 
in Simpson county, Ky., Dec. 24, 1828, 
and removed with his parents to Greene 
count)'. 111., in 1829, and here resided 



until his death, which occurred on the 
10th of Oct., 1869. Mr. Groves is now 
engaged in farming, on Sec. 18, T. 9, 
R. 12, and by his thrift and energy 
succeeds in making a comfortable living, 
and is a well respected citizen of his 
township. 

John B. Logan was born in Cireene 
county. 111., in T. 10, R. 13, now in 
Blufl'dale township. He was born Jan. 
4, 1843, his parents being Alexander 
and Mar}' (Flatt) Logan. John B. was 
reared and received his schooling right 
in the vicinity of his birthplace, and 
now resides within six miles of there. 
He worked on the farm for his parents 
until he was married, Feb. 5, 1867, to 
Frances Wardinski, a native of Polish 
Germany, born near Fosen. Her father, 
John M'ardinski, a Union sympathizer, 
was killed at Columbiana, this county, 
during the war, by bushwhackers. Her 
mother now lives with George W. Bech- 
doldt, a son-in-law, in BlufFdale town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Logan are the pa- 
rents of seven children — George, Mary, 
Mattie, Etta, Alexander, Josephine, 
Benjamin F., and one son, John A., who 
died Sept. 1, 1882, aged nine years. Mr. 
Logan is road commissioner of tlie 
township, and is also connected with 
the schools, being director of district 
No. 3. His parents, who are among the 
early settlers, are now residents of 
Blnff'dale township, and are mentioned 
in its history. 

James Gordon Heron was born in 
Erie, Penn., March 9, 1827, and is a son 
of Robert E. and Sarah (Bell) Heron. 
His father was born in Canada, his 
mother in Pennsylvania. Gordon moved 
with his parents to Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, when he was four years old. He 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



877 



remained with his parents until 1840, 
wlien he came to Macoupin county, Illi- 
nois, where he lived about ten years, 
working on a farm. He then moved to 
Greene county in 1850, and settled on 
Sec. 10, T. 9, R. 13. Mr. Heron served 
in the Mexican war, enlisting in Co. I, 
1st 111. Inft., May 13, 1846, at Alton, to 
serve during the war, under the com- 
mand of Col. E. W. B. Newby. He 
was mustered out Oct. 16, 1848, at Al- 
ton. On Sept. 25, 1849, Mr. Heron was 
married to Martha Clark, daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Arnold) Clark, 
natives of Kentucky. They are the 
parents of nine children — James A., 
nuirried Alice Medford, lives in this 
township; Sarah E., wife of W. P. 
Miller, living in White Hall; Martha 
G., wife of Oscar P Reynolds, living at 
Carrol Iton; Ada I., John H., Gordon 
F., Julia R., Luella A. and Carl C. Mr. 
Heron has 80 acres of land on Sec. 24, 
T. 9, R. 13. He has served as school 
director, and has been justice of the 
peace for 15 years. He is a member of 
the Baptist church, and is a well re- 
spected, law abiding citizen. 

Thomas Brannan, deceased, was born 
in Kentucky, Dec. 18, 1811. He is a 
son of Dudley and Mary Brannan, both 
deceased. In 1824, his parents came to 
Greene county, and located in Wrights- 
ville, where they spent the remainder 
of their days. There Thomas was 
reared, and there he resided until his 
marriage, about the year 1838, to Nancy 
Orton. She is a native of Tennessee, 
born Jan. 10, 1821, and is a daughter of 
Josej^h and Mary (Bryant) Orton, both 
deceased. Her mother died in Tennes- 
see, about the year 1835. Her father 
came to Greene county with his family, 



about the year 1835, and located three 
miles east of Carrollton, where he died 
during the time of the civil war. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brannan are the parents of 14 
children, seven of whom are living — 
Mary Jane, wife of William Short, liv- 
ing in Roodhouse; Lucinda, wife of 
Robert Davidson, living in this town- 
ship; Caroline, wife of Marion Cum- 
mings, a resident of this township; 
John, deceased; Hannah, deceased; 
Marion, also deceased; Henry married 
Cora Nye, living in Booth county, 
Mo.; Jasper, married Jane Camp, liv- 
ing with his mother; Newton, living at 
home; Robert, deceased; Thomas, mar- 
ried Ada Barber, living in this town- 
ship. Mr. Brannan died about the year 
1874, and is buried at the Pea Ridge 
cemetery. Mrs. Brannan has 80 acres of 
land, located on Sec. 11, T. 9, R. 13, 
Woodville township, and is comfortably 
fixed. 

J. C. Mulberry, was born in Scott 
county, Ky., on the 18th of Aug., 1821, 
his parents being James and Judy Ann 
(LaForcc) Mulberry. His father w.as 
born in Virginia, but was reared in 
Kentucky, from the time he had reach- 
ed the age of one year, spending his 
early days amid the scenes attending 
the clearing up of the wilderness in the 
early times of Kentucky. His moth: r 
was born in that state, and was there 
married, and spent the remainder of 
her days. Our subject came to this 
county with his father, when he was 
about 17 years of age, and they located 
in what is now Woodville township, 
where his father remained until his 
death, about the year 1865, and where 
John C. still resides. John was reared 
to farm life, and remained at home until 



-Sir 



878 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



after his marriage, Aug. 3, 1852, to 
Eliza Brown, a native of Madison county, 
111. She was a daughter of Peter and 
Jane (McCormick) Brown, her father a 
native of Nashville, Tenn. Her parents 
came to Greene county, in 1837, and 
settled under the bluff, on the land 
now included in this township. Her 
father died in Sept., 1843, and her 
mother in the same month and year, 
there being only four days difference in 
the time of their death. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mulberry were the parents of 11 chil- 
dren, 10 of whom are living — James W., 
deceased; Laura Jane, wife of George 
Rice, living in Montgomery county; 
Margaret, wife of Russell Rice, living 
in Montgomery county; George P., 



married LidaBrunk, livingin Franklin, 
Morgan county; Lucy, wife of Joel M. 
Mulberry, living in Carrollton; John 
Shelby, living at home; Cordelia, Wil- 
liam, Etta, Dona and Samuel. Mr. 
Mulberry has 80 acres of land on sec- 
tion 17. Mrs. Mulberry is a member 
of the Mt. Gilead Baptist church. They 
have both been identified with Greene 
county since their younger days, and 
have spent something like half a cen- 
tury within its limits, so that they have 
witnessed its transformation from a 
wilderness to its present prosperous 
condition. The parents of both were 
among the early settlers, and took part 
in many of the events of those early 
times. 



QHAPTTKR XVIII. 



RUBICON TOWNSHIP 

A little st.ieam meanders through the 
southeastern portion ofT. 11, R. 10, too 
insignificant to have any name for many 
years, but swollen one day by spring 
rains, its turgid waters hurrying by the 
almost submerged banks, drew from 
some classic scholar the title which it 
bears, the name of the historic river 
whose puny tide could not stay the re- 
turning legions of victorious Caesar, the 
Rubicon. Notwithstanding its rather 
far-fetched and high sounding name, it 
has bestowed it upon this civil sub-di- 
vision of the county. 

Rubicon comprises all of T. 11, R. 10, 
tlie board of county supervisors having 



made its civil and surveyors' lines co- 
extensive. It is bounded on the north 
by Athensville township, on the east 
by Macoupin county, on the south by 
Rockbridge township, and on the west 
by Wrights township. There is no 
town or village within its limits, of any 
importance, but Greenfield, on its south- 
ern border, supplies a good market for 
produce, and for the purchase of all the 
necessaries of life. 

The township, which contains some 
of the finest land in the count}', is in 
large part prairie, but still, enough is 
timbered to make it beautiful and 
sheltered. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



879 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in what is now 
Rubicon township was made in 1826, by 
Thomas Piper, a native of Kentucky. 
From his native state he removed to 
Indiana in an early day, and resided 
there until coming to Greene county. 
He settled on section 10, this township, 
whore he lived until overtaken by the 
hand of death. He had a wife and five 
children when he came here. 

Israel Piper, a son of Thomas, came 
with him. He was, at this time, a 
young man, having been born in 1813, 
in Kentucky. He helped his father for 
a time, but in 1833, was united in mar- 
riage with Louisa Fair, and started out 
fur himself. He was a resident of this 
township until his death, which occurred 
Sept. 5, 1850. 

Isaac and Alfred Wood, William Fin- 
ley and David Miller made .settlements 
in this part of the county in 1826, lo- 
cating on what is now known as String 
Prairie, where they lived many years. 

The next settler was a Jeremiah 
Hand, wlio came here in 1827. 

Ellis and John Davidson made settle- 
ments here in 1829. 

Henry Norris, the same year, built a 
cabin at a point about three or four 
miles north of Greenfield. 

George Wright located at White Oak 
Spring in 1829. 

Joel, David and Eri Edwards, three 
brothers, came to Greene county in 
1829, and stopping near Carrollton, 
rented some land, and then came to 
what is now Rubicon township in 1830. 
They all entered land on section 33 and 
28, and settled, the fall of that year, 
where they resided until their deaths, 
Joel in ].S(;(), David in IS.JG, Eri in 1866. 



Eri Edwards, deceased, an old settler 
of Greene county, was born in Guilford, 
Vt., in 1804, and was a son of Benaiali 
and Mary (Stowell) Edwards, natives 
of Vermont. The lamily are descend- 
ants of three brothers, who came to 
America from Wales. Eri's father died 
in Rock Island county. Eri came to 
Greene county in 1829. He was mar- 
ried in Vermont in 1827, and by that 
marriage six children were born, two of 
whom are living — Gilbert H. and Eri L. 
Mrs. Edwards was born in 1804, and 
was a daughter of James Worden, a na- 
tive of Vermont. Mr. Edwards died in 
186G, and his wife in 1878. Botli were 
members of the M. E. church. Mr. 
Edwards was by trade a blacksmith, 
and continued in that business until a 
few years liefore his death, being the 
first in this vicinity to engage at it. He 
was identified with the organization of 
the Agricultural Society. In politics 
he was a republican. 

Eri L. Edwards, son of Eri Edwards, 
of whom mention is made in th*" fore- 
going, was born Dec. 25, 1836, at the old 
homestead, where he has ever since 
continued to reside. He was married 
April 20, 1859, to Caroline M. Hutchin- 
son, a native of Pike county, 111., born 
Sept. 10, 1838, and a daugliter of Sam- 
uel Hutchinson, a native of Boston, 
Mass. By the above marriage there 
were three children, two of whom are 
yet living — Minnie H. and Julia M. 
The one deceased is Laura A. Mrs. E. 
is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. 
Edwards has, by perseverance and good 
management, made himself one of the 
substantial farmers of the county, own- 
ing 680 acres of land, located in Rubi- 
con and Rockbridge townships, and he 



880 



HISTORY OF GREENE COLNTY. 



devotes considerable attention to the 
raising of stock. 

Joel Edwards, deceased, an old settler 
of Rubicon township, and one of the 
three brothers who settled here, on sec- 
tion 33, in 1830, was born in Vermont, 
Aug. 16, 1799. He grew to manhood in 
his native state, and was there married 
to Lucy Goss, March 21, 1822, she being 
also a native of Vermont, born Aug. 13, 
1799. They removed to Illinois, ac- 
companied by Joel's two brothers, and 
located in Wayne county, in 1827. They 
then removed to Greene county and 
settled near Carrollton, March, 1829, 
and there they rented land, and raised 
one crop They then moved to this 
township, in 1830, as above stated. Mr. 
and Mrs. Edwards were the parents of 
six children, five of whom grew toman- 
hood and womanhood — Oshea, deceased; 
Oshea L., Surry L., Jane A., Tryphcna, 
and Mary 0. Mr. Edwards died, Sept. 
28, 1860, and Mrs. Edwards, Sept. 25, 
1869. Both were members of the M. 
E. Church. His parents were of Welch 
extraction. 

Gilbert H. Edwards, the third of a 
family of six children, of Eri and Na- 
omi (Worden) Edwards, old settlers of 
Greene county, of whom mention is 
made elsewhere, was born at the old 
homestead, on the southeast quarter of 
section 28, in this township, Aug. 19, 
1832. Gilbert was there reared to man- 
hood, receiving his education in the 
common schools there. In the fall of 
1853, he went to Rock Island county, re- 
maining there two years, then began 
traveling over the country, first visiting 
Vermont, then the Southern states. In 
the spring of 1856 he went to Minnesota, 
pre-empting land in Mpnongahalia 



county. In 1859 he went to Colorado, 
where he worked one and a half years 
in the mines, also working at the car- 
penter's trade. He then returned to 
Rock Island county, and was there mar- 
ried, June 12, 1863, to Rebecca Elizabeth 
Michaels, a native of Rock Island 
county, born June 9, 1838. She is a 
daughter of Philip and Esther (Shanks) 
Michaels, residents of Zuma, Rock 
Island county. After marriage, Mr. 
Edwards moved to Macoupin , county 
where he remained until 1869, wlien he 
returned to Greene county and settled 
on the farm where he still resides. Mr. 
and Mrs. Edwards are the parents of 
six children— Albert L., Clara N., New- 
ton, deceased; Cora A., Cassius L., and 
Dana C. Mr. Edwards has, by indus- 
try and good management, acquired a 
comfortable amount of property, having 
310 acres of land lying in Greene and 
Macoupin counties. In politics Mr. 
Edwards was formerly a republican, 
but now does not allow partisanship to 
interfere with him, always voting for 
the best man, thus showing him to be a 
man of honesty and principle. 

Oshea L. Edwards, eldest son of Joel 
and Lucy (Goss) Edwards, was born 
Oct. 6., 1824, in Vermont, He was four 
years of age when his parents moved to 
this country, and he here received such 
education as the common schools of 
that day afforded. He remained with 
his parents on the farm until he became 
of age, and when he was 25 years old, 
he removed to Woodford county, 111., 
and engaged in farming. While living 
there, he returned to Greene county and 
was united in marriage with Tabitha E. 
Foster, April 26, 1855. She was born 
in Kentucky, Aug. 27, 1830, and was a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



881 



(laughter of David and Priscilla G. 
(Piper) Foster, natives of Kentucky, 
who settled in Greene count)' in 1834. 
Mr. Foster was born Feb. 23, 1794, and 
Mrs. Foster, Sept. 12, 1799. He died 
March 11, 1835, and Mrs. Foster was 
again married to Benjamin King, a na- 
tive of Georgia, born Dec. 15, 1809, by 
whom she had one child. Mrs. King 
died Dec. 17, 1878, and he survived her 
only until Dec. 25, 1878. After their 
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards moved 
to Woodford county, remaining two 
years, when they returned to Greene 
county, and settled on the site where 
they still reside. The farm contains 
about 300 acres of land, all in a good 
state of cultivation, except 40 acres of 
timber. In 1881 Mr. Edwards erected 
a handsome, commodious brick resi- 
dence, and has it nicely and comfortably 
furnished He makes a specialty of 
raising stock, and is very successful 
therein. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have 
had six children born to them, four of 
whom are living — Arthur J., born Aug. 
2, 1856; Edgar, born Jan. 10, 1858. died 
March 3, 1881; Mary, born June 28, 1862; 
a son born Nov. 23, 1865, died in in- 
fancy; Olive, born May 22, 1867, and 
Howard, born Oct. 25, 1869. 

It was during the year 1829 that Jacob 
Young came to Greene county, and 
made a settlement on what is called 
String Prairie, in Rubicon township. 
He entered the southwest quarter of 
section 26, where he made a farm. He 
was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
1785. When about three years old he 
went with his parents to Kentucky, 
where they remained until 1795, when 
they came to Monroe county, 111. He 
served through the war of 1812-15, and 



was with the command that burned 
Peoria during the war. He was mar- 
ried twice, first to a Miss Kincaid, by 
whom he had three children. After his 
first wife's death, he was united in mar- 
riage with Clarissa O'Fling. She died 
in 1851, leaving one son, Felix H. He 
was a whig andafree-soiler, andcasthis 
last vote for Abraham Lincoln. He 
died on his farm, in this township, in 
Sept., 1863. 

Elder Stephen Coonrod made a settle- 
ment in this township, in 1829, on the 
northwest quarter of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 33, which he entered, 
and where he lived until 1872, when he 
died. He was born in Grayson county, 
Ky., Feb. 4, 1798, being a son of George 
Coonrod. He was married Feb. 28, 
1819, to Candis Lee, born Dec. 6, 1800, 
in Kentucky. Soon after marriage they 
removed to Wayne county, where he 
lived until 1829, when he moved to 
Greene county, as above. The date of 
his death was Dec. 19, 1872. He pro- 
fessed religion and was baptized in May, 
1812, and in 182S he began preaching, 
and continued doing so the rest of his 
life, being a member of the old Regular 
Baptist church. In politics he was a 
democrat. His wife died Nov. 11, 1879. 
Their marriage was blessed with ten 
children, six boys and four girls. 

William Smith came to this township 
in the month of April, 1831, and settled 
on section 5, where he lived until Nov. 
24, 1866, when he was called on to pay 
the debt of nature. 

William W. Smith, deceased, an old 
settler of Greene county, was born Dec. 
1, 1825, in Spencer county, Ind. He is 
a son of William and Hannah (Fair) 
Smith, natives of Kentucky, who after- 



SS2 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ward removed to Indiana, where the 
subject of this sketch was born. His 
father followed farming in Indiana, in 
connection with shoeniaking, remaining 
in that state until 1831, when he moved 
b''^ family to Illinois, arrivingin Greene 
couiity in April, after the deep snow. 
Hehad\:5ited the county in search of 
a location, the previous year, and had 
entered land on section 5, this township, 
on which he made his home until his 
death, Nov. 24, 1S66, at the age of 82. 
years. His wife died Oct. 13, 1853, 
aged 6S. They were the parents of nine 
chiblren. William W. wasthe youngest 
of them, and was reared to manhood, 
receiving such education as the common 
schools afforded. He was twice mar- 
ried, the first time, January 29, 1852, to 
Mary A. Short, a native of this town- 
ship, born Nov. 24, 1830. She was a 
daughter of Thomas J. Short, one of 
the first settlers here, who is mentioned 
elsewhere. Bj- the above union there 
were six children — Ewen B., John F., 
an infant not named, Henry S., Eliza- 
betli J., and Amanda E. Mrs. Smith 
died April 25, 1864, and Mr. Smith was 
again united in marriage, Sept. 27, 1865, 
to Lettice Whitlock, a native of Morgan 
county, 111., liorn Feb. 9, 1834. She is 
a daughter of Luther and Margaret 
(Dunbar) Whitlock, natives of Russell 
county, Ky., who were married there 
about 1821, and removed to Morgan 
county, 111., in the fall of 1830. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith were the parents of one 
child, who died in infancy. Mr. Smith 
followed agricultural pursuits, liviag on 
the old homestead until one year before 
his death, when he moved to Greenfield, 
where he died November 30, 1877. The 
family remained at Greenfield until 



Nov. 1881, when they returned to the 
farm, where they still reside. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith were members of the Bap- 
tist church, of which Mr. Smith was a 
deacon. He was a member of the I. O. 
0. F., joining the order at Athensville, 
and afterward uniting with the lodge at 
Greenfield, of which he was a member 
at the time of his death. Four of his 
children grew to manhood and woman- 
hood, and all are married except Eliz- 
abeth, living at home. 

Henry S. Smith, son of William W., 
was born March 25, 1858, in Rubicon 
township, where he grew to manhood, 
receiving his education in the common 
schools. He was married, Feb. 27, _ 
1884, to Luella Waltrip,who was born in 
Wrights township, Sept. 24, 1853, her pa- 
rents being Thomas T. and Mary (Da- 
vidson) Waltrip, old settlers of that 
township. Mr. Smith and wife are 
members of the Baptist church, he tak- 
ing his father's place as deacon. Though 
young, he is an enterprising farmer. 

Thomas Vandeveer, a native of Ken- 
tucky's soil, came to Greene county in 
1831, and settled on Sec. 31, T. 12', R. 

10, but afterwards removed to Sec. 4, T. 

11, R. 10, where he died in 1845. He 
had been a resident of Indiana for some 
years prior to coming here. He was a 
veteran of the war of 1812, and of the 
Black Hawk war. 

John Melvin came to Greene county 
in the spring of 1831, settling on the 
north side of Apple creek, about three 
miles east of White Hall, where he re- 
mained until the following fall, when he 
located upon the place now occupied by 
his son, Thomas E., on section 26, of 
Rubicon township. Here he resided 
until the fall of 1853, when he removed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



883 



to Greenfield, where he lived a retired 
life daring the balance of his days, his 
death occurring in the fall of 1870. He 
was born in Tennessee in 1803, coming 
directly from that state to this county. 
He was married in his native state to 
Eliza Crouch, by whom 10 children were 
born, Tiie death of Mrs. Melvin oc- 
curred Feb. 16, 1874. Thomas E. Mel- 
vin, a son of John, was born in Tennes- 
see, Dec. 22, 1824, and still resides on 
on the old homestead. He was married 
June 2, 1847, to Elizabeth Coonrod, a 
daughter of Stephen Coonrod. They 
are the parents of six children — Sylves- 
ter, George, Stephen E., Etna, Emma 
and Minnie. 

Asbury Atkins made a settlement at 
the head of the Rubicon creek, near the 
Macoupin county line, in the latter part 
of 1831. 

Hezekiah Boring moved into what is 
now Rubicon, from White Hall town- 
ship, in 1832. He was born in Maryland, 
Feb. 22, 1789, but was reared in Tennes- 
see, where he was united in marriage 
with Mary Melvin. in 1823. He came 
to Greene, in 1820, and lived in White 
Hall township for a short time before 
coming here. He entered some land on 
section 26, in this township, and here 
resided until his death, which occurred 
Aug. 26, 1884, when he had reached the 
advanced age of 9-5 years. His wife's 
death preceded his some 15 years. 

George Coats was a native of KTen- 
tucky, born in Feb., 1807. He came to 
this county in 1832, and located upon the 
northeast quarter of section 30, in this 
township. Here he engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits, until his death, which 
occurred in Oct., 1875. He was twice 
married, the first time to Mrs. Celia 



Connelly, nee Doyle, who died in April, 
1860, leaving six children; the second 
time to Mrs. William Jones, nee Rachel 
Brannon, who survives him. There 
were two children by this last marriage. 

Jesse C. C. Parks settled here in 1832, 
on section 10, where he lived until 
March 4, 1874, when he was called upon 
to pay the debt of nature. He was 
born June 16, 1802, in Anderson county, 
Tenn., where he lived, working at the 
blacksmith trade, in connection with 
farming, until 1826, when he came to 
Greene county, but concluded to go to 
Galena, where he worked in the lead 
mines. In 1832, he returned here as 
above stated. He was married, in 1831, 
to Minerva Yarnall, by whom he had 
eight children. He was a democrat in 
politics. He was a major of the state 
militia, and a justice of the peace, in 
this county. 

Benjamin Scott came to this township, 
in 1832, at the close of the Black Hawk 
war, and made a settlement. 

Benjamin Scott, one of the successful 
farmers of Greene county, is a native of 
Casey county, Ky., born April 29, 1831. 
He is a son of Welcome and Elizabeth 
(Allen) Scott, natives of Kentucky, in 
which state they were nuirried. Wel- 
come engaged in farming and also dealt 
in race horses, and did some sporting. 
He died in 1817, leaving a widow and 
four children, of whom Benjamin was 
the eldest, and the only boy. In 1830, 
Mrs. Scott came with her fixmily to 
Winchester, Scott county. 111., in com- 
pany with Hiram Drake, he immedi- 
ately entering land on section 10 and 11, 
in Rubicon township, this county. Mrs. 
Scott remained in Scott county, until 
1832, when her son, Benjamin, entereil 



884 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



80 acres of land, with money obtained 
by selling his discharge and horse, he 
liaving been in the Black Hawk war. 
He received $100 by the above sale. 
His present residence is located on the 
land which he then entered. Mrs. Scott 
made her home with Benjamin for many 
years, but at the time of her death, in 
June, 1865, she was residing with her 
daughter, Mrs. Jonathan Lewis. She 
was a consistent member of the Chris- 
tian church. On leaving Kentucky, 
Mrs. Scott, and all the children, except 
the youngest one, walked the whole 
distance to Scott county, bringing the 
household effects in a light, one-horse 
peddler's wagon. On Mr. Scott's side 
the family was of Scotch extraction and 
on the mother's side, of Scotch-Irish 
descent, their ancestors being early set- 
tlers of the Blue Grass section. Grand- 
father Allen, Mrs. Scott's father, was 
the first settler of Casey county, Ky., 
where he lived until his death. His 
wife died in Greene county. When Ben- 
jamin left Kentucky, he had but $7 and 
his mother $12, and when they arrived 
in Morgan county, she had but two dol- 
lars and he five, and this they investep 
in fat hogs, which investment enabled 
Benjamin to make the start in life, 
which opened the path to his present 
wealth and comfort. He was married 
Oct. 17, 183-J, to Lucinda Ruyle, a na- 
tive of Montgomery county, 111., born 
Aug. 30, 1818. She is a daughter of 
Henry and Betsy (Smith) Ruyle, the 
father a native of Virginia, the mother 
of Tennessee, who were married in 
Tennessee, and came to Illinois in 1813. 
They remained here some time and then 
returned to Tennest^ee, afterward re- 
moving to Macoupin county, Illinois, 



where they lived until their death. 
They were the parents of seven children, 
Mrs. Scott being the second oldest. 
Mr. and Mrs. Scott have a family of 
nine children — James, Elizabeth M., 
Edward, SaUy J., Louisa F., Maggie, 
Mary I., William T., and Anna. Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott are members of the 
Christian church. Mv. Scott has been 
one of the large landholders of the 
count}', owning at one time, '2,600acres, 
the greater part of which he has given 
to his children, and sold, reserving for 
himself, 536 acres. He makes a spec- 
ialty of raising and feeding stock, and 
in this way has made his money, being 
an energetic, enterprising citizen. Mr. 
Scott is a staunch republican, and has 
held several local oflfices. He is highly 
respected by neighbors and friends. 

William W. Williams, in 1833, came 
to this part of the county, and finding 
the land to his liking, remained a resi- 
dent of his farm in this township, until 
his death, which took place Dec. 24, 
1884. He was a native of North Caro- 
lina, born July 9, 1791. Left an orphan 
at an early age, he had to battle for him- 
self. When but 17 years old, he moved 
to Kentucky, where he married Lydia 
Whitehurst. From there he removed 
to Jacksonville, this state, in 1831, and 
from there here. He settled on the 
farm where he spent the remainder of 
his lifetime. This marriage was blessed 
with seven children — Mary A., Eliza, 
Edwin H., Martlia E., Newton, William 
H. and Milton W. Mrs. Williams died 
April 19, 1858, and he was again mar- 
ried, Nov. 7, 1860, to Maria O'Fling, 
widow of Felix O'Fling, a native of 
Greene county, N. Y., who came to Illi- 
nois in the spring of 1818. He came 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



885 



with his father's family and settled in 
Madison county, where they lived a 
short time, and then moved to Greene 
ciuinty, and settled on Apple creek. 
Feli.\ was married Sept. 26, 1838, to 
Maria Orcutt, a native of Pennsylvania, 
born Jan. 14, 1818, while her parents 
were on the way from Massachusetts to 
Illinois. She is the second daughter of 
Asa and Persenia (Burt) Orcutt, he a 
native of Connecticut, and she of Mas- 
sachusetts. They came to Illinois in 
1818. Her mother died at St. Louis, in 
1827. Mr. and Mrs. O'Fling were the 
parents of four children — Enos; Lucy, 
wife of Alfred French, living in Kansas; 
Orsa, living at home, and Felix. Felix 
O'Fling died Sept. 16, 1849. Mrs. Wil- 
liams still lives on the old homestead, 
which contains 50 acres of land. Mr. 
Williams died there, Dec. 28, 1884. In 
politics he was a republican. He and 
his family were members of the M. E. 
church. Mr. Williams was well liked 
by all who knew him and was an indus- 
trious farmer. 

John II. Waller, a native of Queens 
county, Va., born July 80, 1806, came 
to Rubicon townshij), in 1834, from 
Sangamon county, this state, whither 
he had gone to spend the winter with 
his brother. He settled near the toAvn 
of (ireenfield, where he is still living. 

T. J. Short, settled in this township, 
about the year 1834, although he came 
to the county in 1829, living about five 
years near Carrollton. 

Thomas J. Short, deceased, was born 
in Tennessee, Sept. 27, 1805, his father 
being of German descent, his mother of 
Irish descent. They came to Greene 
county in 1829, and settled near Carroll- 
ton, where after living five years, they 



moved to Sec. 7, T. 11, R. 10, they 
owning some land on sections 7 and 8. 
Thomas lived in the county until bis 
death, Aug. 10, 1876. His first wife died 
Sept. 9, 1849, and he was again married 
in 1852, to Rebecca Wittle, a native of 
Kentucky, who is still living. By that 
marriage there were two children — Levi 
R. and Samuel J. Mr. Short had a fam- 
ily of 16 children by his first wife, and 
at the time of his death had 72 grand- 
children, besides some great-grandchil- 
dren. Mr. Short took quite an interest 
in county affairs, was a staunch demo- 
crat, served as county commissioner 
three terms, and was also a justice of 
the peace. When he decided to cross 
the Ohio river, he had no property but 
a pony, and he joined with another 
neighbor, who also owned one, thus 
making the trip, ^\'hen he arrived in 
Greene county, he was 50 cents in debt, 
but by hard work, industry, and good 
business faculty, he was enabled to 
acquired a large amount of property dur- 
ing his lifetime, becoming the possessor 
of 1,1UU acres of land. Athis death his 
property was appraised at §55,000, thus 
showing what dauntless energy and 
good management can do. He and his 
wife were both members of the M E. 
church, he, also, of the A. F. A' A. M. 
William S. Sliort was born in Greene 
county. 111., Sept. 16, 1832, and is a son 
of Thomas J. Short. William grew to 
manhood in this county, receiving a 
common school education. He was 
married June 11, 1854, to Elizabeth M. 
Garrett, born March 6, 1830, her parents 
being Joel and Nancy (Gibson) Garrett, 
natives of South Carolina. She came 
with her parents, about the year 1838, 
to Mason county, 111., where her father 



886 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



died, in July, 1876. Her mother died 

wlien she was a chiUl. Mr. Garrett had 
a family of 11 chihlren by his first mar- 
riage. His second wife was Eliza Gar- 
rett, and by that marriage there were 
•five children. Mr. and Mrs. Short are 
the parents of 13 children — Amanda E., 
Rosa A., Louis S., Martha .J., Thomas 
J., Elijah B., an ininamed infant, Dicy, 
Elizabeth M., William S., Catherine, 
Samuel -J., and Mary A. Abundant 
energ_y and steady attention to business, 
have made Mr. Short very successful, 
and he is the possessor of a fine farm, 
consisting of 560 acres of land. He is a 
member of the Masonic lodge at Green- 
field and of tlic conunandei-y at Car- 
rol Iton. 

Nelson W. Corrington came to Greene 
county, a single man, in 1833, and 
worked for some time at carpentering 
trade, but finally settled in this town- 
ship. 

Nelson W. Corrington, deceased, an 
old settler of Greene county, was born 
Jan. 1, 1812, in Harrison county, Ky. 
He was a son of Stephen and Rachel 
B. (Veach, Wilson) Corrington, he a 
native of New Jersey, born April 5, 
1769, of English descent, and she a na- 
tive of Kentucky, born Dec. 4, 1765, of 
Irish and English extraction They 
were married in Kentucky, Aug. 14, 
1794, where they resided until their 
deaths, the father's occurring Jan. 2, 
1851, the mother's July 17, 1833, the 
latter dying with cholera. They had 
been blessed with a family of eight chil- 
dren. Nelson Corrington grew to man- 
hood in Kentucky, learning the carpen- 
ter's and joiner's trade, at which he 
worked when he first came to Greene 
county, which was in 1833, he being 



then just at his majority. He was a 
brother of Revs. Elijah and James B. 
Corrington, late of the Illinois and 
Soutliern Illinois Conference, and was 
the youngest and last of the family of 
eight children. He was married Dec. 
24, 1840, to Etersa Keller, a native of 
Grayson county, Ky., born Jan. 17, 1817. 
She is a daugliter of John and Zillah 
(VanMetre) Keller, the father a native 
of Maryland, born Oct. 31, 1787, the 
mother a native of Elizabethtown, Ky., 
born July 1, 1792. In 1819 the Keller 
family moved to Indiana, remaining 
until 1831, when they removed to Coles 
county, 111., where they resided one 
year, and tlien moved to Macoupin 
county, where they spent the remainder 
of their lives. Her father died in 1862, 
and her mother in Feb., 1865. They 
had been blessed with a family of 12 
children, seven boys and five girls. 
After marriage Mr. Corrington pur- 
chased and operated a saw-mill, just 
across the line in Macoupin county. He 
afterward sold this mill, and in Jan., 
1844, he bought the old homestead, 
on which he lived until his death, 
March 15, 1885. Mrs. Corrington still 
survives her husband, and lives at the 
old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Corring- 
ton were the parents of 13 children — 
Francis M., deceased; Mary F., de- 
ceased; Wilbur C, Wilson L., Rulus 
K., George A., deceased; Louisana H., 
Florida A., Mary F., Helen 0., deceased; 
San Juan D., Esperanza P. and Anna A. 
J. When ilr. Corrington came to this 
county he had but $200, a saddle and a 
horse, but by energy and perseverance 
he secured a considerable amount of 
this world's goods, liaving at one time 
owned 240 acres, farming the homestead, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



887 



and at the time of his death 80 acres, 
and a good comfortable residence. In 
polities he was a democrat, and as a citi- 
zen was a good moral man, well liked 
by neighbors and friends. A short time 
before he passed away, he gave his 
heart to God and exclaimed, " What a 
great salvation," at the same time ex- 
horting his wife and children, that they 
make an unbroken fainily in Heaven. 
Mrs. Corrington is a member of the M. 
E. church. 

CEMETERY. 

Drake cemetery was surveyed and 
laid out about the year 1856. It is situ- 
ated on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 15. The first burial here was that 
of a child of George Reynolds. 

ORGANIC. 

The township of Rubicon was organ- 
ized, and an election held, Ajjril 7, 
18S5. .John S. Robards was elected 
supervisor; Jackson Drennan, clerk. 
jNI. V. Connelly, assessor; John G. 
IMiller, collector. At the same time, 
Thomas Rafferty, Edwin Woolley, and 
T. G. Ca[)ps, were elected justices, and 
Philip Kramer, Joshua Short, and T. 
S. Weldon, constables. 

Tlie first religious services were held 
in this township, at the house of Jacob 
Voung, on section 26, about 1830, by 
Rev. Mr. Bankerson, of the Methodist 
church. 

1!E1'HESENT.\TIVE JIKN. 

I'riali Converse, a prominent farmer 
of Rubicon township, was born in .\d- 
dison county, Vt., Dec. 24, 1824, liis 
parents being Alfred and Betsey (Corey) 
Converse. His father was a native of 
Connecticut, and tliere grew to man- 
hood. He then moved to Vermont, 
where lie was married. He was en- 



gaged in carpentering while in that 
state, in connection with farming. In 
1844 he moved his family to Greene 
county, Ill.,wiiere he bought 80 acres of 
land on section 14, in Rubicon township, 
on which he built a residence, and on 
this place he and his wife spent the re- 
mainder of their days. They had a 
family of six children. In politics Mr. 
Converse, Sr., was a democrat. The 
family were 42 davs in making the trip 
srom Vermont to Illinois, traveling 40 
days of the time by wagon. Uriah, the 
subject of our sketch, received a com- 
mon school education, sullicient for the 
practical duties of every day life, and 
since then has always been engaged in 
acricultural pursuits. He has been 
twice married, the first time to Sarah E. 
Corey, Dec. 24, 1848. She was a native 
of Vermont., born July 15, 1829. By 
this union there were two children — 
Flora, married and living in Sangamon 
county, and Harriet E., who died in in- 
fancy. Mrs. Converse died May 30, 
1852, and Mr. Converse was again mar- 
ried, Sept. 20, 1855, to Minerva Steande- 
fer, a native Marion county, Tenn., 
who was roared in Missouri. She was 
l)orn Jan. 15, 1835. By this marriage 
there are five children — Otis E., Fannie 
D., Harry, Jennie and Truman U. Mr. 
and Mrs. Converse are members of the 
M. E. church. In politics, Mr. Con- 
verse is a republican, and has held local 
offices, being at the present time high- 
way commissioner. He is one of the 
substantial farmers of the township, 
and by his enterprise and industry is 
now the possessor of 540 acres of land 
located in Rubicon and .\thensville 
townships, and is engaged in mixed 
farming. He is a respected citizen of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



that community, meriting this esteem 
by his honesty ami integrity of pur- 
pose. 

Alexander R. IMorrow, a son of Jesse 
and Elvira (Bradshaw) Morrow, eauly 
settlers of Greene county, who now re- 
side in Rubicon township, was born 
Aug. 27, 1846, in Athensville township, 
where he grew to manhood, receiving a 
common school education. When he 
was 18 years of age, he assisted his 
father in building a grist mill, in Ath- 
ensville, and at the age of 23, pur- 
chased an interest in the mill. This he 
continued to run for about 10 years, 
meeting with such success that he was 
enabled to lay by a considerable amount 
of money. He then sold out his inter- 
est in the mill, and after residing in 
White Hall two years, he purchased his 
preseut farm and removed thereto. Two 
years from that time he erected a nice 
residence, costing $1,800, doing the 
work himself. It is a two-story frame, 
24x28 feet, with an L 14x26. His farm 
contains 166 acres of good land, valued 
at $46 per acre, on which Mr. Morrow is 
engaged in stock raising, making a 
specialty of hogs, sheep and horses, 
and is very successfui. Mr. Morrow 
was united in marriage, Feb. 9, 1870, 
with Margaret Scott, born in Rubicon 
township, March 22, 1847. She is a 
daughter of Benjamin Scott, an old set- 
tler of the township, of whom mention 
is made elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- 
row are members of the Christian 
church. In politics, Mr. Morrow is a 
republican. He is a member of the 
Athensville lodge, I. 0. O. F. He is 
highly respected and esteemed by 
neighbors and friends, and is an upright 
and enterprising citizen. 



Rev. Marcus W. Million is a son of 
Elijah and Elizabeth (Jemison) Million, 
former residents of the county. Elijah 
was born in Staflfbrd county, Va., as was 
also his wife, and they were married 
there in 1815. Mr. Million was a car- 
penter by trade. In the fall of 1823, he 
left Virginia, and came west as far as 
Madison county. 111., and remained there 
until the fall of 1830, when he moved to 
Morgan county, and resided there until 
1877. He then came to Greene county, 
where he and his wife liyed the re- 
mainder of their days. They had a fam- 
ily of nine children, Marcus W. being 
the second. Elijah was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, and also in the Black 
Hawk war. His death occurred Nov. 
15, 1875, his wife surviving him only 
until Nov. 25, 1875. Both were mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. Both 
branches of the Million family are of 
Scotch-Irish extraction. Marcus, the 
subject of this sketch, was born in Staf- 
ford county, Va., Jan. 22, 1818. When 
but a child he removed with his parents 
to Kentucky, and thence to Morgan 
county, where he grew to manhood, re- 
ceiving a common school education, and 
being reared to farm life. He was mar- 
ried in Greene county, March 22, 1842, 
to Mary Drum, a native of Madison 
county, born March 5, 1817. After their 
marriage they returned to Morgan 
county, where they resided about two 
years, and then removed to Rubicon 
township, Greene county, where he still 
resides. When he first came to the 
county he had scarcely any capital, but 
energy, perseverance and willing hands 
have accumulated for him 240 acres of 
land in a good state of cultivation. Mr. 
and Mrs. Million have been blessed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



889 



with a family of 11 children — Lovenia 
Jane, born Jan. 21, 1843; Lucian B., 
born Aug. 4, 1844, died Feb. 2, 1865, 
while at home on a sick furlough; Hes- 
ter Ann, born March 14, 1848; Mary C, 
born Oct. 12, 1850, died Jan. 21, 1859; 
Emma R., born June 28, 1852; Tempie 
L., born Aug. 24, 1855; Eliza D., born 
April 21, 1857, died Nov. 5, 1877; Sarah 
E., born Jan. 20, 1859; Elijah E., born 
Sept. 18, 1861. Rev. and Mrs. Million 
are members of the United Baptist 
church, of which he was ordained a min- 
ister. When young, he taught singing 
school, deriving much pleasure there- 
from. He is amoral, industrious man, 
meriting the respect and esteem of all 
his acquaintances. 

Alfred C. Range, a settler of Rubicon 
township, was born in Washington 
county, Tenn., September 18, 1826, and 
is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Hum- 
phreys) Range. They were natives of 
Tennessee, but the ancestors on his 
father's side were from Pennsylvania, 
and were of German descent, and on the 
mother's side were of Irish extraction. 
His father followed farming. Alfred ('. 
was the fourth of a family of five chil- 
dren, and was reared to manhood on his 
father's farm, and received such educa- 
tion as the common schools afforded, 
but by reading, he acquired a good edu- 
cation and stored away (juite an abund- 
ance of useful, practical knowledge, and 
has a library containing many valuable 
works. Mr. Range was married in 
Tennessee, Jan. 13, 184S, to Catherine 
Miller, a native of that state, born 
March 29, 1826. Mr. Range moved to 
Illinois, in 1858, arriving in Greene 
county, Oct. 16. He lived here until 
the fall of 1865, when he took a trip to 



Kansas, and after remaining there a 
short time, he returned to Greene 
county, and settled on his present farm 
on the northeast quarter, of section 27, 
in this township, in March 1871. The 
farm contains 59 acres of land in a good 
state of cultivation, on which Mr. Range 
makes quite a specialty of fruit raising. 
Mrs. Range died Oct. 3, 1869. leaving a 
family of 12 children-Mary E., Isaac M ., 
Grace M., John G., Martin K., William 
H., Solomon F., Julia A., James M., Os- 
car E., Lewis A., Cliarlcs E. and Frank 
W. Mr. Range was again married Jan. 6, 
1874, to Mrs. Rebecca S (Miller) Sulli- 
van, widow of Cornelius Sullivan, a 
native of Ireland, who were the parents 
of three children — Benjamin C, Nora C. 
and Margaret H. Mr. Sullivan died in 
1873. Mr. and Mrs. Range are the par- 
ents of two children — Ada L. and 
Robert F. Mr. Range is a property 
holder in Greenfield, and is a highly re- 
spected citizen of Rubicon township, in 
which he resides. 

John T. Foster, deceased husband of 
Mrs. Vienna Woodward, was a native 
of Kentuck}', born in 1827, and is a son 
of David Foster, who settled in this 
county in 1835. He was killed by a tree 
falling on and crushing him. John T. 
was married Feb. 22, 1855, to Vienna 
Hockensmith, a native of Kentucky, 
l)orn May 9, 1835. She came with her 
parents to Morgan county. 111., tlien re- 
moving to Macoupin county, where she 
lived until her marriage. She is the 
daughter of Andrew J., and Mary 
(Parks) Hockensmith, natives of Ken- 
tucky, her father being born in 1802, 
her mother in 1808. Her fatlier died 
Aug. 20, 1872, and her mother is still 
living, making her home with her 



890 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



daughter, Mrs. Woodward. Mr. and 
Mrs. Foster were the i^arents of two 
children— Everett E. and EttieG. Mr. 
Foster died Aug. 10, 1860. He was a 
member of the M. E., church and had 
educated himself for the ministry, but 
owing to failing health, was obliged to 
give it up. He received his education 
at the college in .Jacksonville, and at 
McKendree College, where he graduated. 
He was licensed to preach in 1849, and 
in 1850 was admitted, on trial, in the 
Illinois Conference; and was sent to the 
Jacksonville circuit. In 1S.")1 he was 
apjiointed to Marshall City, but during 
that year his health failed, and in 1852, 
having been ordained deacon, he was, on 
account of a diseased throat, compelled 
to ask to be discontinued. In 1860 he 
was ordained elder, but was called to the 
other world before the expiration of 
that year. Mrs. Foster was again mar- 
ried 8ept. 9, 1866, to Henry Woodward, 
a native of England, born Oct. 4, 1827. 
He had been left an orphan when quite 
young, and came with friends to Chi- 
cago and from there to Greene county. 
He has been engaged in clerking a good 
share of his life, and has also worked 
at the agricultural pursuits. Mr. and 
Mrs. Woodward arc the parents of three 
children — Virginia E., H. Albert and 
Don M. He and his wife are members 
of the M. E. church. 

Peter Stewart, a native of Scotland, 



was born in the year 1824, and is a son 
of William and Jane (Todd) Stewart, 
natives of that country. They arc true 
Scotch, from the south of Scotland. 
Peter immigrated to America, and came 
to Illinois in 1854, settling four miles 
west of Greenfield, where he lived one 
winter. He then moved six miles east 
of Carrollton, where he resided three 
years, and then moved northwest of 
Greenfield. He is now living on sec- 
tion 8, in Rubicon township. In 1846, 
he was married to Margaret Rutledge, a 
native of Scotland. By that union, 
there were three children — W'illiam, 
now in Utah, engaged as a locomotive 
engineer; Thomas, who died in 1876, 
and Andrew, who also died in 1854. 
Mr. Stewart was again married, in 1856, 
to Minerva Brannan, a native of Illi- 
nois. By this union, they were the 
parents of eight children — John M., 
died in 1858; Mary Ann, died in 1881; 
Peter C, living near Wrightsville; Geo. 
J., at home; Olive C, at home; Sarah 
J.; died in 1883; Alexander, at home, 
and James M. His second wife died in 
the year 1882. and Mr. Stewart was 
again married to Susanna (Baldwin) 
Williams, widow of John Williams, of 
Jefferson county. 111. 'Mr. Stewart has 
always followed the occupation of farm- 
ing. He is a member of the Baptist 
church, and is an industrious, well re- 
spected citizen of this community. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



891 



OHAPXEIR XIX. 



ROCKBRIDGE TO\YNSHIP. 



The civil sub-division of the county 
of (ireene, wliicli boars the name of 
Rockln'idge, lies in the southeast corner 
of the county, and comprises all of con- 
gressional T. 10, R. 10, Sees. 4, 5, 6, 7, 
8, y, and the north half of Sees. 16, 17 
and 18, and the northwest (juarter of 
Sec. 3, T. 9, R. 10, together with Sees. 
1, 2, 11, 12, and the north half of Sees. 
1.3 and 14, T. 9. R. 11. It therefore 
contains ,51 sections. It is one of the 
best townships t)f land in the county, 
having some of the finest natural advan- 
tages. Nearly one-half of it is finely 
timbered land, the balance being fine, 
undulating prairie of the best descrip- 
tion. It is watered by Hodges' and 
Taylor's creek, with their tributaries. 
No finer improvements are to be found 
in the county than are found here, and 
the inhabitants are, as. a class, thrifty 
and j)rosperous. 

Tlie St. Louis division of the C, B. 
it U. railroad i)asses through the entire 
township from north to south, and there 
are two stations of this road located in 
this part of the county, viz: Greenfield, 
on section 4, and Rockbridge, on section 
34. Besides these towns, there is one 
smaller one in the township, Fayette, 
on the eastern border, on sections 12 
and 13. 

KADLV SETTLEMENT. 

John and .\nibrose Taylor and Benja- 
min Allen settled in this township in 



1819, and were the pioneers of this part 
of the county. They lived here for 
many years. Taylor's Prairie and Tay- 
lor's creek, the latter a small tributary 
of the Macoupin, derived their names 
from these j)arties. 

Andrew Kincaid was the first to lo- 
cate at what was 1 »ng known as Kin- 
caid's Point, in 1821. This point was 
an angle of timber land which i)rojectcd 
into the prairie. 

William T. Kincaid a son of .\ndrew, 
came to Greene county, in 1821, and 
located in Rockbridge township. He 
was born in Pennsylvania, in 1786, but 
was reared in Kentucky. In the latter 
state he was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Mace, and moved with his 
wife to East St. Louis, in 1817. In 1820 
he came here, and settled upon the 
northeast quarter of section 7, where he 
made his home until his death. This 
latter event took place in 1876. His 
wife died in 1836, leaving nine children. 
He was appointed justice of the peace 
])rior to the organization of the county, 
which oilice he held for eight years. 

Martin Burt came to this part of the 
country, in 1821, and erected a cabin, 
where he dwelt for some time. 

.John Finley, better know-n as "Fight- 
ing .Jack," and his son, Thomas, came 
to what is now Rockbridge township, in 
1821. Shortly after settling, .John Fin- 
ley erected a horse-mill a short distance 



892 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



south of the site of Greenfield. Al- 
though very loosely constructed, it was 
a great convenience for the dwellers for 
many miles around. Men and boys 
visited this mill from beyond Carroll- 
ton, riding on their sacks of corn and 
leading horses enough to turn the mill. 
Strange as it may seem, this mill was 
supplied with neither wheel nor cog. 
At an elevation of six feet from the 
ground, a number of arms were passed 
horizontally tlirough the driving shaft. 
They were of equal length, and their 
outer ends were deeply notched for the 
reception of a rawhide band twisted like 
a rope. This was passed around tlie 
end of the arms or spokes, resting in 
the notches, and thence to the " trun- 
dle," being crossed, however, between 
the latter and the driving wheel to pre- 
vent slipping. To the same shaft that 
carried the arms was attached a long 
lever, to which the horse or horses were 
fastened. This was all the gearing be- 
•longing to the mill, and from its great 
simplicity it was easily repaired when 
out of order. A few hickory withes 
usually secured any part that needed at- 
tention. John Finley and his son, 
Thomas, afterward entered the site of 
the Rockbridge mills. The old gentle- 
man settled on the blutf south of the 
creek, and his son made a iiome on 
Taylor's Prairie, just north of Rock- 
bridge. 

Two men, in 1822, came into this 
neighborhood, looking for land. They 
were Archibald Lee and an uncle. The 
former had been born in Rome countj^, 
Tenn., but at the time mentioned above 
was a resident of Hamilton county, this 
state. In the fall of the same year they 
returned to the latter county, where. 



on the 19th of March, 1823, Archibald 
Lee and Jane Upton were united in 
marriage. The young couple then 
came to Greene county, and first occu- 
pied land on Cook's Prairie, on section 
24, in what is now this township. Find- 
ing that some one had entered the land 
he moved to another place and from 
there to section 28, where he lived some 
six years. He afterward was engaged 
in the mercantile business, in Green- 
field, and later in Fayette. 

Norman C. Woolley might be classed 
among tlie early settlers of this covmty, 
coming here when but two years old, in 
1822. He was born at Hartford, N. Y., 
July 20, 1820. The family came to 
Greene county, in 1822, and located in 
Bluffdale township, where N. C. lived 
until 1845, when he removed to Green- 
field. He was married Jan. 27, 1818, 
to Sarah Speaks, who was the daughter 
of one of the old settlers, and was born 
here, Aug. 21, 1822. They have two 
children living. 

James Kincaid, anotlier son of An- 
drew Kincaid, came from Kentucky to 
Greene county in 1824. He was quite 
conspicuous in those early days, as he 
was the captain of a militia company, 
and afterward commanded a company 
in the Black Hawk war. Old settlers 
still tell of his dress — "a blue hunting 
shirt fringed with red, a belt about him 
from which he depended a sword, and 
a tall hat and feather." 

John N. Whitlock, a native of Ten- 
nessee, came to this county in 1820, and 
made a settlement in this township, 
where he lived until he was called onto 
cross the river and join the great major- 
ity. He was quite prominent in early 
days in this part of the county. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



895 



Andrew Hamilton, a native of Great 
Britain, but a citizen of Kentucky, came 
to this township and made a settlement 
near where the town of Greenfield now 
stands, in 1827. He was a resident 
of the county until his death. 

During the year 1828, William Mason 
came to Rockbridge township and lo- 
cated on 120 acres of land there, where 
he lived for about 20 years. He then 
moved away from the county. In about 
18.56, he returned, settling in Kane 
township. He afterward removed to 
.lersey county, where he subsequently 
died. 

William Grimes made a settlement 
in this township during the year 1828. 

Alexander and Benoni Banning, two 
brothers, were pioneers of the year 
1828, making a settlement and building 
their cabins in this township. 

J. Harvey Weisner, familiarly known 
as Uncle Harvey, a native of Surry 
county, N. C, born .Ian. 10, 1803, came 
to this county in 1829. He was the son 
of John and Margaret Weisner, natives 
of North Carolina, of German and Irish 
descent. During his 14tli year, the 
family moved to Smith county, Tenn. 
He was united in marriage Feb. 20, 
1827, with Martha Evans, by whom he 
had 12 children, six of whom, in after 
years, entered the United States army 
during the war, and but three of whom 
returned. When IMr. Weisner fir.^t 
came here he worked at anything he 
could find to do, often going many 
I mile.s in the morning to do it, and re- 
turning in the evening to his fnmilj'. 
By hard work and rigid econoni}', he 
accumulated enough nioncj' to buy a 
barshare plow, and having a yoke of 
1 oxen which he brought from Tennessee, 



he rented a small patch of ground, and 
commenced farming. He afterward be- 
came a resident of Greenfield, and re- 
tired from active business life, in the 
enjo3'ment of an easy competence, 
where he resided until his death, in the 
fall of 1883. 

James Cannedy came to this township 
in 1829, locating where the town of 
Greenfield now stands, but in a short 
time moved south of this place. He 
died in the township in 1872. 

James Cannedy, deceased, who was 
among the earl}' settlers of Greene 
county, was a native of Darlington, S. 
C, was born March 18, 1790, and was a 
son of John Cannedy, also an early set- 
tler of this county. John Cannedy was 
of Irish descent, and his wife was of 
Scotch ancestry. James removed with his 
parents to Tennessee in 1807, where be 
was united in marriage, in 1816, with 
Eliza Grizzle, who departed this life 
Aug. 16, 1867, aged 69 years. Mr. Can- 
nedy served in the capacity of captain 
of the militia of Warren county, Tenn., 
for many years, as did he also as justice 
of the peace. He was a volunteer of 
the war of 1812, and served as a ser- 
geant under Gen. Jackson. He partici- 
pated in the battle of Horse Shoe, on the 
the Tallapoosa river. In 1829 he immi- 
grated to Greene county, 111., and set- 
tled where the town of Greenfield now 
stands, where he finished the first house 
built on the site of Greenfield. Two 
years later he bought land three miles 
south of that place, where he settled 
and remained up to the time of his death, 
Jan. 19, 1872. Upon coming to the 
county he journeyed in an ox cart, had 
very little money and a large family. 
Through the deep snow in 1830-1, and 



"TT" 



1 



89G 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUISTY. 



many years thereafter, he labored hard 
in making rails, the proceeds of which 
went to support his family. Notwith- 
standing his severe trials, he was always 
cheerful, and looked forward for better 
times, which finally came, and he 
secured a competency, which he enjoyed 
in his declining years. He was elected 
justice of the peace, which office he held 
for many years. He was county com- 
missioner three years and held other 
smaller offices. He was the father of 
12 children, all of whom were respected 
and honored citizens of this county. 

William H. Cannedy, a son of the 
above, was born in Warren county, now 
DeKalb county, Tenn., on the 16th of 
July, 1817. With his parents he came 
to Greene county, 111., in 1829, and has 
been an honored citizen of the coimty 
ever since. He was united in marriage, 
March 6, 1845, with Mahala Allen, a 
native of Kentucky. They are the pa- 
rents of nine children, three boys and 
six girls, as follows — TiOuisa J., wife of 
E. Reno, of this county; Mary A., wife 
ofF. M. Clampett, of Garnett, Kan.; 
Martha E., wife of L. Reno, of Jersey 
county; Malinda C, wife of J. Burger, 
of Rockbridge; Sarah M., wife of S. R. 
Clampett, of Medora; Thomas J., John 
W., and Cora I. Mr. and Mrs. Cannedy 
and all of their children are consistent 
members of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Canned}' has served 20 years as justice 
af the peace, and now officiates in that 
capacity. He is also a notary public 
and the treasurer of the school town- 
ship. He participated in the Mormon 
war, and took part in the battle of Nau- 
voo. 

George W. Cannedy, a son of James 
Cannedy, one of the early settlers of 



Greene county, was born in Tennessee 
in 1818, and came to this county with 
his parents in 1829, settling on the site 
of the town of Greenfield, his father hav- 
ing finished the first house built in that 
town. Here they resided until 1833, 
when they returned to Tennessee, and 
again came to the county in 1834, set- 
tling on section 21, Rockbridge town- 
ship, where George W. still resides. In 
the month of Nov., 1840, he was united 
in marriage with Miriam Witt, a native 
of Indiana. By that iniion they had 
two children — Eliza E., widow of John 
Hand, of Macoupin county, and James 
H., who farms in Kansas. Mrs. Cannedy 
departed this life Sept. 12, 1844, aged 
22 years. Mr. Cannedy was again mar- 
ried, Feb. 20, 1845, to Eliza Gilland, a 
native of Illinois. She died March 23, 
1850. They were the parents of three 
children — Martha E., wife of Elisha 
Jackson; William F., of this township, 
and David G., of Greenfield. Mr. Can- 
nedy was again married, in 1850, to Aley 
Dowdall, a native of the state of Indiana. 
They have been blessed with 11 chil- 
dren, only four of whom are now living 
• — George L., of Kansas; Ada, wife of 
B. F. Taylor; Love and Myron, living 
at home. Of those deceased, Sarah A., 
died in Sept., 1852, aged one year and 
six months; John W., died Aug, 6, 1859, 
aged two years and six months; Mary 
D., died Nov. 26, 1859, aged 14 days; 
A. S., died Oct. 13, 1864; Lucy 0., died 
Jan. 16, 187S; aged 17 years; Julia A., 
who married W. S. Beason, died Feb. 
27, 1878; Bessie L., died Jan. 6, 1878, 
aged five years and one month. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cannedy are consistent mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. He has held 
the offices of constable, school director 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



897 



and road supervisor. He has always 
followed agricultural pursuits, and is 
now the owner of 57 acres of well im- 
proved land on section 21, Rockbridge 
township. 

James Curnutt came here in 1829. He 
was born in Virginia, in 1777. He was 
reared on a farm in the Old Dominion, 
where he married Racliel Wright, a 
native of the same state. She dying, 
he was united in marriage with Mary 
Rankin. In 1827, he moved to Ten- 
nessee, but in the fall of the following 
year came to Madison county. 111., and 
in 1829 came to this county, landing 
herein March, and located near where 
the village of Rockbridge now stands. 
After moving around this county for a 
fe'v years, he finally settled on the farm 
on which Rivesville is now located, 
where he remained until his death, in 
18.51. Pie served in the war of 1812. 

.James H. Weisner, Herod and Joel 
Grizzle, came to Greene county in 1829, 
and locating in this township com- 
menced some improvements. 

Ichabod ^'alentine and Howard Fin- 
Icy settled in the northern i)art of this 
township, in 1829. 

Solomon Dixon, a native of North 
Carolina, born in 1798, moved to Ten- 
nessee, where he was married, coniing 
to Greene county a few years after that 
event, in 1880. He settled near where 
the town of Rockbridge now stands, 
wliere he lived until 1870, when he re- 
moved to Kansas, where he died a few 
months after reaching that state. His 
wife was Sarah Burger. They had 
eigiit children. Mrs. Dixon died here 
in 1844. 

Moses J. Wilder, a native of Nash 
county, N. C, born in 1751, came to 



Greene county in 1830, locating on the 
present site of Greenfield, in this town- 
ship. He had been a soldier in the 
Revolution, and was with Gen. Greene 
in all his campaigns, and witnessed the 
fall of Baron DeKalb. He removed to 
Tennessee in 1818, where he remained 
until he came to this county. He was 
married some three times. In 1832, he 
removed back to tlie more genial clime 
of Tennessee, and died there in 1839. 

Langston Moore, made a permanent 
settlement in this township in 1831, and 
resided here until the fall of 1869, when 
he sold out, removing to Nilwood, Ma- 
coupin county, where he died October 
6, 1882. He was born in North Caro- 
lina, in 1811, but was reared in Tennes- 
see, where he marrie<l Sarah Melton, by 
whom he had 13 cliildren. 

James Rives came to this township 
in 1834, and made a settlement on the 
west half of section 24, where he resided 
until he moved to Greenfield, where he 
died July 12, 1866. He was a native of 
North Carolina, but about 1826, moved 
to Kentucky. His wife was formerly 
Elizabeth Hood. She died in 1851, .m 
the farm where he first located. 

Robert Mitchell and his family came 
to Rockbridge township, and settled on 
Sec. 26, T. 10, R. 10, in t])e fixll of 1835. 
He was a Virginian, but was reared and 
married in Kentucky, from which state 
he came here. He lived here until his 
death in June, 1837. The wife died in 
March, 1847. They had a family uf 
nine children, only three of whom are 
now living. Andrew K. Mitchell is 
a son. 

Andrew K. Mitchell, one of the old 
settlers of Rubicon township, was born 
in Bath county, Ky., June 26, 1811. 



898 



HISTORY OF GREENE COt:: TY. 



He was raised on his father's farm, and 
received such education as tlie old log 
school house of that day afibrded. He 
engaged in farming for himself, after be- 
coming of age, and afterward moved to 
Greene county. Sept. 10, 1840, he was 
married to Sally Kincaid, a daughter of 
William T. and Elizabeth (Mace) Kin- 
caid, her mother a native of Kentucky. 
Her parents removed to St. Clair 
county, 111., in 1817, and in 1821 they 
came, in company with the Kincaids,to 
Greene county, 111. Mrs. Mitchell was 
born, Aug. 22, 1819, in St. Clair county, 
111. Their marriage was blessed with 
12 children, eight of whom are still liv- 
ing — Thomas, deceased; Joseph; James, 
living at home; Mary E., deceased; Jo- 
hanna, wife of Frank Witt; Robert, liv- 
ing at home; Luther, married and liv- 
ing in this township; Martha, wife of 
Hugh Clarity, a resident of this town- 
ship; Rachel, wife of Joseph Cress, liv- 
in this county; Nancy, deceased; Ellen 
and Margaret, at home. Mr. Mitchell 
has met with decided success in his bus- 
iness undertakings, and has acquired 
about 500 acres of land, well imj^roved 
and with pleasant surroundings. His 
father was also in good circumstances. 
The family are members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church. Mr. Mitchell 
is a highly esteemed citizen. 

David Foster settled in this part of 
the county in 1835. He was killed by a 
tree falling on him, at a later date. He 
was the father of John T. Foster, long 
and favorably known in this county, 
but now dead. 

• OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE. 

James H. Van Arsdale was born in 
Mercer county, Ky., June 28, 1816. He 



came with his parents, who were of 
Holland Dutch descent, to this state, in 
1836, arriving at Carrollton, Oct. 6, the 
same year. He received a fair common 
school education in his native state, and 
the home training and associations were 
such as ever guided and controlled his 
future course, in the active duties of 
life. His father, Peter VanArsdale, was 
a blacksmith by trade, and in connection 
with that business, owned and cultivated 
a good farm of 230 acres, upon which 
his son J. H. grew up to manhood. His 
father was a close studc;:t of books, and 
a reader of the newspapers of that day, 
and kept himself well posted upon all 
the important events of the times, both 
from a moral and political standpoint. 
In politics, he was decidedly democratic, 
until towards the latter part of Jack- 
son's administration, when, from moral 
principles, he zealously espoused the 
anti-slavery cause, and was known 
as a conscientious, intelligent voting 
abolitionist until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1857. He was also, from early 
manhood, a strong advocate of the tem- 
perance cause, and taught his children 
to think for themselves, and ever dare 
to do right. J. H. V., his only son, 
was married Dec. 9, 1839, to Susan De- 
maree, of Park county, Ind. She de- 
parted this life, April 8, 1854, leaving 
two sons — Alfred D. and James M. The 
first is now a resident of Colorado. The 
second lost his life in the service of his 
country, at the age of 21 years and six 
months. May 9, 1855, Mr. VanArsdale 
was united in marriage, with Mrs. Sarah 
S. Batchelder, of Chesterfield, 111., and 
by this union there were five children, 
three daughters and two sons. They 
are all living, and qualified, by educa- 



tion and association, to act well their 
part in the drama of life, if they choose 
thus to do. He has been, from early 
boyhood, an earnest advocate of teetotal 
temperance principles, and now, in the 
70th year of his age, never has received, 
or given, a treat of intoxicating liquor 
to any person. He has been a resident 
of this county, since Oct., 1836, and 
has lived at his present place of resi- 
dence, on See. 30, T. 10, R. 10, since the 
spring of 1845. In religious belief and 
practice, Mr. and Mrs. YanArsdale are 
Presbyterian, and most of their family 
are of the same faith. They have ever 
done what they could to advance the 
educational, and all other elevating in- 
terests, tending to the elevation of the 
community where they reside. Mr. 
VanArsdale's first vote for president, 
was cast for Van Buren, in 1S3G; for 
Harrison, in 1840; James G. Binney, 
1844; Martin Van Buren, in 1848; Jolin 
P. Hale, 1852; Col. J.C.Fremont, 1856; 
Abraham Lincoln, 1860; and for every 
nominee of the Republican party, since. 
He has held some public ollices of trust 
and honor. He was elected justice of 
the peace, in 1840, and held the office 
continuously until Sept., 1862, when he 
resigned, to accept the office of assist- 
ant assessor of this county, whicli he 
held until Oct., 1866. He was, by an ap- 
pointment of Governor R. J. Oglesby, a 
member of the State Board of Equali- 
zation, for the term of 1867-68. He 
was appointed marshal, in 1870, to take 
the national census, for the east half of 
this county. He was brought up on a 
farm, and the principal business of his 
life, has been in agricultural pursuits. 
Samuel T. Smith, a native of Knox 
county, Tenn., was born in that state in 



1844, he being a son of John T. and 
Nancy (Goldstein) Smith, both of whom 
were natives of Tennessee. They came 
to Greene county in 1864, and settled 
in Linder township, where they resided 
two years, and then removed to Rock- 
bridge township, botli dying there, the' 
former in Sept., 1866, and the latter in 
Feb., 1868. Samuel T. Smith preceded 
his parents in coming to Greene county, 
having come in Feb., 1862, resided in 
Linder township, six years, and then 
removed to section 2, Rockbridge town- 
ship, where he now resides, and is the 
owner of 120 acres of fine land. In 
Nov., 1864, he enlisted in the 144th 111. 
Inf., and was honorably discharged one 
year later. Samuel T. Smith and 
Patty Deins, a native of Leeds, Eng., 
were united in marriage in the year 
1869. Their union has been blessed 
with three children — Nellie, Ralph and 
Maria. Mr. Smith is a member of the 
G. A. R., while his wife is a member of 
the Presbyterian church. 

Joseph Mincb, a son of George and 
Mary A. (Baker) Minch, is a native of 
Floyd county, Ind., having been born 
tliere, in the year 1843. George Minch 
and his wife were l)oth natives of Penn- 
sylvania, the former having died in 
1858, and the latter in 1869, both in 
Kentucky. Jos. Minch attended school 
and worked on a farm until attaining 
his 14th year, when he went to New 
Albany and learned the trade of a car- 
penter. He served a three years' ap- 
prenticeship, and then went to Ken- 
tucky, where he followed steamboat 
carpentering three years. He then re- 
ceived a warrant as carpenter in the 
United States navy, and was detailed 
for duty on the Mosquito fleet. In 1865 



900 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



he went to Missouri, where he remained 
until 1872, engaged in bridge carpenter- 
ing for the Iron Mountain R. R. Co. 
He then came to this state, worked at 
his trade at various points, then, in 
1874, came to this county and settled in 
Rockbridge township, where he has 
since resided and followed his trade. 
Mr. Minch is much respected in the 
neighborhood in which he resides, and, 
in politics, is a republican. 

Charles F. James, a native of Freder- 
ick county, Va., and a son of Daniel and 
Ann James, was born in the year 1834. 
He learned the macliinist trade at 
Harper's Ferry, and when 17 years of 
age, went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked 
at his trade. In 1854 he came to Greene 
count)'. 111., and settled in Rockbridge 
township, where he still resides. Aug. 
5, 1858, he was united in marriage with 
Emily Kirby, a native of this county. 
They were the parents of two children — 
A\'infield, who died in July, 1860, and 
Henry T., who died in January, 1882. 
Mrs. James died Jan. 26, 1870, and 
Mr. James was again married, in 1871, 
to Martha Haynes, widow of Thomas 
Haynes, and the daughter of J. M. 
Washburn of this township. She is the 
mother of one child, by her former hus- 
band — Richard E. who is engaged in 
farming in Rockbridge township. Mr. 
James' father died when C. F. was quite 
young, and he was left to shift for him- 
self. He is now the possessor of 101 
acres of land, all improved. In politics, 
he is a republican. 

Wm. M. Stringer, a native of Ken- 
tucky, was born April 6, 1807, being a 
son of Elizabeth Stringer, now deceased. 
The father died when William was a 
mere child. When 10 years of age, 



William directed his footsteps westward, 
in company with liis uncle, and located 
in Madison county, 111., where, for six 
years, he was engaged on a farm. His 
mother had married a second time, and, 
while a resident here, he received in- 
formation of the death of his step-father. 
He then returned to his Kentucky home 
and took charge of the home farm. He 
was there married, in 1829, to Elizabeth 
Joslyn, a daughter of Elindor Joslyn. 
In 1829, William, in company with his 
mother and family, removed to this 
state, and settled in Scott county, near 
Winchester. In 1833, he removed to 
this county, and one year later entered 
40 acres of land in Rockbridge town- 
ship, where he built a cabin, and lived 
the life of a pioneer for a number of 
years. We cannot describe in detail the 
hardships endured by Mr. Stringer, 
but, suffice it to say, that his present 
competence was acquired by persistent 
energy. Eight children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Stringer, two of whom are 
now living — Leroy and Levy, the latter 
having enlisted at the breaking out of 
the war, and served through the Rebel- 
lion as lieutenant. 

Leroy Stringer, the oldest son of W'm. 
M. and Elizabeth (Joslyn) Stringer, is a 
native of Greene county, 111., having 
been born here on the 10th day of Jan., 
1850, and has always been a resident of 
the county. He was united in mar- 
riage, in 1875, with Nancy Abner, a na- 
tive of this state. Their union lias been 
blessed by two children — James Melvin 
and an infant, as yet unnamed. Mr. 
Stringer received his education in the 
district schools of his native county. 
He, at present, is the possessor of 99 
acres of good land, all of which is in a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



901 



good state of cultivation, and he carries 
on general farming. Leroy is a kind, 
genial gentleman, and stands high in 
the community in which he was raised, 
and now resides. 

Thomas Plogger was horn in Virginia, 
and was a son of John and Martha 
(Morris) Plogger, both of whom were 
also natives of Virginia. Thomas was 
reared on a farm, and received his edu- 
cation in the district s('hools of his na- 
tive state. He came to Greene county, 
111., in 1857, and located on section 28, 
Rockbridge township, where he still 
resides, owns 80 acres of land, and car- 
ries on general farming. In 1863, 
Thomas Plogger and Mary Coonrod 
were united in marriage. By their mar- 
riage four children were born to them — 
Martha V., wife of Edward Kimbro of 
Greenfield; John H., at home; Clharles 
T., died at the age of seven years; and 
AA'illiam, who died in infancy. Mrs. 
Plogger died in the month of October, 
187"J, and Mr. Plogger was again mar- 
ried in September, 1874, to Sarah Craw- 
ford, a native of this state. By this 
marriage they have had five children 
born to them — Oscar, died in infancy; 
Lincoln died in infancy; Rosa H., How- 
avil and Mrgil at home. Mr. Plogger 
enlisted in the 91st 111. Inf. in August, 
1862, and served his country three years. 
He jiarticipated in the siege of Mobile, 
Ala., hut had previously taken a part in 
the Mississippi campaign. He has held 
tlie offices of road supervisor and school 
director in his district, and gave entire 
satisfaction. Mr. and Mrs. Plogger are 
consistent members of the M. E. churcli. 
John Plogger, the father of our subject, 
departed this life in Rockbridge town- 
ship in 1861, and his wife, Martha, fol- 



lowed him to the other shore one year 
later, and both were deeply mourned by 
their family and numerous friends. 

Moses Freer, who was born in this 
county in 1846, was a son of Elias and 
Lucy A. (Turwelligar) Freer, both of 
whom were natives of Ulster county, 
N. Y. They came to Illinois in an 
early day, and settled in Pike county, 
where they remained one year and then 
came to Rockbridge township, Greene 
county. Mr. Freer remained a resident 
of the township up to the time of his 
death, in 1878, he having attained the 
ripe old age of 78 years. His wife is 
still living on the old homestead, and is 
now in her 68th year. Moses Freer was 
united in marriage, in 1861, witJi Mar- 
garet Winters, a native of this county, 
and the daughter of William and Eliza- 
abeth (Gihnan) Winters, of Lindcr 
township. By their union they have 
been blessed with two children — Mattie 
E., who was born Sept. 3, 1882, and 
Minnie A., born Jan. 1, 18So. Mr. 
Freer owns 60 acres of land in Rock- 
bridge township, and carries on general 
farming. His postofHce is Rockbridge. 

K1)IC.\TI0-\".\I.. 

School district No. 1, in T. 9, R. 10, j 
had a school taught during the sunnner 
of 183-5 by James McFarland, in a log , 
school house just west of where the 
present scliool building now stands. 
McFarland, it is said, came here to see 
a girl, and afterward went to Missouri. 

School district No. 2, in T. 9, R. 10, 
has a school building that was put up 
in 1860, by Alexander Morris, contrac- 
tor, for 8400. The first dirertor lirrc 
was 1. M. P. Washburn. 

School district No. 3, in T. 10, H. 10, 
has a school house built in 1865, which 



902 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



is 20x26 feet in size, and which cost 
§900. Tlie first teacher in this edifice 
was Samuel Smith. The first directors 
were James Cannedy, L. J. Jackson and 
Cr. W. Canned}'. The present enroll- 
ment is about 60, an increase of 30 over 
the first term. The present teacher is 
Jennie Converse. 

ROCKBRIDGE. 

Tlie town of Rockbridge is situated 
upon the nortliwcst (juarter of Sec. 34, 
in T. 10, R. 10, in this civil sub-division 
of Greene county, on the line of the C, 
B. Q. R. R., on what has long been 
known as Taylor's Prairie. 

In 1826, a mill was put up here, which 
was the first building in this immediate 
vicinity. A history of this mill is given 
further on. 

.\ small settlement sprang up here 
shortly after this, and a post office was 
established in 1849, through the influ- 
ence of George D. Randle, the owner of 
the mill. 

About the year 1854, William Gage 
put up a store building, and put in a 
stock of general merchandise, in connec- 
tion with G. T. W. Sheffield, under the 
firm name of Gage & Sheffield. Later, 
A\'. H. Summers succeeded this firm, in 
the same line of business. He was suc- 
ceeded in turn by the various firms of 
Valentine Bros., Valentine i*i: Bowman 
and Valentine it Son. 

A lively business was done here in 
those days, both at the store and at the 
saw and grist mill, and the little hamlet, 
which was about half a mile southeast 
of the present town, gained a few in- 
habitants. A small settlement also 
sprang up about half a mile west of the 
village which was familiarly known as 



Dublin, but it contained but a few houses 
at the most. 

The real growth of the town of Rock- 
bridge, however, dates from the comple- 
tion of the railroad in 1870. In that 
year, what was then known as the R., 
R. I & St. L R. R., now a division of 
the C. B. & Q., was constructed to this 
point, and in the spring of 1871, a town 
was laid out by. Sheffield & Hudson, 
about a half mile from the old settle- 
ment, which was called Sheffield, after 
G. T. \V. Sheffield, one of the proprie- 
tors. This name it retained until the 
railroad came under the control of the 
C. R. & Q. Ry. Co., when they changed 
the name to Rockbridge, the name of 
the postoffice, which had remained un- 
altered. 

Three additions have been made to 
the town since the first survey, one each 
by L. F. Williams, James Valentine and 
Isaac Bruner, the latter being platted 
in 1877. The first house in the new 
town was erected by James Valentine. 
This was a store building, in which he 
opened a miscellaneous stock of goods, 
thereby being the pioneer merchant, of 
the incipient town. He also erected a 
grain warehouse, which he operated, as 
well as laid in a stock of lumber, being 
the pioneer in both these branches of 
trade. Others now began to come in and 
the little burg began to wear a business 
look, and grew to be quite a lively place. 
The population now is about 300. It is 
incorporated as a village. 

The first school house in the town 
was erected in 1874, the first teacher 
being John Howell, of Brighton, Ma- 
coupin county. The building is 32x42 
feet in size, and was put up and finished 
at a cost of about $2^00, by R. T. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



908 



Dawson, contractor. The present teach- 
ers are James Jackson and Alice Wil- 
liams. 

There are two church buihlings in the 
hamlet, Baptist and Catholic; but tour 
denominations are represented, Presby- 
terian and Methodist in additon to those 
named above. 

The lumber yard of Kinder A- Saun- 
ders, was established by James Valen- 
tine, in 1870. He carried a stock of 
alniut $'2,000, and ran it in connection 
\vith his store and grain business. For 
12 years he operated this business, but, 
in 1882, he disposed of it to C. G. Ed- 
wards, but in about two years, the latter 
sold out to the present proprietors. 

The drug firm of Jacob Keeley & Co., 
was established Jan. 1, 1874, by J. H. 
G raj- it Co., Mr. Keeley being the jun- 
ior partner. In July, 187-5, Dr. A. E. 
Miller purchased the interest of Mr. 
Gra}', and this firm carried on tlie busi- 
ness. Jacob Keeley was murdered in 
the summer of 1885. 

Henry C. Dawson is engaged in the 
sale of cigars, tobacco and notions, in 
the postofhce building, he being assist- 
ant i)Ostmaster. 

Henry Clinton Dawson, one of the 
most enterprising young merchants of 
Rockbridge, is a native of Morgan 
county, \y . ^'a., having been born there 
on the IDth of March, 1857. He is a 
son of Nathan and Samantha (Speilman) 
Dawson. Henry remained in his native 
state until he attained his 18th year, 
when, with his parents, he came to 
Fayette, Greene county, 111., where he 
resided until 1876. Then his parents 
removed ti) Rockbridge, where they 
still reside. Nathan Dawson has been 
engaged in blacksniithing, and , also 



learned the trade of a millwright, which 
he also followed. Henry Clinton Daw- 
son received his education in the schools 
of Fayette and Rockbridge. He was 
united in marriage, Oct. 25, 1881, with 
Edna B. Blodgett, a daughter of Milo 
R. and Permelia Blodgett. They have 
been blessed with one child — Milo Ray, 
who was born Nov. 9, 1883. Mr. Daw- 
sori is at present assistant postmaster, 
and is engaged in the notion trade in 
the postofKce building, and also carries 
a line of cigars and tobacco, in which he 
does a good trade. 

POSTOFFICE. 

In the year 1849, through the in- 
fluence of George D. Randle, the owner 
of the mill, at the old town, a postofliee 
was established at that point, called 
Rockbridge, and Mr. Randle com- 
missioned as postmaster. He kept the 
office at his dwelling house, a large log 
cabin, which still stands near the mill. 
In 1853 or 1854, AVilliam Gage became 
the postmaster, and removed the office 
to his store. He was succeeded by Wil- 
liam H. Summers, and he by J. H. 
Valentine, and in 1873, Milo R. Blod- 
gett, the present postmaster entered 
upon the duties of the office, and has 
retained it ever since. When the new 
town was laid out the office was moved 
here, but the name continued the same, 
and has finally given its name to the 
town. 

Milo R. Blodgett, a son of Darius, 
and Mary (Withey) Blodgett, was born 
Feb. 11, 1832, in Monroe, N. II., where 
he resided with his parents until reach- 
ing his 25th year, when he was married 
to Amelia ^^^ Wood. He followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until 1SU2, when he 
went to Vermont and engaged in mer- 



904 



HISTORY OF GREENP: COUNTY. 



c'handising. Two years later he carae 
to Brighton, 111., and in 1867, to Rock- 
bridge, this county, where he eng.nged 
in business. This business he con- 
ducted until 1885, with different part- 
ners, and then made an assignment. 
At present, Mr. Rlodgett i^ the ])ost- 
niaster at Rockbridge. Mr. and Mrs. 
B.have one child — P^iiia B,, wlio is the 
wife of H. C. Dawson 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Golden Rule lodge, No. 1017, K. of 
H., was organized April 4, 1878, by J. B. 
Booker, with the following charter mem- 
bers : W. P. Bachelder, J. H. Valen- 
tine, R. T. Dawson, W. J. Moore, M. R. 
Blodgett, Vr. M. Kinder, Dr. E. Wilson, 
W. L. Spear, C. A. Dannels, D. R. 
Coleman and W. B. Abrams. The first 
officers were duly elected and installed; 
they were the following: Dr. E. Wil- 
son, D.; D. R. Coleman, V. D.; W . P. 
Bachelder, P. D.; M. R. Blodgett, A. 
D.; J. H. Valentine, R.; W. B. Abrams, 
F. R.; G. M. Cannedy, T.; Wiley J. 
Moore, C; W. L. Spear, G.; R. T. Daw- 
son, Gn.; C. 0. Dannels, S.; J. H. Val- 
entine, Dr. E. Wilson and D. R. Cole- 
man, trustees. The present membership 
is 21, and the lodge is in a fair condition, 
meeting twice a month. The present 
officers are as follows : R. T. Dawson, 
D.; Isaac Bruner, V. D.; G. W. Taylor, 
A. D.; H. C. Dawson, R.; Dr. E. Wil- 
son, F. R.; M. R. Blodgett, T.; James 
Huff, C; John Lahr, G.; John Wag- 
goner, Gn.; N. L. Dawson, S. 

Rockbridge lodge. No. 688, I. 0. O. 
F., was organized in 1881, by A. D. 
Sanders and J. S. Carr, with the follow- 
ing charter members : Levi Stringer, 
Frank Witt, James F. Cannedy, P. B. 



Rhoads and John Eggleston. The first 
officers were : P. B. Rhoads, N. G.; 
John Eggleston, V. G.; James F. Can- 
ned}', S.; Levi Stringer, T, The pres- 
ent membership is about 22, and much 
interest is taken in the workings of the 
order. Financially the lodge is in ex- 
cellent condition. Meetings are held in 
the town hall. The present officers are 
as follows : W. B. Osborne, N. G.; G. 
Osborne, V. G.; J. :M. Clark, S.; John 
H. Varble, T. 

Sheffield lodge, No. 678, A. F. and A. 
M., was instituted April 4, 1871, with 
the following charter members — W. M. 
Rhoads, Albert Bowman, G. D. Hudson, 
A. E. Miller, Colin Keating, Thomas 
Lawrence, James Valentine, Daniel 
Bowman, Vilas L.Dodge, J. C. Daniels, 
Isaac VunMeter, J. H. Rives, Hiram 
Dixon, John Taylor, E. S. Valentine, 
William Turner, B. F. Edwards, and 
Jesse Robards. The lodge has prospered 
since its organization, and now own their 
hall, which is located in the second 
story of Keeley's drug store. There 
are now 23 members. The first officers 
were the following named — W. M. 
Rhoads, W. M; Albert Bowman, S. W.; 
G. D. Hudson, J. W.; J. H. Valentine, 
S.; Dr. D. Bowman, T.; A. E. Miller, 
S. D.; Colin Keating, J. D.; Thomas 
Lawrence, tyler. The present officers 
are W. L. Spear, W. M.; Hiram Dixon, 
S. W.; J. M. Clark, J. VV.; James Dow- 
dall, T.; W. M. Rhoads. S.; A. E. Mil- 
ler, S. D.; Jacob Keeley, J. D.; Charles 
Weaver, tyler; and William Allen and 
Allen Taylor, stewarils. 

OTHER PROinNE.N'T PEOPLE. 

Hiram Dixon, a native of this county, 
was born June 9, 1835, being a son of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



flOo 



Solomon and Sallie (Burger) Dixon, 
both of whom were natives of Tennessee. 
Hiram was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits, which he followed until February, 
1884, when he removed to the village of 
Rockbridge, where he now leads a re- 
tired life. In 1854, he was united in 
marriage with Nancy Stevens, a native 
of tills county. They have been 1)lessed 
with seven children, six of whom are 
now living — Henry -J., Sarah V., wife 
of Thomas Cannedy; Luella J., wife of 
James Archer; Adolphus, Lccoq, Floy 
E. andJIeade. One child, Adrienne R., 
departed this life in April, 1869, aged 
three years. Mrs. Dixon is a daughter 
of Isaiah Stevens, a native of Greene 
county, and he is a son of John Stevens, 
one of the early settlers of the county. 
At the age of eight years, Mr. Dixon 
started in life for himself, his mother 
having died at that time. He is now 
the owner of 440 acres of land, 200 of 
which he himself cleared, and be it said 
to his credit that his present competence 
was gained by honest toil and good man- 
agement. At present he is a member of 
the board of supervisors, as he is also of 
the town board of Rockbridge. While 
engaged in active farm work, Mr. Dixon 
also carried on stock raising. He has 
always been a strong advocate of tem- 
perance, and has gained a reputation for 
honest dealing of which he may well be 
proud. He is a member of the A. F. & 
A. M., while his wife is a member of 
the Baptist church. The father of Mr. 
Dixon departed this live in 1872, in 
Kansas. 

Henry Jefferson Dixon, a native of 
McMinn county, Tenn., was born Oct. 
1, 1828, and is a son of Solomon and 
Sarah (Burger) Dixon, both natives of 



Tennessee. With his parents, Henry 
came to Greene county. 111., in 1829, 
and located one mile west of Fayette, 
in Rockbridge township, and has ever 
since resided in the township. At the 
age of 16 years, he began blacksniithing, 
and, in connection with farming, worked 
at his trade from 1889 to 1866, when he 
sold his business. Henry J. Dixon and 
Margaret Allen, a native of this county, 
and the daughter of Benjamin Allen, 
were united in marriage in the year 
1848. By their union they have been 
blessed with seven children, two of 
whom are now living — Clark, born Feb. 
1, 1861; and Benjamin F.,born Dec. 26, 
1870, both now living at home. Of the 
five deceased — John H., died Feb. 23, 
18o8,aged four years; an unnamed infant; 
Sarah, born June 6, 1849, married Isaac 
Hardin, and died April 28, 1885; Al- 
bert, born Feb. 7, 1864, died Feb. 2, 
1882. Mr. Dixon owns 100 acres of im- 
proved land in Rockbridge township, 
but now leads a retired life. The cost 
of improvements on his land are: house 
$1,200, barn §5(X). For a man of his 
age, Mr. Dixon enjoys remarkal)le 
health. At present he resides in the 
village of Rockbridge, and is much re- 
spected by his friends and acquaint- 
ances. 

GREENFIELD. 

Scarcely more than a half century ago, 
this beautiful land, now teeming with 
life and animation, and dotted all over 
with the happy homes and busj- work- 
shops of an intelligent, wealthy and 
prosperous people; these noble wood- 
lands and prairies that have so often 
rang beneath the strokes of the wood- 
man's axe, or the rattle of the mower; 
and that have echoed the clear, joyous 



906 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



shouts of happy childhood, were a part 
of a vast wilderness, the home only of 
wild animals, and still wilder savages; 
who challenged the advance of civiliza- 
tion at every step. Yet early in that 
day was heard — 

"The tread of pioneers 
Of nations yet to be;" 
And a small hamlet sprang np; true, a 
feeble spark at first, but soon by the 
tide of immigration swelled, branching 
out into one of the fairest of Greene 
county's children. 

While there may have been nothing 
abnormal or wonderful in the develop- 
ment of tlie past, or nothing particu- 
larly striking in the present, still there 
is much that cannot fail to be of interest 
to those who have been closely con- 
nected and identified with Greenfield in 
all the various changes which have oc- 
curred from year to year. To those who 
have watched its course since first it as- 
sumed a shape, until the present time, 
the accomplishment of bygone days 
would seem almost a herculean task, 
but they are the result, the certain and 
sure result, of an advanced state of civ- 
ilization, aided by foresight and indefa- 
tigable labor. 

Greenfield, the center of the most of 
trade of this part of the county, is situ- 
ated upon Sec. 4, of T. 10, R. 10, and 
Sec. 33, T. 11, R. 10. It was laid out ' 
in the fall of 1834, by George W. Allen, i 
the plat being filed for record on the 5th 
of December, of that year. It is con- \ 
nected by rail with all the centers of 
of commerce, which affords niost excel- 
lent marketing facilities. The town is 
surrounded by some of the finest and 
most productive agricultural and stock- 
raising lands in this part of the state, 



which is a guarantee of a permanent and 
ever increasing trade. It is laid out on 
the public square plan, around which 
are to be seen many substantial brick 
business structures, and the town site 
is dotted all over with fine dwellings 
and cottages, many of them costly and 
of considerable architectural preten- 
tions. There are some verj' fine church 
buildings, and an elegant edifice for 
educational purposes. The location is 
exceedingly healthy, and the society of 
the most refined and desirable character. 
As an evidence of this, it might be well 
to chronicle the fact that in all these long 
years of Greenfield's history, it has 
never sustained one saloon, or drinking 
place, being a strictly j^rohibition town. 

EARLY DAYS. 

In 1830, Stephen Hand located on the 
site of the present town, and began the 
erection of a house, but for some un- 
known reason, sold out, before it was 
finished, to James Cannedy. This gen- 
tleman completed the rude habitation, 
and, with his family, lived through that 
terrible winter of the deep snow. They 
were the first residents of the future 
town. In the autumn of 1831, Mr. 
Cannedy sold out to George W. Allen, 
and moved back to Tennessee. In 
March, 1832, Mr. Allen moved his fam- 
ily from near where AVhite Hall now 
stands, to this place. In a short time, 
Mr. Allen was joined by the Rev. Amos 
Prentice, his brother-in-law, with whom 
he opened the first store in the place. 
This stock was kept in an L, built on to 
his residence, which stood about wliere 
the Masonic hall now stands. Tlie 
stock was of the usual miscellaneous 
character, found in these pioneer stores. 



HIHTOUY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



907 



The goods were brought from Alton, by 
teams. He ke]it the postofficc in this 
building. He continued to run this store 
for 11 few years, Init on account of the 
depressed state of the country, conse- 
(lucnt upon the panic of 1837, he was 
(■(inipcllcd to make an assignment, early 
in 1838. .\ biographical sketch of this 
honored pioneer is inserted elsewhere. 

In 1834, William Caldwell and fam- 
ily arrived, and occupied, for a time, a 
house on the northwest corner of the 
square, where he erected a dwelling, and 
moved into it, where he lived until over- 
taken by death, some years since. 

During this year, 1834, Samuel B. 
Cul]), afterward pastor of the Hickory 
(irove Baptist church for several years, 
also took up his residence in tlic em- 
bryo town, and opened a tailor shop, 
the first in the place, occupying a room 
over Allen's store. Greater induce- 
ments being oflered at Rivesville, he 
removed to that place the following 
year. 

The winter of 1835-6 brought to the 
little hamlet some three or four who 
have figured somewhat conspicuously in 
its subsequent history; therefore a brief 
notice of these, in this connection, would 
be pertinent. 

Benjamin King, then a young man, 
was the first to arrive in the fall of 1835, 
from Kentucky, and occupied a place in 
the store of Mr. Allen for a few j'ears. 
He afterward retired, choosing the life 
of a farmer, and also discharged mani- 
fold duties in church and state, in after 
years, which a confiding public imposed 
upon him. 

About the same time Martin A. 
Cooper, then a young and unmarried 
man, arrived from Tennessee, and was 



the first representative of the medical 
profession at this point. He was aided 
in the erection of a small cabfn 12x14 
feet, and shortly afterward returned to 
Tennessee, where he was married. He 
practiced in Greenfield for many years 
with success, liaving no permanent com- 
petitor until about the year 1852. 

Another notable personage who, dur- 
ing his sojourn of seventeen years in 
Greenfield, failed not to leave his 
impress ujjon persons and things, was 
Richard M. Booker, who came in the fall 
of 1835. After teaching school for three 
months, he embarked in the general 
merchandise business the following 
spring, in a building erected by Robert 
H. Maxfield. Aiming to become the 
millionaire of this meridian, he left no 
means untried to accomplish his pur- 
pose, and so successful was he in this, 
that after prosecuting his Ijusiness for 
17 vears with that iron. indomital)le en- 
ergy which knows no failure, after a 
brief illness of one week, he passed over 
to the great majority, on the 24th day 
of February, 1853, leaving his family a 
snug fortune of $60,0{X), to be mostly 
spent, however, in less than half the 
time he was acquiring it. 

In 1837 or 1838, Joseph Atterbury 
built a small cabin on the site of the pres- 
ent Tremont House, but a year or so 
afterwards disposed of it to George AV. 
Allen. As this building antl site has 
long been used for hotel purposes in 
Greenfield, it is noticed at length fur- 
ther on, under the caption of hotels. 

June, 1838, has been rendered mem- 
orable for the most terrible and destruc- 
tive hail storm ever witnessed in the 
history of this region. Swine, sheep 
and fowls without number were killed. 



908 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



buildings badly damaged, and inanj' 
other injuries done in the sudden de- 
scent of these aerial missiles, some six 
of which weighed, the following day, 
seven pounds and two ounces, while 
others were found to measure 17 and 18 
inches in circumference. 

In Febuary following this avalanche 
from the heavens, Joseph Hartsook, the 
pioneer carpenter and cabinet maker, 
originally from Virginia, made his ap- 
pearance with his family, and occupied 
for a season a small residence on the 
northwest corner of the public scjuarc. 
A residence for Dr. M. A. Cooper was 
about the first dwelling he erected, in 
1840. To furnish himself with lunilier 
for contracts, he also constructed the 
first whip-saw machine used in this 
place, which rendered good services for 
several years. Messrs. Woolley, Speaks 
& Heaton were immediate successors in 
this vocation. 

During the year 1844, Norman C. 
Woolley, James Hall and Isaac R. 
Ostrom came, the latter locating upon 
land half a mile west of town. But not 
confining his attention strictly to agri- 
cultural pursuits, he soon afterward 
constructed the first circular saw-mill in 
this vicinity, a valuable accession to 
the industries at this point, furnishing 
as it did a sufficiency of all the lumber 
that could be manufactured. Super- 
added to this, Joseph Hartsook and 
Edwin Johnson put in oper.ition the 
same year, 1845, the first turning lathe 
for the manufactm-e of bedsteads, etc. 
Under the operation of these increased 
facilities for manufacture, the incipient 
village wore the appearance of greater 
vitality and prosperity. But the latter 
firm did not operate their enterprise 



long, for within the same year they 
transferred their interest in it to N. C. 
Woolley and William Speaks, who, as 
already noted, succeeded Mr. Hartsook 
as carpenters and cabinet makers, and 
who turned it to great practical utility 
in the prosecution of their business in 
these directions. As an evidence of this 
it may here be stated that the new firm 
built, or aided in building, most of the 
structures which were erected here from 
1846 to 1852. Notably among them 
were Sheffield's first residence, the early 
palace of the town, Booker's house, 
Wilhite's frame store, Edwin Woolley's 
old home, the Temperance hall, Mr. 
'W'ahl's residence, the old seminary, the 
Union church, alias the town hall, Pro- 
fessor Wilder's dwelling, etc. After 
continuing a few years, this firm dis- 
solved, each going in the direction of his 
inclination and interests. 

With the foregoing, the pioneer days 
of the town of Greenfield may be con- 
sidered to have passed awaj'. Still, 
their names are legion who settled at a 
later date, and who have been promi- 
nent in the history of the growth and 
development of the place, and it would 
be unjust and improj^er to ignore these 
strides forward by an advanced state of 
civilization; therefore we append a care- 
fully prepared review of Greenfield to- 
day and its 

PRESENT nUSINESS. 

One of the leading establishments in 
Greenfield is the dry goods store of J. 
H. Rives, which commenced business, 
May 13, 1882, in a building erected for 
the purpose. 

The dry goods house now operated by 
Metcalf & Smith, was established, in 
1879, by E. P. Metcalf. Two years 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



909 



later the firm became Metcalf & Woorl- 
Cdck, ))ut in 1883, the latter gentleman 
retired, leaviiifr Mr. IMetcalf to run the 
plaee alone, which he did until Jan. 1, 
1885, when the present firm was formed. 

John F. Collin.«, after leaving the 
army, where he served as 1st lieutenant, 
on Jan. 1, 1865, formed a copartnership 
with E. Woolley, under the firm name 
of ^^'oolley & Collins, and buying the 
stock of Coojier & Kinkead, did a busi- 
ness of about $20,()f)0 a year for three 
years, dealing in dry goods, clothing, 
boots, shoes, etc. On the 1st of Jan., 
1867, he sold his interest to E. L. 
Cooper, and retired. 

John F. Collins, dealer in dry goods, 
clothing, etc., commenced buriness in 
May, 1867, at this point, in connection 
with (i. T. W. Sheffield, under tlie firm 
name of Sheffield & Collins. This part- 
nership endured until 1874, when Jasper 
Johnson succeeded Mr. Sheffield. Un- 
der the firm name of Collins & Johnson, 
the business was transacted until Sept., 
1876, when Mr. Collins i>urcliased the 
interest of Mr. Johnson. 

J. B. Brodmarkle, dealer in general 
hardware, farm machinery, etc., com- 
menced this business by putting in a 
stock of agricultural implements, in 
connection with his blacksmitbing busi- 
ness. In Jan., 1S71, he added hard- 
ware, all of which lines he carried on 
until Jan., 1882, when he gave up his 
labors at the forge, giving his attention 
to his other business, in which he has 
secured a liberal patronage. 

John B. Brodmarkle, one of the busi- 
iness men of Greenfield, was born April 
2, 1836, in Alleghany county, Md., his 

parents being John and Ellen (Beall) 
Brodmarkle. His father was born in 



Alleghany county, Md., Jan. 18, 1804, 
and was of German extraction. His 
mother was born at the same place, in 
1811, and was of Scotch descent. His 
grandfather was a soldier in the ISritish 
army, and settled in Maryland, where 
he died. In 1831), his fatlier left Mary- 
land for Illinois, and on arriving here, 
settled in what is now Wrights township, 
where he resided until 1848, when he 
went to Scott county, remaining there 
until the spring of 1850. He then de- 
cided to go to California, but only went 
as far as St. Joseph, Mo., and while 
making the return trip to Greene coun- 
ty, was drowned while crossing the 
Mississippi, at St. Louis, Dec. 25, 1850. 
His wife had died Jan. 18, 1842. They 
raised a family of three children, of 
whom John B. was the second. He 
grew to manhood in this county, receiv- 
ing a common school education. He 
learned the trade of Idacksmithing, 
which he followed until 1882. March 
25, 1858, he was married to Eliza Lee, 
born in Monroe county, 111., Dec. 21, 
1840. By this union there are three 
children— J. Ed, born Jan. 29, 1860; Liz- 
zie Lea, born Jan. 30, 1865; Ellen Love, 
born June 26, 1871. J. Ed received his 
education at the Circenfield high school, 
and during the j'ear 1878, he took 
Horace Greeley's advice and went west, 
locating in Kansas. He, however, re- 
turned to the parental roof after a jieriod 
of two years. In 1881, he engaged in 
business with his father, where he still 
continues. On the 28th of Oct., 1885, 
J. Ed Brodmarkle, of Greenfield, and 
Mae Worcester were united in marriage, 
at the residence of her father, F. A. 
Worcester, of Apple Creek Prairie, the 
ceremony being performed by Rev. D. 



910 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



R. Thompson, of White Hall. Mr. 
Brodmarkle, Jr., is a charter member 
of the K. of P. lodge, and is a member 
of the orchestra and band here. Lizzie 
Lea is a graduate of 1SS>5, from tlie city 
high school, and is now occupying a 
position as teacher in that school, this 
being her second term. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brodmarkle are members in good stand- 
ing of the M. E. church. Mr. Brod- 
markle is now engaged in the gen- 
eral hardware and machinery busi- 
ness, mentioned above. In politics 
he is a republican, and he has held 
positions of trust both in the township 
and city. He is a member in good 
standing of both the Masonic and I. 0. 
O. F. societies. Mr. Brodmarkle is 
one of Greenfield's most enterprising 
citizens, and fakes an interest in every- 
thing which he deems beneficial to the 
city, or community residing therein, 
and is an energetic and prosperous busi- 
ness gentleman. 

The hardware firm of Callaway & 
Metcalf connnenced business Jan. 1, 
1881, under the name and style of Cal- 
laway, Metcalf & Woolley, which was 
composed of J. T. Callaway, E. K. Met- 
calf and N. C. Woolley. Thej' remained 
in partnership until Jan. 1, 1884, when 
Mr. Woolley disposed of his interest to 
his partners, and the firm became Calla- 
way & Metcalf, which it has since re- 
mained. They are also the agents for 
the U. S. Express Company, which 
agency was established here in 1883. 

The hardware, stove and tinware es- 
tablishment of Jackson Drennan was 
purchased by him in 1865, at the close 
of the war, and has been run by him 
ever since. 

Piper & Woolley deal in hardware, 



groceries, cjueensware, etc. In 1877, 
John W. Piper commenced this business 
and ran it alone until April 1, 1879, 
when he removed his stock to a new lo- 
cation and admitted his brother, Benja- 
min F., as a partner. The latter was 
in the grocery business, and thus the 
stocks were united. January 1, 1882, 
Emmet D. Woolley purchased the in- 
terest of B. F., and the present firm 
was formed. 

G. B. Metcalf, dealer in groceries, 
etc., commenced business in May, 1871, 
in a frame building on the south side of 
the public square, built for the purpose, 
in company with W. T. Saxton. They 
put in a stock of groceries, Mr. Metcalf 
owning the building. They remained 
in partnership until Oct. 2, 1872, when 
C. H. Hammott purchased the interest 
of Sa.xton. After about three years, R. 
L. Metcalf purchased a half interest, 
but two years after sold to his brother, 
E. K. Metcalf. This firm remained in 
business until 1880, when G. B. Metcalf 
purchased an interest in the business, 
which he has operated ever since. In 
the summer of 1882, Mr. Metcalf moved 
the old building and erected a fine brick 
building, 18x90 feet in size, into which 
he moved. The two other store rooms 
were built at the same time, making a 
very handsome block. These were 
built by Belknap & Metcalf, dry goods, 
and J. Reeves, also dry goods. 

The grocery house of Secor & Cato is 
also a representative of that line of trade 
in this place. 

J. Howard Gray, dealer in drugs, 
books and jewelry, established tliis 
place in 1859, and has continued the 
business ever since. His salesroom is 
20x104 feet in size. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



911 



Cooper & Weisner commenced the 
drug business on the southeiist corner of 
the square in February, 1883. In Feb- 
ruary, 1885, they removed to their pres- 
ent quarters. The firm is composed of 
John M. Cooper and Thomas A. Weis- 
ner. 

The clothing house of Wilbert P. En- 
nis was established in October, 1875, in 
a building owned by Charles Wahl, 
where he remained until 1880, when he 
purchased a lot on the east side of the 
square and erected his present brick 
building. Mr. Ennis has remained 
alone in business ever since his estab- 
lishment here, except one year when L. 
E. Cunningham was associated with him. 
He also carries on the merchant tailor- 
ing Inisiness. 

In 1874 Mapes & Burke Iniilt a plan- 
ing mill here 60 feet square, which they 
ran fur about two years, when it prov- 
ing not lucrative, they removed the ma- 
chinery, and abandoned the business. 
The building was afterwards used for a 
cider mill and for a cooper shop, but is 
now vacant. 

The boot and shoe house of T. N. 
Knudson, was established by C. H. 
Schreiner, in 1865. In 1879, the pres- 
ent proprietor came into possession. 

The pioneer lumber yard, in Green- 
field, was instituted by Edwin Gris- 
wold, in 1870. Those who have since 
been in this line of trade, are: Lcmas- 
ter & James, Williams, King, VanArs- 
dale & Gray, andC. J. Edwards. 

Th(>re are at present, two lumber 
yards here, one operated by J. H. Entrc- 
kin, successor to CJ. G. Edwards, who 
purchased the business in March, 1885; 
and one owned and controlled by Rich- 
ard Sinims, who commenced business 



in May, 1875, in company with his 
brother, C. H., under the firm name of 
Simmons Bros. This terminated in 
1879, Richard buyiji.ig the interest of his 
brother. 

The first blacksmith in this section 
of country was Robert McKnight, one 
of the early settlers of the town.ship, who 
now resides in Macoupin county. 

GRAIN WAREHOUSES. 

During the summer of 1870, the rail- 
road having been completed, three grain 
warehouses were erected. One by Greer 
& Eckus, which was 24x60 feet in ground 
area, which has since been destroyed by 
fire; one by Nulton it Davis, 26x72 feet 
in size, and which is now operated by 
W. S. G. Allen; and one by Allen it 
Haven, 30x60, now owned by G. W. 
Piper. The first grain bought and 
shipped, was by Greer & Eckus. Tlie 
present representatives of this business 
are: W. S. G. Allen and John Wahl, 
Jr. Each warehouse ships about 100 
car loads annually. 

BANKS. 

« 
The banking establishment of Shcf- 

tield & Co., was established in the fall 
of 1875, by Skilling, Sheffield & Co., 
with a capital of §10,000. Under this 
firm name it was run until 1874 or 1875, 
when the present firm was formed, buy- 
ing out the other interests. It now has 
a capital and surjjlus, of over $20, (XH). 
The first officers of the bank were — Dr. 
David Skilling, president; J. R. Shef- 
field, cashier. 

The banking house of Metcalf & 
Johnson was established Jan. 1, 1884, 
in a brick building, built especially for 
the purpose. Their individual responsi- 



912 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUiSTY. 



bility will foot up in the neighborhood 
of SSO.OOO. Ralph Metcalf, the cashier, 
has held this responsible position ever 
since the bank started. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postofRce was established in 1835, 
at this point, and George W. Allen 
commissioned as postmaster. This 
office he held until 1850. He was suc- 
ceeded by James B. Carter, who held 
it until iS53. E. M. Gilmore, from 
1853 to 1858 was the next postmaster. 
He was followed by G. W. Coonrod, 
who served until 1861, when he was 
succeeded by J. H. Gray, who held the 
office until 1870. E. A. Belknap was 
appointed in September of the latter 
year, but resigned Feb. 4, 1871, and was 
followed by T. A. Weisner, who served 
until July, 1875, when he gave place to 
W. M. Ward, who was postmaster until 
1883. V. H. Haven became the cus- 
todian of the mail in July, 1883, and 
served until Aug., 1885, when Harriet 
E. Cooper, the present incumbent, 
assumed the duties of the office. It 
was made a money order office in July, 
1872. 

The first postal note was issued from 
the Greenfield postoffice, on Sept. 3d, 
1883. It was drawn on St. Louis, and 
was for 75 cents. 

HOTELS. 

The site now occupied by the Tremont 
house has long been used for hotel pur- 
poses. As early as 1837 or 1838, a 
small log cabin was erected thereon by 
Iseph Atterberr}', who transferred it to 
George W. Allen, a year or so after- 
ward, through whom William Brown 
obtained it, only to occupy it a short 
term, when he in turn sold out to the 
late William A. Secor, who, moving 



back the cabin for an L, put up a larger 
structure in front, in which he continued 
to live for many years. In 1857 or 1858 
he employed Messrs. Drake & Stock, at 
an expense of about $3,000, to transform 
it into the central structure of the Green- 
field hotel. This was further impi'oved 
in 1875, and transferred by the Secor 
heirs to B. B. Bartholomew, who made 
the addition of a large L, and otherwise 
improved it. Some time afterward 0. 
R. Southworth came into possession of 
the business, and at the time of the de- 
structive conflagration. May 2, 1873, the 
building was consumed, being a total 
loss to its owner. Notwithstanding this, 
however, Mr. Southworth immediately 
began the erection of the present fine 
brick hotel building, which was com- 
pleted the following fall at a cost of 
about $3,500. He continued to operate 
it until August, 1884, when it was dis- 
posed of to W. H. Wylder, the present 
owner. At that time Benjamin U. Basr- 
ham leased the building, and still con- 
tinues in the capacity of landlord. The 
Tremont house, as it is called, is a large, 
two story brick building, well appointed 
and furnished throughout, and contains 
some twelve sleeping apartments, in 
addition to parlors, dining room, office, 
etc. 

The Bassham house was commenced 
in the summer of 1875, by B. U. Bass- 
ham, the present proprietor. It is 
40x60 feet in ground area, two stories in 
height, with an L 28x34, the whole sur- 
mounted with a hipped roof. It is built 
of frame, and is surrounded on two 
sides by porches. It presents a fine ap- 
pearance, which is borne out by the 
manner in which it is furnished through- 
out, and by an irreproachable cuisine. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



913 



A first-class livery is also run in con- 
nection with the house. This house is 
located near the depot. 

Benjamin U. Bassham, proprietor of 
both the Bnssham house, and also of 
the Treniont house, at Greenfield, is a 
native of Jackson coxinty, Tenn., boi-n 
Nov. 4, 1S42. He is a son of Meredith 
A. and Elizabeth A. (Fox) Bassham, the 
father a native of Virginia, born Nov. 
24, 1805, the mother a native of Ten- 
nessee, born Nov. 23, 1810. They were 
married in Tennessee, Nov. 2, 1826. His 
father followed farming, and was also 
engaged as a blacksmith and wagon- 
maker. They came to Illinois, Nov. 
20, 1852, making the trip with teams, 
and settled in Madison county, where 
tliey remained for tivo years, death tak- 
ing away two of their children while 
there. They then removed to Jersey 
county, and after remaining there 10 
years, they again pulled up stakes and 
moved to Macoupin county, where Mer- 
edith purchased a farm on which he 
lived until the fall of 1873. He sold 
out there and removed to Greenfield, 
where he lived until his death, April 
2, 1875. Mrs. Bassham survives her 
husband, and is still a resident of 
Greenfield. They were the parents of 
nine children — Parizctta F., born Sept. 
15, 1827; Parilee J., born May 24, 1829; 
Sarah A., born May 15, 1832; Rhoda L. 
E., born April 3, 1834; Cynthia A. T., 
born Oct. 29, 1836; William D., born 
Feb. 20, 1838; Benjamin U., born Nov. 
4, 1841; Elvira E., born Aug. 29, 1844, 
and John B. R., born Dec. 28, 1846. 
Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, 
remained at home until he was 15 years 
of age, and he then went to work on 
neighboring farms, continuing until he 



w-as about 20 years of age, at first re- 
ceiving but S12 per month for his labor, 
but when he quit was getting 822. 
With the money which he had saved 
from those earnings he purchased a 
team. He was married, in April, 1865, 
to Louisa V. McBride, a native of Ma- 
coupin county, born June 14, 1848, and 
by that marriage there were four child- 
ren — John H., born Jan. 12, 1866; Eva 
M., born May 1, 1868; Altha A., born 
Sept. 14, 1870, and Laura E., born Feb. 
1, 1873. Mrs. Bassham departed this 
life March 11, 1873, and after her death 
he remained on the farm until Oct. 11, 
of that year, when he came to Green- 
field and engaged in the livery business. 
In 1875 he built the Bassham House, of 
which he is still proprietor. He rented 
the Tremont House, Aug. 18, 1884, and 
is also proprietor of that. Mr. Bass- 
ham was again married, June 22, 1876, 
to Elizabeth Crouch Chiuoweth, a native 
of Washington county, Tenn. Mr. 
Bassham is one of the most enterprising 
business men of Greenfield andhas met 
with merited success. 

MILLS. 

The first mill at Greenfield was built 
in 1838, by George W. Allen and Edwin 
Henderson, on the cast side of the pub- 
lic square. It was quite primitive and 
the power was furnished by o.\en on an 
inclined wheel. It was used principally 
for the grinding of corn, and a carding 
machine, and was afterward sold and 
used by R. M. Booker, for the manufac- 
ture of castor oil, considerable of that 
bean being raised in this neighborhood. 
In 1842, it was torn down and removed | 
to near N. C. Woolley's residence where ' 
castor oil was manufactured. A new 
flouring mill was built the same year, i 



914 



HISTORY OF GREENE COl X TY. 



1>y Allen & Henderson. At that time 
the new mill was 18x42 feet on the 
ground, two-stories in height, built of 
wood. It had been put up at a cost of 
$2,500. It was equipped with one run 
of buhrs and was operated with the aid 
of a small steam engine in connection 
with a carding machine, and was the 
first grist mill in the place. Additions 
were made from time to time and oper- 
ated by the old firm until Mr. Allen's 
death, in 1865, although Mr. Henderson 
retired in 1842. It was then run by W . 
S. G. & G. B. Allen until 1869, when 
the firm was changed to Allen & Haven, 
W. S. G. Allen and W. W. Haven, who 
continued to run it until 1876, when 
Haven, Ardinger & Co. a.ssumed the con- 
trol, and run it until the present firm, 
Ardinger & Cress took charge in 1878. 
In May, 1884, the roller system was 
adopted and twelve sets of rolls were 
put in by this enterprising firm, at a 
cost of $8,653.52. The mill, at present, 
is a large three-story frame building, 
surmounted by an attic. The main 
structure is 32x50 feet in ground area, 
with an annex 20x50 feet in size, two- 
stories high, and an engine and boiler 
rooms. The motive power is derived 
from an engine of 40-horse power, the 
cylinder of which is 12x24. The mill 
has a capacity of 100 barrels of fine flour 
every 24 hours. The entire plant is 
valued at about $20,000. The mill is well 
equipped with four purifiers, five bolt- 
ing chests, three wheat feeders and one 
corn buhr. 

John W. Ardinger, of the firm of 
Ardinger & Cress, proprietors of the 
Greenfield Roller Mill, was born at 
Williamsport, Washington county, Md., 
Dec. 31, 1837. He is a son of Charles 



and Jane (Shook) Ardinger, natives of 
Virginia, who were married in that state 
in 1836, and removed to Maryland soon 
after, where they still reside. John's 
father was a miller, and from liini, he 
also learned the trade. He grew to 
manhood in his native state, and receiv- 
ed a good common school education. 
Mr. Ardinger was a practical miller be- 
fore coming to Greenfield, 111., in Feb., 
1876, when he went in partnershij) with 
William H. Cress, purchased the flour- 
ing mill, and has since continued in that 
business. Mr. Ardingc r was married in 
Maryland, Nov. 20, 1857, to Susan E. 
Albert, born in Washington county, 
Md., Oct. 13, 1840. Her parents were 
also natives of that state. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ardinger have been blessed with a fam- 
ily of eight children — Mary J., John 
W. Jr., George L., Susan E., Fannie E., 
Charles, Winnie and James Garfield. 
Mr. Ardinger is a member of the Green- 
field lodge of I. 0, 0. F., and is one of 
that city's enterprising, intelligent citi- 
zens, who by industry, close attention 
and good management, has met with 
merited success in his business. 

EDUCATIONAL. 
[D. O. WitnuT.] 

Education early engrossed the atten- 
tion of the citizens of Greenfield, and 
in 1830, while there were but few peo- 
ple in town, the first school house was 
erected on the extreme southwestern 
portion of the premises now occupied 
by Mr. Carter Drake. It was an un- 
pretentious log building, about 20 feet 
square. A log sawed out on the east 
and north sides, furnished light, while 
on the west side Avas a huge fire-place, 
for the traditional back-log. Mr. Geo. 



■rii«MMMMHM«M 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



915 



A. Covvden wa? the first teacher. He 
was succeeded by R. M. Booker, a new 
arrival from Kentucky, who quit the 
profession after one term, and engaged 
in merchandising. Eliza Wilson then 
wielded the birch a .session or two, and 
was succeeded by Matilda Worden, who 
occupied the position for three succes- 
sive terms. She afterward became the 
wife of that honored old settler, Capt. 
Richard Robley, of Bluffdale, both of 
whom have since died. About this 
time, a moving family took possession 
of the school house, and through their 
negligence, the building caught fire, and 
was entirely consumed, thus, at once, de- 
priving the community of a church and 
school house, for, in this rude building, 
the people worshipped. It was here 
the first Sunday school, the beginning 
of the present prosperous M. E. Sun- 
day school, was inaugurated, with Mr. 
Geo. W. Allen, as its steadfast patron 
and friend. At that early day, it had a 
circulating library, which afforded read- 
ing matter for the entire community. 

Other buildings were used for school 
purposes, and Mr. Dickerman, Gracia 
Gould, Ira B. Picket, Alva Craw and 
Wm. Brown, taught and trained the 
youths of the growing town, in the mys- 
teries of the three R's, until 1844. A 
second school house was erected on the 
spot now covered by the residence of 
our popular druggist, J. Howard Gray. 
The building was a frame one, 22x20, 
built by Joseph Ilartsook, architect. 
Jefferson Coonrod, then a young man, 
helped to saw the timber with an old 
fasliioned whip-saw, worked by hand. 
The money was furnished by R. M. 
Booker, and Geo. W. Allen donated the 
land. The first teacher was Wm. A. 



Tunnell; his successors were, Reuben 
Andrews, now president of Asbury Un- 
iversity, Greencastle, Ind.; Hiram 
Sears, Chas. Seandreth, J. W. Langly, 
and Lysander Edwards. The increas- 
ing number of pupils soon made addi- 
tional school facilities a necessity, and 
in 1852, the Greenfield Institute, now 
used for the primary department, was 
erected by enterprising citizens of 
Greenfield and vicinity. The money 
was raised by subscription, and the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen contriljuted 
from $50 to $200: R. M. Booker, Nor- 
man Woolley, Geo. W. Allen, Wm. 
Speaks, Jr., Geo. Shackelford, John 
Anderson, G. T.W. Sheffield, and James 
Rives. The amount raised was about 
$2,500, and the contract was awarded to 
Messrs. Speaks and Kincaid at $2,200. 
The school was opened in the fall of 
1852, with two departments, Prof. R. E. 
Wilder being principal, and one assist- 
ant. Prof. Wilder was a native of 
Massachussetts and well qualified for 
the profession of teaching. He remain- 
ed at the head of educational effort in 
Greenfield, until the adoption of the 
public school system in 1857, when he 
erected, at his own expense, the build- 
ing known as the Greenfield Academy, 
in which he taught successfully for 
a number of years, retiring with 
honor and credit as a thorough in- 
structor and efficient educator of \'outh. 
Prof. H. B. Stockman, of Massachu- 
setts, was the first public school teacher 
of Greenfield, and with Mary and Anna 
Eddy; as assistants, gave universal sat- 
isfaction. Prof. John Burroughs, with 
Laura Hodge and Miss Akers, taught 
the school during the year 185S-'.I. Mr. 
Burroughs is remembered as a very 



^on^iaigaai^tatmmB^ 



916 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



imisciilar teacher, who used the rod on 
all occasions, to convince the j'outhful 
mind of the importance of industry and 
application to study. Prof.J. P. Mathews, 
with Mattie Peoples, taught a very suc- 
cessful schotd during the years 1S59 and 
1860. In 186U Rev. R. M. Tunnell took 
charge of the school, Laura Hodge, Bet- 
tie Hodge, Hattic Allen, Mary Edwards, 
Carrie Prentiss and Mattie Henderson, 
acting as assistants. Mr. Tunnell has 
the reputation of having been one of the 
best teacher's in the county, and was re- 
tained as principal, three years. In 
the fall of 1864, Rev. W. C. Pratt, a 
Baptist minister, assisted by Lydia 
Henderson and Anna Graves, taught 
the school very acceptably, and was 
followed in 1865, by Prof. C. G. Snow, 
as principal, who held the position for 
three years, with the following assist- 
ants: Laura Hodge, Etna Cooper, Car- 
rie Prentiss, Julia Graves, and Lydia 
Henderson. Rev. B. B. Hamilton, now 
postmaster of White Hall, assisted by 
Eliza Banning, Mary Holliday, and Jane 
Barton, taught the school of 1867. 
Prof. Snow was again employed in 1868, 
1869 and 1870, with Etna Cooper, Laura 
Hodge, Carrie Prentiss, H. B. H.-imilton, 
Lj'dia Henderson, as assistants. In 
the fall of 1871, H. J. ^\'aterman, an 
erratic teacher, was elected princij^al, 
with Lydia Henderson, and Katie Pros- 
ser, as assistants. Prof. R. M. Hitch, 
succeeded as principal in 1872 and 1873, 
with Mary Hamilton, Hattie Hart, 
Winnie Beason, and Ella Woolley, as 
assistants. Prof. Hitch taught a most 
successful school, and is kindly remem- 
bered by his pupils and the community 
generally. In 1874, there were four 
departments, and Prof. J. M. Stewart, 



was elected principal, with Hattie Hart, 
Meddie Fisher and Mattie Henderson, 
as assistants. It was now deemed nec- 
essary to enlarge the main building 
used for school purposes, because of the 
rapidly increasing number of pupils, 
and a new, two story building, contain- 
ing four large rooms, was erected at a 
cost of $10,000. The building occupies 
a connnanding position, is well venti- 
lated, and heated by hot air furnaces 
that give entire satisfaction even in 
the coldest weather. In 1875 the high 
school was inaugurated, with H. H. 
Montgomery, a graduate of Blackburn 
University, and a gentleman of rare cul- 
ture and executive ability, as principal 
and superintendant. The course of 
instruction is very full, andgupi:)lies the 
full preparatory course of collegiate in- 
struction at home. There were besides 
the high school five other departments 
under Prof Montgomery's supervision. 
His assistants during his five years of 
principalship were — G. W. Piper, Miss 
Van Wey, Ora Boring, Laura Hodge, 
Emma Tunnell, R. M. Throop, Hattie 
Hart, G. W. Srubb, Josephine Cas- 
tellaw, Corinne Bonfoy, Dora Johnston, 
J. W. Dalby, Rosa Caswell, B. E. Harris, 
Delia Teany and Etna Cooper. 

Prof. Montgomery removed to Carroll- 
ton, the county seat, in ISSl, to pursue 
other business, and was succeeded by 
the present incumbent, D. 0. Witnier, 
as principal and superintendant. Mr. 
Witmer, ably assisted by H. P. Far- 
relly, now editor of the CarroUton Ga- 
zette, Jennie Miller, Nettie Pratt, Lillie 
Thaxton, Mary Miller, Etna Cooper; 
and his present corps of assistants — 
Sadie Burns, Josephine Castellaw, Mary 
Scott, Annie Wade, Lea Brodmarkle, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



917 



and Stella Berry, have maintained the 
splendid reputation of the Greenfield 
public schools. 

Tlie jjresent board of education, con- 
sisting of John Wahl, John Brodmarkle 
and James H. Smith, added a new 
department, 3d primary, in 1884, and 
during the present year procured read- 
ing and arithmetical charts, outline 
maps. Chamber's encyclopedia, Lip- 
pincott's biographical dictionary, and 
other needed books of reference. They 
are public spirited citizens and fully 
alive to the denjands of the present age, 
for increased facilities for teaching the 
young. 

From this sketch it will readily be 
observed that Greenfield is not behind, 
but fully abreast of the larger cities of 
the county and state, in the facilities 
she offers for the acquirement of an ex- 
cellent education, which will prepare 
her rising generation for tlie responsi- 
ble duties devolving upon them as citi- 
zens of a free government, that knows 
no privileged class, save that which is 
made exclusive by intellectual culture 
and nobility of life. 

D. 0. Witmer, principal and superin- 
tendent of the Greenfield pulilic schools, 
was born in Washington county, Ind., 
Sept. 6, 1838. His forefathers were 
Swiss Protestants, who emigrated to this 
country and settled in the Pequa Valley, 
Lancaster county. Pa., in 1716. Mr. 
W. received an academic education at 
Mt. Pleasant, Washington county, and 
graduated in 18oG, wlien. owing to ill 
health, he was advised to adopt a more 
active life, and served an apprentice- 
ship of tliree years with D. H. Karner, 
millwright and machinist, Williamport, 
Md. In 1860, he received his first cer- 



tificate as a teacher, and taught his first 
school near his home. In 1861 he en- 
gaged in farming on the old homestead, 
and in the spring of 1863 removed to 
Hamilton, Butler county, C, where he 
followed millwrighting and teaching. 
He was married Oct. 5, 1865, to Christie 
Herr, youngest daughter of Henry and 
Elizabeth Herr, of Flemer's Corner, But- 
ler county, 0., born Jan. 16, 1843. Mr. 
and Mrs. W. have a family of four cliil- 
dren — Eugene Scott, born Feb. 25, 1867; 
Helen Claire, born Sept. 5, 1869; Edith 
Maud, born Oct. 3, 1873, and Daniel 
Hurn, born March 31, 1876. Mr. W. 
returned to Williamsport, Md., in Aug., 
1871, where he followed his trade until 
Sept., 1872, when he opened school at 
Fountain Rock, near Williamsport. In 
Sept., 1873, he took charge of the 
public schools of Williamsport, as prin- 
cipal and superintendent, which posi- 
tion he filled acceptabl}' until the 
spring of 1881, when he resigned his 
position, to accept his piesent one, 
in the schools of Greenfield, Illinois, 
where lie and his family arrived, in 
Sept., 1881, Mr. Witmer holds a life 
certificate, from the state of Maryland, 
dated 1876, and is known as an intelli- 
gent, industrious, and successful in- 
structor. Mr. and Mrs. W. united with 
the Evangelical Lutheran church, of 
Williamsport, Md., in 1873, and after 
settling in Greenfield, they became 
members of the Methodist church. Mr. 
W. was made a mason in 1859, and 
joined the K. of P., in 1872. He as- 
sisted, as a charter member, in the or- 
ganization of Herald lodge, K. of P., in 
1882, at Greenfield, being its first past 
chancellor. In 1884, he became a mem- 
ber of the order of the K. of H. Mr. 



918 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



M'itmer has always been a staunch dem- 
ocrat of the Jeffersonian school, and 
never fails to plead its cause, and up- 
hold its principles. He usually enters 
the political arena in presidential cam- 
paigns, with an untiring zeal, which 
knows no flagging or doubt, and ably 
advocates from the hustings, the prin- 
ciples of his party, and his own convic- 
tions. He is a fluent speaker, cogent 
reasorier, and never fails to interest his 
hearers. Mr. and Mrs. W. are genial 
and hospitable in their home, and are 
W(dl and favorably known in the com- 
munity in which they at present reside. 

I'lTY GOVERNMENT. 

The town of Greenfield was incor- 
porated under the state laws in regard 
to the government of towns and villages, 
in 185U, and in 1867, was organized un- 
der the special charter by the legisla- 
ture, the first meeting of the council 
taking place upon the 22d of April, of 
that year. The following were the first 
ofiicers of the town: G. T. W. Shef- 
field, president; A. McCauley, J. B. 
Brodmarkle and Jackson Drennan, trus- 
tees; J. B. Brodmarkle, treas.; and 
R. E. Wilder, sec'y. On Jan. 7, 1884, 
a petition was presented by 60 or more 
of the voters of Greenfield, asking the 
council to call an election for the pur- 
pose of ascertaining the wishes of the 
people as to organizing under the state 
law as a city, which was granted, and 
the election ordered. This election was 
lield on the 7th of April, 1884, when 
the vote stood: In favor of incorpora- 
tion, 203; against, 3. On the 8th of 
May, of that year, another election was 
held for the officers under tlie new 
regime. Those chosen were: J. W. 



Hutchinson, mayor; Jesse A. Drake, city 
clerk; Geo. W. Coonrod, city attorney; 
Samuel M. Wilhite, treas. Aldermen: 
1st ward, G. B. Metcalf and Jno. Beaty; 
2d ward, H. C. Myers and H. M. Long; 
3d ward, J. H. Smith and J. J. Crouch. 
The present officers of the city are as 
follows: E. A. Belknap, mayor; V. H. 
Haven, clerk; Jasper Johnson, treas.; 
W. M. Ward, attorney; 0. B. Edwards, 
police magistrate. Aldermen: 1st ward, 
G. B. Metcalf, Carter Drake; 2d ward, 
H. M. Long; 3d ward, J. J. Crouch, 
Richard C. Fisher. 

POLICE JI'STICE COURT. 

This was created about the year 1840, 
previous to which the precinct justices 
of the peace had jurisdiction. The 
records of the office, now accessible, 
date back to 1842, wlien Henry James 
was justice. The first case of which 
there seems to be any record, is num- 
bered 289. The following named gen- 
tlemen have held the office: William 
E. Ryan, Michael Buchanan, George 
Allen, Ira B. Picket, E. Woolley, 
Geo. W. Coonrod, and 0. B. Edwards, 
the present incumbent, who succeeded 
to this office in 1881. 

RAILRO.VDS. 

• Two railroads intersect the town of 
Greenfield, furnishing it connection 
with the outside world, for the promo- 
tion of commercial interests. The II., 
R. I. & St. L., now owned and operated 
by the C, B.,& Q. R. R. C, was com- 
pleted through Greenfield, in the earlj' 
part of 1870, and is the principal line 
of road at this place, giving them im- 
mediate connection with all the leading 
markets of the world. Greenfield is 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



919 



also the eastern terminus of the L., C. 
& W., which was constructed in 1S83. 

DEPOT. 

Tli(> depot at this place was erected 
during the summer or fall of 1870, at 
which time the railroad was also com- 
pleted through here. J. W. l^ooth was 
the first station agent. He remained 
until the winter of 1872, when John 
Ewald took charge, and held it until 
Oct., 1879. Charles W. Alexander was 
the next agent, and was succeeded by 
William M. Wallace, Nov. 1, 1880. He 
held it until the 1st of April, 1882, when 
the present incumbent, John Beatty, 
took charge. 

EXPRESS AGENCIES. 

The American Express Company's 
agency at this place, was established in 
1870, at the time of the completion of 
the railroad to this point. J. W. Booth 
was the first agent. The various sta- 
tion agents have had the control of the 
office since. 

The United States Express Company 
also do business here, through the L., 
C. & W. Railroad, establishing the 
same soon after the completion of the 
road. Calloway & Metcalf, hardware 
dealers, were the first to rej)resint the 
coiiipanj' at this point, and still con- 
tinue in that capacity. 

CONFLAGKATIONS. 

Greenfield has not been without its 
share of the most destructive of all ele- 
ments — the fire fiend. Two very severe 
conflagrations have visited the place 
which have proven very disastrous and 
destroyed much property. The first 
fire occurred Sunday morning about 



three o'clock, Dec. 31, 1882, originating 
in what was known as the Crouch block. 
The following business houses were 
burned: Miller's barber shop and con- 
tents, except afew chairs; Cooper's drug 
store and contents, except two show 
cases; the postoffice and contents, in- 
cluding a fine law library of William 
Ward; Dr. Martin's oHice and contents; 
Oscar Edward's restaurant, and Jones' 
meat market and ice house. All this 
destruction was wrought in the short 
space of about an hour and a half. Tiic 
buildings were of wood, very infiarnma- 
ble and burnt like tinder, the heat being 
intense. Madden's harness shop and 
Southworth's hotel, the former sepa- 
rated by an alley and the latter by a 
street, were only saved by the most 
strenuous efforts on the part of the citi- 
zens. The loss was exceedingly heavy 
for the town, being estimated at $10,(XX), 
with very light insurance. 

The last great fire at Greenfield, oc- 
curred but a few months afterward, on 
the night of May 3, 1883, and was the 
most disastrous in its historj', consum- 
ing the entire west side of the public 
square. The business houses which 
were destroyed were the Tremont hotel, 
owned by O. R. Soutbuurth; Secor & 
Cato's, and George Dennis' grocery 
stores, Thomas Knudson's boot and shoe 
store, Charles Schnell's and O. L. Sies- 
el's restaurants andbakerjes; then came 
the brick dry goods stores of E. P. Met- 
calf,and Renshaw& Co., with the Masonic 
and Odd Fellows halls over each, re- 
spectively. The nniin portion of the 
contents of these several business houses 
including furniture, etc., was saved in a 
damaged condition. Greenfield is noted 
for her promptness and indefatigable 



920 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



energy on such occasions, and only for 
this there is no telling what the result 
might have been. The loss on build- 
ings alone was from $30,000 to $40,000, 
with but comparatively little insurance. 
The fire is supposed to Jiave been the 
work of an incendiary and was first dis- 
covered by the then constable, Weldon, 
over the store of George Dennis, on the 
west side, atabout 10:30p. m., when the 
alarm was given and the entire towns- 
people, and those in the immediate 
vicinity in the country, came to the res- 
cue, with one accord, and almost all did 
yeoman's service from the beginning to 
the end of the contest. 

The burnt districts have since been 
rebuilt with substantial structures, al- 
most entirely of brick, and presents a 
very fine appearance, making a healthy 
and solid showing for the town. 

SOCIETIES. 

Greenfield lodge. No. 129, A. F. & A. 
M., was organized under dispensation 
Oct. 16, 1852, by L. W. Link, of Car- 
rollton, with the following officers: H. 
James, W. M.; J. H. Gray, S. W.; M. 
A. Cooper, J. W.; G. C. Shackelford, 
T.; Ira B. Picket, S.; H. Holliday, S. 
D.; J. S. Cooper, J. D.; and T. J. 
Grand, tyler. Since that time the fol- 
lowing brothers luive filled the position 
of worshipful master: Andrew J. 
Steidley, IraB. Picket, James B. Carter, 
Edwin Woolley, Thomas Finch, T. J. 
Capps, W. S. G. Allen, R. L. Crowder, 
W. L. Kinkead, E. A. Belknap, J. W. 
Hutchinson, W. A. Saylor and \V. P. 
Ennis, the present incumbent. The 
lodge received a cliarter Oct. 4, 1853, 
under which it is now working. The 
present membershii) is 66, and the 



lodge is highly prosperous, ^^'hen it 
was first organized they rented a hall 
on the north side of the square, but 
about 1859, purchased the upper story 
of a frame building on the west side, 
and fitted up a hall. In 1868, they built 
the second story of the brick building, 
on the northwest corner of the square, 
at a cost of $3,000. The lodge room 
was 28x64 feet in size. On the 2d of 
May, 1883, this building was destroj'ed 
by fire, and was a total loss, as there 
was no insurance. For about a year 
the society then met in the upper story 
of W. A. Taylor's drug store. About 
that time the present brick structure 
was erected on the site of the one de- 
stroyed. The society, as formerly, own 
the upper story, which is 23x92 feet in 
floor area, 20 feet in height from floor to 
ceiling. It was constructed and com- 
pleted at a cost of $3,909.81. It is ele- 
gantly furnished, and altogether is a 
much finer hall than is found in places 
three or four times the size of Green- 
field. The present officers are as fol- 
lows: W. P. Ennis, W. M.; J. T. Cal- 
loway, S. W.; C. G. Edwards, J. W.; 
J. W. Hutchinson, T.; E. Woolley, S.; 
R. A. Sliort, S. D.; E. P. Metcalf, J. 
D.; G. W. Kinkead and Ralph Metcalf, 
stewards; and H. Dixon, tyler. 

Greenfield chapter. No. 186, R. A. 
M., was organized under a dispensation, 
Dec. 15, 1881, with the following officers: 
J. W. Hutchinson, M. E. H. P.; R. A. 
Short, E. K.; T. G. Capps, S.; (ieorge 
D. Hudson, C. of H.; J. Howard, P. S.; 
R. G. Robinson, R. A. C; Thos. Finch, 
T.; Geo. M. Fortune, S.; J. H.Valen- 
tine, M. T. v.; A. Waggoner, M. S. V.; 
James Walker, M. F. V.; J. M. Short, 
tyler. Oct. 26, 1882, the chapter re- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



921 



ceived a charter. The following is a 
list of the. charter members: J. W. 
Hutcliinson, R. A. Short, T. G. Capp?, 
CJ. D. Hudson, J. H. Gray, Thos. Finch, 
R. G. Robinson, J. H. Valentine, Adam 
Waggoner, Jas. Walker, J. M. Short, 
W. B. Short, W. A. Saylor, W. P. Ennis, 
H. F. Martin, L. P. Allen, J. W. Waller, 
A. J. Drum, and G. W. Fortune. J. W. 
Hutchinson has continued to act as 
high priest ever since the institution 
of the lodge. The membership is now 
24. Tlie following is a list of the officers 
for 1S85: J. W. Hutchinson, M.E.H.P.; 
J. M. Short, E. K.; T. G. Capps, S.; R. 

A. Short, C. of H.; L. P. Allen, P. S.; 
J. T. Calloway, R. A. C; W. A. Saylor, 
T.;J.B. Brodmarkle, S.; G. W. Kin- 
kead, M. T. V.; E. Woolley, M. S. V.; 
W. S. Short. M. F. V.; W. P. Ennis 
tyler. The cliapter lost its original 
charter and considerable furniture at 
tlie burning of the Masonic liall, but 
have all now been replaced. 

Greenfield lodge. No. 1.300, K. of H., 
was organized Dec. 20, 1878, with the 
following charter members: B. F. Piper, 
0. R. Southworth, John Heiner, J. ^I. 
Cooper, P. G. Mook, H. F. Martin, J. 
W. Piper, Thomas Doyle, S. M. Wij- 
hito, Milus Drum, .John Robards and 
W. M. Ward. The following were cho- 
sen the first officers of the lodge and 
duly installed: W. M. Ward, D.;' J. M. 
Cooper, P. D.; J. W. Piper, V. D.; Mi- 
lus Drum, A. D.; H. F. Martin, R.; P. 
G. Mook, F. R.; 0. R. Soutli worth, T.; 

B. F. Piper, C; Thomns Doyle, G.; 
John Heiner, Gn.; S. M. Wilhite, Sen.; 
H. F. Martin, M. E.; J. W. Piper, W. 
M. Ward and M. Drum, trustees. The 
following gentlemen have IjIUmI the po- 
sition of dictator since then: P. G. 



Mook, H. F. Martin, M. Drum, H. P. 
Farrelly, O. R. Southworth, J. M. 
Cooper and A. J. Rives, the j)res('nt in- 
cumbent. The present membership is 
27. Meetings are held twice each month, 
and everything is prosperous. Tlie fol- 
lowing are the present officers: A. J. 
Rives, D.; S. M. Wilhite, V. D.; J. M. 
Cooper, P. D.; T. C. Brown, A. D.; W. 
M. Wallace, R.; O. B. Edwards, F. 
R.; J. W. Piper, T.; James Boring, C; 
G. W. Kinkead, G..; Charles Mcng, 
Gn.; P. Bermes, Sen. 

Greenfield lodge. No. 195, 1. 0. O. F., 
was organized April 1, 1856, with the 
following members: Henry Cress, James 
Carter, Ephraim Barnett, G. T. W. 
Sheffield, Love Bostick, I. R. Ostrom, 
Henry Stubblefield and Edward Rut- 
ledge. They rented the building on the 
northwest corner of the scjuare, known 
as Old Town Hall, which tiiey used for 
lodge purposes until the fall of 1868, 
when tliey erected a hall over Slieffield's 
store, at a cost of $3,500. This they 
furnished in nice style, as fine as any in 
this section. The room was 28.\'60 feet 
in size. They occupied this room until 
May 4, 1883, when it was burned down, 
and they lost their furniture, records, 
charter and everything except the rega- 
lia. Since that eventful time, the lodge 
has rented lodge rooms, now meeting in 
Secor and Cato's hall. The present 
officers are: Luther Mitchell, N. G.; 
James Mitchell, V. (i.; John Wahl,T.; 
J. B. Brodmarkle, S.; M. L. Mitchell, 
R. S.; PIcnry Powell, C; George Secor, 
L G.; CJeorge Weisner, W.; and W P. 
Ennis, Rep. to (I. Tj. and lodge deputy. 

Weisner post. No. 350, G. A. R., was 
established Oct. 23, 1883, by John J. 
Baker, of Petersburg, Menard county, 



922 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



111., Avith the following charter mem- 
bers: Thos. A. Weisner, Co. D, 14th 
111. Inf.; Thoma.? Douglas, D, 4th U.S. 
Cav.; W. H. Robinson, K, 91st 111. Inf.; 
W. S. Allen, F, 12th 111. Cav.; N. L. 
Mitchell, F, 12th 111. Cav.; I. M.-Linder, 
F. r2th 111. Cav.; G. P. Barton, D, 14th 
Inf.; W. W. Haven, H, 40tli 111. Inf.; 
Jasper Dennis, D, 14th 111. Inf.; Fred- 
erick Ra.ssell, L, 1st 111. Art.; W. P. 
Baker, H, 7th 111. Cav.; George 0. 
Weisner, K, 91st 111. Inf., and ■William 
Hand, F, 12th HI. Inf. The first offi- 
cers were Thomas A. Weisner, C; Thos. 
Doyle, S. V. C; W. H. Robinson, J. V. 
C; I. P. Barton, Chap.; I. M. Linder, 
Surg.; W. W. Haven, O. D.; W. F. G. 
Allen, Adjt.; N. L. Mitchell, Q. M.; 
Jasper Dennis, S. M. There have been 
two deaths among the members since its 
organization — W. P. Baker, died in the 
spring of 1884, and W. W. Haven, died 
Dec, 1884. The post has a member- 
ship of 84, and is in a fine healthy con- 
dition, and the "boys " take much in- 
terest in it, all round. The present 
officers are: W. H. Robinson, C; S. B. 
Johnson, S. V. C; S. B. Cole, J. V. C; 
Henry Powell, Surg.; John Roberts, 0. 
D.; J. P.Alexander, Chap.; T. G. Capps, 
Adjt.; W. G. Secor, Q. M.; John Mc- 
Querry, O. G.; T. A. Weisner, S. M.; 
N. L. "Mitchell, Q. M. S. 

CORNET B.\ND. 

On the 9th of Feb., 1876, the move- 
ment toward the organization of a band 
in the town of Greenfield was consum- 
mated and the organization completed 
with the following members: E. M. 
Middleton, E. N. McPherson, L. G. 
Riggs, A. T. Burke, D. F. Clark, J. T. 
Calloway, M. D. Powell, R. L. Metcalf, 



W. F. Stock, A. J. Dixon, W. G. Bean. 
W. F. Stock was elected president; M. 
D. Powell, secretar}'; J. T. Calloway, 
treasurer; and Prof. E. M. Middleton, 
musical director a"nd leader. Instru- 
ments costing about $3(30 were ordered, 
and upon the evening of March 19, the 
ears of the citizens were greeted by the 
dulcet strains of. Mollie Darling, which 
the band had learned for their initiatory 
piece. Their first public playing was 
done upon Decoration day. May 30, 1876. 
The organization has been kept up, until 
to-day this band takes high rank with 
any in the state. The present members 
are as follows: Prof. E. M. Middleton, 
leader and 1st Eb; J. E. Brodmarkle, 
Eb; G. W. Green, Bb; C. O. Fesler and 
W. E. Drennan, altos; C. J. Metcalf, 
tenor; V. H. Haven, baritone; L. 
Haven, tuba; H. E. Wilhite and J. S. 
Dixon, drums. 

REPRESENTATIVE PEOPLE. 

George Washington Allen, the founder 
of Greenfield, was born May 15, 1801, 
in Tennessee. His father, Zachariah 
Allen, emigrated to Greene county in 
1819, settling near the present site of 
White Hall. George W. was the seventh 
son of the first wife, and whether from 
being left an infant by the death of his 
mother, or from a desire that he might 
fill a clerical position in the church of 
his fathers — the United Presbyterians — 
he was favored by his father in receiving 
the elements of a good education. His 
bent of mind was indulged in books of 
theology, philosophy, science, jurispru- 
dence and civil engineering. His the- 
ology was a disappointment to his 
father, for instead of a pastorate in the 
church of ancestral faith, he became a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



923 



member of the M. E. church at the age 
of 28; filling important local positions 
in this church to the end of his life; 
often throwing open his house to the 
denomination for worship, and giving a 
resting place and home to its weary 
ministers, while they laid the founda- 
tion for one of the strongest protestant 
churches in the vicinity. In 1828 he 
was married to Caroline Henderson, 
oldest child of James Henderson, who 
had removed from Ohio and settled near 
White Hall, in 1819. She was born in 
Ohio, in 1808, and is now living in the 
city of Greenfield, its oldest resident. 
He was the father of nine children, two 
dying in infancy, and one — Mary J., 
wife of William A. Tunnell, in mature 
womanhood. Four of tlie children — 
Sarah A., wife of J. Howard Gray; W. 
S. G.; George B., and Luther T., are 
living in tlie city of Greenfield; and two 
dauglitcrs. Mrs. Harriet E. Sweeney, 
and Mrs. Caroline M. Noftsker, in the 
the cit\' of Rock Island. The old whig 
party found in Mr. Allen an earnest ad- 
vocate, and his home was often honored 
by the presence of the leaders of this 
party. The republican party received 
his last vote, it being cast for Abraham 
Lincoln, for his second term. He re- 
moved from tne neighborhood of White 
Hall, to the eastern portion of the county, 
in 1832, and laid out the plat of the 
town of Greenfield, in 1834. He was the 
first postmaster, and held the office 15 
consecutive j'ears. He was, also, justice 
of tlie peace for a number of years. He 
died Jan. 17, 1865. 

(icorge W. Sheffield was one of the 
pioneers and public spirited citizens of 
tireenfield for many years. He located 
here in the spring of 1836, being an or- 



phan boy of very limited circumstances 
and education. He engaged in general 
merchandising. He was enterprising, 
and by close application to money-mak- 
ing, he succeeded in reaching the top 
round of the ladder in business. He 
carried on the concern very success- 
fully, for many years, until about 1872, 
when he established the first banking 
house, now operated by his heirs. 

Edwin Woolley, a son of David Wool- 
ley, a sketch of whose early settlement 
apjiears elsewhere, was born in Hamil- 
ton county, 111., May 22, 1822, and was 
brought to (xreene county in his mother's 
anus, in the following Dec. In 1826 he, 
with his father's family, settled on a 
farm in Bluff'dnle, in said county, where 
lie, with others, hnd excellent facilities 
for more than an ordinary education. 
Being of a studious turn, he acquired a 
knowledge of the sciences, superior to 
his class-mates. Upon arriving at his 
majority, he engaged as a teacher of 
common scliools, and continued in that 
business for four successive years. He 
then, as is common, concluded to seek 
a companion to share his joys and sor- 
rows, and in Nov. 1847, was married to 
Jane E. Barberj^who still continues to 
make a happy home for her husliand 
and children, of whom four are living, 
three of whom are married, and occupy 
homes of their own. Mr. Woolley was 
always a strictly temperate and moral 
man, always engaging in all temperance 
movements that came within his reach. 
In 1845, he settled in Milton, Pike 
county. 111., where he remained for 12 
years, when he removed to Gri-enfield, 
where lie now resides. He has occu- 
pied many offices of trust, which his 
friends put upon him. He was always 



924 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



an active worker for all enterprises, 
which he thought would be beneficial to 
the town in which he resided. He at 
no time hecaine a member of any church , 
but believing that all sects of christian- 
itj' were beneficial, was always liberal 
in his views, letting everj^ oneenjoj'his 
own inclinations. Early in life, he be- 
came a member of the masonic frater- 
nity, and was what is known therein as 
an active worker, holding the head office 
for a number of years, and a great part 
of the time, some subordinate position. 
He is now the president of the Old 
Settlers Association, of Greene county, 
and in that capacity, has rendered the 
searchers after Grreene county history, 
valuable assistance. 

Martin Thorpe, an old settler and 
prominent stock raiser of Greene coun- 
ty, was born in Drax, Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, Nov. 23, 1814, his parents being 
William and Ann (Petty) Thorpe. Wil- 
liam was twice married, and by his 
second marriage there were two chil- 
dren — Martin, our subject, and Jere- 
miah, who is still in England. Martin's 
parents died when he was quite young, 
and he came to America with Adam 
Allison, now of Morgan count}', who, 
upon their arrival there, located west of 
Jacksonville. Martin remained with 
them until he became of age, giving his 
labor during that time for a horse, bridle 
and saddle, and the amount of his pas- 
sage money. After that time he received 
a salary, remaining with Mr. Allen until 
he was 28 years of age. In February, 
1843, he was united in marriage with 
Hannah Hembrough, a native of Eng- 
land, born in 1822. By this union 
tliere was one child — William H., born 
July 3, 1844, now in Cass county. Mo. 



After his marriage he rented land of 
Mr. Allison for two years, then moving to 
Apple Creek Prairie, near White Hall, 
in 184-5, remained there until 1846, when 
he moved to his present location, on 
section 23, Rockbridge township. His 
wife died in September, 1845, and he 
was again united in marriage with Mrs. 
L. N. Bibb, widow of Benjamin Bibb, 
October 7, 1847. She was born in Chris- 
tian county, Ky., Oct. 1, 1813, and was 
a daughter of James and Priscilla 
Fletcher. She was married in Kentucky 
to Mr. Bibb, a native of Virginia, and 
they came to Greene county. 111 , in 
1835, remaining the first winter at Car- 
rollton. They afterward settled in Rock- 
bridge township, where he died in Feb- 
ruary, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Bibb were 
the parents of five children, two of 
whom are living — Agnes E., wife of 
William R. Ballinger, residing in Rich- 
mond, Ray county, Mo.; Richard D., a 
resident of Bates cf)unty. Mo. Mr. and 
Mrs. Thorpe are the jiarcnts of five 
children — James H., born July 9, 1848; 
Benjamin F., born April 30, 1850; Mary 
A., born Feb 16, 1852; Sarah A., born 
October 1, 1851, and Maria Otis, born 
Feb. 10, 1857. After locating, Mr. Thorpe 
purchased 120 acres of land, and by 
industry and energy he was enabled to 
add to that until he possessed 600 acres 
of valuable land in Illinois. He then 
bought and improved 440 acres of land 
in Missouri. He was a tireless worker, 
full of thrift and honesty, alwaj's consid- 
ering his word as good as his bond or 
note. Those noble principles had been 
instilled into his character in his youth 
and considering all men like himself, 
he relied too much on some of them, 
who took advantage of his confidence, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



925 



thus causing him temporary embarass- 
iiicut. He had sufficient property, 
though, to secure all his creditors and 
have a competence left for himself, 
owning at the time 200 acres in Illinois, 
and 440 acre.'^ in Missouri; 640 acres in 
all. He still possesses the land in 
Jlissouri, and $8,rKX) worth of money 
and notes, which insures him a com- 
fcn-tahle living the remainder of his 
days. No man in the county is more 
highly esteemed than he, or stands 
higher in commercial honesty. He and 
his wife are members of the M. E. church. 
In politics Mr. Thorpe is a republican. 
His first vote was" cast for Henry Clay. 
He was an old line whig and voted that 
ticket until Abraham Lincoln was nom- 
inated, when he voted the republican 
ticket and still continues to cast his vote 
with that party. 

Jefl'erson Coonrod, a son of Rev. 
Steplien Coonrod, of whom mention is 
made elsewhere, was born May 5, 1823, 
in M'ayne county, 111. When six years 
of age he came with his father to tliis 
county. He was reared on his father's 
farm, receiving only a limited educa- 
tion. He was married June 2, 1847, to 
Temperance Drum, born near Carroll- 
ton, Dec. 11, 1827. She is a daughter 
of John and Dillie (Wood) Drum, early 
settlers of Greene county, who resided 
here until their deaths. After marriage, 
Mr. Coonrod purchased 40 acres of land 
on the northwest quarter of section 22, 
and went to work with willing hands, 
and his energy and perseverance have 
been rewarded with success, he being 
now the owner of 475 acres of valu- 
able land. For the first purchase he 
l)ai<l $3 per acre, and for some since 
that time $70 per acre, and he ex- 



perienced more difficulty in then pay- 
ing the first named jirice tlian he 
did later on in paying the last. He re- 
remained on the farm until Feb., 1873, 
when he rented his farm, and jjurchased 
a lot in Greenfield, on which he erected 
the fine residence in which he now re- 
sides, and is enjoying the fruits of 
many years labor. Mr. and Mrs. Drum, 
the parents of Mrs. Coonrod, were na- 
tives of North Carolina. Her father 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. They 
first settled near CarroUton, but after- 
wards moved to Rubicon township, 
where Temperance was married. Mr. 
Coonrod is one of the prominent citi- 
zens of Greenfield, and stands high in 
the estimation of all who have the 
pleasure of his acquaintance, meriting 
this esteem by his honesty, pleasing 
address, and genial manners. 

FAYETTE. 

The village of Fayette, was laid out 
in 1835, the plat of the same being.filed 
for record Sept. 19 of that year. The 
original proprietors were Manoah Bost- 
wick, James Metcalf, and William 
Blair. Mr. Metcalf's land lay along the 
county line, on section 12, ^Ir. Bost- 
wick's south of it, on section 13, and 
Mr. Blair's on the west of Mr. Metcalf's. 
Three buildings were at once jiut up. 
Manoah Bostwick and James Metcalf 
putting up store buildings, and a Mr. 
Hall erecting a dwelling house. The 
first merchants were l\[etcalfand Wood- 
son, who were followed, shortly after, 
by Blair & Brother. Soon the princi- 
jial street began to be thickly dotted 
with dwelling houses, and the little 
burg began to look quite townlike. But, 
of late years, there has been little growth. 



<>26 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



QHAPXEIR. XX. 



LINDER TOWNSHIP. 



Township 10 north, range 11 west, 
wi\s formed b\- tlie board of county su- 
pervisors into a civil sub-division of 
the county, in 1885, to which they gave 
the name of Linder township, after one 
of the old pioneer families. It is 
bounded on the north by the township 
of Wrights, on the east by Rockbridge, 
on the south by Kane and Rockbridge, 
and on the west by CarroUton township, 
and embraces nearly 36 sections of land, 
or about 23,000 acres. Several streams, 
tributaries of the Macoupin creek, me- 
ander throughout it, supplying adequate 
drainage and plenty of living water for 
all stock purposes. There are no rail- 
roads or towns within its borders, but 
its proximity to the towns of Green- 
field, CarroUton and Kane, make this 
no great hardship. The inhabitants 
are a purely agricultural and pastoral 
people, as a class, and are thrifty and 
prosperous. The surface of the land is 
generally rolling, the west half being 
pretty well covered with timber, while 
the eastern half is principally prairie. 
The soil is of the rich, dark, uctuous 
loam, so characteristic of this state, and 
for fertility has no superior in the 
world. 

E.\RIA' SETTLEMENT. 

The first to make a settlement in this 
township was Martin A\'ood, a brother 
of Sheriff Young Wood. Martin came 
here and built the first cabin in the pre- 



cinct, in 1818, on the farm now known 
as the Curtius place. He afterward re- 
moved to Athensville. 

Luther and Calvin Tunnell, in 1818, 
commenced some improvements in this 
township. Luther finished and moved 
into his cabin, but sickness prevented, 
Calvin from moving until the spring of 
1819. A sketch of these pioneers is 
given elsewhere. 

James Caldwell and Thomas Crane 
came to this county in the fall of 1820, 
and, before winter, had cabins built in 
tliis township. 

In 1821, Jacob Linder, with his fam- 
ily, among whom was Isham, now 
known as Isham Sr., settled on a tract 
of land, on section 15, where George L. 
Burruss now resides. Jacob afterward 
settled on the farm now owned by E. 
Twitchell, where he lived until his 
death. Jacob Linder was born near 
Abingdon, Va., and receivedthe limited 
education afforded by the schools of 
that day. Attaining manhood, he im- 
migrated to Anderson county, Tenn., 
where he was married to Dicy Woods, 
of North Carolina, in 1798. By this 
marriage there were eight children. In 
1810. he came, with his family, to 
Illinois, locating in Madison county. 
During the war of 1812, he took an act- 
ive part, enlisting in Capt. Moore's 
rangers. In 1821, he sold out and came 
here, as above stated. He died here, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



9L'7 



full of years. I sham Linder was born 
in 1802, hence was 19 years old on his 
advent to this county. He was mar- 
ried, Aug. 5, 1826, to Sarah Vaughn. 
These old people are now living a re- 
tired life in Carrollton. 

Alexander King located on section 17. 
in tliis township, in 1821, where he 
went to work to open up a farm. He 
was a North Carolinian. Here he lived 
until deatli claimed him as his own, in 
Aug., 1872, when he liad reached the 
advanced age of 85. He and his wife 
were l)oth members of the Baptist 
church, and are buried in the graveyard 
at Providence. 

John Johnson came to Linder town- 
ship, in 1821, and settled upon section 
3, which he had entered at the land 
oflice, in Edwardsville, prior to his 
coming here. He was a native of North 
Carolina, born in IMarch, 1792. He 
came to Illinois, locating at Edwards- 
ville, in 1812, and entered the ranger 
service, during the war that began that 
year. He was married, in 1812, to Mary 
J. Maines, by whom he had nine chil- 
dren. He settled on the place he thus 
became the owner of, and commenced to 
make his improvements, and lived here 
the l)alancc of his days. 

In the spring of 1823, J(iiin \V. Huitt, 
who had been living south of the Ma- 
conjiin creek, in what is now Ruyle 
tciwiiship, Jersey county, since 1818, 
came to the territory now known as 
Linder township, purchasing 80 acres of 
land. A full sketch is given elsewhere. 

William J. Brown made an improve- 
ment and settlement here in 1823 or 24. 

William Crane took up his residence 
in this township in 1823. He died here 
after many years. 



In 1823, A. J. Johnson made a settle- 
ment in this township, nnd for some 
years was identified with its interests, 
but in the course of time passed away. 

George Meldrum and family came to 
this part of the county in 1825, and tak- 
ing up some land entered upon the hard 
work of a pioneer. He lived here until 
his death. Will Meldrnm is his son. 

Will Meldrum was born in Linder 
township, Greene county, 111., his par- 
ents being George and Elizabeth (Stout) 
Meldrum, the former of whom was a 
native of the Emerald Isle, and the lat- 
ter of Pennsylvania. George Meldrum 
removed to this county in 1825, and 
settled in Linder township, where he 
resided up to the time of his death, 
which occurred Dec. 28, 1842. His 
widow is now the wife of Amos Mc- 
Pheron. Mr. Meldrum was a member 
of the M. E. church, and at his death 
was interred in the Providence cemetery. 
Will Meldrum was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in the dis- 
trict schools of his native county. He 
was united in marriage, in 1867, with 
Nettie Bannen, a native of Ohio, and a 
daughter of John Bannen. Their mar- 
riage has been blessed with seven chil- 
dren, six of whom are now living — • 
George E., Oscar L., Harry W., Bessie 
J., Lottie M. and Fred W. Mr. and 
Mrs. Meldrum are consistent members 
of the Providence Baptist churcli, he 
also being a member of Carrolltuu 
lodge, No. 332, I. 0. 0. F. In the 
month of Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. 
F, 1st Mo. Cav., and served till mus- 
tered out,! June 13, 1865. He partici- 
pated in the Red River campaign, Co. 
F, serving as escort to Major-General 
Gordon Granger. He was also with 



JTT 



928 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUlsTY. 



Rosecrans on the march from Murfrees- 
boro, Tenn.,to Huntsville, Ala. Acted 
as orderly to Gen. Phil Sheridan, at 
Shelbyville, Tenn., riding at the gen- 
eral's left hand, when 18,000 men 
charged the fort, and captured it. Mr. 
Meldrum owns 55 acres of improved 
land on section 27, Linder township, 
where he carries on general farming. 

George W. Meldrum was born in 
Linder township, Greene county, in 
1834, being a son of George and Eliza- 
beth (Stout) Meldrum. In 1861 he en- 
listed in the 14th 111. Inf., and served 
one year, being then discharged on ac- 
count of disability. He participated in 
the battle of Shiloh. April 2, 1863, he 
was married to Jane A. Wilson, a native 
of this county. They have three child- 
ren — William, Mary and Nellie. The 
family are members of the M. E. 
church, and he is also a member of the 
A. F. & A. M. 

About the year 1825, Ephraim and 
Temple Nix, Henry Cook, and John 
Barnett, came into what is now Linder 
township, and located. They were the 
pioneers of what is known as the Wal- 
nut Grove settlement. Ephraim Nix 
settled on section 24, where he resided 
until 1842, when he sold out and re- 
moved to Macoupin county, where he 
died, a few years ago. Temple Nix en- 
tered 160 acres just south of his brother, 
on the same section. He died there 
man}' years ago. 

Henry Cook entered some 700 acres of 
land in their immediate vicini4;y, and 
made extensive improvements. To 
quote from some articles written by J. 
H. VanArsdale, from which are gleaned 
many facts, and to whom thanks are re- 
turned : " Mr. Cook was quite a prom- 



inent man in his day, and the settle- 
ment was for many years known as 
Cook's Prairie. Pie was born and 
reared near St. Louis, and could speak 
French and several Indian dialects, and 
frequently acted as interpreter for gov- 
ernment officers when transacting busi- 
ness with tlie Indians. He married, for 
his fifth wife, a sister of the late William 
Kincaid, who is still living, in Texas, 
in the 94th year of her age. In 1844, he 
sold to E. J. Secor, the 20 acres of land 
on which the Walnut Grove church now 
stands. In 1846, he sold the remainder 
of his farm, all south of the main road, 
to John Rhodes, the 160 acres north to 
John Hardcastle — and then, over 70 
years of age, he moved his family to 
Texas. 

In 1826, James Miller came to this 
county and entered 160 acres on section 
23, of this township. He commenced 
his improvements at once, and resided 
on this place for man}' years, until re- 
moved by the hand of deatli. He was a 
member of the Baptist church, and a 
very singular man, hardly, if ever, seen 
away from home, as he made almost an 
entire recluse of himself. 

During the year 1826, Elisha Stout 
and his family, froni Ohio, located about 
three miles east of Carrollton, in this 
township, where he resided for many 
years. He was a native of the state of 
Pennsylvania. 

In 1827 William Gough settled on sec- 
tion 15, where he lived until overtaken 
by death, many years after coming to 
this county. 

Isaac Landis, a Tennessean, came to 
this township in 1827, and settled upon 
a farm. He was married in Tennessee 
to Esther King, also a native of that 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



92y 



state. His son, William, now resides 
ill the township. 

James Ashlock, another old pioneer, 
came to this county in 1828, and located 
on section 22, of this township. 

James Ashlock, deceased, one of the 
pioneers of the county, was born Dec. 
23, 1799, in Tennessee. With his fami- 
ly he came to Greene county, 111., in 
Nov., 1828, and settled on section 22, 
Linder township, where he entered SO 
acres of land, and built a log cabin, 
18x20, in which he resided till 1850, 
when he built a new one, in which he 
lived until his death, which occurred 
April 12, 1862. He improved his farm 
from raw prairie and hazel brush. 
James Ashlnck, and Edah, his wife, 
were married Feb. 11, 1819. She de- 
parted tliis life April 1.'!, 1850, having 
been born May 4, 1801. They were the 
parents of eight children — James M., 
born Feb. 19, 1820, now engaged in the 
grocery business at Litchfield; Win. M., 
born Nov. 14, 1821; Jesse C, born Nov. 
2, 1823, now living in CarroUton; Eve 
J., born March 22, 1827, now the wife of 
James Jackson; John N., born Aug. 10, 
1830, now living in Missouri; Samuel 
C, born July 1, 1835, now in Kansas; 
George W., born Sept. 16, 1845. 

William M. Ashlock, a son of the 
above, was born Nov. 14, 1821, in Ten- 
nessee, and came to this county, with 
his parents, in 1828. When 16 years of 
age, he left home and hired out by the 
month, on a farm. He continued as a 
farm hand until his marriage, Feb. 7, 
1844, with Nancy Gough, a native of 
Ohio, and a daugliterof William Gougli, 
of Ohio. They had 12 children born to 
them — George K., born March 23, 1845; 
William H., born April 12, 1847; Mary 



v., born March 7, 1849, the wife of 
Marsh Steele; Eliza J., born Aug. 1, 
1850, died July 10, 1857; Margaret L. 
and Martha V., twins, born April 23, 
1852 — the former now the wife of Jacob 
Hunt, of this township, and the latter 
the wife of R. Johnson, of Iowa; Min- 
erva M., born Dec. 18, 1854, wife of 
James Dixon, of Rockbridge township; 
Luther N., born June 16, 1857, died 
Sept. 16, 1858; Harvey H., born April 
10, 1859; Julia A., born Nov. 8, 1861, 
widow of Caleb Dixon; Henry C, born 
Oct. 23, 1864; Lucy E., born Jan. 4, 
1867, died Dec. 14, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ashlock and their children are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church, Mhile he is 
also an A. F. and A. M. He has held 
the offices of townsliip trustee and school 
director of his district several terms. 
He now owns 800 acres of improved 
lands, on which he has good improve- 
ments, and carries on farming and stock- 
raising. He is a breeder of thorough- 
bred horses of the Lexington family. 
His brood now consists of 10 mares imd 
a stallion. His stallion. Cape Race, 
was foaled in 1869, by Lexington and 
Zene, by The Cure. One of his get. 
King Lion, sold by Mr. Ashlock to 
Daniel O'Connor, won 85,0<K) for his 
owner last season. Mr. Ashlock sold 
him as a three-year-old for 85(X). The 
Ashlock family is one of the well known 
ones of this county, and are much re- 
spected by all their friends and ao- 
([uaintances. 

George K. Ashlock, a son of William 
M. and Nancy (Gough) Ashlock, was 
born in Linder township, Greene county, 
111., in 1815, He was reared toagricul- 
tural pursuits, and received his educa- 
tion in the district schools, also attend- 



930 



HISTORY OF GREENE COl. N TY. 



ing school in Carrollton, two years. 
He was united in marriage, in 1868, 
with Cynthia A. Hudson, a native of 
this county, and tlie daughter of Wil- 
liam W. Hudson. Mr. and Mrs. Ash- 
lock have been the parents of four 
children — George A., Laura J., died 
March 14, 1872, aged one year and one 
month; Elizabeth E., and Edward L. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ashlock, and their eldest 
daughter, are members of the Baptist 
church, while he is also a member of 
Carrollton lodge, A. F. and A. M. Mr. 
Ashlock is now the owner of 200 acres 
of well improved land in Linder town- 
ship, and is engaged in farming and 
stock raising, having a few thorough- 
bred horses. In politics, he is a staunch 
supporter of the republican party, and 
at present is a member of the school 
board of his district. His father is 
numbered among the early settlers of 
the county, and a sketch of whom will 
be found in its proper place in this 
vohime. 

Harvey H. Ashlock was born in 
Greene county, 111., April 10, 1859, and 
is a son of William M. and Nancy 
(Gough) Ashlock. He was married 
Dec. 20, 1881, to Emma B. Hankins, and 
to them one child was born- — Elmer 
Blaine, born July 23, 1885. Mr. Ashlock 
resides upon one of his father's farms, 
whicli contains 120 acres, all under cul- 
tivation. In politics he is a republican. 
In 1881 he became a member of Carroll- 
ton lodge No 150, A. F. & A. M., and 
since received the degree of R. A. M., 
and is a member of the chapter and com- 
mandery. Mr. and Mrs Ashlock are 
members of Providence Paptist church. 

John Hardcastle came to Linder town- 
ship in 1829, and commenced life upon 



a farm. He was a native of Caroline 
county, Md., born Jan. 27, 1792. In 
1824, with his three brothers, he came 
to the state of Illinois, and located in 
the town of Carrollton, where they es- 
tablished a carpenter and cabinet shop, 
and also did something in the way of 
farming. On the 9th of June, 1829,j"ohn 
Hardcastle and Margaret Hamilton were 
united in marriage. They lived here 
until overtaken by death. They had a 
family of 10 children, six of whom are 
living. Mr. Hardcastle was called to 
cross the dark river, SeMt. 16, 1874; his 
wife died March 27, 1882. 

In 1832, John Heaton and Benjamin 
Spuance came here and entered the east 
half of section 14, which they im- 
proved. Both are long since dead. 

Among other settlers of about this 
time may be mentioned the names of 
John Stacy, a Mr. Morris, and Rev. Ab- 
ner Hill. 

John Richardson settled on section 
13, the same year. He was an Englisii- 
man, and sometime after his arrival 
was married to a daughter of John Bar- 
nctt. He lived here a number of years, 
but finally sold out and located near 
Shipman, where he still resides. 

Amos McPheron came to Greene 
county, in 1832, and settled upon land, 
which he entered, on section 26, and is 
still a resident on the old homestead. 
He was born in Knox county, Tenn., 
Sept. 22, 1796, being a son of Samuel and 
Elizabeth fCamijbell) McPheron. He re- 
moved to Morgan county. 111., Dec. 28, 
1828, where he rented a farm. In the 
winter of 1832, he came to Greene 
county and settled on section 26, Lin- 
der township, where he now lives and 
owns 40 acres of land. He was married 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



i)31 



in 1S19 to Hetty Morris, a native of 
Virginia. By tliat marriage lU cliiklren 
were born — Samuel, now in Missouri; 
William, now in Missouri; James A., 
of Carrollton township; Hester A.; Lu- 
cindaJ., who died in 1833; Alexander 
and Lorenzo D., both died young; Eliza 
A., wife of Robert Hudelson, of Ma- 
coupin county; Henry C, now in Kan- 
sas. Mrs. McPheron died in 1841, and 
Mr. McPheron was again married, in 
1842, to Elizabeth Meldrum, the widow 
of George Meldrum. By this marriage 
two children were born — Margaret A., 
wife of James Hankins; and Charles 
W., of Linder townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. 
McPheron are still living upon the old 
homestead, having arrived at a ripe old 
age, and they are much respected bj' 
their neighbors and friends. 

Charles W. McPheron, a son of Amos 
and Elizabeth (Meldrum) McPheron, 
nee Stout, was born in Linder township, 
Greene county. 111., in 1846. He was 
reared on a farm, and received his edu- 
cation in the district schools of his 
neigborhood. He was united in mar- 
riage, in 1872, with Anna Lanham, a 
native of this county, and the daughter 
of Edward and Elizabeth Lanham. They 
have been blessed with two children — 
James H. and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. 
McPheron are consistent members of 
the M. E. church, and he is also a mem- 
ber of Carrollton lodge, No. 150, A. F. & 
A. ^I. He owns 80 acres of improved 
laiiil on section 27, Linder township, 
where he is engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. 

Among the pioneers of this section of 
the county was Joshua Secor, who, in 
May, l<So3, immigrated to this county, 
and settled on section 13, in this town- 



ship, after a short stay in Carrollton. 
He was a native of Westc'hcstcr county, 
New York, born in 1782. The Secors 
were decendents of the French Hugue- 
nots, of the 17th and 18th centuries, who, 
forced to fly their native land, settled 
in this country. Joshua learned the 
trade of cabinet making. He was mar- 
ried in Morristown, New Jersey, June 
27, 1810, to Tryphenia Raynor, a native 
of that state, who was born June 19, 
1790. Shortly before his marriage, he 
removed to Charleston, S. C, but after 
one j'ear, returned north, locating in 
Greene county, Penn., where he resided 
until coming here. Pie entered the 
west half of section 13, and being in the 
possession of means, and energ}', soon 
had everything in good shape. He 
built the first saw-mill in Illinois, that 
was propelled by w'ind. This stood 
near where George Secor now lives. It 
was afterward destroyed by fire. He 
resided on his original purchase, until 
after the death of his beloved wife, 
which sad event occurred Dec. 23, 1859. 
A short time thereafter, he went to live 
with his son, Elijah J., making his 
home with him, until Oct. 24, 1873. He 
and his wife were both meml)ers of the 
Presbyterian church, he always taking 
an active part in chuich matters, as 
leader of the choir, he being a natural 
musician. He received his education 
in an academy, at Horse Neck, N, Y., 
in 1800. He then went to the city t)f 
New York, where his father bound him 
to a cabinet maker. He worked at his 
trade tliere, till 1810, when he went to 
Morristown, N. J., and formed a part- 
nership witli Silas Miller, in the manu- 
facturing business, which they contin- 
ued a short time. He then removed to 



932 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Clarksville, Penn., where until 1S33, he 
ciirriecl on an extensive cabinet making 
husiness. He then came to this coun- 
ty, as heretofore stated. He took an 
active part in political matters, first 
being a whig and then a republican. 
He held the office of postmaster 20 
years, in Pennsylvania. In his com- 
mission was inserted the condition that 
he should not be removed on account 
of political sins. He was commissioned 
a captain in the war of 1812, and served 
a short time. He was noted as a great 
lover of home, and always attended 
strictly to his own business. Mr. and 
Mrs. Secor were the parents of nine 
children — Mary A. C.,the deceased wife 
of Wm. E. Ryan, of Greenfield; Chas. 
R., died Dec. 11, 1846; Elijah J., of this 
township; Wm. .\., died March 22, 1861; 
Maria E., died Nov. 25, 1824; Maria J., 
deceased wife of Jacob March; George 
A., of this township; John J., died Dec. 

15, 1832; and Silas L., now a citizen of 
Moberly, Mo. Joshua Secor departed 
this life on the 24th day of Oct., 1873, 
which event was deeply mourned by liis 
family and many friends. 

Elijah J. Secor, a son of the above, 
was born in Clarksville, Penn., Nov. 

16, 1816. With his parents he came to 
this county in 1833, where he has since 
resided. He was united in marriage, 
Dec. 2, 1841, in Belmont county, 0., 
with Elizabeth A. Lock wood, a native 
of that state, and a daughter of Judge 
David Lockwood, an early settler of 
Belmont county, 0. Mr. and Mrs. 
Secor were blessed with 8 children — 
Rebecca T., wife of Geo. Robinson, of 
Kansas; Theodore F., died in infancy; 
Edmund C, born March 28, 1846, and 
killed by lightning, July 17, 1870; Le- 



vina E., liorn April 18, 1843, died in 
infancy; Eliza J., born March 16, 1851, 
the wife of Prof. W. J. Davis, now 
principal of the Cherokee Male Sem- 
inary, in the Indian territory; Benja- 
min L., born Dec. 2, 1852, at home at- 
tending to his father's farm; James L., 
born Jan. 26, 1854, now of St. Louis, 
practicing law; Arthur T., born May 25, 
1857, now living on a stock farm owned 
by his father, in Rockbridge township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Secor and their children 
are members of the Cumberland Presbj'- 
terian church, and he has been an elder 
in the church since 1842. Mr. S. now 
owns 700 acres of improved land in this 
county, the house in which he lives 
being valued at $5,000, and a house on 
another of his farms, occupied by his 
son Arthur, costing $2,500. Although 
a natural mechanic, he has always been 
engaged in farming and stock raising, 
and has been eminently successful. In 
politics he is a republican, has been 
postmaster at Walnut Grove, but has 
had no ambition for political prefer- 
ment. Mr. Secor is a kind, genial gen- 
tleman, and is much respected by all 
who are intimately acquainted with 
him. 

OTHER PKOMIXEXT PEOPLE. 

John Rhodes, a leading representa- 
tive of one of the old settler families of 
this county, is a native of Yorkshire, 
England, where he was born Sept. 14, 
1824. He was a son of Joseph and 
Maria (Exley) Rhodes, both natives of 
the same country. Joseph Rhodes, 
with his family, came to America in 
1831, and settled near Lynnville, Morgan 
county. 111., where they remained till 
the spring of 1838. They then came to 
this county and located on section 24, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



V)33 



Limlor townsliip, where Mr. Rhodes 
resided until his death, Sept. 1, 1858, 
liis wife iuiving preceded him to that 
far away luniie, in Sept., 1831. Her 
deatli occurred in St. Louis, while the 
family wereimmigratingto Morgan coun- 
ty. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were the par- 
ents of four cliildren— William, of Vernon 
county, Mo.; John, of this township; 
Joseph, who died in Marshall county, 
111., in 1854; and Anna, who died in in- 
fancy. Joseph Rhodes started in life a 
poor boj', hut by hard work and good 
management, he had amassed a com- 
petency before his death. Both he and 
his wife were members of the M. E. 
church. John Rhodes, the subject of 
our sketch, was united in marriage, in 
June, 1852, with Annis Wright, a native 
of this county. By their union they 
have been blessed with three children — 
Anna, the deceased wife of J. M. Val- 
entine, of Rockbridge; Ida M., wife of 
C. G. Edwards, who now resides with 
I\Ir. Uliddes on the home place. Mr. 
R. now owns 600 acres of improved 
land, the house and out-buildings on 
the same being valued at $(),0(X). He 
has always been engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, paying particular atten- 
tion to he breeding of short-horn cat- 
tle. He is now leading a retired life, 
having retired in the spring of 1885. 
In his younger days, Mr. Rlu)des did 
not ^enjoj' the good health, which he 
does in liis more mature years. In 
1870 he visited Plnladelphia, New York 
and Niagara Falls, and enjoyed the trip 
very much. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are 
consistent members of the M. E. churcli, 
and he is class leader and trustee. 
^\'hile the whig party was in existence 
he was a member of it, and is now a re- 



publican. His education was received 
in district schools, and he is now noted 
as being a very liberal man in every way. 
Coonrod Kahm was l)orn in Hesse 
Darmstadt, Germany, Jan. 2, 1827, his 
parents being Philip and Anna (Sabelle) 
Kahm, both natives of the same countrv. 
With his parents, Coonrod came to 
America, in 1845, and settled in St. 
Louis, Mo., where they remained eight 
months, then coming to this county and 
settling on section 13, Linder townshii), 
where Philip afterward died. Coonrod 
was married, in 1852, to Margaret Egel- 
hofl", a native of Germany. They have 
had three children born to them — John 
P., born June 27, 1853, married March 
9, 1875, and resides in this townslni>; 
Maggie A., born Dec. 17, 1855, married 
Sept. 8, 1874, and died July 10, 1875; 
Minnie AV., born Jan. 30, 1867, resides 
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kahm and their 
children are members of the German 
Reformed church. He now owns 520 
acres of land, on which he has im- 
provements costing over $4,000, and is 
engaged in farming, and feeding cattle, 
in which he has been eminently suc- 
cessful. He also owns an §1,800 store 
building in Greenfield, and once acre of 
town land. Coonrod began the battle of 
life a poor boy, but by industry, hard 
work and good management, has suc- 
ceeded in gaining a competency. He is 
now numbered among the leading ami 
substantial (Jermans of the county, and 
has a reputation for honesty and fair 
dealing of which he and his family may 
well feel proud 

Peter B. Hudson, a native of Georgia, 
came to Greene county. 111., in 1837, 
and settled five miles northeast of Car- 
roUton, where he bo.ught 160 acres of 



934 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



land, but on account of it being a sickly 
place, he only made his home there 
four years. In the spring of 1841 he re- 
moved to Rockbridge township, where, 
for seven years, he rented land. He 
tlien bought 200 acres on section 29, 
where, \nitil ISGl, he resided. He then 
sold and bouglit 2o2 acres on section 27, 
where he now lives. He was married, 
in May, 1825, to Mary Settle, a native 
of Marjdand. 

William H. Hudson, a son of the 
above, was born in Jefferson county, 
Ind., Aug. 23, 1829. With his parents 
he came to this county in 1837. Feb. 23, 
1860, he was married to Levina Kirby, 
a native of this county, and a daughter 
of Daniel Kirby, who came to the county 
in 1828, from Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hudson have had five children. 

Philip Murphj' was born in county 
INIayo, Ireland, May 17, 1819, being a 
son of Francis and Bridget (Mulharen) 
]\Inrphy. Philip came to America, 
March 10, 1844, and settled in New- 
York, where he remained until 1851, 
when he removed to St. Louis, Mo., 
where he made his home for 10 years, 
engaged as a laborer. He then came to 
Illinois, and settled in Jersey county, 
buying a farm of 60 acres near Delhi. 
There he remained three years, then 
sold his farm and came to Greene 
county, buying 80 acres of land on sec- 
tion 34, Linder township, where he yet 
resides. By hard work and good man- 
agement, he has succeeded in accumu- 
lating 360 acres of land, 160 of which is 
in this county, and 200 acres in Mis- 
souri. Philip Murphy and Ann Col- 
lins, a native of Ireland, were united in 
tlie holy bonds of matrimony, in 1851. 
They were the parents of eight chil- 



dren — Francis, now in Nebraska; Mary 
A., wife of Thomas Case, in Kane town- 
ship; William, deceased; Thomas, now 
in Chicago, working at the plumber's 
trade; Maggie, James, John and Charles, 
at home. Mr. Murphy and family are 
members of the Catholic church, and, in 
politics, he is a liberal. He commenced 
life, a poor boy, but, by his own exer- 
tion, and good management, he has suc- 
ceeded in gaining a competency for him- 
self and family. Being very poor, and 
desirous of having an education, after 
his day's work was through, he would 
study by the light of the fire-place, and 
at last, succeeded in getting a liberal 
education. He left his native country 
on account of the form of governnn'nt 
he had to live under, he being a lover 
of free schools, and free soil. He is a 
staunch supporter of the Irish land 
league, and is a liberal minded and pub- 
lic spirited man. Philiji's father spent 
his declining years with his son, dejjart- 
ing this life on the 20th day of Aug., 
1880. His mother died in 1850, in 
Zanesville, 0. They were both mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. 

George M. Witt was born in Linder 
township, Greene county, 111., Oct. 6, 
1856. He is a son of Daniel and Dicy 
(Linder) Witt, the former a native of 
Tennessee, and the latter of Greene 
county, 111. Our subject has resided in 
this comity all his life, having lived on 
the farm of his father all that time, with 
the exception of aliout one year. Mr. 
Witt has been twice married, the first 
time to Etna Waltrip, a daughter of 
Michael and Ailsey Waltrip, on the 4th 
of Oct., 1879. She lived only a few 
months after her marriage, passing away 
May 10, 1880, and was buried two days 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



935 



later, at Hickory Grove church, of which 
slie was a member. Mr. Witt was again 
married, Dec. 17, 18S4, to Josie Detche- 
meiifly, a native of St. Louis, Mo., and 
a daughter of Jule and Edna (Mallottej 
Detchemendy, of French descent, who 
reside in St. Louis. Mr. Witt owns 250 
acres of land, jointly with his father, all 
of which is well improved, showing them 
to be industrious, enterprising men. He 
devotes considerable attention to the 
raising of stock, and is quite successful 
at it. In politics Mr. Witt is a democrat. 
Harry D. Burruss was born Nov. 20, 
1850, in this township, and within three- 
(juarters of a mile of where he now re- 
sides. He is a son of George L. and 
Maria J. (Wood) Burruss, natives of 
Kentucky. They now reside upon the 
old homestead in this township. Harry 
remained at home working upon his 
fatlier's farm, and with him buying and 
shipping stock to market, and assisting 
him in other farm duties until 1880. 
On the 20th of Nov., 1879, he was mar- 
ried to Kittie A. Beat}', a daughter of 
John S. and Mary E. (Ross) Beaty, both 
natives of Ohio. They came to Jersey 
county in 1859, where they resided until 
1880, when they removed to Missouri, 
where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. 
Burruss have cme child — Vesta Lois, 
born ApriloO,1885. Mr. Burruss hasafine 
farm of 148 acres, all well improved and 
in a high state of cultivation. He makes 
a sj)ecialty of raising stock of a higli 
grade, having a short-born herd headed 
by Richmond, 24(>()1, recorded in vol- 
ume 15 of the American short-horn herd 
book, at Chicago, 111. He also raises 
the cotswold and southdown grades of 
sheep, and I'oland-China hogs, and has 
altogether a finely stocked farm. He 



has also a fine residence, pleasantly 
located and surrounded with all conve- 
nient outbuildings. Mr. Burruss is a 
meml^er of the rresl)yterian church, 
having united with that organization in 
1875. In politics he is republican, and 
is one of the most enterprising residents 
of this county. 

Jonas Kirbach, a prominent German 
citizen of Lindcr township, was born in 
Luxemberg, Germany, on the 6th of 
Oct., 1883, being a son of Nicholas and 
Catherine (Hoffman; Kirbach, both 
of whom were also natives of Germany, 
and both of whom died there, the former 
in 1842, and the latter in 1857. Nicholas 
was a miller by trade, and both lie and 
his wife were consistentmembers of the 
Catholic church. Jonas also learned 
the miller's trade in the old countrj', at 
which he worked there uj:) to the time 
of his coming to America. In 1859, he 
bade adieu to his parents, friends and 
fatherland, and took passage on a ves- 
sel, for this, his adopted country, ar- 
riving in New York city, the voyage oc- 
cupying 32 days. From New York he 
came to Chicago, and after remaining 
there a week, be went to St. Louis in 
search of his brother, who came to this 
country a year previous, and whom lie 
found in the American bottoms, above 
Venice, chopping wood, in company 
with four other men. Here Jonas di- 
vided his time between hunting ami 
cooking for the wood chopjiers for three 
weeks, after which time lie went to 
Aurora, 111., where he worked for various 
parties on tiie farm. After a short time 
he went to LaSalle, where he took the 
boat and steamed down the river to Har- 
din, where he chopped wood a short 
time, and tlicn came to Barrow's mill. 



936 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



on the Macoupin creek, in this count}', 
where he was employed as a miller for 
three years. "While engaged as a miller, 
he rented a farm, which he continued to 
run for six years. The next succeeding 
10 years, he rented the J. C. Gardner 
farm, and then bought a farm of SO acres 
on sections, Linder township, where he 
still resides. He came to this country a 
poor man, hut by industry and good 
management has succeeded in accumu- 
lating a finely improved farm of 160 
acres, on which he carries on farming 
and stock-raising, his farm now being 
well stocked. In addition to what he 
owns, Mr. Kirbach also rents 200 acres 
of land. Jonas Kirbach and Elizabeth 
Leady, a native of Germany, were mar- 
ried July 30, 1860. By this union there 
were three children — Elizabeth, who 
died at the age of 11 days; John, horn 
Nov. 14, 1863; Henry, horn April 21, 
1865. Mrs. Kirljac^h died Oct. 18, 1865. 
Mr. Kirbach was again married Feb. 
25, 1866, to Barbara Brown, a native of 
Germany. Seven children have been 
born to them — Coonrod, born Jan. 10, 
1867, deceased; Frank, born Feb. 2, 
1868; Anna, born March 8, 1869; Joseph, 
born March 9, 1871; William, born 
March 16, 1872; Thomas, born April 11, 
1874, died April 22, 1874; Mary, born 
Sept. 2, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Kirbach 
and family are members of the Catholic 
church, which they attend at Carrollton. 
Philip Bermes, one of the prominent 
agriculturists of Linder township, was 
born in Germany, in 1830, he being a 
son of Peter and Margaret (HelfF) 
Bermes. With his parents, Philip came 
to this county, June 20, 1851, and set- 
tled in Linder township, where he still 
resides. His father died here, Aug. 25, 



1864, aged 61 years and seven months, 
and his mother, March 4, 1881, aged 75 
years, five months and five days. Both 
were buried in the Hardin cemetery. 
Philip Bermes was united in marriage, 
April 6, 1863, with Susan Lahr, a native 
of Germany. They have had eight 
children horn to them — Cliarles, died 
Aug. 28, 1864, aged 15 months; Peter, 
born I\[arch 15, 1866; John Philip, horn 
Aug. 2, 1867; Mary, born Oct. 28, 1869, 
and died July 15, 1871; George, born 
April 27, 1871, and died July 20, 1872; 
Frederick, born Oct. 14, 1872; Margaret, 
born June 25, 1874; Louis, horn Sept. 
24, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Bermes are 
members of the German Reform church, 
and he is also a member of the K. of H. 
He now owns 244 acres of improved 
land in this county, and is engaged in 
farming and stock-raising, in which he 
has been eminently successful, although 
he started in life a poor boy. By hard 
work, industry and economy he has suc- 
ceeded in gaining a fair share of this 
world's goods, and, in doing so, has 
earned a reputation for honesty, of 
which he may well feel proud. 

William Winters, a native of Ger- 
many, was born in 1820, he being a son 
of Jacob and Adeline Winters, both of 
whom were natives of Germany. William 
bid adieu to his friends and Fatherland in 
1858, and embarked on a vessel for 
America, and at the end of 61 days 
arrived in New Orleans. From the lat- 
ter point he took steamboat passage for 
St. Louis,' arriving there 13 days later. 
From there he went to Alton, and later 
to Carlinville, coming to Greene count}' 
from the later point, and buying 80 acres 
of land. Most of it was raw land, which 
he has since improved and added to. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



937 



until he now has? 160 acres of good land, 
all of which is located in Linder town- 
ship. William Winters was united in 
marriage, March 2, 1S53, with Elizabeth 
Oilman, a native of Germany. By their 
marriage they have been blessed with 
eight children — Elizabeth, the wife of 
James Martin, of Dakota; John, who 
accidentally shot himself while out 
hunting, and died six weeks later, Feb. 
27, 1.S85; George, living in Linder town- 
sliip; ISFaggie, wife of Moses Freer, of 
Rockbridge township; Susan, wife of 
Joseph Bower, of Kane township; Mary, 
wife of A. Johnson, of Solomon City, 
Kan.; William and Katie, at home. Mr. 
and Mrs. Winters are members of the 
Presbyterian church. Mr. Winters' 
grandfather lived to tho ripe old age of 
105 years, his father to the age of 99 
years, six months, and eight days, and 
his mother to the age of 88 years and 
two months. Thus it will be seen that 
the Winters family is a long-lived one. 
Charles Fischer, a native of Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany, was born Feb. l(i, 
18-48, being a son of Belthaser and Ann 
M. (Becker) Fischer, both of whom were 
natives of the same country. In 1S67, 
Charles bade adieu to his friends and 
fatherland and took passage for America, 
landing in New York, March 12, 1867. 
After remaining there a couple of days, 
he started for Carrollton, Greene county, 
111., arriving in due time. From there 
he came to Linder township, where for 
seven years he worked on a farm by the 
month. He then rented land for three 
years, at the expiration of which time 
he bought 150 acres of land on sections 
4 and 5, Linder township, and still re- 
sides on tlie place. Charles Fischer was 
miited in marriage, March 26, 1874, with 



Bena Dannn, a native of this county, 
and a daughter of Dieter Damm, de- 
ceased. Their union was blessed with 
four children, two of whom are living 
— Carl, born Nov. 25, 1880, and Bena, 
born July 18,1883. In 1882 Charles vis- 
ited witli his friends and relatives in the 
old country for six weeks. He has one 
brother in this country — John H., who 
resides with him. One brother — Theo- 
dore, died in this county, Nov. 24, 1881. 
Henry, also a brother of Charles, and 
one sister, Emma, still live in the old 
country. The father of our subject died 
in Germany, June 24, 1885, aged ."8 
years, while his motheris still living, at 
the age of 56 years. The family are 
members of tho Lutheran church. 

Dieter Damm, deceased, was born 
in 1814, in Monzernheim, Germany, his 
parents being Michael and Elizabeth 
(Weifenbach) Damm. He bade adieu 
to the fatherland and friends in 1839, 
and took passage for America. Upon 
coming to this country he settled on the 
Thomas Black farm, in Carrcdlton town- 
ship, where he worked until 1841. 
Three years later he bought 80 acres on 
section 11, Linder township, where ho 
resided until his death, which occurred 
Dec. 4, 1879. He was united in mar- 
riage Sept. 13, 1839, with Bena Winters, 
a native of CJermany. The}' were the 
])arents of eightchildren — PanlC, died 
in infancy; John L., died in 1878; Chris- 
tian; Catherine, widow of Jacob Rath- 
geber, now living with her mother; 
Dieter; Bena, wife of Charles Fischer; 
and Albert, who died in infancy. His 
widow is a member of the Presbyterian 
church, as was he also, during his life. 
At his death he was the owner of 160 
acres of hind. 



93S 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Dieter Damm, a son of Dieter, Sr., 
was born in Greene county, 111., in 1851. 
He was reared on a farm, and received 
his education in the district schools. 
In 1870, he was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Meister, a native of this 
county. Their union has been blessed 
with six children — Elizabeth, Dieter, 
Bena, Catherine, Elias and Mary, who 
are all attending school. Dieter farms 
160 acres of the homestead, and carries 
on general farming. He also runs a 
cider mill, nuiking cider for customers. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian 
church. Dieter is a pleasant gentleman, 
and is bound to leave a favorable opin- 
ion with all whom he comes in contact 
with. 

Christian Damm was born in Greene 
county, 111., Jan. 21, 1844, his parents 
being Dieter and Bena J. (Winters) 
Damm. Christian was married April 
12, 18()5, to Margaret Rathgeber, a na- 
tive of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Damm 
have been the parents of six children — 
Catherine; George, deceased; Christian, 
Philip, Maggie and Ellen. Mr. Damm 
is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and in 
politics, be is a republican. 

Michael 8hallue, was bm-n in county 
Clare, Ireland, his parents being Pat- 
rick and Bridget Shallue, both of whom 
were also natives of the same country. 
Michael left his native land in 1854, 
arriving in Detroit, Mich., in the fall of 
that year. He resided there until the 
fall of 1858, when he came to Carroll- 
ton, Greene county. 111., with his par- 
ents, niaking his home there until 1877. 
He then bought 315 acres of land south- 
east of Carrollton, and resided thereon 
until March, 1885,when he sold that farm 
and for $8,800 bought his present one of 



160 acres, which is situated on section 11 , 
Linder township. His farm is well im- 
proved, the residence on the same cost- 
ing some $3,000, and the barn $500. 
Mr. Shallue enlisted in the 85th Mo. 
Inf. during the late war, and served his 
adojited country for 18 months. He 
participated in the engagements of 
Mineral Point and DeSoto, besides other 
minor ones. He was married Aug. 14, 
1870, to Mary A. Fleming, a native of 
Connecticut. They have been blessed 
with five children — Sarah E., Mary J., 
James P., Catherine M. and Michael F. 
His father died in Carrollton, in Aug., 
1882, and was buried in the Catholic 
cemetery. Michael started the battle of 
life a poor boy, and has made all he 
now has by hard work and good man- 
agement. He is a man of fair educa- 
tion, which he received in the district 
schools. Both he and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. His occu- 
pation at present is general farming. 

George Graham was born in county 
Tyrone, Ireland, June 11, 1825, he be- 
ing a son of George and Sarah (Wilson) 
Graham, both of whom were also na- 
tives of the same country. George left 
his native countr\' in 1846, came to 
America, and located in Monmouth 
county, N. J., where, for 10 years, he 
was engaged as a farm hand. In 1855, 
he came to Jerseyville, Jersey county, 
111., and learned the baker's trade, 
which he followed for 12 years. He 
then came to Greene county, and bought 
60 acres of land, on section 20, Linder 
township, where he still lives. He is 
now the owner of 169 acres of improved 
land, and the house in which he now 
lives cost over $2,000. He left home, 
when 10 years of age, without a cent, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



OMO 



and entirely destitute, and has earned 
his present competcnry by hard hvbor 
and good management. He is a well 
informed man, but received his educa- 
tion by the light of the fire-place, after 
his day's work was done, he having re- 
ceived only three month's schooling. 
He is a liberal minded man, and is a 
lirm believer in the free school system. 
George Graham and Loie B. Hill, a na- 
tive of New Jersey, were married Nov. 
0, 1867. They have had two children 
horn to them — William, died in infancy, 
and Austin, at home. Mr. Graham is a 
member of the Presbyterian church, 
while his wife affiliates with the Bap- 
tists. ]\Ir. Graham's father departed 
this life, in Ireland, in ISG.t, and his 
mother, when George was only six 
years of age. In politics, Mr. (iraham 
is a staunch supporter of the republi- 
can party. 

Patrick W. McMahon, a resident of 
Linder township, was born in the south 
of Ireland, his parents being John P. 
W . and Ann A. (Considinc) McMahon, 
both natives of Ireland, the former 
dying July 13, 1876, and the latter in 
1849, aged 45 years. Patrick W. came 
to America, landing at New Orleans on 
Dec. 25, 1851, after a voyage on tlic 
ocean ;)f 36 days. From there he came 
to Carrollton. this county, where he re- 
mained a short time, and then went to 
Work for Jacob Bowman, on a farm. 
Altogether be worked as a farm hand 
for five years, then bought land one and 
a half miles east of C'arrolllon, which 
he continued to own for six years. Then 
for one year he rented land, at the expi- 
ration of which time he bought 160 acres 
of land on sections 5 and 8, Linder 
township, and is still a resident of the 



township. In 1855 he was united in 
marriage with Bridget ('armody, a na- 
tive of Ireland. They are the parents 
of 10 children — William A., John H., 
Mortimer A., Daniel J., Henry G., Ed- 
ward S., Agnes A., Thomas C, Mitchell 
E., and Julia A. Daniel J. is a j)r()- 
fcssor in 8t. Ignatius College, Chicago, 
he having partly received his education 
in the district schools of his township, 
at Carrollton, and finally finished at 
Chicago. He is now 22 years of age. 
Mr. McMahon is liberal in his views, 
and his wife is a member of the Cath- 
olic church. He commenced his life's 
struggles a poor boy, but by energy, 
perseverance and good management, he 
has succeeded in accunnilating a fair 
share of this world's goods, wliich will 
materially assist in making bis declin- 
ing years pleasant. He is a firm be- 
liever in moral freedom and education. 
Alexander Hankins was born Maj' 8, 
181!), in Knox county. East Tenn. He 
is a son of James and Margivret (Mc- 
Pheron) Hankins, natives of Tennessee. 
They removed to Scott ccnmty, 111., in 
1828, locating on a farm near Winclies- 
ter, where they lived until their death, 
his father's occurring in 1855, and his 
mother's in 1S52. Alexander remained 
at home with his parents until he was 
22 years of age. As his father was a 
poor man, lie was obliged to assist him 
on the farn>, so that his advantages for 
obtaining an education were not of the 
best, although he improved the oppor- 
tunities ottered in the common sclumls 
of the county. He was murried Dee. 7, 
1840, to Mary J. Kirby, a daughter of 
Daniel and Eliza (Ilardcastle) Kirby, 
natives of Maryland, where Mary was 
also born. Her parents afterward came 



940 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



to Greene county, 111., and resided here 
until their death. Mr. Hankins was 
married in this county, but resided 
some six years in Scott county before 
locating here permanent!}', which he 
did in 1841), upon the farm where he re- 
sides. Seven children were born to 
them, six of whom are now living — 
P'liza A., James M., Jolm H., Daniel, 
William C, Mattie, Margaret, deceased. 
Mrs. Hankins died June 1, ISoS, and 
was buried in the Providence cemetery. 
Mr. Hankins was again married Feb. 7, 
1856, to Nancy A. Critchfield, a daugh- 
ter of Jesse and Ruan (Cadle) Critch- 
field, natives of Tennessee. Nancy was 
born in that state in 1830, and removed 
with her parents to Kentucky when 
quite young, and later on came to tliis 
county. Five children were born to 
this union — Albert F., Emma B., Allie, 
Julia and Charles. Mr. Hankins has 
160 acres of land, all improved. He 
has served his district in the capacity of 
school director. He became a member 
of Taylor's Creek Baptist church, in 
1849, and continued in it until 18.57, 
when it dissolved. In 1858, he united 
with the Providence Baptist church, and 
was ordained to the ministry, by Elders 
J. V. Rhoades and A. Farrow, in 1864. 
John H. Perrine, one of the early set- 
tlers of Linder township, is a native of 
Monmouth county, N. J., and was born 
in 1812, being a son of Henry and Josie 
(Holman) Perrine, both of whom were 
also natives of New Jersey. John was 
reared to agricultural pursuits, and re- 
ceived his education in the district 
schools of his native state. In the 
spring of 1832, he came to Illinois, set- 
tling on section 30, Linder township, 
Greene county, where he now resides, 



and owns 140 acres of improved land, be- 
ing engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
John H. Perrine and Charlotte Perrine, 
a native of the state of New Jersey, 
were united in marriage. By this union 
they have been blessed with five child- 
ren, two of whom are now living, and 
three are deceased — ]\Iary A., born May 
11, 1832, and died in Dec!, 1875; William 
H., born May 23, 1839, and died Aug. 

29, 1877; Peter, born Oct. 23, 1842, and 
died Nov. 15, 1873; Charles, born Dec. 

30, 1845, and Sarah H., born Oct. 18, 
1849. Mr. Perrine is one of the jiromi- 
nent and substantial farmers of Linder 
township, and has lived to see the won- 
derful development made by his adopted 
county. He is a kind, genial gentle- 
man, and is highly respected in the 
community in which he resides. 

Frederick Wellhausen was born in 
Hanover, Ger'y, being a son of Daniel 
and Malinda Wellhausen, both of whom 
were natives of Germany also. In 1868 
he came to America, but had previously 
spent one year in the German army. 
On coming to this country Frederick 
remained in St. Louis, Mo., five months, 
engaged in making mill buhrs. He then 
came to White Hall, Greene county. 111., 
where for one year he engaged in work- 
ing at his trade, that of a miller. At 
the expiration of that time, he returned 
to St. Louis and followed milling for 
four months, he having learned the 
trade in Hanover, Germany. From St. 
Louis he went to Belleville, 111., where 
he remained a few months. He then 
came to Jalappa, Greene county, where 
for one and a half j'cars he was engaged in 
running a mill. He then bought a farm 
in Kane township, where he farmed for 
three years, and then went to Jersey 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



941 



county, working on a farm for one year. 
The next succeeding 10 years he rented 
land, and then bought a farm on section 
28, Ivinder township, where he still re- 
sides, engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
Frederick Wellhausen and Katie Bow- 
ers, a native of (lerniany, were married 
in 1872. Among their children, were 
— Gussie, deceased, John and C'hristo- 
]iher. yir. ^\'ellhausen is a member of 
Kane lodge of the 1. 0. 0. F. He is now 
the owner of 40 acres of land in Linder 
township. 

EDUCATIOXAI,. 

School district No. 1, or I'nion, has a 
sch()(d building, which was erected in 
1874, at a cost of $1,750. It is built of 
brick. The contractor was Adam Engle- 
man. The building committee were, 
I'eter M. Brown and Gilbert Full r. 
The iirst teacher was E. C. Sackctt. 

School district No. 2. The school 
building in this district was erected in 
Si>pt., bSiJii. It is a neat frame structure, 
18x22 feet in size, and cost about $450. 
At the time of the building of it, there 
was an enrollment of 30 pupils, while 
now there is some 40. The pioneer 
teacher in this building was Ilulda G. 
Gage. The ])resent one is Adolphus 
Miller. 

School district No. 3. — The Iirst 
school house in this district was erected 
in 1854. It was a frame structure, alxmt 
24x;>6 feet in size, and cost about $500. 
Samuel Jolly tanglit the first school in 
this. This editice was commenced by 
the subscription of various inhabitants 
o{ the district, but was completed out 
of funds resulting from taxation. It 
stood on the southwest rjuarter of sec- 
tion 26, on the farm of Alexander Hank- 
ins. About the year 1S70, the present 



school house was built, on the north- 
west quarter of section 27. It is l(>x28 
feet in ground area. Joseph Brown 
taught the first school in the new edi- 
fice. Rose Secor is the present teacher. 
The average attendance is 45. Weslej' 
McPheron, William Mcldrum and Rob- 
ert Smith are the present directors. 

School district No. 4. — The school 
house in tliis district, is situated on the 
southwest quarter of section 10. It was 
originally erected in 185;-5, by Engleman 
& Bishop, a few rods west of the resi- 
dence of Christian Damm, but was af- 
terward moved to its present location, 
and about 1879, remodeled and rebuilt. 
It is a frame structure, 20x30 feet in 
size. The tirst scliool was taught by 
Ira F). Pickett.. The present teacher is 
Jennie Ryan. \\'illiam W. Johnson, 
Uen Linder and Henry Itoljley are the 
directors for 1885. 

School district No. 5 has a school 
building, which was erected in 1874, at 
a cost of $800. George Crane was the 
contractor. The first directors were, 
Jesse Robards, T. C. Robinson, and 
James Miller. The j)rcsent ones are 
John Rhoades, William Turner and 
Robert Hardcastle. The presentteacher 
is ISclle Cnnnedy. 

School district No. 7 had a, sclmol 
buihling, which was put up in 18(i3, 
The first directors were, Jonathan Kind, 
P. W. McMalion, and John Coleman. 
TlrfS building is 20x30 feet in size, and 
cost $775. The first teacher was Belle 
Cain. There was an enrollment here at 
that time of about 33. This was aban- 
doned as a school house in March, 1884, 
on account of its inconvenience to a 
portion of the pupils, and the rough 
traveling necessary to reach it. The 



942 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



new school house is on the west side of 
the district, and bears the name of Dia- 
mond. This was built in 1883, at a cost 
of S57.5, a.id is 20x26 feet in size. They 
had one erected previous to tliis, l)Ut it 
was burned when about completed. 

CKMKTERY. 

Harden cemetery is located upon the 
southeast corner of section 12. The 
land, one acre, was donated by a Doctor 
Culver, to the public, for cemetery pur- 
poses, about the year 1832 or 1833. 
Culver afterward returned to the state 
of Pennsylvania, from which he came, 
where he died. The land upon which 
the cemetery is located was afterward 
sold to Robert A. Harden, who died 
without ex(>cuting any deed, and so it 
remains to this da}'. 

D.M'M POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice at Daum, which is lo- 
cated upon the southeast corner of the 
northeast quarter of section 9, was es- 
tablished as such, July 14, 1884, and 
Charles A. Campbell commissioned as 
postmaster. This office is located on 
the L., C. & W. R. R. 

There is, at this place, a general mer- 
chandise store, kept by Benjamin M. 
Spaulding, who succeeded Charles A. 
Campbell in the business, Sept. 1, 1885. 
Mr. Campbell established this store in 
June, 1884. It is contained in a room 
about 16x20 feet in dimensions, and the 
stock would invoice about §1,000. 

COUNTY POOR FARM. 

The building on the fine Poor farm of 
Greene county, was erected in the fall 
of 1870, and is a large, three-story, 
brick building, with commodious base- 



)nent under the entire edifice. Joseph 
C. Brown was the first superintendent 
of the place, and remained in charge 
for two years. He was succeeded by 
Asa Slone, who has remained in that 
capacity ever since. During the last 
seven or eight years, the average num- 
ber of inmates has been about 30. The 
farm embraces 160 acres of excellent 
land, on section 7, most of which is 
nicely improved. When Mr. Slone 
took charge, the farm was nearly all 
covered with timber of a young growth, 
with the exception of about 30 acres, 
but at present there can be seen marked 
improvement in every respect. In the 
building there are nine rooms in the 
basement, which includes dining room, 
kitchen, flour room, etc. On the next 
floor are 12 rooms, seven of which are 
bed rooms for male paupers. The bal- 
ance of the apartments on this floor are 
used by Mr. Slone and family, as sitting 
rooms and parlors. In the second story 
there are eight rooms, one of which is 
quite large, originally intended for a 
chapel, but has never been put to that 
1 use, but is put into requisition as a gen- 
eral work room. The rest of the rooms 
on this floor are used as sleeping apart- 
ments by the inmates. In the third 
story there are three dormitories for the 
women inmates, not otherwise pro- 
vided for. This makes a total of 32 
rooms, besides several halls running 
through the different parts of the house. 
It is well appointed throughout, and is 
decidedly to the credit of Greene county, 
and an honor to Mr. Slone and his es- 
teemed wife for the able manner in 
which it is managed. 

Asa Slone, superintendent of the poor 
farm, was born in Chatham county, N. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



943 



C, Oct. 17, 1825. He is a son of Mat- 
thev.' and C'hloe (Hughes) Slone, also 
natives of the above state. In 18.33 
they came to Greene county, 111., set- 
tling in the town of Carrollton, where 
they resided some seven or eight years, 
when they removed to Macoupin county, 
and spent the remainder of their lives 
there. His father died Aug. 10, 1843, 
and his mother Aug. 19, 1868, at the 
home of her son in Carrollton. Asa, 
the subject of this sketch, is the young- 
est and only one living of a family of 
four children, those deceased being — • 
Nancy, Martha and David. He re- 
moved with his parents to Macoupin 
county, where he resided some eight 
months, when he returned to Carrollton 
and began to learn the trade of black- 
smithing, which he afterwards followed 
for many years. When the Mexican 



war broke out, he enlisted in Co. C, 1st 
111. Inf., and took part in the battle of 
Buena Vista, besides being in several 
skirmishes. He was mustered out in 
the latter part of June, 1847, at Ca- 
margo, Mex., and returned to Carroll- 
ton, where he resided until taking 
charge of the county poor farm, in 
March, 1873. It is unnecessary to extol 
the merits of Mr. Slone in this capacity, 
as the length of time he has already 
served will prove his ability for the po- 
sition, and the satisfactory manner in 
which he conducts the business. He 
was married July 6, 1848, to Ann M. 
Col well. By this marriage there were 
seven children, sixof whom are living — 
Margaret V., deceased; William M., 
Samuel T., Robert A., John C, Mary 
C. and Maud A. Mr. Slone's political 
views are democratic. 



aHAPT^ELR. XXI. 



WRIGHTS 

This comprises all of congressional 
T. 11 north, R. 11 west, and is bounded 
on the north by White Hall township, 
on the east by Rubicon, on the south by 
Linder, and on the west l)y White Hall 
and Carrollton. Part of the township 
is well covered with timber while the 
balance is either prairie or cleared land, 
and all of a very fine grade. The soil 
is a warm, black, clayey loam, with 
innate powers of fertility beyond the 
possibility of exhaustion. The surface 
is generally gently undulating except in 



TOWNSHIP. 

the neighborhood of the creeks, when it 
becomes a little more abrupt, but not so 
as to interfere with the tillage of it. 
Apple, Big Bear, Little Bear, and Whit- 
aker's creeks supply an abundance of 
water for all stock purposes, and aflbrd 
ample drainage. Apple creek crosses 
the township in a diagonal line from 
northeast to southwest, leaving the 
township about the center of the west 
line. The Big Bear is a tributary of 
Apple creek, making a confluence with 
the main stream on section Ki. Little 



57 



Bear is a small rivulet flowing into the 
Big Bear. Whitaker's creek is in the 
south part of the township. The St. Louis 
branch of the C, B. & Q. R. R. passes 
through the township, and there is one 
town on the line, in Wright's township 
— Wrightsville. The citizens of this 
township are, as a rule, well-to-do, 
thrifty and intelligent. 

E.\RLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first to make a settlement within 
the territory now embraced in the town- 
ship of Wrights, was William Waltrip, 
who came here in 1819, and located on 
the north of Apple creek, on the south- 
west quarter of section 18. A sketch of 
this pioneer is appended. 

William Waltrip was the first settler 
of what is now Wrights township, locat- 
ing on the north side of Apple creek, on 
the southwest quarter of section 18, in 
Dec, 1879. In October of that year he 
left Kentucky, in company with his and 
several other families, with the inten- 
tion of locating in Missouri, where one 
of his brother's had gone the previous 
year. But on crossing the river at 
Smeltzer'sferry,and going to St. Charles, 
they met his brother returning to Ken- 
tucky. They then returned to the neigh- 
borhood of Edwardsville, 111., where the 
family were left until a location could 
be decided on. Mr. Waltrip and his 
brother, Luke, came up into Greene 
county, and selected the location pre- 
viously described on section 18, in this 
township. They then returned to Ed- 
wardsville for their families, and arrived 
at the place selected, in Dec, 1819. 
There were about 20 of them, and they 
passed the winter in a camp, which the 
men had arranged, their food consisting 



principally of venison and corn bread. 
The following spring a clearing was 
made, and quite a crop of corn was 
raised that year. Tlicy remained here 
until the spring of 1823, when they re- 
moved to the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 31, and made a settlement, where 
they remained many years. Mr. Wal- 
trip was born in Halifax countj', Va., 
Aug. 1, 1776, and was a son of Luke and 
Mary (Bunton) Waltrip, also natives of 
that state. He was married Dec. 27, 
1802, to Elizabeth Thaxton, a daughter 
of William and Sarah (Gravitt) Thax- 
ton, natives of Virginia. In 1803, they 
removed to Kentucky, where they re- 
mained until coming to this county. 
They were the parents of 10 children- 
Bird, Sarah, Michael, Mary, William G., 
Martha, Eliza, Luke, Lucretia and Wil- 
son. Mr. Waltrip died Feb. 28, 1850, 
and Mrs. Waltrip, Aug. 23, 1855. 

'\\'illiam G. ^^'altrip, son of William 
and Elizabeth (Tliaxton) Waltrip, was 
born in Kentucky, Aug. 5, 1814. He 
came with his parents to this county in 
1819, where he has since resided, being 
a resident of the town of Wrightsville. 
He was married July 20, 1841, to Mary 
Heater, a native of this county, born 
Dec. 24, 1824, and a daughter of David 
and Mary (Reeder) Heater, natives of 
Ohio. They resided near White Hall 
where her father died in May, 1827, her 
mother surviving him until Julj' 23, 
1834, when she too passed away. Mr. 
and Mrs. Waltrip are the parents of 10 
children — William D., deceased; Emily 
J., Angeline, Elsa A , deceased; Leo, 
deceased; John L., deceased; Luke de- 
ceased; Howard, deceased; and two who 
died in infancy. Mrs. Waltrip died 
Aug. 15, 1877. Mr. Waltrip was again 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



945 



married Nov. 7, 1878, to Susan Ogle, a 
daughter of Benjamin and Hannah 
(Hill) Ogle, natives of Tennessee. They 
came to this county in 1818, settling on 
the Macoupin creek, two miles south- 
west of Carrollton. Two years later 
they purchased a farm, three miles and 
a half north of Carrollton, where they 
passed the remainder of their days, 
Mr. Ogle dying in 1864, and Mrs. Ogle 
in 1872. Mr. Waltrip has a farm of 64 
acres. He was reared in this county, 
and has spent nearly his entire life 
here, and is now spending his remaind- 
ing days in contentment in the village 
of Wrightsville. 

Larkin Thaxton came to this town- 
ship in 1819, and made a settlement. 

Larkin Thaxton, deceased, was a na- 
tive of Old Virginia. He came to 
Greene county. 111., in 1819, and set- 
tled on Apple creek bottom, where he 
lived for some three years, prior to the 
government survey. He then entered 
a 40-acre tract of land, in school district 
No. 4, and resided there up to the time 
of his death, following agricultural pur- 
suits as his life-long avocation. His 
wife was Catherine Dudley, who was a 
native of Scotland. 

Parham Thaxton, a son of the above, 
was born in Wrights township, this 
county, on the 8th day of Jan., 1821. 
He was reared on a farm up to his 14th 
year, when he went to Carrollton, and 
learned the trades of stone-mason, brick- 
laying and plastering, which he has 
followed almost ever since, with satis- 
faction and profit. He was also, quite a 
successful contractor, and has built a 
great many residences and buildings in 
this county. He has now retired from 
mechanical pursuits, but occasionally 



does a job of building. While follow- 
ing his trade, he also ran a farm, and 
was successful as an agriculturist. In 
the month of Feb., 1857, he was united 
in marriage with Ann Drum, a native 
of this county, and a daughter of .John 
Drum, one of the pioneers of this coun- 
ty. By this marriage they have had 
four children born to them — Florence, 
at home; Luella, who died in the fall of 
1882; Jeannette, at homo; Clifford, ,it 
home. Mr. and Mrs. Thaxton and eld- 
est daughter are members of the Hickory 
Grove Baptist church. He is township 
trustee at present, this being his second 
term. He was appointed by the court 
to fill out the unexpired term of .John 
D. Jack, as coroner, and two years later 
was elected to the office, and served a 
full term. He now owns some 200 acres 
of improved land, and his residence 
cost $2,000. At the age of 14 years he 
started for himself, a poor boy, and has 
made his present competence by his 
own exertions. Early in life he formed 
good moral and industrious habits, 
which he continued through life. 

Thomas Lorton made his settlement in 
this township, on section 8, in 1820. He 
was born in Virginia, in 1784, and was 
the son of Robert and Tabitha (Gana- 
way) Lorton. His father was a Revo- 
lutionary soldier. When about 17 years 
of age, Thomas removed to Cumberland 
county, Ky., where he lived until 1818, 
when he came \o this state, locating, 
for the time being, in Bond count}', 
from where he came here. He was 
married Sept. 22, 1810, to Frances 
Nance, also a native of Virginia, and 
they were the parents of 12 children. 
Mr. Lorton spent the balance of his 
days in this township, dying Dec. 17, 



946 



HISTORY OF GREENE COl ^- TY. 



1863. His wife died Aug. 15, 1871, and 
both are buried in White Hall ceme- 
tery. 

In 1820, Zachariah and James Allen 
made settlement in this township, as 
did David Battle. 

David Henderfion came to this town- 
ship in 1820, and taking up a farm on 
section 7, entered upon the life of a 
pioneer. He came from Ohio. He re- 
mained upon the old homestead until 
his deatli. 

Joseph Henderson, a worthy repre- 
sentative of one of the old settler fami- 
lies of this county, is a native of Ohio, 
liaving been born there in 1813, his pa- 
rents being Daniel and Sarah (Collins) 
Henderson. With his parents, Joseph 
came to Illinois, in 1820, and settled on 
section 7, Wrights township, where 
Joseph has ever since resided. He was 
united in marriage, in 1832, with Mary 
Ann Stout, a native of Ohio. Mrs. 
Henderson departed this life Sept. 3, 
1876. Mr. Henderson was again mar- 
ried, Sept. 3, 1885, to Clara Davidson, a 
native of this county, born Feb. 20, 
1867. He is a member of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church, while his 
wife affiliates with the Baptists. Joseph 
was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
which he has followed all his life. He 
is now the owner of 100 acres of land, 
which is all improved. In politics, he 
is a republican, but has liad no ambition 
for political preferment. He is a kind, 
genial gentleman, and is much respected 
by all his friends and acquaintances. 

H. Clay Thaxton was one of the ear- 
liest settlers in this county. He came 
here in 1818, and went to work on gov- 
ernment land, on the Apple creek bot- 
tom. In 1821, when these lands came 



into the marl;et, he entered 80 acres of 
land on section 28, of this township, on 
to which he moved. He was born in 
Virginia, Aug. 5, 1799. When 12 years 
of age he moved to Kentucky with his 
parents, where he remained until lie 
was about 19, when he came to this 
county. He has, since making liis first 
entrv, purchased other property, and 
has owned considerable tracts of land. 
He was married Nov. 9, 1829, to Caro- 
line Whitaker, a daughter of Robert 
Whitaker, one of the old settlers of 
the county, by whom he has had 11 
children, two of whom died in infancy. 
He is still a resident of this township, 
having been spared to witness the tre- 
mendous growth of Greene county, 
from its primitive wilderness 4o the 
civilization of to-day. 

William Hart, with his family, emi- 
grated from Indiana, in the spring of 
1822, and entered some 80 acres of land 
on Lorton's Prairie, where he lived 
about 30 years, when he removed to 
Piatt county, this state, but eventually 
returned to this county and died here. 

Jesse Stark and family made their 
settlement in Greene county, in 1823, on 
section 81. He was a native of the 
state of New Jersey, and served in tlie 
army during tlie war of 1812-15. After 
the close of the hostillities, he removed 
to Tennessee, where he was married. 
From thence he removed to Madison 
county, this state, and shortly after to 
this county. He had a large family of 
children. He resided upon the home- 
stead, which he had established, until 
the day of his death, in Aug., 1854. His 
wife died in March, 1829. But two of 
his children are living now, and they 
are both residents of Nebraslva. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



947 



Dudley Brannan, with his family, set- 
tled in Wrights township, in 1824, 
where they resided until his death. Mr. 
Brannan came from Kentucky to this 
county. 

Louis J. Ballard, in 1829, came to 
Greene county, looking for a home. He 
found that which he sought, on section 
7, in AVright's township, and soon com- 
niencod improvements. He was born 
in Lincoln county, N. C, Oct. 4, 1800. 
At the age of 10 years he moved with 
his parents to Tennessee, where, July 

22, 1824, he was united in marriage with 
Ruth Pace. The result of this union 
was twelve children, several of whom 
are still living. Mr. Ballard resided 
here until his death, which took place 
in 1878. His wife .survived him until 
1882. Both are buried in the White 
Hall cemetery. 

William H. Goode came to Wright's 
township in 1829, settling upon section 
31, upon the place now owned by E. 
Meister. 

William B. Goode was born in Chris- 
tian county, Ky., Sept. 16, 1827. He is 
a son of William H. and Jinsa (Walker) 
Goode, the former a native of Halifax 
county, Va., and the latter a native of 
Tennessee. When William H. was 
about 12 years of age, his parents re- 
moved to Kentuck)^ where William was 
reared and married. In 1829 he came 
to this county, and settled in Wright's 
township, on the place now owned by 
E. Meister, where he broke some ground 
and put in a corn crop. Here he re- 
mained until 1856, when he removed to 
Davis county, la., where he lived until 
his ileath, Jan. 12, 1874, in the 76th 
year of his age, having been born Feb. 

23, 1797. Jinsa (Walker) Goode died in 



1835. William B. came to this county 
with his parents in 1829, and has since 
resided here. On Aug. 22, 1845, he was 
married to Eliza A. Davidson. By this 
union there were five children — Jinsa A ., 
deceased wife of William D. Waltrip, 
now deceased; Emeline and Angeline, 
twins; Melissa J., wife of Robert Good- 
hall; John L., married Abbie Pinkerton, 
who died in 1885. Mrs. Goode died in 
1858, and on Oct. 12, 1854, Mr. Goode 
was again married to Elizabeth Walker. 
By this marriage there were the follow- 
ing children — William H., died July 25, 
1860; Mary E., died Nov. 7, 1859; Sarah 
M., died Oct. 2, 1863; Louisa, died 
March 14, 1866; Alzina, living at home; 
Laura, died Dec. 24, 1870; Fannie, died 
May 19, 1873, and Alvin, living at home, 
born April 20, 1872. Mr. Goode owns 
532 acres of land, part of which is in 
Iowa. He has served his district nine 
years as school director, and has also 
held the office of supervisor for a num- 
ber of years; and is an enterprising and 
highly esteemed citizen. 

John L. Goode was born on the farm 
and homestead now occupied by his 
father, in this township, July 25, 1851. 
He is a son of William B. and Eliza A. 
(Davidson) Goode. John obtained his 
education in the district schools of the 
township. He remained at home until 
he was 19 years of age, and was then 
married, Oct. 30, 1870, to Abigail Pink- 
erton. She was born about a half mile 
east of Berdan, Maj' 7, 1854, and is a 
daughter of James G. and Martha A. 
(^^'altrip) Pinkerton. Alter marriage, 
Mr. Goode resided upon some land 
which he rented from his father, for 
about two years, and then moved on a 
farm of his own, situated about three- 



948 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



quarters of a mile north of his father's 
farm, He remained there until Oct., 
1878, when he sold out and removed to 
his present location, on the northwest 
quarter of section 22, in this township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Goode had one child born 
to them — Lillie May, born May 13, 
1873. On Feb. 24, "lS85, Mrs. Goode 
was taken away from this world, hav- 
ing been afflicted with derangement of 
the nerves. Her remains were interred 
in Hickory Grove cemetery. Her loss 
was deeply mourned by relatives and 
friends. Mr. Goode is very comfortably 
fixed, and has 140 acres of land, all well 
improved, except 10 acres of timber 
land. He is a member of Hickory 
Grove Baptist church, as was also his 
wife, before her death. In politics, he 
is a democrat. 

Lemuel Stubblefield came to this 
township in 1830. He had come to the 
county some three years previous, and 
settled near CarroUton. When he came 
here he located upon some land on sec- 
tion 7. 

James H. Stubblefield was born in 
Tennessee in 1817, he being a son of 
Lemuel and Jane (Henry) Stubblefield, 
both of whom were natives of North 
Carolina. With his parents, James 
came to Illinois in 1821, and located in 
Randolph county. In 1827 they came 
to Greene county and settled near Car- 
roUton. Three years later they removed 
to section 7, Wrights township, where 
James still resides. He was united 
in marriage, in 1849, with Martha 
Johnson, a native of Ohio, and a 
daughter of John L. Johnson. Mr. 
and Mrs. Stubblefield have eight chil- 
dren — Mary W., a teacher, at home; 
James H., who died in 1853; Laura J., 



at home; Arabella, teacher, at home 
Mattie, wife of Albert Allen, of Pal- 
myra; John H., at home; William S. 
engineer on the C. B. &. Q.; Frank, 
attending school at White Hall. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stubblefield and their daughters 
are members of tlie M. E. church. He 
is the owner of 298 acres of improved 
land, and is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, and makes a specialty of 
fine hogs, of the Poland-China variety. 
He keeps thoroughbreds on hand for 
sale at all times. He also handles 
Clydesdale and Norman horses, and 
high bred short-horn cattle, and now 
has on hand a half-breed Clyde stallion. 
He is a stock-holder in the Greene 
County Agricultural Society, of which 
he has been a director several terms. 
His education was received in the prim- 
ative log school house, of early days, 
and, although he began life a poor boy, 
by industry and economy he has suc- 
ceeded m gaining competency. 

Charles Bradshaw came to this town- 
ship from Morgan county, in 1831, and 
settled down upon a farm on section 4. 
Here he resided until called to "that 
land from whose bourne no traveler ever 
returns." 

Perry Bradshaw, a native of White 
county, Tenn., was born May 17, 1828, 
and is a son of Charles and Mary A. 
(Baker) Bradshaw, natives of South 
Carolina. The former was born March 
26, 1795, and the latter Jan. 26, 1804. 
They were married in 1820, in Tennes- 
see, where they had previously removed, 
and become acquainted. They removed 
to Morgan county. 111., in 1828, where 
they remained until the spring of 1831, 
when they came to this county, settling 
on section 4, Wrights township. They 



were the parents of 16 children — Elvira, 
deceased; John; Joel, deceased; Mary, 
deceased; William M.; Perry; Vance, 
deceased; Charles, deceased; Nancy; 
Francis M.; Mary J.; Frances, de- 
ceased; Drusilla, deceased; Lucinda; 
Andrew J., deceased; and George W., 
deceased. Mr. B. was one of the early 
settlers of this township, and resided 
here until his death, Dec. 23, 1869. He 
was county commissioner during the 
years 1846-7-8, and also served his town- 
ship in various official capacities. His 
wife still survives him, at an advanced 
age, and resides at the old homestead. 
Perry was about three years old when 
his parents came to this county, and 
was reared upon a farm within a mile of 
where he now resides, and obtained his 
education at the district schools of the 
neighborhood. He was married, March 
28, 1849, to Phoebe Wise, a native of 
this state, and a daughter of Joseph and 
Sarah (Barrow) Wise, the former a na- 
tive of Virginia, and the latter of Ken- 
tucky. By this union there were four 
children, all of whom are dead — Min- 
erva E., Ann M., George M., and Na- 
home. Mrs. Bradshaw died Nov. 15, 
1856. Mr. Bradshaw was again mar- 
ried, March 18, 1860, to Elizabeth J. 
Wells, born in this county, March 6, 
1844. She was a daughter of James F. 
and Eliza C. (Ford) Wells, the latter 
afterward becoming the wife of James 
Baird. Mrs. Bradshaw's father was 
born March 6, 1822, and died in 1850; 
her mother was born June 18, 1823, and 
died Jan. 30, 1878. They were married, 
Sept. 8, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw 
are the parents of 12 children- — Laura J., 
born July 3, 1861; Oliver P., born Jan. 
19, 1863; Albert J., born Oct. 23, 1864; 



Charles F., born March 14, 1867; Lewis 
A., born Nov. 28, 1868; William R., 
born April 18, 1871, died Oct. 28, 1873; 
John E., born Jan. 6, 1873; Shannon 0., 
born April 20, 1875; Miner D., born 
Aug. 1, 1877, died May 29, 1879; Edith 
E., born Jan. 24, 1879; Mary C, born 
March 25, 1881; and Bernice A., born 
Feb. 16, 1883. Mr. Bradshaw has 373 
acres of land, all well improved except 
40 acres. He has served as school di- 
rector almost constantly for the past 
80 years, and in politics is a republican. 
He is a member of the Christian church, 
and is noted for his honesty and integ- 
rity. 

William Jones settled in Wrights 
townsiiipin 1833, entering the farm now 
known as the Wright's place. He was 
a native of Christian county, Ky., and 
was a resident of that state until coming 
here. He died on this place in 1853. 

Thomas Wright made a settlement in 
fill's township in 1833. A sketch of this 
pioneer is here inserted. 

Thomas Wright, Sr., one of the early 
settlers, came to Greene county in the 
fall of 1833, and entered 240 acres of 
land in Wrights township, 80 of which 
was timber land. He was a widower at 
that time, but he returned to Barren 
county, Ky., that fall, and was married 
to Mary Snowden, a native of that 
county, Nov. 12, 1833. The following 
March, Mr. Wright returned to this 
county and resided upon tlie farm now 
owned by J. K. Farrelh', until the fall 
of 1834, when, having erected a cabin, he 
removed his family thereto. He was 
born in North Carolina, Aug. 11, 1777, 
and spent his early life there. He after- 
ward removed to Kentucky, where he 
was married to Elizabeth B. Bell, a na- 



950 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



tive of that state. They were the parents 
of eight children — George M., Felix P., 
Margaret, Stephen, Elizabeth, Eleanor, 
Parmelia, and White. All are deceased 
except Elizabeth, and George M. The 
former resides in Christian county. 111., 
and the latter at Sedalia, Mo. Mrs. 
Wright, the first wife, died in Kentucky. 
By his second marriage to Mary Snow- 
den, who was born Jan. 30, 1796, there 
were four children — Andrew J . , Thomas, 
Robert W., and Nancy, deceased. Mr. 
A\'right's death occurred March 3, 1851, 
and his wife survived him until Dec. 
11, 1869, when she, too, passed away. 
Thomas Wright, Jr., was born upon 
the farm on which he now resides, Dec. 
27, 1835, and with the exception of Par- 
ham Thaxton, is the oldest man now liv- 
ing in the county, who was born upon the 
same forty on which they now reside. 
He was a son of Thomas and Mary 
(Snowden) Wright. Thomas obtained 
his education in the district schools of 
this township, being one of the scholars 
in the pioneer schools of those days. 
He was married Feb. 25, 1869, to Ange- 
line Goode, born Jan. 28, 1848. She 
was a daughter of William B. and Eliza 
(Davidson) Goode. J3y this marriage 
there are three interesting children — 
William M., born Jan. 23, 1870; George 
W., born July 8, 1876; Mary L., born 
Oct. 21, 1881. Mr. Wright is in very 
comfortable circumstances, having 420 
acres of land, part of which is timber. 
He has served the county in the offices 
of coroner and constable. His political 
views are democratic. His industry, 
energy and perseverance, which have 
been marked characteristics, have been 
rewarded with success. 

Iiol)ert M. Close came to this town- 



ship in 1835, and locating on section 5, 
has made it his residence ever since. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Samuel Cunningham, deceased, was 
born in Marion county, Ky., Feb. 16, 
1818, his parents being Robert and 
Nancy Cunningham, the former being a 
native of Pennsylvania, and the latter 
of Kentucky. Mr. Cunningham came 
to Greene county in 1853, and settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 36, 
Wrights township, where he lived until 
his death occurred, March 5, 1880. He 
was married in Dec, 1850, to Emeline 
E. Cooper, a daughter of Edmund L. 
and Mary (Perry) Cooper, whose sketch 
appears in another chapter of this book. 
They had nine children born to them — 
Robert L., born Oct. 1, 1851; Wm. B., 
born March 4, 1854, died Jan. 18, 1868; 
Ricliard, born Dec. 3, 1855, died Oct. 5, 
1856; Belle, born March 19, 1864, died 
Jan. 18, 1868; Mary E., born Nov. 19, 
1866, died Feb. 27, 1868; Henry, born 
Sept. 7, 1857; Geo. W., born Oct. 10, 
1859; Lewis, born Jan. 13, 1862; Ann 
J.; born Feb. 28, 1869, died Dec. 19, 
1879. Mr. Cunningham was long a mem- 
ber of the Cumberliind Presbyterian 
church, living a life "consistent with his 
profession, and establishing a name and 
reputation of wjiich those who succeed 
him may justly feel proud. At the time 
of his death he had accumulated con- 
siderable property, and was ranked 
among the wealthy and solid men of the 
county. Mrs. Cunningham and chil- 
dren own 770 acres of land, all in a high 
state of cultivation, and continue in the 
steps of their predecessor as successful 
operators of the same. 

Samuel Doyle, deceased, was born in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



951 



North Carolina, in 1786, his father being 
a native of England and his mother of 
Scotland. His father died in the state 
of Kentucky, and his niotlier in North 
Carolina. Samuel was reared in North 
Carolina, and was there married to Ma- 
hala Lovelace, also* a native of that 
state. This marriage was blessed with 
nine children — Isaac, Nancy, Alethea, 
Gregory, Celia, Thomas, John, James 
and Matilda. Mr. Doyle came to 
Greene county. 111., in the fall of 1829, 
settling on Apple Creek Prairie, about 
five miles west of White Hall, on Sec. 
36, T. 12, R. 12. He only lived about 
a year after settling there, as he died in 
Oct., 1830. Mrs. Doyle survived her 
husband about 15 years, departing this 
life at the old homestead west of White 
Hall. 

Thomas Doyle, son of Samuel and 
Mahala (Lovelace) Doyle, was born in 
the state of Kentucky, Jan. 15, 1809. 
He lived there until coming to this 
county in the fall of 1830. He was 
married in Kentucky, Jan. 27, 1829, to 
Mary Coats, a native of Kentucky, and 
a daughter of John and Rachel (Rich- 
ardson) Coats, also natives of that state, 
where they afterward died. When Mr. 
Doyle had decided on coming to this 
county, where his father had already 
located, he had made all necessary pre- 
parations and was just ready to start on 
the journey, when he received the sad 
intelligence of the death of his father. 
He was not able to arrive here in time 
to see his remains before burial, al- 
though he made a very quick trip, con- 
sidering the mode of travel in those 
days, being only 15 days on the road. 
Mr. Doyle located west of Wliite Hall, 
near where his father had settled, built 



a log cabin and resided there about five 
years and a half. He then moved to 
his present location, on section 25, in 
Wrights townshij), where he has since 
remained. He has a fine farm of 280 
acres, all of which is improved, and he 
pays some attention to the raising of 
stock. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle are the 
parents of eight children, seven of 
whom are living — Mahala, Arena, John, 
James, Nancy, Isaac, Perry, and Mar- 
cus, deceased. The entire family have 
been blessed with good healtii, and their 
parents hdve lived to see all their chil- 
dren attain manhood and womanhood; 
but the cold hand of the grim destroyer 
snatched from tliem their youngest, 
Marcus, Sept. 14, 1884, in the 36th year 
of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle are 
members of the Baptist church, having 
united with that society 35 years ago. 
In politics Mr. Doyle is a democrat. He 
is an old and much respected citizen of 
this township and county, and has been 
a kind and generous father to his chil- 
dren, having given each of his sons 
land, etc., to start in life for themselves. 
James Dodgson was born in Greene 
county. May 14, 1831. He is a son of 
John and Lucinda (Brown) Dodgson, 
the former being a native of England, 
and the latter of Illinois. John came 
to this country from England about the 
year 1820, settling about two miles north 
ofCarrollton, Greene county. 111. He 
afterward removed one-half mile east of 
where he first settled, and lived there 
until his death, which occurred in 1848, 
he then being about 54 years of age. 
He was niarricd in this county to Lucinda 
Brown, who died in thi- sj)ring f)f 1880. 
James Dodgson, the subject of this 
sketch, was united in marriage, Sept. 



952 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



28, 1852, with Sarah Lee, a daughter of 
Green and Mary (Hamilton) Lee. Green 
Lee was born May 8, 1791, and his wife 
was born May 29, 1790, and they were 
among the early settlers of the county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dodgson are the parents 
of six children — Mary F., born July 10, 
1853; Ann, bcirn July 7, 1857; Hardin, 
born Oct. 2, 1860; Emma, born Aug. 24, 
1863; Etna, born Aug. 21, 1867; and 
Freddie, born April 7, 1871. Mr. Dodg- 
son now owns 233 acres of land, and 
carries on general farming. He is a 
member of White Hall M. E. church, 
and, in politics is a republican. 

William T. Cooper, deceased, was 
born in Kentucky, Sept. 25, 1826. He 
was a son of Edmund L. and Mary 
(Perry) Cooper, natives of Virginia. 
They reside in this county, about three 
miles westof Greenfield. They are the 
oldest couple now living in the county, 
and they represent five generations, he 
being about 86 years of age, and she 
about 92. William came with his par- 
ents to this county, settling on the farm 
now occupied by his widow, and there 
he ever afterward resided. He was 
married April 17, 1856, to ]Margaret C. 
Johnson, born in this county, Aug. 16, 
1837, and a daughter of Joel and Nancy 
(Banning) Johnson. The former was 
a native of this state, and was indenti- 
fied with its interests until his death, 
in Dec, 1873. The latter was also a 
native of this state, and died about the 
year 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were 
the parents of 10 children — Owen, l)orn 
June 26, 1857, died Aug. 26, 1878; Rosa 
J., born April 15, 1860, died March 9, 
1885; George E., born March 29, 1864, 
living with his mother on the farm; 
William E., born March 26, 1866, also 



at home; Martha A., born April 17, 
1868, living at home; Minnie L., born 
June 5, 1872; Mary, born May 10, 1875; 
.\lvin, born June 11, 1862, died Sept. 
1, 1S63, and two who died in infancy, 
imnamed. Mr. Cooper Avas engaged in 
farming during his lifetime. His death 
occurred July 19, 1875, he being a victim 
to that dreadful disease, consumption. 
He was a man who was highly esteemed 
in the circle of his acquaintances, and dur- 
ing his life was a consistent member of 
the Hickory Grove Baptist church, of 
which his wife has also been a moml)er. 
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. 
Cooper has conducted the farm enter- 
prise, consisting of 200 acres, giving her 
own supervision to the management 
thereof. On the 22d of June, 1884, 
Mrs. Cooper was married to James 
Isaacs, a native of Kentucky, born in 
1855. 

John O. Carmody was born in county 
Clare, Ireland, in 1835, his parents be- 
ing John and Honora(0'Brien)Carmody, 
both natives of the same country, the 
former having died about 1845, in Ire- 
land, and the latter in this townsliip, in 
1883. She came to this country to make 
her home with her son, John O., who 
came to America in 1852, landing at 
New Orleans. From there he went to 
Alton, 111., where for two years lie 
worked as a laborer, and then came to 
Greene county and rented a farm one 
year. He then entered 40 acres of land 
on section 19, Wrights township, on 
which he resided 15 years, and then 
moved three-quarters of a mile south, 
on the same section, where he still lives. 
He commenced life a poor boy, and by 
industry and economy has succeeded in 
getting 240 acres of improved land, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



953 



wliifli will liMve a tendency to make his 
(lecliiiing years more pleasant John 
O. Carniody and Ellen (Jrillin, a native 
of county Clare, Ireland, were united in 
the holy bonds of matrimony, in 1856. 
Their union has been blessed with six 
children — James, of Carrollton; Daniel, 
John, Thomas, William and Martin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Carmody and family are 
members of the Catholic church. 

Patrick Ryan, deceased, was born in 
Tipperary county, Ireland, March 27, 
1828, and was a son of Micliael and Mary 
Ryan, who died when Patrick was quite 
young. He then went to live with an 
uncle, from whom he did not receive 
very good treatment, and accordingly he 
left and went to work on a farm, where 
he continued for four years, saving in 
that time about So2o. He tlien set sail 
for America, and after landing, came as 
far west as Illinois, settling in Greene 
county about the year 1858. He worked 
on a farm then for nearly four years, 
when he was married Sept. 1, 1861, to 
Margaret Welsh, a daughter of Thomas 
and Catharine Welsh, natives of Ireland. 
Margaret was born Jan. 14, 1835, and 
came to tins country with her brother, 
arriving in Jerseyville, on New Year's 
day, 1852. Their parents died in Ire- 
land. The brother, with whom she 
came, is also dead, having departed this 
life Oct. 26, 1876, at the home of his 
sister. Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan 
were the parents of five children, Mary 
E., Katie and Maggie, twins; Emma M., 
and James. After marriage, Mr. Ryan 
rented, for three years, when he 
settled on a farm on section 15, \A'rights 
township, where he lived until his death 
Dec. 30, 1S75. Mr. Ryan was a mem- 
ber of the Catholic church, an honest 



and industrious ni;in, and was much 
thought of by all who knew him. He 
began life as a laborer and farm hand, 
then as renter, and at the time of liis 
death, had accumulated enough property 
to keep his family in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, so that they have no fear of 
want. Mrs. Ryan is now living upon 
the farm of Sylvanus Barnett, keeping 
house for him, although she owns a nice 
farm of 100 acres, besides a house and 
lot in Alton. She is a member of the 
Catholic church, as arc also the other 
members of the family. 

Anthony Cunningham was born in 
Ireland, on the 15th of August, in the 
year 1818. He is a son of Anthony and 
Elizabeth (Morris) Cunningham, also 
natives of Ireland. His father died 
there, about the year 1838, and his 
mother survived him about 10 years. 
When Anthony was about 29 years of 
age, he decided to come to America, 
and embarking on the E. E. Perkins, 
arrived here after a journey of two 
months. He landed at New Orleans, 
where he worked for some time, and 
afterw'ard traveled considerably through 
Missouri, and as far east as Pennsyl- 
vania. He was married Dec. 25, 1853, 
to Mary Roly, a native of Ireland. By 
this marriage they are the parents of 
7 children — Winifred, deceased; George 
R., Edward R., Mary J., James, deceas- 
ed, and two who died in infancy. Mr. 
Cunningham has 190 acres of good land, 
])art of which is timber, and he is com- 
fortably situated. He and his family 
have been members of the Catholic 
church since infancy. Politically, he is 
a democrat. Mrs. Cunningham's parents, 
James and Winifred (Costello) Roly, 
died in Ireland, their native country. 



9.54 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Thomas Moore was born in county 
Carlow, Ireland, Aug. 15, 1826, and is a 
8on of Edward and Ellen (Hayden) 
Moore, natives of Ireland. His fatlier 
died about the year 1820, and his mother 
about 1850. Thomas came to America 
in 1843, sailing on the shijj Java, and 
landed at Quebec, Canada, about the 
middle of April. He then went to 
Boston, where lie remained about a year, 
then spent a year in the state of New 
York, when he went to Texas, where he 
staid about six months. He then re- 
moved to Louisiana, and soon afterward 
went to Mississippi, where he remained 
about a year, then went to St. Louis, 
Mo., remaining there until he came to 
Illinois. In Oct., 1852, he was married 
to Mary Rowly, a native of Ireland. 
They have a family of eight children 
living — Mary, Rose A., Thomas, Ellen, 
Edward, James, Frank and Elizabeth. 
Mr. Moore has 110 acres of land, most 
of which is timber. By perseverance 
and industry, he succeeds in making a 
comfortable living. In politics, he is a 
democrat. The family are members of 
the Catholic church. 

Robert L. Cunningham, a native of 
Marion county, Ky., was born in 1851, 
and is a son of Samuel and Emeline 
(Cooper) Cunningham. In 1852, he 
came to Greene county, 111., with his 
parents, and settled three miles west of 
Greenfield. Robert worked on the home 
farm until 1877, when he was united in 
marriage with' Mary Jane Jones, a na- 
tive of this county, and a daughter of 
Enoch Jones. Mr and Mrs. Cunning- 
ham have had four children born to 
them — Mary E., George W., Cynthia 
E. and Nellie. He is a member of the 
Baptist church, while his wife affiliates 



with the Presbyterians. He now owns 
120 acres of land, 40 of wliii'h is timber, 
and be is engaged in general farming. 
In politics he is a staunch repuVilican. 
The father of Robert departed this life 
in 1879, and was interred in the Hickory 
Grove cemetery. In life be was a con- 
sistent member of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian church, and held the ofKce of 
justice of the peace for a number of 
years. Robert's mother is still living 
on the old homestead, she also being a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
church. 

Joseph White is a native of the state 
of Ohio, and was born in 1831, bjs pa- 
rents being John and Elizabeth White, 
both of whom were natives of the same 
state, the former having departed this 
life in 1859, aged 74 years, and the lat- 
ter in 1858, aged 65 years. In 1857, 
Joseph White and Arminda McGuire, a 
native of Ohio, were united in marriage. 
Their union was blessed with seven 
children — Albert, Olive, Annie, John- 
nie and Ida, living at home. They had 
the misfortune to lose two children by 
the hand of the grim destroyer. Mr. 
White learned the carpenter trade at 
the age of 19 years, which he continued 
to follow until 1867, when he began his 
agricultural pursuits. In 1865, he re- 
moved to Illinois, and located at White 
Hall, where he worked at his trade for 
one year. He then bought 40 acres of 
land on section 7, Wrights township, 
where he has lived ever since, engaged 
in general farming. He has added to 
his possessions, until be now has 120 
acies of land, to which he devotes his 
care and attention, and by industry 
and thrift has deservedly earned a repu- 
tation as a model farmer. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



955 



EDUCATIONAL. 

Scho.il di.'itrict No. 1.— The first build- 
ing for .school purposes in this district, 
which is also known as Jericho, was a 
log cabin after the pioneer style, erected 
in the fall of 1840 or 1841, about a quar- 
ter of a mile south of where Thomas 
Featherston now resides. The pioneer 
teacher of this school, was Abraham 
Spencer, afterward county clerk. This 
building was afterward removed to a 
point about half a mile northwest of 
where the present building stands. It 
was used by the district here until 
the present school house was erected in 
the fall of 1863, by William Lorton, and 
a man by the name of Copley. Par- 
ham Thaxton spread the mortar upon 
the ceiling and walls with his charac- 
teristic style and ability for such work. 
The building is about 18x24 feet in size, 
and cost about .$-")()0. The first term of 
school in this building was taught l>y R. 
A. Short. The present teacher is Mag- 
gie Carlina. The directors for 1885 are 
—J. C. Rafferty, J. H. Stinnet, and J. 
M. Short. 

School district No. 2. — The first house 
for educational purposes in this district 
was erected in the fall of 1862, and is 
still standing on the original site, on 
the northeast quarter of section 3. The 
first term of school was taught by a Mr. 
Smith, familiarly known as "Limpy," 
as he was somewhat lame. William L. 
Lorton, Perry Rradsbaw and W. J. 
Davis, were the tirst directors. The 
building, which is still in use, is a frame 
structure, 20x26 feet, in dimension, and 
was erected at an exjjenditure of $425. 
At the time of building, it was consid- 
ered a very fine school bouse, but it has 
outlived its usefulness, and will doubt- 



less soon he replaced by another. The 
present board of directors are — Perry 
Bradshaw, James E. Davis and George 
W. Hutton. 

School district No. 3 has a school 
house standing on the northeast quarter 
of section 8, which was erected in 1852, 
by John C. Winters and J. S. Benear. 
The first teacher was Joshua Bigam. 

School district No. 4, better known as 
the Appaloona district, has a school 
house on section 29. It was built in the 
summer of 1880. at a cost of $900, and 
is 20x26 feet in size. The land upon 
which it stands, consisting of one acre, 
was donated to the district by Wm. B. 
Goode. D. M. \Vbitesides was the first 
teaclicr. Miss Ada Halbert is the jires- 
ent preceptress. The first .school house 
in this district was a log cabin, erected 
at an early day on the site of tlie pres- 
ent building. It was replaced by a 
frame structure, about tlie year 1855, 
wiiich was about 20x24 feet in size. 
With remodeling, this building served 
the district for school purposes until the 
present house was erected. The pres- 
ent directors of this district are, Wil- 
liam D. Waltrip, Thomas Fox and 
Jacob Meister. 

District No. 5. — The school building 
stands about the center of section 26, 
and was erected in the fall of 1882. It 
is 26x36 feet in size, and cost about 
§1,000. The first teacher in this build- 
ing was Rosa Moore. The present ped- 
agogue is J. C. Bowman. The first 
school house in the district was built 
about 1839, almost exactly where the 
])resent one stands. It was about 16.\18 
feet in size, constructed of logs, and 
was a tyi)ical representative of pioneer 
times. Wooden slabs, with pegs for 



956 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



legs, were the only seats, desks there 
were none. The cabin was lightedby hav- 
ing a part of two logs cut out of one side, 
covered with greased paper for window 
panes. Steplien Wright was the pioneer 
teacher in this building, which was 
among the first in the township. The 
building was used for several years, but 
in the fall of 1849, a frame edifice was 
raised about a quarter of a mile further 
west, where it yet stands, used for the 
storage of farm machinery. Ira B. 
Pickett taught the first school in this 
building. The third building was put 
up in 1861, upon tlie site of the present 
one, and was used mitil the commence- 
ment of the new one, when it was sold 
to W. V. Rhoads. who moved it away. 
School district No. 6. — A school house 
was built about the year 1865, where the 
present building stands, on the north- 
west quarter of section 22. Andrew 
McGowan was the first teacher in this 
building, but something occui'red that 
caused him to give it up before the com- 
pletion of the term, and a j"oung man 
by the name of English finished it. 
Prior to the building of this edifice, 
school was tauglit in a log cabin, which 
was built at an early day, for school 
purposes. Mary Lee. afterward the 
wife of John B. Dodgson, is generally 
supposed to have been the first teacher 
in the district. The frame structure, 
built in 1865, was remodeled and an ad- 
dition built in 1879, so that at present it 
covers 24x40 feet of ground. Miss Jo- 
anna ^lorrissey is the pj-esent teacher. 
The directors for 1885 are, James Dodg- 
son, Isaac Davidson and Robert Goodall. 

CEMETERY. 

Hickory Grove cemetery is situated 
upon the southeast quarter of section 



27, of this township. The first burial 
here was Nancy, a daughter of Thomas 
and Mary Wright, who died July 10, 
1845, and was buried the following day. 
The next was the interment of two 
children of Julius Neymore, during the 
autumn of the same year. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first corn planted in the township 
was by William Waltrip, in the spring 
of 1820, and the first wheat in 1822. 

The first church building was a log 
structure, built on section 20, during the 
year 1826. 

The first preaching in the townsliip 
was done by Isaac N. Piggott, at the 
cabins of tlie pioneers. 

The first school was taught in the log 
church above mentioned b}' David Pink- 
erton. 

The first marriage was that of Cyrus 
Tolman to Polly Eldred, in Jan., 1823, 
by Samuel Lee, a justice of the peace. 

A child of Thomas Rattan, born in 
1820. is believed to have been the first 
birth in this township. 

The first death in this township was 
tliat of Luke, father of William Waltrip, 
which occurred March 12, 1820, being 
buried on the north side of Apple creek, 
on section 7. The coffin was rudely 
constructed of slabs split from native 
timber, and dressed and put together 
with wooden pegs in place of nails, by 
John Allen. Mr. Waltrip was 76 years 
of age at the time of his death. 

WRIGHTSVILLE. 

A small village located upon section 
23, of this township, on the line of the 
C, B. & Q. R. R., bears the name of 
Wrightsville. This was laid out by A. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



957 



J. Wright, on ■.June IS, 1872. The lii>t 
hu.'^ine.'^s transacted here was liy the town 
projirietor, A. J. Wright, who erected a 
platform shortly after the railroad was 
built, in 1870, and shipped grain. The 
first car-load was sent from liere in May, 
1870, and was wheat raised by William T. 
Cooper, and purchased by Mr. Wright. 
No other bu.siness was done here, except 
the grain buying, until 1871, when A. J. 
Wright built the first store. This was a 
small frame building 20x24, with shelves 
and counter on one side only. The first 
stock of goods was put in at a cost of 
S292.S2. The store was opened Feb. 1, 
1871. The first article sold was a dollar's 
worth of sugar to John Doyle. 

The building in which this stock was 
kept, is now in use by William Wiigbt, 
as a furniture, undertaking and hard- 
ware store. 

The second store was opened by Wil- 
liam and Daniel Merrick, in June, 187;). 
They erected the building upon a lot do- 
nated by Mr. Wright, and which is now 
occupied by Gardner it Kesinger, as a 
hardware and agricultural implement 
depot. Several other small stores were 
afterward started, but none of them 
continued very long. 

William Ickes was the first Ijlack- 
smith. He constructed a sliop in the 
fall of 1871, and continued in business 
two or three years, and afterward moved 
to a farm. 

A. J. Wright built the first house for 
residence purposes, in the fall of 1872. 

PRESENT BUSINESS. 

A. J. Wright & Son, dealers in gen- 
eral merchandise, are the lineal repre- 
sentatives of the j)ioneer store in the 
town, established by Mr. Wright, in 



1871. He continued in business until 
1881, when the present firm was formed, 
by admitting his son, Richard D., 
to a partnership. At that time, they 
erected their present commodious store 
building, at a cost of S3,000. This is 
28x70 feet in ground area. They carry 
a large line of miscellaneous goods, 
which will invoice fully S6,000, and are 
the leading merchants in the town. 

Andrew J. Wright, the founder of the 
town of Wrightsville, and one of the 
most prominent citizens of Wriglits 
township, was born southwest of the 
town of Wrightsville, on the farm now 
owned by J. K. P. Farrelly. His birth 
occurred Aug. 29, 1834, he being a son 
of Thomas and Mary (Cole) Wright. 
Andrew was reared in his native town- 
ship, and received his early education 
in the old log school house which stood 
within the boundary of the present 
school district No. 5. At that time it 
took a portion of fnur different town- 
ships to comprise a school district, thus 
showing how thinly settled the county 
was in those days. Some two years ago 
Mr. Wright counted some 35 of the 
scholars of that school who were yet 
living, displaying a surprisingly small 
number of deaths during tliat period. 
March 25, 1856, Andre.v J. Wright was 
united in marriage with Lucinda E. 
Cunningham, a daughter of R. B. and 
Mary (Brannan) Cunningham. By their 
marriage they have been blessed with 
three children — Mary A., born Feb. 8, 
1857, married George A. Palmer,* and 
now resides in Kansas; James W., born 
Aug. 21, 1858, married Mary A. Fair, 
and Richard D., born Oct. 30, 18fi0,now 
in partnership with his father in the 
mercantile business. In addition to his 



9.58 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



store, Mr. Wright is the possessor of 
415 acres of land, all situated in this 
county, with the exception of 120 acres 
in Shelbj- county, this state. In poli- 
tics he is a prohibitionist, and although 
he has never souglit political prefer- 
ment, he has been called upon a number 
of times to serve the people, which he 
did with credit to himself, and satisfac- 
tion to his constituents. He is at pres- 
ent a notary public, which office he has 
held for the past nine years. Mr. Wright 
is an honest, upright man, and has 
never made a promise of any kind which 
he has not fulfilled to the letter. His 
course through life is worthy of imita- 
tion by those who will succeed him. 

Emerson & Ford, dealers in merchan- 
dise, commenced business in Wrights- 
ville, Oct. 9, 1883, as successors to Beth- 
ard, Emerson & Co., who established 
the same Sept. 11, 1882. The building 
they occupy, was built during the sum- 
mer of 1882, and is 30x70 feet in size, 
and was completed at a cost of $2,250. 
They carry a well selected stock of 
about $5,000, and are doing a large and 
increasing business. 

Jerr}' Bethard is also engaged in the 
general merchandise business at this 
point. He established the stand in 
1875, at which time he erected the main 
part of the building he now occupies. 
This was 20x48 feet in size, and cost 
about $450. He has since made addi- 
tions, one 12x16, the other 16x30 feet in 
dimension. He ran alone until 1878, 
when his brother became a partner, and 
under the firm name of J. and J. C. 
Bethard, they operated about a year, 
when the brother retired. Thus it 
stood until 1880, when the firm became 
Bethard Bros., but in 1883, this was 



dissolved, and Mr. Bethard has contin- 
ued alone. He carries a stock of be- 
tween $2,500 and $3,tKX). 

The elevator owned by Hunt & Kes- 
inger, was originally erected by A. J. 
Wright, as a grain warehouse. In 1880, 
it was remodeled and rebuilt, as an ele- 
vator, by the present owners, who had 
just purchased the building. It was a 
frame structure, 32x80 feet in size, and 
cost, when complete, $4, .500. It has a 
capacity of holding 16,000 bushels of 
grain, and is operated by a 12-horse 
power engine. This firm also own a 
warehouse, .30x40 feet in size^ which has 
a capacity of about 4,000 bushels. 

John Goodall established a wagon 
building and repairing shop at this 
place, in 1876, which he continues to 
operate. 

In addition to those already men- 
tioned, the following are carrying on 
business at this place: J. W. Wright, 
furniture, stoves and tinware; Wright 
& Kesinger, undertaking; Gardner & 
Kesinger, blacksmiths and hardware 
dealers; A. L. Brannen blacksmith. 

POSTOFFICE. 

This was established in March, 1871, 
when A. J. Wright was commissioned 
as postmaster. He held the office until 
1875, when he was succeeded bj' .Jerry 
Bethard, the present incumbent. The 
oflflce is in the store of the postmaster. 

RAILRO.\D. 

Wrightsville has connection with the 
outside world by fiieans of the C, B. & 
Q. R. R. This railroad was constructed 
as the R., R. I. & St. L. R'y, and was 
completed through this place in the 
earlj' part of 1870. In 1878, the com- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



959 



pany which built and owned it became 
bankrupt. A receiver was appointed 
and the road finally became the property 
(if the C. B. & Q. R'y Co., who still con- 
tinue to own and operate it. Tlie first 
station agent at this point was A. J. 
Wright, who took charge of the business 
sliortl\' after the road was completed, 
continuing in that capacity for about 
five years, and transacting the business 
of th(! road at his store building. He 
was succeeded by his son, James W., 
for five years. In March, 1870, the depot 
building was completed, and a telegraph 
office established, when John Ewald be- 
came agent and telegraph operator. 
There has been several changes since 
then, the present incumbent of the 
station being Charles Stone. 



The American Express Co. have car- 
ried on business here since the con- 
struction of the railroad, and when the 
depot and telegraph ofiice was estab- 
lished in 1880, an express agencj- was 
formed at Wrights ville by that com- 
pany, who still continue to do business. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first child in the village was that 
of a boy. in the family of a man by the 
name of Mansfield, who worked on the 
railroad, in 1871. 

The first marriage was tliat of George 
W. Rhoads and Nancy J. Davidson, in 
April, 1873. 

The first station agent here was A. J. 
Wright, who was also the first post- 
master. 



aHAPT:^RR XXII. 



This sub-division of the county of 
Greene, lies in the extreme northwest- 
ern corner, and embraces all of town- 
ship 12, range 13, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 
IS, lU, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 32, of township 
12, range 12, and all of township 12, 
I'ange 14, lying in this county. It is 
bounded on the north Ijy Scott county, 
on the east by Roodhouse and White 
Hall townships, on the south by Walker- 
ville township, and west by Pike coun- 
ty, from which it is separated by the 
Illinois river. The soil in the western 
pari is the rich, black, alluvial soil of 
tlie river bottom, while the eastern part 
is mostly the dark colored leafy mould 
and argrilleous marl. 



PATTERSON TOWNSHIP. 

Much of the bottom lands is unavail- 
able for culture, owing to the numy 
lakes, pcmds, etc., and the danger, or 
almost certaintv of an overfiow. 



E.\RLY SETTLE.ME.NT. 

Settlement did not set in quite as 
early in this portion of the county as it 
did in some others, but the first to 
locate in the present limits of Patterson, 
was a Mr. Swanson, who came here in 
the spring of 1820, and made a settle- 
ment on section 13. Here he remaincil 
some years. 

Anthony S. Seely was a settler of lliu 
year 1823. He was, in later years, one 
of the most prominent farmers in the 



960 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUKTY, 



county. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., 
Dec. 27. 1812. He was left an orphan 
at the age of 11 years, and being thrown 
on his own resources, he found his way 
into Illinois, locating at Greene county. 
He at first hired out as a farm hand. In 
his 21st year he was married to Laney 
Hodges, a daughter of Samuel Hodges. 
In a short time afterward he purchased 
80 acres of land, and went to work on 
his own account. This little piece of 
land proved to be the nucleus of one of 
the finest farms in the state, for at the 
time of his death, Judge Seely was the 
owner of about 2,000 acres. He was 
always a hard worker, thrift}', prudent 
and public spirited. For many years 
he was justice of the peace, and for 14 
years he was a member of the board of 
county commissioners. He died at his 
home near White Hall, Sept. 24, 18S5. 
He leaves eight living children, a.s fol- 
lows— Rufus G., William Frank, Amer- 
icus, Anthony, Mrs. Louisa Cobb, Mrs. 
Gus Lang and Addie Seely. 

Reuben Martin made a settlement on 
section 13, during the year 1823. He 
was a native of Tennessee, and was 
there married to Betsy Carriger, a sister 
of Leonard Carriger. Mr. Martin died 
in 1873, and Mrs. Martin followed him 
to the grave in 1882. Both were buried 
in the Martin cemetery. 

Josepli Buck strayed this way in 1825, 
and, taking a fancy to the locality, 
made a settlement on section 3, and 
lived there imtil his death, which oc- 
curred about 1835. Mrs. Buck after- 
ward married Joshua Jones. 

Elijah Little also made a settlement 
in this township, shortly after Mr. Buck 
came here. 

In the year 1826, Elisha Brown, 



Stephen Schmalt and William Shelton, 
came to this part of Greene county and 
made settlements at a place called 
Happyville. 

Among the settlers of 1827, was Thos. 
Groce, who came from Tennessee to this 
townshij), and a year later settled on 
section 18, where the town of Wilming- 
ton is now located. He erected the 
first house in that village. He was 
born in Surry county, N. C, in Nov., 
1796, being a son of Peter (Troce. When 
quite young he removed with his par- 
ents to Tennessee, where he was mar- 
ried to Nancy Cunningham ^n 1818, 
coming to this countj' in 1827, as above. 
Mr. and Mrs. Groce were the parents of 
eight children, some of wliom are still 
residents of this township. Mr. Groce's 
death occurred in 1873, and his wife 
survived him until 1875. They are 
both buried in Missouri. 

David Hahn came to Greene county 
in 1829, and afterward located upon 
Sec. 31, of T. 12, R. 12, being among 
-the pioneers of this township. Pie 
was born in 1810, in Cape Girardeau 
county. Mo., where his youthful days 
were spent. He was twice married after 
coming to this township, the first time 
to Mary Hubbard, who was born in 
Kentucky, and who came with her par- 
ents to this county in 1820. His second 
marriage was with Keziah Seely. 

Leonard Carriger and family made a 
settlement in this township in the fall 
of 1830, on Sec. 8, of T. 12, R. 12, where 
he purchased 80 acres of land, upon 
which were a few improvements. He 
was born in Carter county, Tenn., May 
4, 1794, his parents being Nicholas &nd 
Catherine (Millard) Carriger. When 
he was quite young his parents removed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



961 



to Liiu-dln riuinty, Tcmi., wliere Leon- 
ard was reared and where he was mar- 
ried, March 6, 1823, to Sylvania Marsh, 
htirn in North Carolina, Feb. 17, 1796, 
although reared and edueated in South 
Carolina. By this union five children 
were born, two of whom are still resi- 
dents of this township — Martha J. and 
Nicholas. Mr. and Mrs. Carrigcr re- 
sided upon the old homestead until 
called upon to pay the debt of nature, 
her death occurring April 17, 1870, 
while her husband survived her until 
Jan. 10, 1871. They are both buried in 
what is known as the Martin cemetery. 
Mr. Carriger served his country in the 
war of 1812, and also took part in the 
Seminole war. He was tiuly one of the 
pioneers of Greene county, and as such 
contributed to the transformation of an 
almost primitive wilderness into what 
is now one of the best counties in the 
state. 

James Ford, with his family, natives 
of North Carolina, came in the fall of 
1835, and after a year at Grand Pass. 
settled on Sand ridge, where he remained 
until his death, in 1845. His wife, who 
was also born in North Carolina, where 
they were married, \vas Jane A\'atts, 
who survived her husband until July 7, 
1864. They are both interred in the 
\\'ilniington cemetery. 

John Coates and family made a settle- 
ment in this township in 1835. He was 
a native of South Carolina, and resided 
here until his death. His place of settle- 
ment was between Schutz's mill and 
Patterson. 

Jolin Coates, deceased, was born in 
Edgefield district, S. C, in 1799. He 
was there reared and learned the miller's 
trade, which had also been his father's 



occupation. He there married Eliza- 
beth Owdom, a native of the same state, 
and they resided there until coming to 
Greene county. 111., in the spring of 1835, 
making the entire trip by wagon. They 
first located in the northern part of what 
is now Patterson township, under the 
bluff, where they remained but a short 
time, and then removed to Wilmington, 
remaining but a short time there, also, 
when he moved to the neighborhood of 
the present Schutz's mill. At that time 
the old mill was yet standing, and he 
leased it from Hodges, the builder. He 
took charge of the mill, it being then 
run by water-power, and conducted it a 
number of years, when in turn leased it 
to Seely, Patterson & Schutz, during 
whose time of management it was 
burned. Mr. Coates had erected a 
dwelling on section 25, and there resided 
until his death, May 4, 1876. He is 
buried in the Wilmington cemetery. He 
was one of the first to conduct an in- 
dustrial institution in this township, 
the mill having been run by only one 
person before that. Mrs. Coates had 
preceded him in death over two score 
years, having died in March, 1849, and 
both now lie buried in Wilmington cem- 
etery. Mr. and Mrs. John Coates were 
the parents of ten children — Leonidas, 
John S., James, living at Pearl; Wil- 
liam, Milton, Chester, Jasper, Marcus, 
Mary, wife of Elihu Yates, living at 
Roodhouse, and Elizabetli, wife of Luke 
Farmer, living in Kansas. 

Milton Coates was born in (ircene 
county, 111., near Schutz's mill, in what 
is now Patterson township, Feb. 3, 1839, 
and is a son of John and Nancy (Ow- 
dom) Coates, as mentioned above. Mil- 
ton was reared to farm life, ami has 



962 



HISTORY OF GREENE COtXTY. 



always been engaged in that business. 
He was married on March 1, 1863, to 
Barbara Schutz, a daughter of Thomas 
Schutz, deceased. By this union they 
are the parents of four children — .John, 
Christina, Ida and Willie, all living at 
home. Mr. Coates has a farm contain- 
ing 109 acres of land, under good culti- 
vation, located on Sec. 25, T. 12, R. 13, 
on which he raises stock and grain, and 
is comfortably fixed. He has been con- 
nected with the schools of his district 
as trustee, and is a well respected 
citizen. 

SCIUITZ'S MILL. 

This mill stands on the site of one 
that burned down long ago. The old 
one was built away back in the thirties, 
and after passing through several hands, 
came into the possession of Thomas 
Hodgson. He was succeeded in the 
proprietorship by John Coates, the lat- 
ter never operating it, but rented it to 
George Schutz, L. J. Patterson and A. 
S. Seely, who conducted the business 
until the spring of 1859, when it burned 
down. This mill was run by water 
power, and did only custom work. Noth- 
ing was done toward re-building the 
mill until 1860, when George Schutz 
erected the ])resent mill, which is run 
by steam power. The main building is 
28x60 feet in size. An addition, con- 
taining the engine and boiler room, is 
50x60 feet in size, three stories high, 
with a basement under all. The engine 
was made by Gates, McEwen & Co., St. 
Louis, and is of 40-horse power. The 
mill has two run of buhrs, and has a 
capacity of 20 barrels every day often 
hours. The mill was conducted by 
Geo. Schutz until 1867, when he died. 
His widow then ran it until 1873. Up- 



to this time it had lieen run as a dis- 
tillery and corn mill, but at the latter 
date, John Schutz came into possession, 
and put in the milling machinery, and 
is running it now. 

George Schutz, deceased, the builder 
of Schutz's mill, was born in Bavaria, 
Germany, in 1815, and was a son of B. 
Schutz. He was reared in his native 
country, and there learned the miller's 
trade. In 1842, he took leave of his 
friends in his native country, and^toiik 
passage on an ocean vessel destined for 
New Orleans. Thence he came to St. 
Louis, Mo., where he remained two 
years, engaged in distilling at Rock 
Springs, St. Louis county. From there 
he came to Greene county, and engaged 
in the same business, at what is now 
known as Schutz's mill. Connected with 
him in this enterprise was L. J. Patter- 
son and Judge A. S. Seely. Mr. Schutz 
built the i^resent mill, and engaged in 
business at that point until his death. 
He was married in 1852, to Lena Hugh, 
a native of Switzerland. They were the 
parents of seven children — John, the 
subject of the following sketch; Louisa 
M., married Jacob Meister, and lives 
near Berdan; George; Sophia, wife of 
Rudolph Klamm, of Christian county; 
Joseph, Amelia C, and Ann, who died 
at the age of two years. Mr. Schutz 
died in 1867, on the 20th of November, 
and was buried in the Wilmington cem- 
etery. He was a member of the Catholic 
church, and up to the time of his death 
had accumulated, in addition to his 
manufacturing interests, some 500 acres 
of land, and was ranked as a go-a-head, 
enterprising man. 

John Schutz, the eldest son of the 
above, was born in this county, on the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



963 



27th day of May, 1853. He was reared 
and educated in the county, and made 
his home with his parents up to the 
present time. Besides attending the 
district schools, he spent three years 
in the Burlington, Iowa, schools, where 
he finished his education. He succeed- 
ed to the ownership of the mill in 
1873, at which time he turned it into 
a tlour mill. He is the present post- 
master at Schutz's Mill, having been 
appointed to the office in 1880. 

In 1856, a store building was erected 
at Schutz's mil], and a general stock 
added by Matthew Schutz, the building 
at that time standing over near the 
mill. Mr. Schutz continued business 
here until 1869, when he erected the 
building which is located south of the 
railroad track, and which is 20.x40 feet 
in dimensions. The store was con- 
ducted by Matthew Schutz, until his 
death, in the latter part of 1S79, since 
which time it has been conducted by 
his son, Joseph J. He handles dry 
goods, groceries,, boots, shoes, and, in 
•fact, everything that goes to make up a 
general stock of a country store. 

Matthew Schutz, deceased, originator 
of the store, and the first store keeper 
at this point, was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
many, July 4, 1823. He was reared to 
farm life, in his native country, and re- 
mained with his parents until coming 
to this country. In 1847, he took leave 
of friends and relatives, in his native 
land, and sailed for America. Plis first 
location here was in St. Louis, where 
he remained between two and tliree 
years, and then came up to Greene 
county. 111., locating in what is now 
Patterson township. Here he engaged 
in the distillery and milling business, 



with his brother George, at Schutz's 
Mill, to whom he afterward sold out 
his interest, having started in the mer- 
cantile business, which he carried on, in 
connection with farming, during the re- 
mainder of his life. He owned 1,020 
acres of land, mostly in Patterson town- 
ship. He was married in Iowa, in 1846, 
to Christina Hug, a native of Switzer- 
land, and by this marriage, there were 
nine children, of whom seven arc liv- 
ing — Sophia, wife of August Raabe, liv- 
ing in this township; Christina, wife of 
Marcus Lee Coates, living in this town- 
ship; Mathias, deceased; Mary, wife of 
William Wells, living in this township; 
Andrew M.; Joseph J., subject of the 
following sketch; Albert J.; Charles; 
and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
Schutz was postmaster at Schutz's Mill, 
for a number of years. On Dec. 27, 
1879, he departed this life, and was bur- 
ied at the Wilmington cemetery. The 
family are living at Schutz's Mill. 

Joseph J. Schutz, the present propri- 
etor of the store at this point, was born 
Feb. 8, 1863, in the neighborhood where 
he now resides, and where he was 
reared, and has spent his life thus far. 
At the death of his father, he became 
the proprietor of the store at the Mills, 
in which biisiness he still continues. 
He is deputy postmaster, and keeps 
the office in the store. He was married, 
in this county, Jan. 2, 1881, to Eliza J. 
McConnell, a native of (ireene county, 
and a daughter of Andrew L. and Eliz- 
abeth McConnell. This marriage has 
been blessed with two children — Hattie 
and Harry. Mr. Schutz, although (juite 
young, is an enterprising, go-ahead bus- 
iness man, who will doubtless meet 
with success in all his undertakings. 



964 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PEOPLE. 

Davis Carter, a iironiinent early set- 
tler of Greene county, was born in 
North Carolina, about 1784, and was a 
son of Michael Carter. His parents 
died when he was young, and Davis 
then removed with his brother-in-law 
Mr. Powell, and sister, to Tennessee. 
In 1811 he came to Illinois, locating 
near the fort in Wood river settlement, 
Madison county. There he lived until 
1S20, amid the scenes then attending 
the early settlement of that part of the 
territory. While there he was married 
to Catherine Reagan, a native of Ala- 
bama. It was the wife and two children 
of her brother Reason, who, among 
others, were killed at the Wood river 
massacre. In the spring of 1820, Mr. 
Cai'ter moved his family up to Greene 
county and located on Sec. 25, T. 11, R. 
lo, now in Walkerville township. There 
they remained until the spring of 1821, 
when they removed across the creek on 
to Sec. 35, T. 11, R. 1.3, now Bluffdale 
township. In 1824, they returned to 
\\'alkerville township, locating on sec- 
tion 16, where they resided seven years, 
and then lived at two other locations in 
that township, respectively one and two 
years. After that they removed to Sec. 
4, T. 12, R. 13, and there resided until 
Nov., 1847, wlien Mr. Carter died, hav- 
ing survived his wife since 1844. Both 
are buried at the Hunnicutt cemetery. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davis Carter were the 
parents of 6 children-Eleanor, deceased 
wife of William Little; Lorenzo E., sub- 
ject of the following sketch; .John, mar- 
ried Ann Spencer, died in this county, 
Joseph, enlisted in Co. D, 2d 111. Inf., 
fur the entire Mexican war, but fell a 
victim to the yellow fever, at Vera Cruz; 



Ruth, deceased wife of John Buck; 
Elizabeth, deceased wife of Wesley 
Clevenger, of Macoupin county. Davis 
Carter was in the Black Hawk war, and 
was a ranger in the war of 1812, with 
headquarters at the Wood river fort. 
He assisted in burning the fort at 
Peoria. As early as 1827 he drove cat- 
tle from this county to Green Bay, 
Wis., for the soldiers. It may there- 
fore be said that several years of his 
life were spent in the loyal defense of 
his country. 

Lorenzo E. Carter, a prominent resi- 
dent of this township, and the only 
surviving child of Mr. and Mrs. Davis 
Carter, early pioneers of Greene county, 
was born at the Wood river settlement, 
in Madison county, on Christmas day, 
1817. Before he was three years of age, 
his parents removed to Greene county, 
into which, but a short time before the 
first pioneers had gone. Here they set- 
tled permanently, and here Lorenzo was 
reared amid the -scenes attending the 
clearing up of the wilderness. He re- 
ceived his education in the log school 
house of the early daj's, and among 
others went to school to the father of 
Rowell Hunnicutt. He was reared to 
farm life, and remained with his par- 
ents until his marriage in May, 1843, to 
Sarah Silkwood, a native of Greene 
county, born June 11, 1827. Her par- 
ents were Obadiah and Sarah Silk- 
wood, natives of Kentucky, who re- 
moved to St. Clair county. 111., and 
from there to Greene county, in 1824, 
settling on Sec. 15, T. 11, R. 13, where 
her father died. Her mother died after- 
wards, while they were living under the 
bluff. Mr. and ]\Ii's. Carter were the 
parents of seven children, of whom 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



965 



six are living — Eveline, wife of Henry 
Gollier, living in Patterson township; 
John, married Melanie Manger, lives in 
this townshii); Mary, wife of Joseph 
Diigly, living in this township; Sylvia 
J., wife of John Deeds, living in Pearl, 
Pike county; William and ISIarcus. 
George, deceased, was married to Mary 
Boyer, and died Nov. 22, 1879. Mr. 
Carter has about 1,500 ajres of land in 
T. 11 and 12, R. 13. He was justice of 
the peace at one time, and has been 
connected with the schools at various 
times, and in different capacities. Mr. 
Carter enlisted in the Mexican war in 
June, 1847, and was assigned to Co. D, 
2d 111. Inf., under Captain Bristow and 
Colonel Collins, commanded by General 
Patterson. He returned in 1848. and 
was mustered out at Alton, where he 
had also been mustered in. He started 
from there as a sergeant of his company, 
and while in Mexico, was elected lieu- 
tenant of the same. .\ generation has 
passed away since Mr. Carter first came 
to this county, and he has witnessed 
almost the entire development of 
Greene county, in the course of his life 
'if over three score years. 

T. A. T>ittle was born in Greene 
county. 111., on the 23d of June, 1844, 
and is a son uf William and Ellen (Car- 
ter) Little. A full sketch of the lives 
of his mother's parents will also be 
found in this volume, in connection 
with the history of this township. T.A. 
was reared to farm life and has always 
been engaged in that occupation. On 
the 20th of April, 18G5, he was united 
in marriage with Sarah Hunnieutt, a na- 
tive of this county, and a daughter of 
Thomas and Ruth (Silkwot>d) Hunni- 
eutt, a mention of whom will be made 



in this work. This marriage has been 
blessed by four children — John, Wil- 
liam, Belle and Anna, all living at home. 
Mr. Little is in very comfortable circum- 
stances, having a nice farm of 160 acres 
of land on Sec. 30, T. 12, R. 13, on which 
he is quite successful in the raising of 
stock and grain. Mr. Little is an indus- 
trious, go-ahead farmer, and is well re- 
spected by the community in which he 
resides. 

A\'illiam S. Smith was born in Pitt- 
sylvania county, Va., Oct. 2, 1826, and 
is a son of William S. and Martha A. 
(Creary) Smith, his father a native of 
South Carolina, his mother a native of 
Virginia. They moved to Kentucky in 
1828, where tliey remained about two 
years, and in the fall of 1830, came to 
Scott county, 111. There W'illiam was 
reared, and was brought up to farm life. 
His father died there in 1851. In 1852, 
William journeyed overland to Cali- 
fornia, where he remained four years, 
being engaged in the lumber business. 
In 1856, he returned to Scott county, 
where he resided until 1858, when he 
came to Greene county, and purchased 
240 acres of land on Sees. 2 and 11, in 
T. 12, R. 13. Mr. Smith was first mar- 
ried toThisubaJ. Smith, and by that 
union there were two children, ofwhom 
one is living — Sarah, wife of Field 
Fielding, residing in this county. Mr. 
Smith was again married, in 1862, to 
Sophronia A. Edwards, and by that 
union there was one child — Hernon,who 
lives at home. Mrs. Smith died in 1863, 
and was buried in Scott county. In 
1865, Mr. Smith was again united in 
marriage with Jane Day, a native of 
Scott county. 111. Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
are the parents of six children — Rebecca 



966 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



A., deceased; Littie, deceased; William \ 
H., Bonnie, Tuny, and Elsie; those liv- [ 
ing, all residing at home. Mr. Smith 
is a well-to-do farmer, being the owner 
of 982 acres of land on sections 2, 3, 10 
and 11, in what is now Patterson town- 
ship. He is engaged in the raising of 
stock and grain, in which he has been 
very successful. He has been connected 
with the schools of his district as direc- 
tor, and is one of the most enterprising 
and highly esteemed citizens of the com- 
munity in which he resides. 

,1. 1). McLane, an enterprising citizen 
of this county, was born in Lincoln 
county, Tenn., April 29, lSo8, his parents 
bi-'ing G. L., and Emeline (Dusenberry) 
McLane, his father, a native of South 
Carolina, his mother of Tennessee. J. 
D., was reared in his native state, and 
lived there vnitil after the civil war, 
when he removed to western Alabama, 
where he carried on farming. He lived 
ill that state until 1881, when he came to 
Illinois, and located in what is now 
Patterson township. He has 95 acres 
of land on section 24, T. 12, R. 13, where 
he carries on farming, and incidental 
stock raising, and through his industry 
and energy, has been quite successful. 
He was married in Alabama, Dec. 24, 
1868, to Soplironia J. Randall, a native 
of Alabama, and a daughter of Asa and 
Eleanor Randall. By this marriage, 
there are six children — Edwin J., Ellen 
E., Henrv E., Keener J., Irwin and 
Charles. In the civil war, Mr. McLane 
was a soldier in Co. K, 8th Tenn. Inf. 
He was at the battle of Murfreesboro, 
Chickamauga, Nashville, Franklin, Per- 
I'vville, Ky., Atlanta, and numerous 
other smaller engagements, and was in 
the service until the close of the war. 



He went in as a private, but rose 
through various promotions, command- 
ing Co. K a great part of the time, the 
captain being in prison, and was first 
lieutenant at the close of the war. Mr. 
McLane now holds the office of township 
treasurer, and is the present rej^resenta- 
tive of his township in the board of su- 
pervisors, of Greene county. He is the 
central committeeman of the democratic 
party, from Patterson township, having 
been chosen to that position, before the 
last presidential campaign. Mr. Mc- 
Lane's mother, died in Tennessee, and 
his father, in Alabama. Mr. McLane 
is fast taking rank among the prominent 
men of Greene county. 

Wilson Cunningham, deceased, was 
born in South Carolina, and was a son of 
Abram Cunningham. When he was a 
mere boy his parents removed to Ten- 
nessee, settling in Lincoln count}'. There 
Wilson was reared, and there remained 
until he came to Illinois and located in 
what is now Patterson township, in 
Greene county. He was here married 
to Mary Wells, a native of North Caro- 
lina, and a daughter of John Wells, a 
sketch of whom will appear in this 
work. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Cunning- 
ham were the parents of six children, 
of whom three are living — Frankie, de- 
ceased; George, whose sketch follows 
this; John, living with his mother in 
this tovi'nship; Jane, deceased wife of 
Jabez Irwin; James, married Ella Irwin, 
lives in Sumner county, Kan.; and one 
who died in infancy. Mr. Cunningham 
departed this life about 1857, and is 
buried near Walshville, Montgomery 
county. His widow still survives him 
and resides in this township. 

George W. Cunningham,the oldest liv- 



IIISTOKY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



967 



ill": rhilil 111' Wilson Cunningham, was 
born in Cireuneronnty, Dec. 2G, lS?A'i. Ho 
was reared amid tlie scenes attending 
tlie clearing up of the wilderness, and re- 
sided with his parents until his marriage, 
in ISGo, to Jane Garrett. She died in 
1S67, and Mr. Cunningham was again 
married in 1869 to Sarah Clemens, who 
died in the early part of 1870. He was 
married in February, 1875, to his present 
wife, Jane Beavers, a native of Canada. 
]\Ir. Cunningham has 200 acres of good 
land on Sec. 11, T. 12, R. 13, all under 
cultivation with comfortable surround- 
ings. He is a member of the Salem 
Baptist church. He hasbeen connected 
with the schools as director of district 
No. 1. In his political views he affili- 
ated with the democratic party. 

Hiram Faire, now deceased, was born 
in Mercer county, Ky., in 1805. His 
boyhood days were spent in his native 
state. Ilis father was a slaveholder in 
Kentucky, in which state he died. 
After liis death, his widow and the fani- 
il}' removed to Calloway county, Mo. 
where Hiram's mother died. Hiram 
then came to Greene county, 111., locat- 
ing on section 36, in what is now Pat- 
terson township. . He was one of the 
early settlers of this county, and when 
he came it was nothing but wild coun- 
try, but, like the other settlers of that 
time, he set about clearing up a home. 
He lived the remainder of his life in 
this county. While in Missouri he was 
married to Jlatilda Wood, a native of \ 
Tennessee, and a daughter of Zachariah 
and Nancy Wood, who were also among 
the early settlers of the county, and 
wlio will be mentioned elsewhere in 
this work. Hiram Paire and wife were 
the parents of five children — Melinda, 



deceased wife of Edward Powell; Jane, 
now the wife of Samuel Martin, liv- 
ing in this county; Nancy, deceased 
wife of John H. Thomas; Julia, de- 
ceased wife of John Lemon, and John, 
the subject of the following sketch. 
Hiram Paire died June 1, 1875, and is 
buried on the old homestead. His wife 
died about 1844, and is buried at the 
Bellew graveyard. He left a large farm, 
consisting of 640 acres of valuable land, 
which he accumulated by thrift and 
energ}'. He was a member of the M. 
E. church. 

Jolni Paire, the youngest eliild of 
Hiram and Matilda Paire, was born on 
June 12, 1837, in (ireene county. 111., 
where he was reared, and lor nearly 
half a century has made it his home. 
Even in his recollection, this county 
was almost a wilderness, and in the 
length of time he has lived here, he has 
seen its towns grow up, and most of the 
imiH-ovements in the county made. He 
was married, Sept. 10, 1865, to Eliza 
Ford, a native of Illinois. Bj' this 
iniion there were six children — George 
Washington, married Nevia J. Kinser, 
lives in this county; Addie, Mark, Ne- 
via J., and two who died in infancy. 
Mr. Paire is an industrious farmer, and 
is the possessor of 240 acres of land, 
lying in Walkerville and Patterson 
townshijis. 

W. ^\'. Owdoui was born in South 
Carolina, March 10, 1818, being a son of 
Willis and Betsey (Forest) Owdoni, na- 
tives of South Carolina. He was there 
brought up to farm life, and in 1838, he 
came to (ireene county. 111., settling on 
section 24, in this township, where he 
purchased 40 acres of land, on which 
he still resides. In 1839, he was mar- 



968 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ried to Mary Gi'oce, a daughter of 
Thomas and Nancy Groce, and by this 
union there were nine children, .seven 
of whiiiu are livinij — Melissa, wife of 
John Roberts, residing in Manchester; 
Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Drum- 
monds, residingin Vernon county, Mo.; 
William D., married Jane Gurley, 
lives in Wilmington; John, whose 
sketch fdllows this; Ellis, Sarah and 
F]meline. Mrs. Ovvdom departed this 
life Oct. 17, 18-"i2, and is buried at the 
A\'ilniing!()n cemetery. Mr. Owdom has 
a farm of 240 acres, on sections 24 and 
2.5, in Patterson township, on which he 
raises stock and grain. He is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, and is a 
highly r<'S[)ected citizen of that com- 
munity. 

John Owdom was born in (4reene 
county, ni., Sept. 7, 1854, and is a son 
of W." W. and Polly (Groce) Owdom. 
John was reared to farm life, and is now 
engaged in that business. March 22, 
1883, he was united in marriage with 
Emma Gollier, a daughter of Philip and 
Katie Gollier, and a native of Germany 
By this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Owdom 
are the parents of one child — Lotta V. 
Mr. Owdom has 20 acres of land on 
Sec. 19, T. 12, R. 12, in what is now Pat- 
terson township, and is engaged in rais- 
ing stock and grain. He has traveled 
W'Cst as far as California, where he staid 
one year, and was engaged at farming 
there. Mr. Owdom was a memljer of 
the Grange. 

William B. Atchison, was born near 
Belleville, St. Clair county. 111., Aug. 
22, 1830, and w'as a son of John and 
Eliza (Badgley) Atchison. William 
was reared to farm life, in which he al- 
ways has continued. He was married, 



March 3. 1850, in Monroe county, to 
Sai'ah H. Jennings, born in 1830. She 
was a daughter of Samuel and Matilda 
(Bickers) Jennings, natives of Tennes- 
see. William removed to Greene county 
in 1855, and settled on section 23, T. 12, 
R. 12. Here he resided until his death 
Feb. 25, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Atchison 
were the parents of three children — 
Edward L., married Elizabeth Shelton, 
now resides on his mother's farm; Wil- 
liam E., married Anna Hoskins, also 
lives on his mother's farm: Eliza Viola, 
married Christopher Howard, and re- 
sides with her mother. Mr. Atchison 
was a member of the Baptist church, as 
is also his wife. His father died in the 
year 1841, and his mother is still living 
in Belleville, being now in her 73rd 
year. Mrs. Atchison has a nice farm of 
160 acres, located on the northeast quar- 
ter of section 22, in what is now Patter- 
son township. Her family is highly 
respected by the community in which 
they reside. 

Lafayette Deeds, deceased, was born 
in Virginia, Feb. 14, 1846, his parents 
being Henry and Sarah Jane (Tim mer- 
man) Deeds, natives of Virginia. When 
Lafayette had reached the age of 13 years 
his parents removed to Illinois, locating 
near Wilmington, where they remained 
about two years, and where his father 
died. From there the family removed 
to Pike county, where they spent two 
years and then returned to Greene 
county to their first location, where his 
mother was again married to J. L. 
Sampson. Lafayette lived with his 
mother until his marriage, Oct. 3, 1867, 
to Lucinda Wells, daughter of Philip 
and Sarah A. (Vinyard) Wells. Her 
father was born in Kentucky and came 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



969 



to tliis county in lSv>4. Her inothrr was 
born in this county, and here they were 
married. Her father died in August, 
IcSoO, and is buried at Bluefield cem- 
etery. Her motlier died in Feb., 1850, 
and is buried at Walkerville cemetery. 
Mrs. Deeds was then reared by her 
grambuolher. Mr. and Mrs. Deeds 
were the parents of seven cliildren — John 
H., born July 19, 1868; Elvira E., born 
March 29, 1870; Cordelia A., Imrn Dec. 
2t), 1872; Carrie E., born Sept. 20, 1874; 
George E., born Jan. 26, 1876; Lou 
Alma, born April 9, 1879; Harry Lee, 
born Oct. 3, 1882, and Emily Louisa, 
born Jan. 3, 1885, died on the 16th of 
the same month. Mr. Deeds died on 
June 17, 1885, and is buried at the Blue- 
field cemetery. His parents botli died 
in this county, his mother at the age of 
60 and his father at the age of 57. Mr. 
Deeds was a member of the Pleasant 
Dale United Baptist church, as is also 
Mrs. Leeds, and he w'as one of the 
trustees of that church. A lirotber and 
sister of Lafayette Deeds are living in 
this vicinity — John Franklin, living at 
Pearl, Pike county, and Henrietta, wife 
of yamnel Ijconard, living in Patterson 
township. He had one brother, James 
Henry, who was in the Union Service 
until the close of the war, having en- 
listed in Co. H, 91st 111. Inf., andserved 
three years. Mrs. Deeds is comfortabl\' 
fixed, having 123 acres of land, 83 of 
which are on the home place on section 
26. Pier parents' families on both sides 
came here over half a century ago, and 
took part in many of the early events 
hence a mention of all of them will ap- 
pear in their proper places in this work. 
I\[rs. Deeds had one brother, George W. 
Wells, who died Jan. 9, 1874. 



George \\'ilkinson, deceased, was l)oni 
Aug. 25, 1833, in Kentucky, his jiarents 
lieing James and Metis (Post) \\'ilkin- 
son, natives of Kentucky, (ieorge came 
to Greene county. 111., w'ith bis parents, 
and having been reared to farm life, 
always continued at it. He was united 
in marriage Aug. 28, 1848, with Lucetta 
Martin, a daughter of Reuben and 
Elizabeth (Carriger) Martin, natives of 
Lincoln county, Tenn., who are men- 
tioned elsewhere. .She was born there 
Aug. 25, 1834, and came with her ])ar- 
ents to Greene county. 111., in 1835. they 
settling on the place where Mrs. Wilkin- 
son now resides. Her father died July 
8, 1865, and is buried in the Martin 
cemetery. Her mother died Sept. 20, 
1878, and was laid to rest by the side of 
her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson 
were the parents of three children — 
James, married Sarah \\'(dls, resides 
with bis mother; Jane, wife of Staunton 
Patterson, residing in this towMiship; 
and Metis, wife of James Floyd, also 
residing in this township. Mr. Wilkin- 
son departed this life on the lOth of 
June, 1852, while on his way to Cali- 
fornia, and was buried on the ])lains. 
Mrs. Wilkinson is in very comfortable 
circumstances, liaving a farm containing 
300 acres of land on Sees. 8 and 17, T. 
12, R. 12. The family are highly 
esteemed by neighbors and friends. 

John W. Allen was born in Greene 
county, Illinois, on Aug. 10, 18(il, and 
is a son of J. T. and Jane Allen, resi- 
dents of Greene county, a sketch of 
whom will also appear in this work. 
John was reared to farm life, receiving 
such education as the district schools 
atforded. On Aug. 20, 1884, he was 
united in marriage w-ith Lena House, 



070 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



daughter of Adam and Eliza House, who 
will be mentioned elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. Mr. Allen spent the year 1S84 in 
Texas, where lie was engaged in farm- 
ing, and also in the stock business, and 
is now employed in the same way here. 
Mr. Allen is inute a young farmer, and 
being industrious and energetic, will 
(U)ubtless be successful in all his under- 
takings. 

Thomas Knox was born in the north 
of Ireland, on Oct. 29, 1839, his j)arents 
being John and Elizabeth Knox, natives 
of Ireland. When he was only 15 years 
of age he decided to come to this coun- 
try, and after taking leave of home and 
friends, sailed for America. On arriving 
here he came as far west as Illinois, 
where he settled in Greene county, in 
1854. Mr. Knox has always been en- 
gaged in farming, with the exception of 
about three years which, he spent in the 
service of this country. He enlisted 
Aug. 8, 1862, in Co. K, 7th 111. Cav., and 
was in all the engagements in which his 
regiment participated. He was mus- 
tered out at Vicksburg, Miss. On the 
24th of April, 18G6, Mr. Knox was mar- 
ried to Octavia Hatcher, a daughter of 
John Hatcher. This union has been 
blessed by seven children, P^rank R., 
John E., Anna C, Belle O., Thomas A., 
Elsie J., and Emery E., all living at 
home. Mr. Knox is one of the enter- 
prising farmers of this townsnip, and by 
industry, frugality, and good manage- 
ment, has accumulated a considerable 
amount of property, having 800 acres 
of valual:de land on sections 17, 18, 20, 
27 and 28, in what is now Patterson 
township, and is very successful in the 
raising of stock and grain. Heisamem- 
berof the Wilmington lodge A. 0. U.W., 



and is highly esteemed by all for his 
honesty and integritv. 

The first building in school district 
No. 2, was a log edifice located on sec- 
tion 8, and erected in. 1864. The pioneer 
teacher in this structure was Mary 
Hubbs. This served the district for 
school purposes until 1870, when a new 
building was constructed on section 29. 
Three or four years later it was removed 
to section 8, and in 1880 brought to its 
present location on section 29. There 
was also a log school house on section 
19, which was erected about 1860. It 
has since rotted away. 



If 



PATTERSON 

a neat little village of about 200 



inhabitants, in this township. It is lo- 
cated on the southwest quarter of section 
18, and was laid out on May 18, 1836, by 
Lucius Norton, Thomas Groce, Thomas 
Hanks, Young, Henderson, Lt^ne and 
Higbee, and the plat filed for record as 
Wilmington, in the office of the circuit 
clerk, May 21, 1836. This name it bore 
for many years, but it was changed to 
Breese and then to Patterson. In 1836, 
John Chester opened a store for the sale 
of groceries, dry goods, etc., which he 
ran for a short time, when he sold out 
to Isham Cranfil. The latter gentle- 
man'did an extensive business, bujnng 
beef and pork, at from SI, 25 to $1,75 
per hundred, and packing it, and also 
buying grain and teaming it to Alton. 
He afterward sold out the place to L. D. 
Morris, and emigrated to Oregon. Mr. 
Morris did no business but disposed of 
the property to L. J. Patterson. 

In 1836, Peter Gibbon established a 
tannerj' here which gave employment 
to several hands and made business 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



'J71 



livi'ly. Ho coiiimanded a good trade 
litre tor many years. 

Wickliff Poeit opened a lilacksniith 
sliop about the year l<Soo or 6, and kept 
it for several years. He eaine here from 
Api)le Creek Prairie. 

The second to open up astore was Ira 
CHark. He had a {.Tocery store in a 
building built by Thomas Groce. 

Shortly after the commencenient of 
the town a hotel was put up. which was 
run by Thomas Groce. The sign was 
the "Rising Sun." 

. William Flcaiming engaged in the 
cooper trade in 1844 or 5, anil was suc- 
ceeded by Charles ^^■iggins, who was the 
last to follow the business here. He 
closed U|) his sho]) in 1849. 

Drs. Gosnold, Charles Hardt, Burns, 
(iarrison, Higbee, unci others, practiced 
medicine in those early days. 

The lirst school was taught by Dr. 
Joe (4arrison, he teaching and practic- 
ing medicine at the sanu- time. 

Quite a little settlement now sprang 
up, to trace which in all its detail would 
require too much space. Let us there- 
fore clip the following excellent article 
in regard to the little hamlet: 

■'\\'hiteside & Eaton put up a saw- 
mill in 185*,), that ran by steam, which 
greatly facilitated the erection of build- 
ings, and aided materially in the pros- 
perity of the town. This mill was af- 
terward sold to a party who moved it to 
Glasgow. 

"G. W. Burns came from Pennsyl- 
vania, and located here aboiit 1868, and 
now resides in White Hall. 

''The school building was erected in 
187;>; is furnished with 40 patent seats, 
capable of seating SOpupils; has abund- 
ance of blackboard room, well lighted. 



vestibule in front end, furnished with 
hat hooks, shelves, etc. The yard is 
beautifully adorned, and shaded with a 
grove of maples, ))lanted by W . B. 
Coates,who, at the time, was director of 
the school. As it is impossible to name, 
consecutivelj-, the links which formed 
the business of this village, we shall con- 
tent ourselves with giving it thus: In 

1855, :J. R. Pruitt and L. T. Whitesides 
were the business men of the place. In 

1856, Lee Coates and hi.< father. .Tolin 
Coates, engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, and for four or five years had a 
good trade. In 1857, W. B. Coates suc- 
ceeded his father, becoming a partner 
with his brother Lee, thus forming a 
strong and prosperous firm, which con- 
tinued till 1861, when they dissolved, 
and Lee continued some time alone, 
dealing hea\ily in grain, and barge 
building, wit!) L. E. Carter, at Grand 
Pass, etc. About that time, W. B. 
Coates did considerable business as a 
stock and grain dealer, till in the sjirihg 
of 18(J4, he went to the ^L)ntana gold 
mines, where he remained four years. 
H(! afterward cngaired in business here. 
About 1857, Morris X- Simons sold goods 
here i'»r a short ])eriod, and were suc- 
ceeded by Bcal Cotter, in 1859. In 
186i), Aaron Reno & Bro., succeeded -J. 
R. Pruitt. In 1865, Elihu Yates and 
James AN'ilkinson embarked in the dry 
goods and grocery business, but not 
succeeding well, soon retired. About 
18()(), J. R. Pruitt and Philemon Reno 
formed a dry goods firm, and after a 
short time retired. Edward S. Hough- 
ton, also, dealt in hoots, shoes, etc., for 
a short time. About the same time 
Jones, Patterson I'c Howard formed a 
co-partnership, and sold an immense 



972 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



amount of goods, continuing some three 
or four years. In 1869, Philemon Reno 
dealt in groceries alone." 

The village was incorporated in 1S(59, 
under the general laws of the state, as a 
town, and as a village under special act, 
in 1875. 

Ford Brothers, dealers in general 
merchandise, engaged in this line April 
13, 1883, in the building which was built 
in 1835 by Thomas Grocc, and first used 
as a general store by Mr. Groce and Ira 
Clark. Additions have since been made 
to this historic structure and it has had 
about as many owners and occupants as 
it is years of age, therefore to mention 
them would be almost an impossibility. 
The present firm carry a complete stock 
in tiieir line, and also have the post- 
office in this building. 

D. H. Gilson, dealer in drugs, groce- 
ries, etc., commenced business Aug. 11, 
1885, as successor to Coates & Lovelace. 
This stand was originally established 
as a dry goods store by Pruitt & \V\l- 
kinson. 

The store building occupied by Ford 
& (iurlcy was erected by Isaac Lowen- 
stein, now a resident of White Hall, in 
1874. He put in a general stock, which 
he operated three years. His succes- 
sors have been B. F. & G. W. Carriger, 
T. J. Albert, Gurley & Doyle, F. M. 
Gurley, J. S. Watt, Wells & Ford, and 
the present firm of Ford it Gurley, who 
began business Sept. 1, 1884. The 
building is 30x40 feet on the ground and 
two stories high. They carry a stock 
of general merchandise. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoflSce at Patterson was origi- 
nally known as Breese, deriving its 



name from Chief Justice Breese. The 
first postmaster was L. T. Whiteside, 
followed by James Pruitt, Lemuel J. 
Patterson, D. H. Gilson, and the pres- 
ent incumbent, C. C. Eaton. 

SOCIETY. 

^V'ilmington lodge. No. 167, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, was organ- 
ized April 17, 1880, with the following 
charter members : James ]M. Linder, 
Henry C. Roberts, Joseph P. James, 
William Jones, Henry Boyer, G. B. 
Patterson, Sidney H. Wilmington, Geo. 
W. Burns, Samuel F. Hicks, Perry 
Wilmington, A. B. Collister, Stanton H. 
Patterson, William Gollier, Benjamin 
Hahn, Adam Hoiise, Thomas Knox, 
Absalom Mitchell, Lemuel B. James. 
The lodge has been kept in a flourishing 
condition, and the membership has 
gradually increased until it now num- 
bers about 28. Those who are officers 
at present are L. B. James, M. W.; 
Stanton H. Patterson, P. M. W.; James 
M. Linder, F.; John J. Wilkinson, 0.: 
S. H. Wilmington, G.; James D. Cade, 
R.; Adam House, F.; Perry Wilmington, 
T.; A. T. Peigham, J. A. Cunningham 
and Henry Boyer, trustees. Meetings 
are held t very Saturday evening at 
Patterson, over the store of Ford & 
Gurley, in Eagle hall, the second stor}' 
of this building being the property of 
this society. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Among tlie representative men of 
Patterson may be mentioned the follow- 
ing: 

John House was born in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, (Termany, Dec. 2, 1827, his pa- 
rents being John and Savina House. On 



HISTORY OF (4I?EENE COUNTY. 



973 



arriving at the age of 16. having linished 
his education, lie started to learn the 
trade of stone-mason and plasterer, and 
after serving an apprenticeship of tliree 
years, he worked at his trade at Frank- 
fort-on-the-Rhine. He returned home 
in 1849, and taking leave of home and 
friends, went to Antwerp, and took pass- 
age on the ship Victoria, bounil for New 
York. After a voyage of 37 days, he 
arrived at New York, Sept. 16, 1849, 
and the same evening started west. He 
stopped at Pittsburgh three months, 
where he worked at his trade, and from 
tlicre he came to St. Louis, where he 
worked at his trade three years and a 
half. Pie tlien came to this county, 
the first fall engaging at general work, 
and after that time working steadily ai 
hi.s trade until 1868, since which time 
he lias divided his time iK'tween farming 
and working at his trade. He was mar- 
ried, Aug. 13, 1853, to Sarah Craufill, a 
native of Tennessee, and a daughter of 
George and IVIary Cranfill, who were 
early settlers here. Mr. House and 
wife are the parents of four chiUlren — 
JIary Savina, Lura Adelia, John Eras- 
mus and Adam Benjamin. When Mr. 
House came to this country, he liad no 
capital save willing hands, and accu- 
mulated gradually, until he now has 75 
acres of valuable land, adjoining Wil- 
mington. He is a member of the Cath- 
olic church. His parents both died in 
Germany, in 18;^, his mother dying 
just two we(d<s bef(ire his father. Mr. 
House has a bnither, Adam, living at 
Wilmington, and a sister. Eliesabetha. 
wife of Charles Voelp, living in St.- 
Louis. 

Adam Hous(! was born in Muenster, 
Hesse-Darmstadt, Nov. 11, 1834, and is 



a son of John and Savina House, ^vho 
died Nov. 11, 1836, when Adam was a 
mere child, leaving him an orphan 
almost -from infancy. After finishing 
his schooling, he learned the mason's 
trade, and in 18ol, having a chance to 
come to America, he embraced the op- 
portunity, and, biddingfarewell to home 
and friends, took jiassage at Antwerp, 
on the ship John Hancock, bound for 
New Orleans, on the 20th of May, 18,51. 
After a voyage of 41 days he arrived at 
the Crescent City, and from there went 
to St. Louis, being 11 days on the river. 
On arriving there he began to learn the 
carjienter's trade, at which he was em- 
ployed about three years. He then 
came to Greene county, locating at 
White Hall, and after one year removed 
to Wilmington, where he remained from 
March, 1856, until 186-1, when he returned 
to St. Louis, and while there he was in 
the militia for a time. He remained 
there between one and two years and 
then returned to Wilmington, where he 
has ever since resided. Mr. House has 
been twice married; the first time, Sept. 
15, 1855, to Kathrina Ebbert, a native of 
Saxony. I5y that union there were three 
children — John William, liorn July 18, 
1858, died July 26, 1860; ]\lary C, living 
in Patterson township, married Leonard 
Owdom, and George, married Luella 
Smith, and lives in Texas. Mrs. House 
died March 1, 1863, and Mr. House was 
again married Sejiteinber 14, 1863, to 
Kliza King, a daughter of M'illiam and ' 
Jane ('Dnmimond ) King. Ry that mar- 
riage theri' were four children, three of 
whom are living — Lena B., wife of John 
Allen, living in Patterson township; 
Carrie, Manelius, and one who died in 
infancy. Mr. House has property in 



974 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Wilmington, and he has erected all the 
best buildings in that town and vicinif^', 
besides constructing many in the towns 
of White Hall, Roodhouse, and other 
points, showing his ability and popu- 
larity as a carpenter. He is a member 
of the A. 0. t). W. lodge, and has held 
the office of financier, ever since the 
organization of the lodge. 

A. B. Collister was born in Greene 
county, 111., Aug. 14, 1S40, and is a son 
of G. W. and Maria Collister. He was 
reared in the town of Wilmington, in 
Patterson town.sbip. and in 1857, in the 
17th year of his age, he commencing 
to learn the blacksmith's trade, and 
continued in that business until Oct., 
1S61. He then enlisted in the service 
of his country, in Co. E, 28th 111. Inf. 
He was mustered in at Ft. Holt, Ky., 
and participated in the battle of Shiloh, 
after which battle he w-orked in the 
blacksmith department. In June, 1864, 
he was taken prisoner and confined at 
Catawba, Ala., for two months, and was 
then transferred to Millen prison, near 
Savannah. Ga., and from there to An- 
dersonville, where he had to undergo 
the most terrible confinement for seven 
long months. When the war was over, 
Mr. Collister returned home, and then 
built a blacksmith shop on Bridgeport 



street, in Wilmington, where he carried 
on the business from 1867 until 1880. 
He then purchased the building of Wil- 
liam Taylor & Bro., on the corner of 
^Vhite Hall and Bridgeport streets, 
where he carries on a general repair 
business, and has considerable trade. 
The building is 40x40 feet, and contains 
two rooms. Mr. Collister was married 
March lo, 186.S, in Indiana, while he 
was in the service, being united with 
Sarah E. Stolcup, a daughter of Peter 
and Jane Stolcup, deceased. By this 
marriage they are the parents of five 
children — William, Lucy, Daisy, Bert 
and Harold, all living at home. Mr. 
Collister is a member of White Hall 
lodge, No. 227, I. 0. O. F., and also of 
the Wilmington lodge. No. 167, A. 0. 
U. W., and is an enterprising citizen of 
the town in which he resides. 

FIRST ITEJIS. 

Among the first religious services 
here were those held by Peter H. Clark, 
who was a Methodist preacher. Rev. 
William McAdams held services in this 
neighborhood at an early day. 

The first mill was built by David 
Seely, in 18oo. It was agristmill, run 
by water power. It was operated by 
David Seely and David Hodge. 



OHAPTEIR. XXIII, 



ATHENSVILLE TOWNSHIP. 
The township now known as Athens- nically known as congressional town- 



ville embraces the greater part of the 
old precinct of Mount Airy, and is tech- 



ship 12 north, range 10 west. It is sit- 
uated in the extreme northeastern part 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ii;.') 



of the county, and contains some of the 
finest farm land in the county. It is 
uell watered by Apple, Marks and Nig- 
ger Lick creeks. The first of these en- 
ters the township on the east line of 
section 12, crosses that section and on 
11 receives the waters of a small branch 
locally known as Fanning's creek, it 
then proceeds on, in a southwesterly 
course, traversing sections 14, 15,22, 21, 
^20, 30, making a confluence on the lat- 
ter with Mark's creek, and on passing 
out of the township on the west line of 
section 31, after crossing its territory. 
Nigger Lick creek crosses the entire 
southern part of the township, and 
Marks creek the western. These streams 
and numerous small tributaries and af- 
fluents, thoroughly drain the country, 
and supply an abundance of running 
water for all stock purposes. Most of 
this territory was covered with timber 
when the first settlers came, but it is 
somewhat cleared now, as a large num 
ber of elegant farms have been made. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first to make a settlement was 
Edward Prather, who came to Greene 
county and settled in what is now Ath- 
ensvillc township, in 1822, entering 
land in both this and Rubicon town- 
ship. He was a resident here for a time, 
when he removed to the latter named 
township, where he lived until 1881, 
when he died. He was a native of 
Kentucky's dark and bloody ground, 
born in 17!l."). lie grew to manhood on 
that classic soil, and was there married 
to Maria Harrison, a native of Culpep- 
)ier county, Va. They came to Illinois 
in 1819, but remained for about three 
years in Madison county, when he came 

._ — , 5^ 



here as above. He had a family of 13 
children. 

Thomas Sharp settled on what was 
known as the Nigger Lick springs, in this 
township, in 1827. He did not remain 
very long, but moved to other lands. 

William Hopper left his home in Ken- 
tucky in 1828, and journeyed to this 
part of the great state of Illinois. On 
arriving in Athensville township, he en- 
tered land on section 11 and built a home 
thereon, in 1830. This was a log cabin 
16x18 feet in size, containing but one 
room. The floor was made of puncheons 
and the door of clapboards. 

The next settler was William ^^'bit- 
lock, who came here in 1828, and enter- 
ing land on section 11, built a cabin. He 
was born in Adair county, K3'., Dec. 23, 
1813, and was the son of William and 
Rosanna (Shelton) Whitlock. He re- 
sided with his parents until his llUh 
year, when he came to Illinois, but after 
a short stay, returned to Kentucky. In 
1829, he came here and built the home 
as above stated, and went back for his 
parents, returning the next year. He 
returned to his native state to get mar- 
ried, girls being quite scarce as yet in 
this part of the state, which is quite the 
reverse at the present. He was there 
united with Ali Shcppard, Jan. 29, 1829, 
and came back to this section, where he 
still resides. Thej' were the parents of 
nine children, six of whom are living. 
Mrs. Whitlock died Dec. 13, 1880, aii<l 
Mr. Whitlock again married in Octol)cr, 
1885. This lady's name was Rebecca 
Neece, widow of C. W'. Neece. 

David Jackson, a North Carolinian by 
birth, came from Tennessee to Morgan 
county, Illinois, in 1829, l)ut in 1832 
removed to this township and county. 



976 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUIsTY. 



settling on section 24, where he lived 
until his death, which occurred Aug. 9, 
1851. 

Russell Stoddard came to this local- 
ity in 1829, and settled upon the north- 
west quarter of the northeast quarter 
of section 20. He was a native of 
Vermont, but when young immigrated 
to Indiana, where he afterward was 
vmited in marriage with Ellen Kelly, a 
Virginian. He lived in this townshfp 
until his death, which occurred in 1838. 
His wife died in 1840. They had a fam- 
ilj' of six children. 

Charles Whitlock, a native of Vir- 
ginia, Init for some years a resident of 
the state of Kentucky, came to this 
county in the fall of 1829, and settled on 
section 10, in this township, where the 
family resided but about a year, when 
they moved to section 14, where he en- 
tered 120 acres of land, now belonging 
to David Jackson, where they lived un- 
til the death of Charles, which occurred 
Sept. 24, 1846. His wife died in 1864. 

A man whose name is believed to have 
been Scroggs,came from Morgan county, 
in 1829, and made a settlement on sec- 
tion 26 or 27. He did not reside here 
long. 

Sandy Wiggins located upon a farm 
on section 26, in 1830, but the following 
year he removed from the county, and 
his place taken j^ossession of by a Mr. 
Rigsby, who came to this county about 
that time. 

John Ruyle settled in this township 
in 1830, on section 24. 

George M. Hopkins, about the year 
1830, settled in this township, on section 
29, where he made his home until Oct. 
14, 1866, when he died. 

John Mason was one of the settlers of 



1880, in this township. He was born in 
Kentucky, May IS, 1812, and was mar- 
ried in that state, Jan. 1, 1830, to Re- 
becca Moss, born in Tennessee in 1813. 
In 1846, he enlisted in the 1st 111. Inf., 
and served in the Mexican war. 

Theophilus Sheppard made a settle- 
ment about a mile northeast of the 
present site of the village of Athens- 
ville, where he resided many years. He 
located here in 1831. A Mr. IMorton 
settled about the same distance west of 
the village, the same j'ear, as did Alex- 
ander Johnsen and Musgrove. 

Benoni Banning, also, moved to this 
neighborhood in 1831. 

Ben. Sanders came to Greene county 
in 1831, from Morgan county, this state. 
He was born in North Carolina, Sept. 
30, 1803, and immigrated to Morgan 
county in 1827. He was married in 
Kentucky, where he was living, June, 
1846, to Elizabeth Strong, who died 
March, 1872, and May 20, 1876, he was 
united in marriage with Mattie Brink- 
ley, widow of Thomas Brinkley. 

Isham Wood, who had come here 
with his parents in 1832, entered land 
on section 23, his father living on sec- 
tion 28. Isham was married in Ma- 
coupin county, and they lived on the 
old homestead until death, claiming 
Isham, dissolved the link that bound 
them. His widow died Nov. 10, 1885, 
at an age of about 75 years. 

Andrew Downs came to this township 
about the year 1833. He was born in 
Kentucky in 1810, and was the son of 
Thomas Downs. From his native 
state he moved to Indiana, where he 
was married to a Miss Bullington, and 
by that union had four children. Mrs. 
Downs died about 1832 or 3, and in 1834 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



97; 



he was married to Eleanor Spencer, and 
they were the parents of 12 children, 
four of whom arc living. In 1824, Mr. 
Downs had moved to Morgan county, 
this state, from whence he had come 
here as above stated. He settled on 
section 18, in this township, where he 
lived until death overtook him. This 
event occurred in August, 1865. He 
followed blacksmithing and ran a saw- 
mill here, while living, as well as car- 
ried on his farm. 

Thomas B. Downs, son of Andrew 
and Ellen (Spencer) Downs, was born 
Feb. 3, 1848, in Athensville township, 
Greene county. He remained with his 
parents until he was 16 years old, when 
he ran away from home, and enlisted in 
the 101st 111. Inf., Co. F, Jan. 3, 1864. 
He served 18 months, and was then 
mustered out at Fort McDougall, Aug. 
4, 1865. He took part in the battles of 
Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Dallas, 
Peach Tree Creek, Columbia, Goldsboro, 
and Big Shanty, and was with Sherman 
on his march through Georgia to the 
sea. After Gen. Johnston's surrender, 
Thomas was taken sick with typhoid 
fever, and was taken on a dirt train to 
the sea, from there to Washington, and 
thence to Fort McDougall, where he 
was muistered out. He remained there 
two months, and then returned home, 
where he re.-^ided during the remainder 
of his father's lifetime. In May, 1866, 
he began blacksmithing at his location, 
on section 16, where he still resides, 
and does a flourishing business, at re- 
pairing and horse-shoeing He was 
married. May 23, 1866, to Mary E. 
Hick.s, daughter of Washington Hicks. 
By this marriage there are four cliil- 
dren — James Monroe, Andrew Wash- 



ington, George Green, and Thomas 
Henry. Mr. Downs owns 40 acres of 
land, on section 16, where he carries on 
farming in connection with blacksmilli- 
ing. He belongs to the G. A. R., Jacol) 
Fry post, at Roodhouse, and is a union 
democrat. When in the campaign from 
Atlanta to the sea, he and a man named 
Wheeler were detailed by the colonel 
and major as foragers. Adjt. Wheeler 
was taken prisoner at the battle of Pea 
Ridge, and afterward enlisted in the 
101st 111. Inf., Co. A. They were fur- 
nished with a complete outfit, and were 
to share the contents of each house, tlie 
signal, when in close quarters, to be the 
report of a pistol. While Downs was at 
a place one day, and Wlieeler was guard- 
ing, the former, not hearing any signal, 
came around the house with a demijohn 
of apple-jack for the colonel, but was 
met by an officer and six privates, rebels, 

who said, "You Yankee, drop that 

and throw up your hands!" Downs im- 
mediately did so, but it required con- 
siderable eflbrt on the part of the officer 
to keep his men from shooting him. 
The officer then found out from him that 
there were three more Yankees a quar- 
ter of a mile south of there, and taking 
five of his men with him, left Downs in 
charge of one, but did not make him 
deliver his gun. He was sent a slioit 
distance north of there with a man 
named Welliford, who came from the 
same county as Mr. Down's father, and 
he made him believe they were related, 
b}' getting him so druidc with apple- 
jack that he was unable to take care of 
himself, much less guard Downs. The 
latter then grappled with him, took 
away his arms, shot him in the arm, 
and succeeded in getting away, although 



978 



HISTORY OF GREENE COl N TY. 



pursued by the other rebels, who had 
come at the report of the pistol. He 
got back to his regiment just as Wheeler 
was reporting to the colonel that he 
(Do.wns) had met his death at the hands 
of the rebels. 

Simon Nixon, when but 17 years of 
age came to this county with his father, 
in 1834, and the family settled in this 
township. Simon was born in North 
Carolina, in 1817. 

Anderson Mitchell came to this part 
of the county, in 1835, and located upon 
section 4. His son, Jackson, is a resi- 
dent of the township. 

Jackson G. Mitchell was born in 
Greene county. 111., Aug. 21, 1838, his 
parents being Anderson and Elzira 
(Whitlock) Mitchell, the former a na- 
tive of Tennessee, and the latter of 
Kentucky. His parents came to Greene 
county in 1835, locating on section 34, 
where they built a residence, and other- 
wise improved it, and remained there 
until 1846. His father then sold out, 
and removed to Pike county, where he 
purchased a tract of land, but the man 
he bought of, had no title to the land, 
and his father, therefore, was the loser 
of the property. In 1849, he returned 
to Greene county, rented land for one 
year, and then bought 40 acres, on sec- 
tion 14, on which he lived until the 
spring of 1855. He then sold out and 
moved to Macoupin county, where lie 
remained only a short time, when he 
returned to Greene county, and bought 
120 acres of land, on sections 10 and 11, 
on which he lived until his death, in 
1866. His mother is yet living, and re- 
sides with her son, Jackson G. Our 
subject was reared on a farm, remain- 
ing at home until about 22 years of age, 



when he was married, Feb. 2, 1860, to 
Sarah E. Hubbell, daughter of Justus 
and Nancy Hubbell. ■ He then went to 
live by himself, building a small cabin 
on his father's farm, where he lived 
about one year. He then bought 40 
acres, on section 2, to which he moved, 
and lived eight years. In the spring of 
1870, he moved onto the old homestead, 
and built a large two-story franie house 
and a large barn, at a costof $2,000, and 
has since resided at this place. Mr. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents 
of 11 children, eight ( f whom are liv- 
ing — Oscar, John, Nancy E., Emily, 
Alice J., Richard, Charlie and Edgar. 
Those who have passed away are, Ro- 
sanna, one who died in infancy, and 
Laura. Mr. Mitchell now owns 343 
acres of land on Sees. 2, 10, 11 and 
12, in T. 12, R. 10. He raises and feeds 
stock, but makes no traffic of it. He is 
an enterprising, energetic citizen of this 
county, and is highly re.spected by all. 
Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Rich- 
woods Baptist church. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Elisha Spencer, deceased, was a na- 
tive of Virginia, being born about 1790. 
From his native state he went to In- 
diana, and was married there in 1811, 
just 10 days before the battle of Horse- 
shoe Bend. His wife's name was Nancy 
Hupp, she being a native of Kentucky. 
They staid in Indiana until 1819, then 
removed to Lawrence county, 111. The 
following year they came to Greene 
county and located in Roodhouse town- 
ship, on the farm now owned by John 
Spencer. In 1864, Mrs. Spencer died, 
and was buried in Martin's Prairie cem- 
etery. There were seven children born 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



979 



to them, four of whom are now living — 
James R.; Ellen, widow of Andrew 
Downs; Sarah, widow of Martin Smith; 
and Major, of Morgan county. Of their 
children, the three deceased were— Wil- 
liam, Elijah and Polly. Mr. Spencer 
was again married, in 186-5, to Mrs. 
Margaret (Morton) Depew. By this 
marriage two children were born, now 
deceased. Mr. Spencer departed this 
life in Oct., 1882, and was buried in 
Martin's Prairie cemetery. His widow 
is now a resident of Athensville town- 
ship. Mr. Spencer was a consistent 
member of the Richwoods Baptist 
church at the time of his death, he hav- 
ing been a member of that church for 
the last 20 years of his life. 

James R. Spencer, a son of the above, 
was born May 23, 1814, in Hardin county, 
K}'. He remained with his parents un- 
til reaching his 14th year, when he went 
to Jacksonville, 111., and remained until 
his marriage, June 6, 1835, with Eliza- 
beth Gilmore, a daughter of Henry and 
Mary (McDaniel) Gihnore, the former 
of whom was a native of Georgia, and 
the latter of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spencer have had six children born to 
them, five of whom are yet living — 
Mary C, wife of George W. Fanning; 
Celia, wife of Samuel Goacher; Sarah, 
wife of John Story; J. Thomas and 
Peter. They lost one child — James H., 
by the hand of the grim destroyer. Mr. 
and Mrs. Spencer came to tlieir present 
location, on section 5, Athensville town- 
sliip, in 1865, but lived one mile north 
of that ever since 1844. He started in 
life, a poor boy, and although having 
met with a great many disheartening 
trials, by hard work and good manage- 
ment, he succeeded in accumulating 360 



acres of land, which he has since divided 
among his children, with the exception 
of 100 acres, which he still retains. He 
participated in the Black Hawk war, 
from beginning to end. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spencer are consistent members of the 
Richwoods Baptist church, they being 
among its original members. 

Marshall F. Grider, a prominent citi- 
zen of Athensville township, was born 
in Morgan county. 111., Feb. 10, 1834, 
and is a son of Martin S. and Ava (Dun- 
can) Grider, natives of North Carolina. 
His father was born July 2, 1791, and 
his mother, Aug. 25, 1795. His parents 
removed to Kentucky and were there 
married. Martin was engaged in farm- 
ing and remained in that state until 
1820, when he removed to Illinois and 
located eight miles southeast of Jack- 
sonville, in Morgan county, where lie 
and his wife spent the remainder of 
their lives. He died in 1834, while on 
a visit in Kentucky, and Mrs. Grider 
died in 1854. They had a family of 
five children — Sarah, born Aug. 25, 1815; 
Emery D., born Dec. 26, 1818; Elijnh 
T., born May 7, 1824; James M., born 
June 15, 1829; and Marshall F., born 
Feb. 10, 1834. The family were mem- 
bers of the Regular Predestinarian Bap- 
tist church. When Mr. Grider came to 
Illinois he had notliing but a horse, but 
at the time of his death he left a com- 
fortable home for his family. In poli- 
tics he was a staunch democrat. Mar- 
shall F. Grider grew to manhood in 
Morgan county, receiving his education 
in the common schools of that day. He 
was reared on the farm, his mother hav- 
ing married again after his father's 
death, so that at the age of 14, he 
started out for himself, working out on 



980 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



neighboring farms until 1853, when he 
rented land there until 1855. On April 
lo, 1853, he was married to Martha 
Sheppard, a native of Russell county, 
Ky., born Nov. 14, 1825. She is a 
daughter of Elder Thornton Sheppard, 
a native of North Carolina, born in 
1796, who removed with his parents to 
Russell county, Ky., where he grew to 
manhood and married Elender Hopper, 
also a native of North Carolina, born in 
ISOo, and who removed to Russell 
count}', Ky., with her parents. Mr. 
Sheppard engaged in farming there 
until 1830, wlien he came to Illinois, 
settling in Morgan county, where he 
bought and entered land, on which he 
and his wife resided until their deaths. 
They had a family of 12 children, 11 of 
whom grew to manhood and woman- 
hood. They came to Illinois with only 
o.\ teams, but left a farm of 200 acres at 
their death. Mr. Sheppard was an 
elder in the Baptist church, of which 
his wife was also a member. After mar- 
riage Mr. Grider rented land for awhile 
and then purchased 80 acres of timber 
land, south of Jacksonville, which he 
cleared and on which he remained until 
Oct., 1866, when he bought 120 acres on 
sections 14 and 23, in Athensville town- 
ship, Greene county, where he has since 
resided. He has by thrift and industry 
added to this until lie now has 289 acres 
under a good state of cultivation, and 
good, comfortable buildings thereon. 
Mr. and Mrs. (irider have had a family 
of six children — Sarah M., born July 1, 
1854, now the wife of Samuel Hiclvs; 
Sidney S., born Dec. 9, 1856, died Oct. 
23, 1877; Emery H., born Feb. 4, 1860; 
Clinton A., born Aug. 10, 1862; Rachel 
J., born Feb. 28, 1865, died Sept. 18, 



1871; and Albin L., born March 21, 
1868. Mr. Grider professed religion in 
1866, and united with the Primitive 
Baptist church in 1869, and is still a 
consistent member. He is a democrat, 
politically, his first vote having been 
cast for James Buchanan, his last for 
Cleveland. He is a highly esteemed 
citizen of that community. 

Thomas Wilson was born in Leeds, 
Yorkshire, England, Dec. 5, 1840, his 
parents being Benjamin and Sarah (God- 
ding) Wilson. When he was 11 years old, 
his parents left their native country and 
immigrated to America, landing at New 
Orleans in the fall of 1851. They sailed 
from Liverpool, and were nine weeks 
making the trip. Mrs. AVilson died 
while they were in New Orleans, and 
Thomas came up to St. Louis with his 
father, who there engaged in teaming. 
They remained there about two years, 
and then Thomas entered the employ 
of the Pacific Railroad Company, and his 
father became foreman of a gang of men 
who built the tunnel near Jefferson 
City, on that road. The latter after- 
ward moved to Warrington, Mo., where 
he entered the employ of the North 
Missouri Railroad Compau}', being en- 
gaged in grading. He remained there 
one year, and in the spring of 1857, came 
to Illinois, and took a contract to build 
the second and third sections of road 
south of Jacksonville. He then came 
to Greene county, and jiurchased land 
on Sec. 2, T. 12," R. 10, where he lived 
about 10 years, and then moved to Mur- 
rayville. While engaged in digging a 
well there, in 1873, he was killed by a 
rock falling on him, and was buried at 
the Youngblood cemetery. Thomas, 
the subject of our sketch, was married 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



981 



Feb. 7, 1860, to Euphemia Cnithers, a 
daughter of Peter and Jeannette Cruth- 
ers. By this marriage there were six 
children, two of whom are living — David, 
born Jan. 10, 1863; Laura E., born 
March 31, 1871. Those deceased are — 
Lucy L. B., born July 24, 1865, died 
June 23, 1883; two infants, imnamed, 
and Sarah Jane, born Feb. 25, 1861, died 
July 24, 1862. Mrs. Wilson died Aug. 
11, 1878, and is buried at the Youngblood 
cemetery. Mr. Wilson was again mar- 
ried to Mary E. Palmer, wife of the late 
George Palmer, and daughter of James 
and Nancy (Osborne) Evans. By this 
union there are three children living — 
Thomas J., John R. and Mary N. The 
ones deceased are — Nellie, born April 
25, 1882, died Sept. 12, 1882, and Oliver 
A. Mr. Wilson owns 229 acres of land 
on section 1, in this township, on which 
he resides, and has it well improved. 
He has a fine dwelling and barn, with 
comfortable and pleasant surroundings. 
He is engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising, in which he is very suc- 
cessful. He has held the office of school 
director for a number of terms, and is 
at present road supervisor. He is an 
enterprising citizen, and commands the 
respect of all who know him. In 1863, 
while living in Morgan county, he was 
drafted into the army, but furnished a 
substitute. 

Thomas Neighbours, deceased, was 
born in December, 1799, in the state of 
Tennessee, being a son of Bluford Neigh- 
bours. He came to Jacksonville, 111., in 
1831, and April 15, 1834, he was married 
to Mrs. Mary McGill, whose maiden 
name was Gordon. In 1847 they removed 
to Greene county and located on Sec. 4, 
T. 12, R. 10, where he resided until his 



death. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbours were 
the parents of six children, four now liv- 
ing — Elizabeth, wife of Edward Burrill; 
William T., married Julia A. Shaunce; 
Josiah, married Elizabeth Jane Spencer, 
and John, whose sketch follows this. 
Mrs. Neighbours had one child by her 
former marriage, which is now deceased. 
She now makes her home with her son 
John, having reached her 84th j'ear, 
Aug. 15, 1885. Mr. Neighbours was a 
consistent member of the Mt. Zion M. 
E. church. He started in life a poor 
boy, but by industry and economy, he 
succeeded in accumulating 240 acres of 
land. He was a soldier in the Black 
Hawk war, but arrived home safe and 
sound at the close of it. 

John Neighbours, youngest child of 
Thomas Neighbours, deceased, was born 
near Jacksonville, Morgan county. 111., 
June 14, 1845. He remained with his pa- 
rents during their lifetime, and when 
his father arrived at a good old age, 
John took charge of the farm and pur- 
chased the land of his father, who 
divided the proceeds among the other 
children. John still resides on the old 
home place. He was united in marriage 
Nov. 31, 1865, with Nancy JaneBaines, 
a daughter of Sullivan and Caroline 
S. (VanGuisen) Baines. Mr. and Mrs. 
Neighbours are the parents of five chil- 
dren, all of whom are now living — Wil- 
liam H., Lizzie A., James E., Perry 0., 
and Jacob G. Mr. Neighbours is at 
present school director in district No. 1, 
this being his second term. He owns 
270 acres of good land, on which he car- 
ries on farming and stock-i'aising, and 
through his industry and good manage- 
ment, has been very successful. In pol- 
itics he is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. 



982 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Neigliliourti, and three of the children, 
are members of the Mt. Zion M. E. 
church. Mr. Neighbours is also class 
leader in the church, having held that 
pofiition for 10 years, and was also, for 
three years, superintendant of the Sun- 
day school. 

William Hej'wood, a native of Old- 
ham, Lancashire, England, was born 
Sei)t. oO, 1831, his parents being Ed- 
mund and Mary (Hilton) Hcywood. 
\\'illiam remained at home with his 
parents until he was 21 years of age. 
In June, 1853, he was united in mar- 
riage with Bottle Holt, a daughter of 
John and Bottie Holt. In the year 1855 
they sailed from America, and landed 
at Xen- York city, on the 4th of July. 
From there they came west as far as 
Illinois, and settled in Atheusville 
township, Greene county, where his 
father had previously, come. Here 
William engaged at farming, working 
by the niontli for about five years, when 
he purchased 80 acres of land from his 
lather, on section 9. Mr. and Mrs. 
Heywood were the parents of two chil- 
dren, one of whom, James, is now liv- 
ing with his father. The one deceased 
is George Henry, died Oct. 15, 1875. 
]\Irs. Heywood afterwards died, and he 
was again married, Dec. 30, 1875, to 
Amelia Robinsoh, daughter of Jackson 
and Elizabeth (Anderson) Robinson, 
natives of Virginia. Mr. Heywood 
owns a nice tarm of 175 acres, on which 
he resides, and which is all under good 
cultivatii'tn. The family are members 
of the Union Grove Baptist church. 
In .Vug., 1862, Mr. Heywood enlisted in 
the Jacksonville Reg.. 101st 111. Inf., 
and served three years under General 
Sherman. He participated in the bat- 



tles at Lookout Mountain, Pallas, Col- 
umbia, Peach Tree Creek, Goldsboro 
and Big Shanty. 
! Stephen D. Hopper was born in Greene 
; county. 111., in 1830, and made this 
' county his home until 1869, when lie 
removed to Forsythe, Mo., where he re- 
mained one year. He then removed to 
Arkansas, where he resided two years, 
and then he returned to Greene county, 
TIL, where he remained three years, 
and again removed to Missouri, settling 
at Howell, where he now resides. He 
was a son of Calvin and Polly (Spencer) 
Hopper, both natives of Kentucky. In 
1857, Stephen was united in marriage 
with Sarah J. Florence, a daughter of 
Thomas and Mary (Griffith) Florence. 
This union was blessed with seven chil- 
dren, six of whom are now living. Hat- 
tie, wife of William M. Smith, of this 
township ; James M., of this town- 
ship; John T., also residing here ; 
Henrietta, the widow of Silas Ruyle, 
now residing with her brothers, James 
M. and John T; Jasper N., living 
in this township; Mary Anna, at 
home, and Albert, deceased. In 

1862, Mr. Hopper enlisted in Co. H, 
61st 111. Inf., and gallantly served 
until the close of the war, when he was 
honorably discharged. While in the 

j service, his eyesight was injured by a 

I cannon being fired over him, he being 
ordered to lie down just as it was fired, 
and he has never since recovered the 
full use of his eyes. James M. and 
John T., his two sons, now own the 

[ home place, he deeding it to them on 
his departure for the war. James was 

j born August 2, 1861, and John, May 12, 

1863. Both are still single and are en- 
j gaged in general farming on Sec. 16, T. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTJ. 



983 



1'2, R. 10. Tlicv are careful, industrious 
young men, and hence their undertak- 
ings can not fail to meet witli success. 
In polities, they are repulilicans. 

James F. Cannedy, the present com- 
petent clerk of the Richwoods United 
Baptist church, was born in Rockbridge 
township, Greene county, 111., Jan. 15, 
1846, and is a son of W. H. Cannedy, 
of Rockbridge township. James was 
reared to agricultural ))ursuits, and re- 
ceived a liberal education in the schools 
of this county. On March 21, 18()f), he 
was united in marriage with Martha J. 
Jones, a native of this county, and a 
daughter of Noah and Elizabeth Jones, 
.^he was born in Patterson township, 
June 25, 1848. They were the happy 
parents of seven children, but one of 
them have been called to that far away 
lion)e — William J. W., born Oct. 9, 
1807; Mary E., born Jan. IS, 1870, died 
March 5, 1870, aged two months and 
five days; Fannie L., Imrn Fi'b. 26, 
1871; Thomas E., born April 9, 1875; 
Jolm 0., born Aug. 25, 1877; Ada May, 
born Feb. 19, 1881; and Lillie L. R., 
l)orn ]\Iarch IB, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cannedy are consistent members of the 
Richwoods Baptist church, of which he 
is the present clerk. He is also a mem- 
ber of the I. O. 0. F., of which organi- 
zation he has been a member for the 
past 12 years, and has held the office of 
noble grand for several terms. He was 
initiated in Greenfield lodge, No. 195, 
I. O. O. F., July 5, 1873, and was a 
charter member of Rockbridge lodge, 
No. 688, of which he was past grand, at 
the time of bis withdrawal. He with- 
drew from tlic latter lodge, in 1882, in 
order to join Athensville lodge. No. 
3G8, and was made past grand of that 



lodge, and was elected, the next term, 
to noble grand. Mi', Cannedy was 
elected constaljle, in the fall of 1873, and 
served four years, giving entire satis- 
faction to his constituents. He now re- 
sides on section 20, Atliensville town- 
ship; his postofl[ice address is Felter. 
He is engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
and is much respected in the neigldior- 
hood in which he resides. 

Edward Burrill was born July 6, 1823, 
in Lincolnshire, England, his parents 
being Henry and Mary (Freschner) 
Burrill, of Welton, England. His father 
died there in 1839, and his mother in 
1828. Edward is tlio youngest of a fam- 
ily of nine children, there being eight 
boys and one girl. In 1851 he decided 
to come to America, and going to Hull 
took passage on the ship Margaretta, a 
cotton trading vessel, November 22, sail- 
ing for New Orleans, which port Jic 
reached after a voyage of ten weeks. 
He remained there but one week and 
then sailed on one of the William Ken- 
dall boats, for Cincinnati, where he 
arrived after a three weeks' trip, being 
delayed on account of the floods in the 
Mississippi river. He immediately left 
Cincinnati for Newport, where he was 
employed at gardening for three and 
one-half months, receiving therefor §12 
a month. In July, 1852, he came to 
Chicago, his object being to view the 
Prairie State, and since that he has lived 
in the state almost continuously, except 
a short time sj)ent in Michigan, and six 
months of the year 1852, in Missouri. 
In the latter part of that year he came 
down to Morgan county, where he ! 
worked for William l)elaney, Daniel 
Holmes, and others, for over four year.s, 
and then came to tireene county and ]iur- 



984 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



chased 40 acres of land in Rich woods, 
Athensville townshij). He was married 
Sept. 15, 1854, to Mary A. E. Delaney, 
daughter of William and Catherine 
Delaney. She only lived about one 
year, dying with fever. By that mar- 
riage there was one child, now deceased. 
Mrs. Burrill was buried in the Holmes 
cemetery. On May, 15, 1856, Mr. Burrill 
was again married to Elizabeth Neigh- 
bours, a daughter of Thomas and Marj^ 
(Gordon) Neighbour.s, who are also men- 
tioned in this volume. Ten children 
have been born to them, five of whom 
are living — Thomas H., married Ellen 
Prather; Rebecca, wife of Greenup 
Spencer; Susie, George, and Norah. 
Those deceased are — Sarah A., Mary J., 
France, and two infants. Mr. Burrill 
came to his present location on Sec. 5, 
T. 12, R. 10, in 1856, where he now owns 
200 acres of good land. He has been 
road supervisor nine years and school 
director for seven years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Burrill are members of the Methodist 
church. 

J. Garland Pennell was born Jan. 22, 
1840, his parents being Bluford and 
Charlotte (Overton) Pennell, natives of 
Indiana. Pie remained with his parents 
until he hail reached the age of 19 years, 
when he took atrip to California, where 
he staid one year, and then returned to 
Greene county, 111., where he has since 
l)een engaged in farming. He was 
united in marriage, March 1, 1858, with 
Mary Gilmore, daughter of John M. 
and Rachel (Stockton) Gilmore, natives 
of Tennessee. This union lias been 
blessed with nine children — Sarah Eliz- 
abeth, Laura, John, Bluford, Everett, 
Charles, Cora, Ernest and Lulu. Mr. 
Pennell has 195 acres of land, 80 acres 



of which is on section 9, and 115 acres 
on section 15, on which he resides. He 
was at one time connected with a saw- 
mill at Riehwoods, which he ran for one 
year, and then sold out to William Tur- 
ner. He divides his attention between 
the raising of stuck and grain, and stock 
buying. He is a member of the Athens- 
ville lodge, No. 368, I. 0. O. F. Mr. 
Pennell is a steady, industrious farmer, 
and is highly respected by neighbors 
and friends. 

George W. Fanning was born near 
St. Joseph, DeKalb county, Mo., Dec. 
7, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and 
Susan (Nichols) Fanning. In the third 
year of his age, his parents removed to 
Carroll county, Ark., where they resid- 
ed 12 years, and then moved to Greene 
county. 111. George lived with his father 
until he was 21 years of age, when the 
latter returned to Arkansas. George 
remained here, and on March 22, 1867, 
was united in marriage with Ledosia 
Nichols, widow of the late John Nichols. 
This union was blessed with one child 
— Dora May. Mrs. Fanning died, and 
was buried in the Youngblood cemetery. 
Mr. Fanning was again married, Dec. 
14, 1884, to Mrs. Mary C. Goacher, 
whose 7naiden name was Spencer, she 
being a daughter of James R. and Eliza- 
beth Spencer. Mr. Fanning owns 123-i 
acres of land, 83; acres of which is in 
Greene county, and 40 acres in Morgan 
county. He is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, and is meeting with suc- 
cess, through his industry and perse- 
verance. Mrs. Fanning is a member of 
the Union Baptist church, and he of the 
Youngblood Baptist church. In politics 
he is a Union democrat. 

Albert Goacher, deceased, was born 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



985 



in Alabama, Oct., 18, 1824, and was a 
son of Henry Goacher. He came with 
his father to Jersey county, 111., ahout 
1834, where he resided until his mar- 
riage, March 20, 1851, to Mary C. Spen- 
cer, daughter of James R. and Elizabeth 
(Gilmore) Spencer, now the wife of 
Geo. W. Fanning. He then removed 
to Sec. 5, T. 12, R. 10, where he re- 
mained until Jan., 1868, when he moved 
on to the place where he resided at the 
time of his death, Jan. 28, 1881. They 
had a family of four children, three now 
living — Sarah E., wife of Jas. L. West- 
rope; James H.; A. I., deceased; and 
Clarnettie. When they first began house- 
keeping, not having anything but cloth- 
ing, her father gave them a start with 
geese, chickens, a hog and a row, and a 
year afterward gave them 40 acres of 
timber land, which Mr. Goacher cleared. 
By industry, perseverance and good 
management, he succeeded in accumu- 
lating 120 acres for himself, besides 
giving each of his chihlren 80 acres 
apiece, when they were married, and 
also set them up in housekeeping. The 
first child was three years old before 
they owned a stove, the cooking being 
done in a fire-place. Mr. Goacher was 
a man much respected, and his word 
was considered as good as his bond. He 
instilled the same principles of honesty 
into his children. 

James Barnard was born Dec. 3, 1832, 
in Sumner county, Tenn., his parents 
being Elisha and MahaLi (Mayberry) 
Barnard. With his parents, James 
came to Greene county. 111., in 1835, 
and located in CarroUton township, in 
the Black and Hobson settlement. Mr. 
Barnard, Sr., died about 1842, and was 
buried in the Jackson cemetery, in 



Athensville township. James, the sub- 
ject of our sketch, was united in mar- 
riage, Sept. 9, 1852, with Mary Jane 
Raffety, a daughter of William M. Raf- 
fet\', of RoodhdUse. Seven children 
were born to them, only two of whom 
are now living — Mahala A., wife of 
Philip Prather; Laura P., at home. 
The deceased children were — John 0., 
Sarah E., Nancy M., William E. and 
Isabella F. Mrs. Barnard departed 
this life in July, 1884, and was hurried 
in Prather's cemetery. She was a con- 
sistent member of the Christian church 
having been a member 28 years. Mr. 
Barnard was again married, Dec. 6, 
1877, to Mrs. Mary L. Day, a daughter 
of Noah and Elizabeth (Thomas) Day. 
Three childcn were born to them — 
Charles E., at home, and Nora and 
Dora, (twins) deceased. Mr. Barnard 
moved to his present location, on sec- 
tion 20, 20 years ago this fall. He now 
owns GO acres of land, and is engaged 
in farming and stock-raising. In poli- 
tics he is a " dyed-in-the-wool " demo- 
crat, but has had no andiition for polit- 
ical preferment. 

James Preston, a son of James and 
Silence (Chamberlain) Preston, was 
born in Trenton, N. J., Oct. 12, 1826. 
When he was nine years of age his par- 
ents removed to Indiana, and five years 
later to St. Louis, Mo. Thence, three 
years later, to Morgan county, 111., 
where James resided 15 years. He then 
removed to Athensville township, this 
county, and bought land on section 8, 
where he now lives, engaged in farming. 
He enlisted in the service of his coun- 
try, Aug. 6, 1SG2, in Co. A., under Capt. 
B. LaSage. His enlistment was for a 
term of three years, but, May 25, 1864, 



986 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lie received a wound in the right thigh, 
which di.'^abled him, and he was honora- 
bly discharged. He has never recov- 
ered from his wound, and is not able to 
do manual labor. He now receives a 
small pension, but has applied for an 
increase, and it will be no more than 
justice that the department should allow 
liis claim. He followed engineering on 
the Mississippi for some 15 years. 
James Preston and Margaret Ruyle 
were married May 7, 1848. She was a 
daughter of John and Anna (Gilpin) 
Ruyle. Si.xteen children have been 
born to them — James \V., Joseph A., 
John W., William R., Margaret E., Sarah 
A., Thomas B., Wesley E., all liv- 
ing; Gabriel, Charles Edward, Silence 
Ann, and Rachel E., are deceased, also, 
four died iif infancy. He owns a small 
farm on section 8, where he now resides. 
In politics, he is a republican, and is 
also a member of the United Baptist 
church . 

James G. Hubbell was born in Peoria 
county, 111., April 12, 1852, his parents 
being John and Clara (Billings) Hub- 
bell, natives of Illinois. His mother 
died in Peoria county, in 1861. His 
father then moved with his family of 
four children to Greene county, locating 
near the Richwoods church, in Athens- 
ville township. He afterward removed 
to Morgan county, where he resided 
until his death, which occurred in 1865. 
James was reared on a farm, having 
gone to live with Jackson G. Mitchell 
when only nine years of age, with whom 
he remained until he was 16 years of 
age. He then returned to Peoria county, 
where he resided until he reached the 
age of 25 years, when he removed to 
Macoupin county, and was there mar- 



ried, Jan. 28, 1876, to Jane Fanning, 
daughter of William R. and Nancy Fan- 
ning. By this union there are five ofeil- 
dren — Mary, John W., Lyman T., Mil- 
lie and Orna. Mr. Hubbell resided in 
Macoupin county until 1883, when he 
moved to Greene county and purchased 
80 acres of land on Sec. 1, T. 12, R. 10, 
where he has since resided and where 
he is engaged in general farming. Mr. 
Hubbell is a member of the Bajitist 
church. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first saw-mill in this township 
was built about 1840, by Andrew Downs, 
on what was then called Marks creek. 
He ran this until 1863, when a freshet 
in the stream tore out the dam, where- 
upon, he sold the machinery, and the 
Iniilding rotted away. 

FELTER POSTOFFICE. 

This was established in 1880, on sec- 
tion 17, in a building on the farm of 
W. F. Hicks, who was the first post- 
master. He continued until Oct., 1883, 
when Syrrel Whitaker, the present in- 
cumbent, took charge. Mr. Whitaker 
has the oflfice in a store which he has 
opened at this point, and is doing a very 
nice business, and by attention to his 
patrons, keeping the postoffice every 
day, Sunday morning included, he has 
gained many friends in business Mr. 
Whitaker has appointed a deputy post- 
master, Lewis Sheppard, and he is now 
in the merchandise business in Athens- 
ville. 

RICHWOODS CEMETERY. 

This citj' of the dead was laid out in 
in 1861, on an acre of ground that was 
donated for the purpose by W.F. Hicks. 
Paul Castleberry and his wife are be- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



987 



lieved to have been the first interments 
here, or at any rate, among the very 
first. 

SAW MII,I>. 

In 1876, the firm of Morrow, Rigg, 
et Whitaker, built a saw mill on the 
southeast quarter of the nortliwest quar- 
ter of section 20, into wliich they re- 
moved most of the machinery of an 
older mill, they owned south of the 
creek. On putting this one up, they 
put in some new parts of machinery, 
aniong other improvements, a new 
boiler. Hai-dly had they got in opera- 
tion, when Syrrel Whitaker retired 
from the firm, leaving William P. Rigg 
and William M. Morrow, to carry it on. 
About 1880, these gentlemen sold out to 
Samuel J. Rigg, who continued to ope- 
rate it for over a year, when it was jnir- 
chased by W. M. Morrow. In the 
spring of 18S2, Syrrel Whitaker, James 
Rouett and John Whitaker purchased 
the mill, and ran it until Feb. 19, 1883, 
wlien W. P. Rigg bought out two of 
the partners, and the firm changed to 
Whitaker & Rigg. This partnership 
continued until July, 1884. when Mr. 
Rigg retired, and a new firm was 
formed, consisting of Messrs. Prather, 
Shei)pard it Whitaker. In Oct., 1884, 
Mr. M'hitaker retired, and the mill is 
now owned and operated by Prather & 
Shcppard. 

ATHENSVILLE. 

The beautiful village that bears the 
above name was laid out by Greene 
Weaver, in the summer of 1834, and 
the plat of the same was filed for record 
on the 2d of Oct., 1834. It is located 
on the southwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 26, and is beau- 



tifully situated as to surroundings. Some 
of the finest farms in eastern Greene 
county are in the immediate vicinity, 
of this "loveliest village of the plain." 

The first building erected on the site 
of the town was put up about the year 
1832. It was a store room. Greene 
Weaver had been sent from Carrollton 
with a stock of goods by John Evans, 
with which he was to stock a store at 
Mount Airy, but he came to this place, 
built the building and put in the stock 
of goods, and was tlius the pioneer 
merchant of the village. About the 
year 1840 he sold out to John Arm- 
strong, an Englishman, who had come 
to the county, early in its history. He 
had originally a store near the town, 
and in the year above named, had moved 
to the "burg" and bought out Mr. 
Weaver. He was made postmaster and 
served for years. He was in partnersliip 
with Alexander King and with T. S. Pat- 
terson, and about 1845, sold out to the 
latter. He died in this town about 
1854 or 1855. Mr. Patterson ran the 
store until 1876, when it was sold to 
John Morrow, and two years later to Z 
D. Morrow, and is now run by Isaac 
Morrow. 

The business of the village is, at 
present represented by five general 
stores, one drug store, three black- 
smiths, two wood working shops, and 
the grist-mill. 

McCauley & Spencer are the present 
leading dealers in general merchandise. 
This establishment originated witli 
John English, in 18S0. He erected a 
building 30x60 feet in size, at a cost of 
about $700, the second story of which 
was, and is occu})ied liy the I. O. 0. F. 
lodge. Mr. English put in a stock 



988 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



valued at about $1,500, and ran it suc- 
cessfully for about two j'ears, when he 
sold to George Wood. In about a year 
he disposed of it to Rigg & Spencer. 
A short time since W. W. McCauley 
purchased the interest of Mr. Rigg, and 
the present firm was formed. 

W. W. McCauley was born July 12, 
1858, at Milton, Pike county. 111., his 
parents being 0. F. and Margaret R. 
(Bowie) McCauley. When he was seven 
years old, his parents moved to Green- 
field, where he lived with them until 
the year 1877, when he graduated at the 
high school there. He then began 
teaching, his first situation being at the 
Franklin school, aliout 2i miles west of 
Fidelity, Jersey county. 111., where he 
taught for a term of eight months. He 
then came to Athensville, where he 
taught the village school for five years, 
and is at present the teacher at the Mt. 
Airy school, in district No. 3, two miles 
west of Athensville. He is an ener- 
getic, intelligent gentleman, and is 
very successful in his chosen profession. 
On the 12th of October, 1882, he was 
united in marriage with Mittie A. Bar- 
nard, a daughter of Elisha Barnard. 
Mr. Barnard resides in Athensville, and 
is at present holding the office of town 
clerk. Mr. McCauley owns a half 
interest in the general merchandise store 
of the firm of McCauley & Spencer. 
He is well liked and highly-esteemed 
by all who have the pleasure of his ac- 
quaintance. 

Henry M. Spencer was born near Mur- 
rayville, Morgan county. 111., Oct. 3, 
1850, his parents being Major and Nancy 
(Duncan) Spencer. He resided with his 
parents until the date of his marriage, 
Nov. 16, 1869, and received his educa- 



tion in the common schools. He was 
united in marriage with Virginia Bar- 
nett, a daughter of William and Cather- 
ine Barnett. This union has been 
blessed with five children, all of whom 
are living — Calvin, Laura, William, 
Dora and Pius. Mr. Spencer was en- 
gaged in farming previous to the time 
of entering into partnership in the mer- 
cantile business with W. P. Rigg. He 
is a member of the Athensville lodge, 
I. O. 0. F. and has held all the offices 
pertaining to a membership in that 
lodge. His political views are demo- 
cratic. He is an industrious, go-ahead 
business man, hence is meeting with 
success in his undertakings. 

Zachariah D. Morrow is engaged in 
the sale of hardware, groceries, etc., in 
this village. This business was estab- 
lished by J. B. Morrow, in April, 1880, 
who built the edifice and put in a stock 
of boots, shoes and groceries, valued at 
$2,000. He operated this business un- 
til July 14, 1881, when he sold to 0. A. 
Morrow, who on the 2d of Maj', 1882, 
turned it over to the present proprietor, 
for a consideration. The latter changed 
the stock from boots and shoes to hard- 
ware, still retaining the grocery branch. 
He carries a stock of $2,500. 

Syrrel Whitaker is engaged in the 
general merchandising business here. 
John L. Stoddard established this busi- 
ness, for his daughter Lillie May, Oct. 
15, 1882, putting in a stock of about 
$700. April, 1885, the lady propii- 
etress getting married, the stock was 
thrown on Mr. Stoddard's hands, and he 
ran it for some months, when he sold 
out to the present proprietor. 

Syrrel Whitaker, the present post- 
master at Felter postoffice, was born 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



989 



Aug. 10, 1832, in Morgan county, 111., 
near Exeter, his parents being Joseph 
and Hannah (Chrysler) AMiitaker, the 
former of wlioin was a native of Rhode 
Island, and the latter of New York. 
They removed to Morgan connty in 
1821, wliere our subject was born. Jos. 
Whitnkcr died in 1876, while liis wife 
departed this life in 1855. Syrrcl re- 
mained with his parents until 1850, 
then coming to the county line, just 
across in Morgan. He was united in 
marriage, March 20, 1854, with Marga- 
ret E. Wilcox, a daughter of Joshua 
and ]\Iartha (Jones) Wilcox. In the 
fall of 1854, Mr. Whitaker removed to 
Powasheik county, la., and remained 
until the spring of 1856, when he re- 
turned to Illinois, and settled in Athens- 
ville township, Greene county, one 
mile south of his present residence, to 
which he moved in March, 1883. He is 
a meml)er of Athensville lodge, No. 
368, I. 0. 0. F., having been a charter 
member thereof, and in which he has 
held the offices of secretary, vice grand, 
and noble grand, besides other appoint- 
ive ones, a number of times. He was 
constable for six years, and, in April, 
1885, resigned, and was elected justice 
of the peace, which office he now holds. 
Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker had four chil- 
dren born to them — Mary J., wife of 
Wm. Moore, of this township; Anna 
E., wife of Robert Dikis, of this town- 
ship; Martha H. and Oscar E., both de- 
ceased. Mr. W. owns a farm on sec- 
tion 19, and has a third interest in a 40- 
acre tract, on section 20. The most of 
his time in this county has been de- 
voted to saw-mill interests, which he 
has just disposed of. He holds a cer- 
tificate in the Covenant Mutual Benefit 



Association, of Galesburg, 111. He has 
lately engaged in business in Athens- 
ville, so that he has appointed a deputy 
postmaster at Felter. 

The {uoncer drug store of Athensville 
was opened by Jlessrs. John Jones and 
James Butler, in 1861. They ran it but 
a short time, when they were succeeded 
by Dr. J. E. Waters, who continued the 
business for several years. Augustus 
Lewis & Bro. were the next to manipu- 
late drugs in this store, and after about 
three years, gave way for Barnard & 
Waters. In a very short time, they 
were succeeded by Downs Hardcastle, 
who was burnt out in about a year there- 
after. In 1879, Dr. J. E. Waters started 
another drug store, and is the present 
representative of that line of business. 

Isaac Massey, the postmaster, is en- 
gaged in running a grocery and notion 
store, and does a very nice business. 
The postoffice is in his store. 

I'OSTOFFICI-:. 

The postoffice of Athensville was es- 
tablished in 1835, at the store of John 
Armstrong, located about a quarter 
of a mile east of the present site of the 
village. Mr. Armstrong was the first 
postmaster. When the village was laid 
out, he moved store and office to this 
place. In 1845, T. S. Patterson suc- 
ceeded to the office, which he retained 
until 1876, when John Morrow became 
the postmaster. Two years later it was 
transferred to liis brother, Zachariah, 
who acted in that capacity until 1879, 
when Isaac Massey, the present incum- 
Ijent, was appointed. 

FL01HI.N<; MILL. 

The Morrow grist mill, was originally 
built in 1869, at a cost of $7,000. It was 



990 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



24x36 feet in size, three stories high, 
with an engine room 18x36 feet in size, 
in an addition. The engine was made 
by Duncan & Brooks, of Alton. This 
mill was equipped with two setof buhrs 
and all other necessary equipment. 
This mill was burned down in 1S69, and 
in 1870, Morrow & Son, erected the 
present building, at a cost of $10,000. 
This is 30x46 feet in ground area, three 
stories high, with an engine room, in 
addition, 20x50 feet in size. This mill 
is fully equipped with the newest ma- 
chinery, having two run of buhrs, one 
corn buhr, one Garden city first break 
machine, one set of Gray's double por- 
celain rolls, Geo. F. Smith bolting ma- 
chinery, complete, and other necessary 
adjuncts to make this a first-class mill. 
It has a capacity of turning out 2.5 bar- 
rels of flour per day. The firm of Mor- 
row & Son is composed of Jesse and 
Marshall Morrow. 

SOCIETY. 

Athensville Lodge, No. 368, I. 0. O. 
F., was duly organized Mar. 16, 1868, 
with the following charter members : 
T. S. Patterson, Syrrel Whitaker, Stew- 
art McBride, S. S. Patterson and C. A. 
Worley. As the records were burned 
the names of the first officers of this so- 
ciety can not be given. This lodge 
owned a hall which it had fitted up, and 
in which they held their meeting until 
the year 1879, when the building was 
destroyed by fire with its contents. 
They then purchased the second story 
of a building owned by E. M. Husted, 
of Roodhouse, in which they now meet. 
The lodge has a present membership of 
27, and is in excellent condition, not- 
withstanding its small number. The 



present officers are : W. J. Barnard, 
N. G.; Albert Tompkins, V. G. ; W. 
G. Sorter, R. S. ; W. P. Rigg. T. andR. 
to G. L. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Wm. P. Rigg was born in Waverly, 
Morgan county, 111., April 8, 1839, and 
is a son of Archibald P. and Elizabeth 
(McLane) Rigg, the former a native of 
Kentucky, the latter of Illinois. His 
father immigrated from Kentucky to 
Morgan county. 111., where he remained 
until 1858. He then moved to Greene 
county, and located about five miles 
northwest of Athensville, where he 
bought a tract of land on which he re- 
mained until 1863. He then returned 
to Waverly, Morgan county, remaining 
there until 1873, when he removed to 
Franklin, residing there until 1881, and 
then moved to Macoupin county, where 
he now lives. William was reared in 
Waverlcy, where he attended school 
until he was 16 years of age. He was 
then engaged in running a saw-mill, 
which business he followed until about 
1883. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 
6th 111. Cav., and served throughout the 
war. He was engaged in the battles of i 
Nashville and Franklin, and was on the 
march from LaGrange to Baton Rouge. 
Soon after his discharge he came to 
Greene county, and engaged in running 
a saw-mill. In 1879, he moved to 
Athensville, where he engaged in mer- 
chandising, in which business he con- 
tinued three years, and then sold,' and 
has since been milling to some extent. 
He has been justice of the peace of 
Athensville precinct for 10 years. He 
owns a residence and an acre of land in 
town. He was married in Nov., 1866, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



993 



to Hettie A. Tunnell, daughter of Nich- 
olas M. and Martha Tunnell. They 
are the parcmts of eight children — Ed- 
win, Charlie, Frederick A., Luella, 
Samuel A., Emma A., Dora E., and 
T/aura A. l\Ir. Rigg is a member of the 
Riclnvoods Baptist church, and is a 
well respected citizen of his township. 
John D. Johnson was born near Jack- 
sonville, Morgan county, March "28, 
1843, his parents being Benjamin and 
Mary ("Boyd) Johnson, the former a na- 
tive of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky. 
They removed from Kentucky to Mor- 
gan county, 111., in 1829, Benjamin being 
the first Ba])tist preacher in that county. 
lie entered 320 acres of land there, made 
improvements on it and resided there 
until his death, March 18,1861. He died 
standing on liis feet, saying that he de- 
sired to die in tliat way, like a man. 
Mrs. Johnson survived him several 
years, she dying July 4, 1873. There 
were seven sons, five of whom were min- 
isters, all of tlie same denomination. 
Those living are — Henry L., Andrew 
Jackson, Jonas M. and John D. Those 
deceased are Commodore P., Marcus and 
Benjamin F. John D. was reared on a 
farm, remaining at liome until he was 
19 years of age, and attended school. 
He then began to teach school at SI per 
day, and most of the time since that, up 
to about two years ago, he has engaged 
in teaching during the winter. He was 
united in marriage April 14, 18B3, with 
Sarah J. Ford, daughter of William F. 
and Lucinda (Drummond) Ford. By 
this marriage seven children were born, 
six of whom are living — Leonora; Laura 
L., wife of T. L. Patterson, Jr., residing 
near Athensville; Lulu L.; Henry B., 
named after Gen. Buell; John W. R., 



and Benjamin P. The one deceased is 
Frank. Nov. 29, 1861, Mr. Johnson 
enlisted in Co. A., 61st 111. Inf., and 
served nine months, being tlicu dis- 
charged on account of disability. He 
was in the battles of Corinth and Shiloh, 
and in a few small skirmishes. In the 
spring of 1867, he with his family re- 
moved to southeastern Kansas, Craw- 
ford county, where he lived about three 
and a half years, and then came to 
Greene county, 111. In 1874, he was or- 
dained as a Baptist minister, at Pleas- 
ant Dale Baptist church, five miles west 
of White Hall, and has been pastor of 
four churches since. Mr. Johnson owns 
a house and an acre of land in Athens- 
ville, and is comfortably fixed, having 
all the necessary improvements on his 
place. 

EDUCATI0N.\L. 

The first school in the township was 
taught by William Mitchell in a log 
house erected in 1835, on section 3. 
This building was built of logs and fur- 
nished, as all the primitive schools 
were, with puncheon floor and slab seats. 
Mr. Mitchell was paid the exorbitant 
salary of S15 per month. 

School district No. 1, had a school 
house erected in 1856, at a cost of 
§440, and is 22x24 feet in size. The fir.st 
teacher in this building was Elizabeth 
Heaton. This structure stood on sec- 
tion 3, was used until 1880, when it was 
sold to J. G. Mitchell, and onthenorth-' 
west quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section 10, the present building was 
erected at a cost of $550. . It is 24x30 
feet in dimensions. James Story was 
the first teacher in this building, and 
JIary Reed the present one. 



OtT 



994 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUiNTY 



School district No. 2. — This district 
has a school house located upon the 
southwest quarter of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 17, and which was erected 
in 1874. The first teacher in this house 
was Theodore Lee, who taught two 
terms. The present teacher is Walter 
Mullins. Syrrel Whitaker, James Bar- 
nard and George W. Crayne are the 
directors for 1885. 

In district No. 3 there is a school 
house, neat and commodious in appear- 
ance, which was erected in 1878. 

School district No. 4. — The present 
school house was built in 1881 at a cost 
of about $500. There was a school house 
built previous to this a number of years 
ago. The present teacher in this dis- 
trict is William McCauley. 

School district No. 5. — The first 
school house in this district was erected 
in 1836, on the site of the present one. 
This was a log structure, 20x24 feet in 
size, and within its classic walls George 



Reynolds was the first to wield the 
birch. This building was used luitil 
1850, when a frame edifice, 18x20 feet 
in size, was put up. An addition was 
afterward put to this, which increased 
its size to 20x30 feet. In 1881, the pres- 
ent edifice, wliicJi is 24x36 feet in ground 
area, was built, at a cost of about $900. 
B. P. Vauter, the present teacher, has 
an average attendance of about 60 
pupils. 

School district No. 6 has a school 
house whicli was erected in 1876 and 
wliich is 18x22 feet in size. It was built 
at a cost of $300. The first teacher was 
Mary J. Reed, a Miss Hall being the 
present one. The average attendance 
is 22 in winter and seven in summer. 

In district No. 7 is a school house on 
the southwest quarter of section 1, 
which was erected in the fall of 1878. 
It is 16x20 feet size and cost about $250. 
Edward Mason was the first and Laura 
Story is the present teacher. 



aH[AF»a:"KR XXIV. 



This township lies in the western 
part of the county, on the Illinois river, 
and embraces 25 sections of township 
11, range 13, 6 sections of township 11, 
range 12, and the fractional sections 1, 
12, 13, 24 and 25, of township 11, range 
14. It is bounded on the north by the 
township of Patterson, on the east side 
by White Hall, on the south by Bluff- 
dale, and on the west by Calhoun count3'. 



WALKERVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

from which latter it is separated by the 
Illinois river. Apple creek'entering at 
the southeast corner of the township, 
winds with tortuous course through sec- 
tion 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 19, 20 and the frac- 
tional sections east of these, making its 
confluence with the river just below the 
southern boundary line in Blufi'dale 
township. Here, as in the other river 
township, the land is of two descrip- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



995 



tions,the west half being the rich, fertile, 
river bottoms, tliat but for their being 
liable to overflow from annual freshets, 
would have no peer in the world, and 
the elevated plateau of land on the top 
of the bluff's. A large portion of the 
liottoni, in this county is taken up by 
Grassy lake, a shallow body of water 
lying near the foot of the l)luff's. These 
latter traverse the county in a north and 
soutli direction to the banks of Apple 
creek, and are, here, in the neighbor- 
hood of 300 feet high. On the upland, 
the bulk of the land is covered by a fine 
growth of timber, except where the en- 
tcrjjrising hand of man, has with vast 
labor, cleared up a farm. Most of the 
first comers to this part of the county 
were from the southern states, as will be 
seen by u glance over the 

EARLY SETTLEMENT, 

It is very difficult, at this late day, to 
determine who was the first to make a 
settlement in the territory now com- 
prised in the township of Walkerville, 
but the balance of testimony seems to 
be, that the pioneers of this locality 
were Henry and Cyrus Griswold. In 
1S20, they cnterud 1G5 acres of land, on 
Sec. 6, T. 11, R. 12. where they built a 
cabin and dwelt about three years, 
when they removed to White Hall 
township, in connection with the his- 
tory of which a sketch of them is 
given. 

The next was John Powel, who came 
from his native state, Kentucky, to this 
county, in 1821, settling in this town- 
ship, on section 21, where he resided 
until overtaken by death. His son, 
.James, who was born in Kentucky, in 
1810, remained a resident of this town- 



ship until 1830, when he was married 
to Harriet, a daughter of Obadiah and 
Sally Silkwood, when he removed ti> 
Madison county, this state. Mr. and 
Mrs. Powel died in that county, and are 
buried there. Some of their finiily are 
still residents of this county. 

With Mr. Powel, came Davis Carter, 
who, in the spring of 1820, made a set- 
tlement here. An extended sketch of 
this representative pioneer will be seen 
in the history of Patterson township. 

In the spring of 1824 Obadiah Silk- 
wood came to this township, and set- 
tled on section 15, where he passed the 
remainder of his days. Some of his 
descendants are still residing in this 
county. He was a native of Kentucky, 
and removed from there to St. Clair 
county. 111., and from there to this 
county. 

John Walker came to Walkerville 
township, to which in after years he 
gave the name, and located on section 
24. 

Hartwell Hunnicutt made a settlement 
in this township in 1823, on section 20, 
moving here from Bluffdale township. 
He died here in 1833. A sketch of him 
appears in Bluffdale township, the place 
of his first settlement in the county. 

John C. Wells came to this part of 
the county in 1823, or thereabouts and 
entering a farm in this township, com- 
menced to improve it. He was a na- 
tive of Tennessee, but while yetayoung 
man came to this state. He located at 
Alton and entered the butcher business. 
While there he took a hand in destroy- 
ing the ofiice of an abolition paper 
printed by E. P. Lovejoy. Coming to 
Greene county, he was united in mar- 
riage with Hannah Garrison. Some time 



996 



HISTORY OF GREENE COl N FY. 



nfter this he removed to Jefferson coun- 
ty, and from there to Scott county. He 
returned here in 1853, again settling in 
this township and here he lost his wife. 
When the dark cloud of war hung over 
our country, he enlisted in Co. H, 91st 
111. Inf., and died while in the service, 
June 10, 1863. 

Alexander S. Boirun and family set- 
tled in what is now Walkerville town- 
ship in 1827. 

Benjamin Joseph Boirun, deceased, 
was born in Madison county, 111., Feb. 
23, 1820, his parents being Alexander 
S. and Polly (Wood) Boirun, the former 
of whom was born Dec. 2, 1792, and the 
latter Aug. 30, 1801. The family came 
to Greene county. 111., at an early day, 
and located under the bluff, in wliat is 
now Walkerville township. Here Ben- 
jamin J. was reared and resided up to 
the time of his death, which occurred • 
Jan. 28, 1863. He was united in mar- 
riage Sept. 7, 1848, with Maria Jane 
Wood, a native of Missouri, and daugh- 
ter of William and Nancy (Kline) 
Wood, both of whom were born and 
reared in tlie state of Tennessee, from 
whence they removed to Missouri at an 
early day. They came to Greene coun- 
ty, 111., in 1827, and located about five 
miles west of White Hall, in what is 
now Walkerville township, where they 
resided until their death, the former dy- 
ing about 1870, and the latter in 1840. 
They are both buried in the Wood ceme- 
tery. Mr. and Mrs. Boirun were the 
parents of six children, three of whom 
are living — Silvia Jane, wife of Elisha 
Bridgewater ; Sarah C, who died at the 
age of five years ; John Wesley, who 
died in 1863 ; William A. married Har- 
riet A. Kinser; Geo. D. married Nancy 



Watts. Mrs. Boirun was next married 
to Isaiah Whiteman. By that marriage 
she had one child, Charles, who now 
lives with his mother. Jan. 21, 1875, 
Mrs. Whitman'was united in marriage 
with Joseph Tomlinson. She owns 400 
acres of well cultivated land in Walker- 
ville township. 

James Fears located in this township 
in 1830, coming here from White Hall 
township, where he had settled the pre- 
vious year. He took up his residence 
on section 11. He was a Tennessean 
and was married in the state of his na- 
tivity to Catherine Douglas. They were 
the parents of 12 children. Mr. Fears 
died here in 1862. 

Mrs. Lucinda (Crafton) Vinyard, who 
was married to John Vinyard, who died 
in Kentucky, in 1825, came to this county 
from that state in 1831, settling in what 
is now known as Walkersville township, 
where she resideduntil her death, about 
the year 1853. She is buried in tlie 
Walkerville cemetery. Some of her 
children still survive her and Tire resi- 
dents of this township. 

John Suttles settled in this township 
in 1831. He was born in 1810, and with 
his father's family came to Illinois in 
1821, locating in Madison county, from 
where he came to Greene county. He 
made this his residence until 1863, where 
he died. 

Jesse Suttles, the father of John Sut- 
tles, came to this county in the year 
1831. 

Philip Wells, in the year 1834, made 
a settlement in this township, on section 
2, but afterward removed to section 9. 
He died January 1, 1856. 

Samuel Wells, his son, came with him. 
He was born in Kentucky, in Sept. 1809, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



997 



but was reared in Hickman county, Ten- 
nessee. In 1822 the family moved to 
Nashville, and from there, in 1829, to 
Hamilton county, all in the same state. 
The next moye was to Greene county, 
as above stated. Samuel moved to sec- 
tion 11, in 1847, wliere he still lives. 

REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 

Bainbridge Gillingham, one of Wnlk- 
erville's most prominent citizens, is a 
native of Merrimac county, N. H,, hav- 
ing been born there on the 15tli of Sep- 
tember, 1826, his parents being James 
and Elizabeth (Lane) Gillingham, both 
of whom were natives of the same state. 
Bainbridge was reared to agricultural 
pursuits in his native state, where he 
remained until coming to Illinois in 
1849. At that time, he located in 
Greene county, buying land upon which 
he now resides, on section 23, Walker- 
ville township. He was united in mar- 
riage, in this county, on the 22d day of 
.Jan , 1857, with Mrs. Juliet A. E. Til- 
den, widow of Alfred Tilden, and daugh- 
ter of John and Laura (Spencer) Russell. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gillingham have been 
blessed with two children — Willis, who 
married Elizaheth Tatman, and now re- 
sides in this township; and Daisy Jose- 
phine, the wife of Dr. G. W. Ross, of 
Carrollton. Mrs. Gillingham has, by 
her first marriage, four children living 
— Chavlotte S., wife of L. B. Richard- 
son, of Danville, 111.; Elizabeth F., 
wife of Stejjhen F. Farroiv, of Kingman, 
Kan.; Mattie L., widow ofD. C. Rum- 
mell, of Virginia, this state; and Kate 
R., wife of Jolm W. Gamble, of Bluff- 
dale township. Mr. Gillingham is now 
the owner of 428 acres of good land, all 
situated in this township. He is vice- 



president of the Old Settlers' Society, 
having first been elected in 1884, and 
again in 1885, and in politics, is a re- 
publican. Both he and his wife are 
consistent members of the White Hall 
Christian church. 

Harry Rollins was born in Warren 
county, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1806, his parents 
being James and Hepzibah (Greenwood) 
Rollins. He was reared in his native 
state, to farm life, and remained there 
until 1854, when he came to Greene 
county. He lived the first year with 
B. Gillingham, and the next year pur- 
chased 128 acres on section 23, Walker- 
ville township, where he has since re- 
sided. He was married in New York, 
in 1833, to Hannah Lane, a native of 
New Hampshire. They were the par- 
ents of eight children, six of whom are 
living — Samantha, Hepzibah, Thonuis, 
Alonzo, deceased; Orson, Juliet, de- 
ceased; Lucina and Joseph. He is the 
owner of 56 acres of land on section 23, 
Walkerville township. 

Orson Rollins, the second youngest 
son of Harry and Hannah (Lane) Rol- 
lins, was born in Warren county, N. Y., 
May 8, 1840. He remained in his na- 
tive county until reaching his 14th year, 
when, with his parents, he came to 
Greene county, and has made this his 
home ever since. He was united in 
marriage, in this county, Nov. 26, 1866, 
with Anna Lovett, a native of New York, 
and daughter of Charles Lovett. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rollins are the parents of 
four children — Ida May, Etta, Harry 
and Fred. He owns 236 acres of land 
in Walkerville townsliip, and devotes 
his attention principally to farming and 
stock-raising. He enlisted in the ser- 
vice of his country, in 1861, in Co. G, 



99S 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



V 

lOlli Mo. Inf., and served with his reg- 
iment until his discharge, in 1862. He 
was mustered in at St. I>ciuis. During 
the first part of his service he was en- 
gaged in operations in Missouri. He 
went with Rosecrans to Mississippi, and 
while there took an active part in the 
battle of luka. The next engagement 
in which he participated was that of 
Corinth, where he was wounded in the 
left arm, and had to have it amputated. 
On this account he was discharged, hav- 
ing honorably lost a limb in defense of 
the I'nion. Since coming to Greene 
county, Mr. Rollins has never made his 
home permanent, but has accumulated, 
from time to time, until he now ranks 
among the prosperous men of the town- 
ship. 

George Hoselton, one of Walkerville's 
prominent agriculturists, is a native of 
Ohio, having been born in Fairfield 
county, on March 17, 1832, being a son 
of John and Nancy (Buzzard) Hoselton, 
tlu' former being a native of Maryland, 
and the latter of Ohio. George was 
reared in Ohio, and when 17 years of 
ago, walked from there to Ft. AVayne, 
Ind., carrying his pack. After remaining 
there a short time he went to LaGrange, 
where he spent that winter, and in the 
spring returned to Ft. Wayne. He re- 
mained there until Sept., 1850, and then 
came to Greene county, locating south 
of Carrollton. He lived in Greene and 
Jersey counties, alternately, until 1850, 
since which time he has resided in 
(ireene almost continuously. On Oct. 
11, 1852, Jane Hunnicutt became the 
beloved wife of Mr. Hoselton. Siie is a 
native of this county, and was a daugh- 
ter of Rowell Hunnicutt, one of the 
early settlers of the county, and whose 



sketch appears elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. Mr. and Mrs. Hoselton are the 
happy parents of eight children — Mary, 
who resides in Missouri; Ellen, Lee, 
Nora, John, Edgar, Ross and Julia. 
Mr. H. has 200 acres of good land in 
Walkerville township, and his house is 
one of the finest in this section of the 
county, in dimension being 21x14 and 
30x14, with an L, 26x14. The building 
is handsomely fitted up with trimmings 
and porches, and is two and a half 
stories- in height. By marriage, Mr. 
Hoselton is connected with one of the 
oldest families in the county, which 
figured in its early history. John Hos- 
elton, the father of our subject, died in 
Jersey county, in Jan., 1880, and his 
widow now resides in Mississippi town- 
ship. 

Aaron Otey, one of Walkerville's in- 
telligent citizens, is a native of Mont- 
gomery county, Virginia, and was born 
March 11, 1851, his parents being Sam- 
uel and Nancy (Conner) Otey, both of 
whom were natives of the state of Vir- 
ginia, the former having departed this 
life in 1858, and the latter in 1862. 
Aaron remained in his native state un- 
til reacliing his 17th year, when he re- 
moved to Ohio. His destination was 
Greene county, 111.' He walked across 
the mountains, and being out of funds, 
necessary for traveling, he stopped at 
Gallipolis, Ohio, where he secured 
work, and attended school. He re- 
mained there five years, the la^t three 
months of which time he was engaged 
in teaching school. He then came to 
this county, arriving August 28, 1873, 
and has ever since been engaged in 
teaching, with the exception of one win- 
ter. March 15, 1874, he was united in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



999 



marriage with Nancy Baslion, a native 
of Ohio. Mr. and iNIrs. Otey arc the 
])arents of five chihlren — Harry E., 
Mabel M., Lucy :«., Ellen F. and Maude. 
Mr. Otey is the owner of tiOacres of land 
in M'alkerville township, and at present 
is teaching school in district No. 1. 

Cassius Hesket was born in Guernsey 
county, Ohio, May 29, 18-29, his parents 
being Landon and Rachel (Galloway) 
Hesket. Cassius was reared in his 
native count}', in Ohio, where he re- 
mained until he had attained the age of 
32 years, when he removed to this state 
and took up his residence in what is 
now \\'alkerville township. He re- 
moved to his present location, on Sec. 
11, T. 11. R. 13, in 1857. Cassius 
Hesket and Sarah M. Collins, a native 
of Ohio, were united in marriage, in 
their native state, on Sept. 11, 1862. 
As a result of this marriage, there were 
six children born to them, four of whom 
are now living — Homer Ellwood, mar- 
ried Ella Cox ; Artlissa ; Emily Caro- 
line, wife of Samuel Johnson ; and 
Minn I'^lizabetli. Two of their chil- 
dren, Sarah Jane and Rosa Bella, are 
dead. Mr. Hesket is now the possessor 
of IfiO acres of land in Walkerville 
township, which is well improved. 
Both of Mr. H.'s parents died in the 
state of Ohio. 

Anselam Myers is a native of Greene 
countj', Illinois. His parents being 
Elisha and Rebecca (Chapman) Myers. 
Anselam was reared to farm life and fol- 
lowed that pursuit uninterruptedly un- 
til Oct. 23, 1865, when he enlisted in 
the 10th Mo., Inf. He served three 
years and four months before returning 
home, and participated in the following 
engagements — Shiloh, Corinth, luka, 



Tallahatchie, Jackson, Miss., Champion 
Hills, siege of Vickshurg, Chattanooga, 
and Lookout Mountain, and went with 
Sherman as far as Atlanta, Ga. After 
his discharge, Mr. Myers removed to 
Logan county, 111., where he remained 
some three years, and then returned to 
this county, where he has since re- 
sided. Anselam Myers was united in 
marriage, July 4, 1858, with Susan E. 
Hudson, daughter of Drury Hudson, 
and his wife, both natives of Kentucky. 
Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents 
of five children, three of whom are now 
living — John H., Lillie B. and William 
J. Mrs.3I^yers departed this life Dec. 
20, 1879, and was interred in the Walk- 
erville cemeterj'. Mr. Myers was 
again married, March 7, 1882, to Alice 
R. VanMeter, a native of Illinois. By 
this marriage there are two children — 
Luella M. and Harry LeRoy. Mr. 
Myers is the present road commissioner 
of his district, and divides his atten- 
tion between the raising of stock and 
grain. He is the possessor of 40 acres 
of land on Sec. 14, T. 11. R. 13. 

Nicholas Schier was born in Celle, 
Prussia, Aug. 22, 1819, and is a son of 
Joseph and Catherine (Binns) Schier, 
natives of Prussia. He received his ed- 
ucation in his native country, and, after 
reaching manhood, he engaged in the 
milling business there for 11 years. In 
1852, after bidding adieu to friends and 
home, he sailed down the river Rhine, 
to Rotterdam, and from there to Goolc, 
England, where he went, by railroad, to 
Liverpool. He there took passage for 
America, on a vessel bound for New 
Orleans, and after a voyage of nine 
weeks, he arrived at the Crescent City, 
and then came up to St. Louis. There. 



10()0 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



in August, 1857, he was married to 
Catherine Baltcs, a native of Prussia. 
By this marriage there were five chil- 
dren, all of whom are deceased. His 
wife died Sept. 15, 1865, and Mr. Schier 
was again married to Mary Tatlher, also 
a native of Prussia. This union was 
hlessed with five children, one of whom 
died in infancy. Those living are — 
Katie, Elizabeth, Jolinnie, and Chris- 
tina. Mr. Schier lias 40 acres of land 
on Sec. 2, T. 11, R. 13, and divides his 
attention between raising stock and 
is a steady, industrious farmer. He 
came to this county in 1855. 

FIRST ITEMS. 

The first religious services were held 
in the house of Jolin Walker, by Wil- 
liam J. Mc Adams. 

The first death was tliat of James, 
son of Obediah Silkwood, in 1822. 

First school was taught by Hartwell 
Hunnicutt, in 1824, in a log cabin on 
section 23. 

The first marriage took place in 1826, 
when Hezekiah Crosby and Eliza Silk- 
wood united their destinies. 

EDUC.4TI0NAI,. 

Tlie pioneer school of this township 
was tauglit by Hartwell Hunnicutt, in 
1824, in a temporary log structure erec- 
ted by the citizens of that neighbor- 
hood. The building was located upon 
section 23, northeast of the present 
home of Bainbridge Gillingham. About 
tlie year 1830, the old pioneer land- 
mark of education was destroyed by 
fire. Mr. Hunnicutt was a teacher in 
tlie schools of the township for a num- 
ber of years, and was the father of one 
of its present citizens, Rowell. 



School district No. 1, had the first 
school house erected in 1841, where the 
church on section 11 now stands. It 
was an humble log cabin. Tlie pioneer 
teacher was Isaac Osborn. About 1853, 
a frame school building was erected, 
near the old one, which lasted until 
1878, when the present frame building 
was put up. Aaron Otey is the present 
pedagogue. 

School district No. 5. — The first 
school house in the district was erected 
in 1879, and is the one used at present. 
The first teacher was James Ingrain. 
The present directors are W. A. Hubi- 
bard, Hiram Powel and Daniel Otey. 
The present teacher is Mary King. 

ORG.VNIC. 

At the township organization in 1885, 
the following officers were duly elected 
to fill the positions made by the new 
method of government: James M. Otey, 
supervisor; J. H. Greene, clerk: I. R. 
Kinser, assessor; William Vinyard, 
collector; John Painter and H. T. Hun- 
nicutt, justices; Floj'd Otey and B. R. 
Cox, constaldes; Ensel Myers, Wash. 
Brubaker and John C. Price, highway 
commissioners. 

WALKERVILLE. 

In 1835, John Wallcer, one of the 
early settlers, conceived the idea of 
laying out a town on his farm on section 
24, T. 11, R. 13. This he proceeded to 
do, and on the 18th of July, 1836, he 
filed for record, with the clerk of the 
circuit court, a plat of the town. Mr. 
Walker was the first resident of the 
town site. 

The pioneer store building was put 
up by Jason C. Lewis, in 1836, and 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lUdl 



dealt in all llie mi^oellaneous fjoods us- 
ually dis])ensed in stores, in early 
times, and somednies now, in small 
places. The postoffice was established 
about this time, and Mr. Lewis was ap- 
pointed postmaster, and served several 
years. 

Squire Yinyard built one of the first 
residences in the town, and he put up a 
building and was the second to open a 
store here. After a time he sold out to 
Kinser and Brantlett. 

The latter firm was not very long in 
business, when they became bankrupt, 
were closed out, and have removed from 
the village. 

They were succeeded by Ezra Swank, 
who kept the po.stoffice in his store. 
In the postmastersliip, he was succeeded 
1)3' Jesse Ballard, and he, in 1884, by 
E. J. Green, and he in turn, by Kane 
Fields. The latter is the present in- 
cumbent. Mr. Swank died in the fall 
of 1882. 

J. H. Greene is one of the present 
representatives of the business of the 
place, dividing with Kane Fields the 
general merchandise liusiness of the 
place. 

Kane Fields, one of the ifierchants, 
started in business in this place, in 
May, 1884. His store room is 18x30 
feet in size, two stories high, the upper 
room having formerly been used as a 
ball for dancing. This structure was 
built by Thomas S. Tatman, and was 
used at lirst as a saloon, but afterwards 



a small stock of goods was jmt in liy 
him. Ezra Swank suc(!ceded liim, but 
moving out, it remained idle mitil Mr. 
Fields opened his stock here. He car- 
ries groceries, boots and shoes, Hour, etc. 

REi.iGiors. 

The Christian church, of W'alkerville, 
was organized April 1, 1S61, at the 
school house in Walkerville, Revs. J. 
W. Miller and Hiram Hess officiating. 
The first members were, Mr. and Mrs. 
B. Gillingham, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. 
Mays, Elsie Mays, Andrew Kelley, Sr., 
Jordan Suttles and Elizabeth Suttles. 
The congregation has no church edifice 
as yet, worshipping in the school house 
still. 

Andrew Kelley, early in the history 
of the little village, built a blacksmith 
shop and therein set up the first forge 
in it. He continued for many years and 
was succeeded by his son, D. Kelley, 
and he by Washington Brubaker. 

The edifice in which school is held 
was erected in 18o-j by Newton Cox, and 
is 18x26 in dimensions, and one story 
high. The first teacher was Samuel 
\\'ing. The present one is Maggie Kil- 
larney . The directors are, Jesse Ballard, 
Albert Swank and Robert Allen. 

Walkerville once was ambitious, and 
for a time promised to become one of 
the leading villages in the county, but 
the railroads of this section passing all 
around it, has naturally forced it into 
a decline. 



1002 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



QHAPTKvR XXV. 



CARROLLTON TOWNSHIP. 



The township of Carrolltoii, one of 
the most Ijeautiful in the county, em- 
braces all of township 10, range 12, and 
all that part of township 11, range 12, 
that lies soutli of Apple creek, and alto- 
gether comprises about 45 sections of 
most excellent land. The surface is 
most beautifully diversified, containing 
almost level prairie, rolling prairie, 
timbered land, cleared land, hills and 
hollows, and the picturesqueness and 
beauty of the scenery is almost unsur- 
passed in the eyes of the cultivated 
viewer. In the north part, Apple 
creek, with its smaller affluents, afford 
an abundance of water, and in the 
southern part, tributaries of the ]\Ia- 
coupin creek furnish water, as well as 
drain the surrounding country. The 
soil is the rich, dark, loamy soil, so 
characteristic of this section of the 
state, and for fertility and productive 
power has no superior in the world. 
Corn, wheat, oats, barley and the other 
cereals flourish luxuriantly, while vege- 
tables and fruits bear abundant evi- 
dence of the nourishing qualities of the 
soil, and indigenous and imported 
grasses run wild in a marvel of incredi- 
ble growth. The C. & A. R. R. passes 
through the entire township, from north 
to south, and, with the L., C. & W. R. 
R., affords easy facilities for communi- 
cation with the markets of the world. 
Carrollton and IJcrdan are the towns in 
this township. 



E.\RLY SETTLEMENT. 

During the summer of 1818, Samuel 
Thomas came to Greene county, and, 
arriving on the banks of the iMaroupin, 
cast his eyes over at the earthly para- 
dise north of the creek, as yet, totally 
uninhabited, and, fording that stream, 
came to section 33, where, in August, 
he erected a cabin. He had been in 
this neighborhood in 1816, and cut some 
hay, and made some preparations look- 
ing to a residence, but the Indians de- 
stroyed the result of his labors. 

Samuel Thomas was a native of Pen- 
dleton county, S. C, born Sept. 13, 

1794. He was the youngest of five 
children, of Irwin and Elizabeth (Hub- 
bard) Thomas. His fatherdied in July, 

1795, when Samuel was less than a year 
old. After her husband's death, his 
widow labored in the field and garden, to 
keep lier children together, and provide 
for them. She, in al)out a 3'ear, was 
united in marriage with Wm. Hamilton, 
by whom she had five children. He 
jjroved an excellent husband and kind 
father to his step-children. About 1802, 
the fa.mily removed to Kentucky, and 
located in Caldwell county, where Sam- 
uel was reared to farm life. He had 
but meager facilities, but, through his 
indomitable energy, managed to learn 
to read and write, and to acquire a fair 
education, being almost entirely self- 
taught. In 1811, his step-father died, 
and his motlier married a man by the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1003 



name of John Flint: In 1822, Mr. 
Flint died, and his widow, witli her son, 
J.owis Hamilton, came to Greene county, 
but, alter about a year, moved to Adams 
county, 111., where she died in 1840, In 

1813, in company with two of his broth- 
ers-in-law, Reason Reagan and Dennis 
Davis, and their wives and cliildren, 
came to Illinois, landing at the forks of 
Wood river. Here he showed his me- 
chanical ingenuity, by building a loom 
for his sister, a species of furniture he 
often made afterward. In the summer of 

1814, he joined tbe company of rangers, 
under Capt. Judy, but after a short 
campaign, joined ('apt. M'hitcside's 
company, and continued in that service 
until peace was declared. While on 
one of his trips, he passed over what is 
now Greene county, in 1816. After his 
return from the war, Mr. Thomas put in 
a crop of corn, in what is now Madison 
county, and June 4, 1816, he was united 
in marriage with Elizabeth Isley. Mrs. 
Thomas was born in Sullivan county, 
Tenn., Sept. 2, 1796, and was the daugh- 
ter of Philip and Margaret Isley. In a 
few days, the young couple moved into 
a cabin which he had built, where he 
lived about two years. He then made 
a trip to Greene county, as recounted 
elsewhere, and in Aug., 1818, built a 
cabin on the section where he long 
lived. Nov. 9, 1818, he arrived, with 
his family, at this cabin, .uul made a 
settlement, which was the first in the 
county north of Macoupin creek, and 
here be lived the balance of his natural 
life. Mr. Thomas and wife were blessed 
with twelve children, of whom eleven 
are yet living, as follows — John I., who 
was a small child when his j)arents 
immigrated to their present residence, 



is married and settled near the oM 
homeste,-id, whose sketch is given else- 
where; Eliza J., wife of the well known 
and successful agriculturist, Jeduthan 
B. Eldred; Mary A., who was married 
to Wm. H. Bowlin, and after his death, 
married Francis Brown, both of Pike 
county; Nancy, wife of Otis Haskins, 
of Pike county. 111.; Elizabeth A., the 
wife of John Clemmons; Lewis H., and 
Samuel R., now living in Montgom- 
ery county; Matilda A., wife of Dr. C. 
P. Clemmons, of Carrollton; William D., 
residing on his farm, which is in close 
proximity to the old homestead; (,'ath- 
arine M., the wife of John Rainey 
Henry D., residing near Virden, Mont- 
gomery county; (Jila A., the only child 
deceased, died July 27th, 1883. In 
1839, Mr. Thomas built a large and 
commodious Ijrick house, in which he 
resided until called by death to cross 
the dark river. From his earliest rec- 
ollection, Mr. Thomas ever loved the 
beautiful scenery and pleasures of na- 
ture, the sweet fragrance of Howers, the 
beauty of green pastures, inviting 
groves, and sparkling water courses; 
and, more than this, he loved the rich, 
productive soil, that had made himself 
and children opulent. Whatever he 
undertook he did with all his might, 
and, with well developed order, worked 
to successful ends. lie was plain in 
manners, companionalih; in intercourse, 
and genial indisposition; and. from the 
clearness of his mind, and elasticity of 
his stej), we hardly recognized the fact 
that he lived an active life for upwards 
of three-quarters of a century. He was 
a little impetuous sometimes, but usu- 
ally well guarded, and found to be 
nearlv right in his conclusions. He was 



1004 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



one of thot^e men who were alwa^'s look- 
ing ahead. Truthfulness and sobriety 
were among liis shining virtues; honor- 
able and reliable, ho was a fair example 
of the older pioneers of the west. Mr. 
Thomas was long identified with the 
best interests of the country, of which 
he was a loyal citizen, whether in the 
proudness of her prosperity, or in the 
darker and liumljler hours of her adver- 
sity. He gave to the Union his quiet, 
though earnest, support, and even when 
the state of his nativity was in arms 
against the life of the government, it 
had no influence in swerving him from 
the deteruiinationof standing firm to the 
cause of the Union. Mr. Thomas died 
at his residence near Carrollton, in the 
fullness of time, mourned by a large cir- 
cle of friends, and by the comnumity in 
general. 

One of the most prominent and rep- 
resentative men of Greene county, and 
one of the oldest living residents, is 
John I. Thomas, son of Samuel Thomas, 
the pioneer of Greene county, north of 
the Macoupin creek, and of Elizabeth 
Thomas, nee Isley. his wife. John I. 
Thomas was born on Wood river, in 
Madison county. 111., March l-"), 1S18, 
and was the oldest of 11 cliildren that 
came to bless the home and cheer the 
loving parents. He resided with the 
"old folks'" until his marriage to Ann 
Chorn, daughterof Jesse and Ann (Sam- 
uels) Chorn, Nov. 12, 1840. For 45 
years this affectionate couple have jour- 
neyed down the rugged path of life, 
hand in hand, and during this almost a 
life tiiue of connubial bliss, they have 
had five children born to them, fotir of 
whom are living — Almira; Elizabeth, 
born Sept. 25, 1841, is now the wife of 



Henry Ryan, of Ruyle township, Jersey 
county; Alice Catherine, born June 22, 
1843, was united in marriage with Wil- 
liam Baker, who dying, she was again 
married to Leonard Ryan, but Nov. 17, 
1885, was herself called hence; Jane 
Eliza, born Jan .-6, 1845, married Elon 
Eldred, of this county, but died April 
21, 1876; Samuel Lewis, born April 15, 
1847, now living in Carrollton townshiji, 
near his father; and Mary Lenora, born 
Feb. 11, 1856, wife of Frank Robertson, 
living near the city of Jacksonville, 
Morgan county. Mrs. Thomas was born 
in Chillicothe, 0., Feb. 21, 1821, and 
although over 64 years old bears her 
age most remarkably well, and takes as 
much interest in life as if she was 30 
years younger. Mr. Thonuis ranks 
with the largest land owners in the 
county, possessing 852 acres of as fine 
land as lies under the sun; 300 acres are 
on section 33, on which are a brick res- 
idence and commodious barn; over 165 
acres are on section 34, both these in T. 
10, R. 12, and in T. 9, R. 12, he has 408 
acres on sections 3 and 9. He is a suc- 
cessful farmer and stock-raiser, and has 
added largely to his store. He is the 
president of the Greene County National 
Bank, of Carrollton, and one of the fi- 
nancial pillars of that monetarily strong 
institution, and is looked up to as a suc- 
cessful and able financier. One of the 
pioneers of Greene county, coming here 
with his parents in 1818, when but an 
infant, he has grown up, so to speak, 
with the county, and watched it develope 
from a virgin wilderness, destitute 
of inhabitants, its rich acres running 
waste with a luxuriant growth of grass, 
or covered with the primeval forest, to a 
state of high cultivation and civilization, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1005 



teeming with busy iiihaliitrtiits ami cov- 
ered witli towns, cities, villages and 
farms, until, to-day, Greene county 
stands, almost pre-eminent among the 
bright jewels that cluster in the diadem 
uf a n()l)le state. Still he lingers in his 
strength, just as stout, just as healthy 
as in his younger days, when he took 
his part in the rough sports of the pio- 
neers, and is an excellent example of 
the healthier condition of life of our an- 
cestors, wtio first "blazed" the broad 
mark of civilization into these pristine 
wastes. 

.Samuel F. Thomas was born in 
Greene county, April 15, 1847, his par- 
ents being John I. and Ann (Chorn) 
Thomas, mentioned above. Samuel F. 
was reared to farm life, remaining with 
his parents until he was 28 years of age, 
when he was married, and then started 
in life for himself. He located one mile 
east of the homestead, on section 84, 
where he owned 154 acres of land, on 
which he resided five years. He then 
traded that tract of land for one lying 
partly in Kane township, and partly in 
Carrollton townslii]), and moved all his 
buildings excejjt the house, from where 
he lirst lived to his present location, 
where he has since resided. He has 
been twice married, first in Oct., LSTO, 
to Susan Clark, daughter of Israel and 
Esther Clark. By this union there were 
four children, three of whom are living 
— Aithur Lee, Albin Clark and Walter 
E. His wife died July 22, 1881. In 
1880, before the death of his first wife, 
Mr. Thomas and she spent a year in 
Marion Center, Marion county, Kan., 
and in September of the same year, 
went to Glasgow, Cloud county, in the 
same state, where they spent the winter. 



Sept. 18, 1882, Mr. Thomas was again 
married to Belle M. Eldred, daughter 
of Lucius S. and Nellie (Cavanaugh) 
Eldred. They celebrated their union 
with a wedding tour to the east, going 
by way of Chicago, through Canada to 
the Niagara Falls, and from there to 
Boston, New York, Philadelidiia and 
Washington. From there thev returned 
to St. Louis, and thence home, having 
remained four or five days in each city, 
and enjoying a delightful time. Tiiis 
union has been blessed with one child 
— Edward M. Mr. Thomas now owns 
4G0 acres of land and his residence and 
other surroundings, show that he is one 
who appreciates the comforts of life, 
obtained by industry and enterprise. 
He buys cattle, which he feeds during 
the winter, and sells off in the spring. 
He now resides on the first 40 acres of 
land which his grandfather, Samuel 
Thomas, located on, when he came to 
the county. Mi-. Tlionias is one of the 
enterprising citizens of this townshi]), 
and is higiily esteemed by all. 

^\'ith Mr. Thomas came no less a ])cr- 
son than Tliomas Carlin, afterwards one 
of the most prominent men of this state, 
and its governor fi-om 1838 to 1842. He 
is si)oken of at length in the chapter 
entitled National, State and County Rep- 
resentation, in this volume. Oncoming 
here, Mr. Carlin left his companion, 
Samuel Thomas, and inclining to the 
east, journeyed on nortli and made a 
settlement on section 28, where he 
erected a cabin in the southern part of 
what is now the corporation of the city 
of Carrollton. Here he resided for some 
years. 

Thomas Hall, a native of North Caro- 
lina came to this township in 1811), and 



1006 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



settled on section 32, where he resided 
until 1S.">4, when he died. A sketch of 
him is; found elsewhere in this volume, 
in a biographj' of Joseph C. Reynolds, 
of Woodville township, whose wife is a 
daughter of Mr. Hall. He has two sons 
— Enoch and Samuel now living near 
Virden, Macoupin Co. 

John Dodgson, a native of ''White 
Cliffed Albion," came to Greene county 
in 1820, and located about two miles 
north of Carrollton. in this township. 
He died here in 1S4S. A sketch of liim 
occurs in connection with that of his son 
James Dodgson, in Wrights township. 

Andrew Pinkerton, another of the 
hard}' j)ioneers, came from Kentucky, 
in 1820, and located upon section 25 in 
this township, where he built an hum- 
ble log cabin, in which he lived until 
1860, when he erected a frame building, 
in which he still resides. Another 
brother and sister, John and Elizabeth, 
came with the family. The latter is 
still living at Berdan, with her brother, 
Andrew. John died about the year 
1865, and in his will bequeathed $2,000 
to the government to pay his share of 
the public debt. 

James Pinkerton, the father of sev- 
eral of the most prominent and influen- 
tial citizens, brought his family from 
Kentucky to Greene county, in 1820, 
and made a farm on Sec. 26, T. 11, R. 12. 
He was a native of the "Emerald Isle." 
He bought 80 acres of land on coming 
here, where he lived until overtaken by 
death, in 1840. 

Andrew Pinkerton is a native of Adair 
county, Ky., and was born December 
31, 1799. He is a son of James and 
Mary (Foster) Pinkerton, his father a 
native of Ireland, his mother of Vir- 



ginia. In 1820 he, with his parents, came 
to Greene county and located where the 
village of Berdan now lies, his father 
bu^'ing 80 acres of land on which he re- 
sided until his death, which occurred 
Feb. 19, 1840. His mother, Mrs. Mary 
Pinkerton died Oct. 9, 1834, and both 
are buried side by side in the Berdan 
cemetery. Andrew was 21 years of age 
when he came to this county and he re- 
mained with his parents two or three 
years after coming here. He had been 
liriiugbt up to farm life, but worked at 
the turner's trade five or six years. He 
then bought 80 acres of land on to which 
he moved and has since resided. In the 
year 1825 he was united in marriage with 
Ellen Johnson, daughter of Isaac and 
Catherine (Reeds) Johnson. This union 
was blessed with seven children, four of 
whom are living — Mary J., born June 
6, 1826 ; James (T.,born June 6, 1830, 
married Martha Waltrip and resides in 
Carrollton township ; Sarah A., born 
Nov. 26, 1836, married James A. Wood 
and resides in Kansas ; Eliza E., born 
Aug. 21, 1844. Mr. Pinkerton is yet 
enjoying life at the advanced age of 86 
years. He is one of the old pioneers of 
the county and has witnessed the great 
changes which have been made here 
during the past 65 years. Mrs. Pinker- 
ton died Dec. 11, 1881. 

William Pinkerton located on section 
25 in 1820, and built a log cabin. In a 
short time he removed to another quar- 
ter of the same section, where he made 
a iiomestead and a residence until his 
death . 

J. K. Pinkerton was born in Greene 
county, Illinois, February 7, 1844, his 
parents being William and Sarah (Yin- 
yard) Pinkerton, his father a native of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1(X)7 



Teiinossi'c, his iimtlu'r of Knitucky. 
His father came to (ireene county in 
1820 and located on section '25, where 
he entered 80 acres of hmd. Tliis he 
afterward sold to ]iis tirother Andrew, 
and entered KKI a<'res on the same sec- 
tion, on wliirh lie liuilt a log cahin and 
there spent the remainder of his days, 
his death occurring in 1860. His mother 
also died tliat year. Our subject was 
reared to the pursuits of agriculture and 
has always remained at the old home- 
stead. He received his education in 
the common schools. He was married 
May 11, 1878, to Etta Thaxton, daughter 
of Henry and Marinda (Daniels) Thax- 
ton. This union has been blessed with 
five children — B(!rt, Fannie, Elsie, 
Floyd, and Herbert. Mr. Pinkerton 
now owns 160 acres of land and is en- 
gaged in general farming. In 1883 he 
bought an Eclipse engine and separator, 
and he now does about all the thresh- 
ing in his neighborhood. He is an ener- 
getic and successful farmer, and a well 
respected citizen. 

John Drum settled in Greene county 
in 1820, on the Alfred Hinton place. 
He was a native of North Caiolina, and 
came west as a soldier in the war of 
1812. He was married in Madison 
county, this state, ti) Gilly Wood, a 
native of Tennessee. Mr. Drum died 
in this county. 

Jaiues Williams was also among the 
pioneers of the year 1821. He was 
born in England, in 179o, and came to 
the United States in 1820, coming to 
Greene county the following year. At 
first he engaged in work as a laborer, 
but was afterwards engaged as butcher 
and as miller for many years, lie died 
here in 1848. 



Peter Dodgson came to Greene county 
in 1820 with his parents, Avho settled 
on section 'S'S, in this township. He 
was born .Jan. 2, 1806, at Colton, York- 
shire, England. He w'as a son of .John 
and Elizabeth (Wells) Dodgson. In 1821 
he came to Greene county, 111. May 
19, 182o, he was " l)orn again;" in IS'6'2 
was ordained local deacon in the M. E. 
church, and in 1840 was ordained elder. 
He was blind during nearly the last 
four years of his life. Having served 
his generation faithfully, he departed 
in great peace, Oct. 28, 1868. His wife 
following him .July 25, 1884, and both 
are buried at the Hopewell cemetery. 
They were the parents of 12 children, 
six of whom are living — David, Nathan, 
Sarah, wife of Patrick Turney; Mary 
Fj., wife of John Ciilbcrt; Oman and 
Maria L.. wife of John G. Winn. 
Those deceased are Jacob, Peter, John 
Wesley, William P., Sophia and Eliza 
E., all of whom are buried in the Hope- 
well cemetery. Mrs. Dodgson was ;i 
native of Kentucky. 

David Dodgson was born in tirecne 
county, 111., Oct. 27, 1849, his parents 
being Peter and Jane (Brown) Dodgson, 
early settlers here. His father loca- 
ted on section ol^, in this township, 
where he entered (juite a tract of land, 
and later i)n bought a great deal of sec- 
ond-handed land. When he entered 
his land in this county, he had but §50 
to start with, and he built a little log 
cabin and lived in it until he made 
enougli money to build another house. 
He erected a fine brick residence, and 
lived in it until his death, Oct. 28, 1868. 
At the time of his death he owned about 
600 acres of land and was a well-to-do 
farmer, although he started with merely 



\ 



nm 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



nothing. Being a minister, he preached 
at a great many of tlie funerals, and per- 
formed a great many of the marriage 
ceremonies in his neighborhood. David 
remained with his parents on the farm 
until he was about 23 years of age, 
when he was married, April 20, 1854, to 
Sarah C. Chinn, daughter of James and 
Sarah (Williams) Chinn. He then be- 
gan life for himself, buying 12 acres of 
land on Sec. 4, T. 10, R. 12, on which- 
he moved, and resided there about 18 
months. He then sold out there and 
bought 180 acres on section lo, on to 
which he moved, and remained there 
about seven years, adding another 80 
acres to his farm during that time. He 
then traded that tract of land for what 
was called the Farmer's Home, near 
Alton, and there resided about a year, 
when he sold it to Peter Wise for 
$3,200, and moved onto section 4. He 
bought 300 acres of land north of Ap- 
ple creek after coming from Alton, but 
soon afterwards sold it for $4,500, to B. 
F. Baldwin. With the money he pur- 
chased 175 acres of land within a mile 
of Virden, in Macoupin county, which 
he kept about 11 months, and then sold 
for $6,500. He then bought 160 acres 
of land, within one and one-half miles 
of where he now resides, for which he 
paid $1,500, and afterwards added 80 
more to it, for which he paid $3,300. 
The land that his father left to be 
divided among his two sons was valued 
at $50 per acre, and cost David about 
$28.50 per acre, cash. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dodgson have had seven children born 
to them, four of whom are living — 
Leonard P., married Salina N. Lee, 
resides in Carrollton township; Alice 
J., wife of Daniel H. McLaughlin, re- 



siding in Piatt county; Carrie B. and 
Edgar D., at home. The deceased are 
—Peter W., Sept. 18, 1885; Laura, Aug. 
12, 1876; Sarah Caroline, July 5, 1872. 
Mr." Dodgson was called to mourn 
the loss of his wife, March 29, 1872. 
He was again united in marriage Aug. 
31, 1877, with Elizabeth (Edwards) 
Goode, daughter of Ezekiel and Polly 
(Ruckle) Edwards, natives of Tennes- 
see. Mr. Dodgson now owns 485 acres 
of land, all in this township. He deals 
in stock of all grades, buying and sell- 
ing. He is a very prominent man, and 
an intelligent enterprising citizen, and 
much credit is due him for having made 
his own way up in life. In 1864 he 
erected a large two-story brick resi- 
dence at a cost of about $5,000, cutting 
all the wood used therein, and burning 
all the bricks, himself. About the year 
1865, he built a store at the corner 
opposite the C. & A. depot, in Carroll- 
ton, which cost him about $1,700, and 
there engaged in business a short time, 
when he sold out for $2,000. Through 
the first-tract of land which he owned, 
he gave the right of way, for half a mile, 
to the C. & A. R. R., this showing his 
liberality and enterprise. He also gave 
$100 for the erection of the C. &. A. 
depot, at Carrollton. 

Oman Dodgson was born in Greene 
county. 111., Oft. 18, 1844, and is a son 
of Peter and Jane (Brown) Dodgson, 
early pioneers of this county, a full 
sketch of whom is given elsewhere. Af- 
ter the death of their father, Oman, 
David and their mother, erected a fine 
monument to his memory, having a his- 
tory of his life inscribed on the tomb. 
The two sons have also had a large mon- 
ument erected to the memory of their 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1C)G9 



mother since her departure. Oman re- 
mained at liome witli liis parents dur- 
ing their lifetime, being reared to the 
duties of farm life, and has always re- 
sided at the old homestead. About tlie 
year 18S0 he purchased a house and two 
lots in Roodhouse, which he now rents 
out. He owns 264 acres of land, all in 
Carrollton township except 80 acres, 
which is inT. 11, R. 12. He was united 
in marriage, March 11, 1869, with Sarah 
L. Baines, daughter of Robert and So- 
phia (Wright) Baines. By this union 
there was one child, who died in infancy. 
Islr. Dodgson is a member of the M. E. 
church, of the Carrollton circuit, in 
which he has held the office of steward 
and class leader. He has served his 
township as director of the district 
school for one term. He is an enter- 
prising, intelligent citizen, highly es- 
teemed by all, for his honesty and integ- 
rity of purpose. 

John Morfoot, his wife, Elizabeth, 
and family, natives of "White Cliffed 
England," started for the United States 
in 1820, and landing in New York pro- 
ceeded to the west and passed the win- 
ter in East St. Louis, and in 1821, came 
to Greene county and located on section 
3, where he resided until 1332. when he 
died. His widow survived until 1874. 
With them came their son, afterwards 
one of the substantial men of the county. 

Abraham Bowman, in 1820, settled 
west of Carrollton, where he resided un- 
til his death. He was born in Warren 
county, Ohio, in 1804. He was at one 
time judge of the county court of this 
county. 

Richard \\'ard and his family, natives 
of Yorkshire, England, crossed the 
stormy ocean and journeyed to the far 



west, and landed in Greene county in 
the winter of 1821, and bought out some 
improvements on Sec. .32, T. 10, R. 12, 
where he lived until removed by death. 
With them came their son, Jonas, who 
was for many years one of the promi- 
nent agriculturalists of the county. In 
1828, he was united in marriage with 
Hester Fry, a native of Kentucky, by 
whom he had four children. He died 
Nov. 13, 1877. 

Ward Eldred came to Greene county 
in 1818, seeking'a home, and found land 
to his liking on section 20, of this town- 
ship. He had come afoot, with a 
cousin, from the state of New York, 
camping out on the way. They re- 
turned to their home the same year, and 
in the early spring he, with his father 
and brothers, came by flat-boat, and, 
after one summer spent in the vicinity 
of Alton, came to this counts' in 1821, 
and located on the farm he had selected. 
Mr. Eldred died here in 18ol. 

William Eldred, who had been living 
in JIadison county, came over into 
Greene county in 1821, and made a set- 
tlement, with his family, on the north- 
west quarter of Sec. 20, T. 10, R. 12. 
He was a native of Warren, Litchfield 
county, Conn., born in 1791, but lived 
for many years, in Herkimer count}', N. 
Y., where he was united in marriage 
with Ruth Brace. He came west in 

1820, landing in Madison county, May 
20, where he resided until April 12, 

1821, when he came here. He had pre- 
viously left his family and come to 
Greene county, purchased some 400 
acres of land, and erected a small hewed 
log cabin, in which he installed his fam- 
ily. Here he resided until called by the 
angel of death, July 8, 185G. 



«i 



1010 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Leonard E. Eldred was born in Greene 
county, 111., Dec. 26, 1827, and is a son 
of William and Ruth (Brace) Eldred, 
his father a native of Connecticut, his 
mother of Herkimer county, N. Y. His 
father came to Greene county in 1821 
and located on section 20, where he en- 
tered land, and resided until his death in 
1856. Leonard was reared on a farm, 
remaining with his parents until he was 
married, when_he went to do for himself. 
He was united in marriage, June 23, 
18(53, with Sarah J. Gilchrist, daughter 
of James and Ann B. (Dickey) Gilchrist. 
By this union they are the parents of 
two children — William G. and Leonard 
K. Mr. Eldred now owns 240 acres of 
land on Sees. 17 and 20 in T. 10, R. 12, 
he residing on one-half of the home- 
stead, where he has a nice comfortable 
home and is pleasantly situated. His 
brother Elon A. lives on the other half 
of the homestead. In December, 1872, 
Mr. Eldred andhiswife removed to Fre- 
mont county, Colorado, where they re- 
mained seven years, sjjending the win- 
ters at Canon City, the county seat of 
Fremont county, and the summers on 
his ranch on Wilson creek, among the 
mountains, where he has a herd of cat- 
tle. Mr. and Mrs. Eldred, their oldest 
son, William, and her mother, Mrs. 
A. B. Gilchrist, are all members of 
the Presbyterian church at Carrollton. 
Mr. Eldred is a member of lodge No. 
50 of the Masonic fraternity, and also of 
chapter No. 77, R. A. M. He is an in- 
telligent, enterprising citizen and stands 
high in the estimation of all who know 
him. 

Elon A. Eldred was born in Greene 
county, July 11, 1842, his parents being 
William and Ruth (Brace) Eldred, men- 



tion of whom is made in the foregoing 
sketch. Elon remained with his parents 
until he was 21 years of age, assisting 
in the duties of farm life, when he was 
married and started out for himself. He 
located on section 20, where lie has since 
resided, all the improvements being 
made by himself. He has a nice com- 
fortable residence and a good home 
pleasantly located. He has been mar- 
ried three times — first, on Sept. 17, 1863, 
to Helen A. Dorson, a daughter of 
Charles Dorson, and b^' this union there 
was one child — Charles D. Mrs. Eldred 
died Feb. 12, 1865, and on May 26, 1871, 
he was again married to Jane E. Thomas, 
daughter of John I. and Ann Thomas. 
By this union there were two children, 
both of whom are deceased. April 21, 
1876, Mr. Eldred was again called to 
mourn the loss of his wife. He was 
again married Feb. 4, 1879, to Mattie A. 
Robertson, daughter of John and Mary 
Robertson. Mr. Eldred now owns 380 
acres of land on sections 4, 17 and 20, 
in this township, his residence being on 
section 20. He raises stock of all kinds, 
making a specialty of Poland-China 
hogs and Durham cattle. He deals ex- 
tensively in stock, and his surroundings 
show him to be an enterprising citizen. 
He was elected associate judge in 1884, 
and has been a member of the board of 
supervisors since April, 1885, having 
been elected by a majority of 304 in 
Carrollton township, and 23 in the 
county. He and his family are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church at Car- 
rollton. 

Elon Eldred was born in Connecticut, 
in 1802. In an early day his parents 
moved to Herkimer county, N. Y., 
where Elon grew to manhood. About 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



101 1 



the year 1820 glowing accounts of the 
the west reached his ears, and accord- 
ingly thither he directed his footsteps. 
Pleased at the prospect, he returned 
again to the east, where he united his 
fortunes with Jane Stuart, and sliortly 
thereafter returned to Illinois, and set- 
tled at Edwardsville, Madison county, 
and shortly after, in 1822, located in 
Greene county, on the farm lately owned 
l>y Frank M. Bridges. When the family 
became fairly located in Greene county, 
a cabin composed of hewn logs was 
erected, it being sonic eighteen feet 
square, this forming the main structure. 
In after years, other buildings comjjosed 
of logs, but of smaller dimensions, were 
erected for the accommodation of hands, 
Mr. E. becoming largely engaged in the 
manufacture of castor oil. After along 
life of usefulness, while Elon Eldred, 
who had journeyed to a farm owned b}' 
him in Montgomery county, was on his 
return trip, and near Girard, in Ma- 
coupin county, he was taken violently 
ill, and expired ver_v suddenly. 

Archibald W. Bridges, a young man 
at the time, made a settlement in this 
township, in 1822. He was a native of 
North Carolina, born March 21, 1802. 
Shortly after coming here, he was 
married to Dorlesky Eldred, who was 
born in Connecticut, Aug. 25, 1803. 
They have long since passed to "that 
land, from whose bourne no traveler 
ever returns." They were the parents 
of tlie following children — .Julia E., 
Anthony S., Sylvester H., Jchosophat 
E., Frank M., Oman \V., Drusilla J., 
ThaddeusH., Rutli E.,and Cassius E. 

Thos. Meek and wife, Anna (Barnes) 
Meek, both natives of Yorkshire, Eng., 
I left the green lanes and hawthorn 



hedges of the little island, and immi- 
grated to the United States in 1821, and 
came to Greene county, the same fall. 
On their arrival, they settled on Sec. 
34, in T. 11, R. 12, which farm they 
made their residence until their deaths. 
Thomas died in Jan., 1865, his wife in 
Oct., of the same year. 

On June 10, 1822, a colony of English 
people, from the neighborhood of 
Wigton, Cumberland county, left their 
home in the North of England, for the 
"land of the free." They came to 
Liverpool, and embarked on the Niag- 
ara, which proved unseaworthy, and, 
suffering a wreck when but 10 or 15 
miles from that port, put back, and en- 
gaged passage on the brig Yamacrow, 
Bates, captain, and made the voyage to 
New York in 47 days. The names of 
these colonists were : James Hobsoii. 
Elizabeth Hobson, Peter Hobson, John 
Hobson, Thomas Hobson, Mary Hob- 
son, Robert Hobson, Jane Hobson, sis- 
ter of the former, John Hobson, Mar- 
garet Black, John Black, David Black, 
Will. Black, Thomas Black, Elizabeth 
Black, John Armstrong, Isaac Richard- 
son, Chas. F. Hobson, Rutli Richard- 
son, Jeremiah Richardson, Elizabeth 
Richardson, and Geo. Beaty. From 
New York they journeyed both by 
wagon and flat-lioat, and settled in the 
neighborhood of Mount Pleasant, which 
was supposed to be the future seat of 
justice of the county. These settle- 
ments were all in the southwest quarter 
of township 10, range 12. 

Thomas Black was born in Cumber- I 
land county, Eng., Nov. 5, 1810, his ! 
parents being William and Margaret ' 
(Hobson) Black, natives of Cumberland, 
Eng. His father died June 17, 1817, i 



1012 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



and was buried in the parish of Wig- 
ton. When but 11 years old, Thomas' 
mother and family decided to leave 
their native country, and took passage 
at Liverpool, on the vessel Yamacrow, 
l)ound for New York. On arriving 
there, they started for Illinois, coming 
much of the way in a two-horse wagon. 
They landed in Greene county, about 
Dec. 20, 1822, locating on section 28, 
where his uncle, Robert Hobson, had 
laid out a town, called Mt. Pleasant, and 
the year following, located on section 
21. Mr. Hobson had entered more than 
1,400 acres of land, in 1821, and Mrs. 
Black took the control of 500 acres on 
which she farmed, and there resided 
until her death, Feb. 7, 1854. Thomas 
then took charge of the homestead, and 
since resided on it. He has been three 
times married; first to Adele E. Russell, 
daughter of William and Murtilla (He- 
purn)Russel] bj' which union there were 
three children, only one of whom is liv- 
ing — William Armstrong, married Kate 
Bowman, and resides in Pawnee county, 
Neb. Mrs. Black died Aug. 22, 1839, 
and he was again married Oct. 17, 1842, 
to Cornelia P. Wood, daughter of Eli- 
sha K. and Emily M. Wood. By that 
union there were six children, five of 
whom are living — George E., married 
Mary Maxwell, resides in Saline county, 
Mo.; Charles A., married Margaret 
Rowe, resides in Saline county, Mo.; 
.JIarriet R., wife of Charles W. Keeley, 
living in Carrollton; Adela M., wife of 
Arthur Secor, residing in Linder town- 
ship, and Kent W., residing in Carroll- 
ton. Mr. Black's wife died April 22, 
1865, and he was again married Sept. 
21, 1869, to Martha E. Robinson, daugh- 
ter of Gregory and Louisa Robinson. 



This marriage has been blessed with 
three children — Russell B., Ella L. and 
Robert T. Mr. Black owns 440 acres of 
land, mostly under cultivation, there 
being but 40 acres of timber. His land 
lies on sections 20, 21, 28, and 36, in 
Carrollton township, and section 18, in 
Woodville township. He is an enter- 
prising farmer, hence has been very suc- 
cessful, and is surrounded with all the 
comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. Black 
are members of the Baptist church. 

William Black was born near Wigton, 
in Cumberland, Eng., April 6, 1807, 
his parents being William and Marga- 
ret (Hobson) Black, natives of England, 
where his father died, June 17, 1817, 
and was buried at Wigton. His motlier 
and five children — John, David, Wil- 
liam, Thomas and Elizabeth, left Eng- 
land, June 10, 1822, and took passage 
at Liverpool on a vessel bound for New 
York. On arriving at that port, they 
started west in a two-liorse wagon, com- 
ing as far as Pittsburg, where tiny 
bought a flat boat, on which they loaded 
their wagon and team, and came as far 
as Wheeling by boat, but tlie water get- 
ting so low, they disposed of their flat 
boats and started out again with the 
wagon. They came as far as Louisville, 
Ky., where all but one of the company 
took the water again, and came to Shaw- 
neetown, where John Armstrong met 
them with a team, and brought them to 
Greene county, landing here about Dec. 
20, 1822. They located on section 21, 
where his mother owned 500 acres of 
land, on which she resided until her 
death, Feb. 7, 1854. William remained 
with his mother until he was 23 years of 
age when he started out in life for liim- 
self, locating on section 32 in this town- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1013 



sliip, wliure lie purchased '200 acres of 
land, on which he has since resided. 
He was married March 27, 1830, to Car- 
oline Woodman, daughter of Elijah and 
Catherine (Clifton) Woodman. This 
union was hlessed with eight children, 
only three of whom are living — John, 
married Delilah Early, and resides in 
this township; Catherine, wife ofCurtius 
Brace, residing in Kane; Alice E., wife 
of James Cullimore, residing in Carroll- 
ton. Those deceased are — Oscar, James, 
Charles, Henry andOrville. Mr. Black 
has, by thrift and energy', added to his 
land until he now has 317 acres, all on 
section 32, which is under cultivation 
and nicely improved. Mr. Black is one 
of the pioneer settlers of Greene county, 
and has been through all the hard times 
incident to the building up of tho new 
country. He is highly esteemed by all 
who know him, or have any dealings 
with him. Mr. Black started out in 
politics as a whig, but now votes the 
republican ticket. 

Peter Htjbson, deceased, was born in 
Cumberland county, England, Sept. 29, 
1804, his parents being James and Eliz- 
abeth (Goldsmith) Hol)san, natives of 
England. When he was in his ISth 
year he came with his parents to Amer- 
ica, the}' coming as far west as Greene 
county, 111., arriving here the last of 
December, 1822. They located on land 
that was previously purchased in 1821, 
at the land sale of the goverimicnt. He 
worked on the homestead from the time 
he was tall enough for his head to reach 
as high as the plow handles. His ear- 
ly life was spent in the usual pioneer 
fashion, with an interest of no ordinary 
nature. A few short years before that, 
the red men had been as numerous as 



the leave of the forest, but were com- 
pelled to go farther westward as the en- 
croachments of the white man drove 
them from the domain where they had 
hunted from childhood. On Dec. 18, 
1818, Mr. Hobson was married to Mary 
Chorn, daughter of Jesse and Ann 
(Samuels) Chorn. This union was bless- 
ed with seven children, live of whom 
are living — Thomas, married Bell Wood, 
resides in Montgomery county, on land 
which his father entered; Robert, George 
Charles and William. Two died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Hobson, a man of wonder- 
ful vitality, had always been a hard 
worker, but was unfortunately stricken 
down with paralysis, and it was a 
source of deep regret to his many friends.- 
He departed this life Dec. 19, 1884, and 
was laid to rest in the CarroUton ceme- 
tery. He and his brother Thomas were 
engaged for several years in running a 
flouring mill, on his farm, in which 
business they continued until after the 
war. The mill was then sold out and 
moved to CarroUton, where it burned 
down a few years afterward. The fam- 
ily now owns the farm, consisting of 
532 acres of land, 132 acres of which 
lies on section 29 in this township, a 
part in Woodville township and the 
balance in Montgomery county. Mrs. 
Hobson and her son, Robert, are now 
guardians of tlie property. The family 
is well respected and highly esteemed 
by all who know them. 

Thomas Hobson was a native of Cum- 
berland county, Eng. In his 13th year 
his parents, James and Elizabeth Hob- 
son, crossed the Atlantic. During the 
autunm of 1822, land having been pre- 
viously purchased, the little party of 
emigrants settled down to farm life in 



1014 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Greene county. On their arrival, the 
family consisted of the husband, wife 
and six children — Peter, John, Tlionias, 
Robert, Mary and Jane. The home- 
stead, comprising 320 acres, was un- 
broken, save three acres, on which was 
erected a small cabin composed of logs. 
The neighbors of those days were few, 
but generous to a fault, and all were on 
an equal footing as regards finances, or 
nearly so. In 1839 James Hobson, the 
father, departed to a home not made 
with hands. A true type of the hardy 
Briton, of an extremely energetic dispo- 
sition, he accumulated wealth for the 
period of time in which he lived, erect- 
ing during the days of his earlier man- 
hood the substantial brick building 
where the suliject of this sketch now re- 
sides. Three years after the death of 
this pioneer, the wife and mother, a 
most estimable lady, also passed away. 
Thomas was then in his 33d year, mar- 
ried, having united his fortunes with 
Catherine Chorn, by whom he had two 
children, now living — James and John. 
Mrs. Hobson died March 6, 1851, and 
was laid at rest in the Mount Pleasant 
cemetery. March 11. 1858, Mr. Hobson 
was married to Elizabeth Ann Tribble, 
l)y whom he had two children, not liv- 
ing, whose names were Elizabeth G. and 
Mary 0. 

Peter J. Hobson was born in Greene 
county. 111., in March, 1845, his par- 
ents being Thomas and Catherine 
(Chorn) Hobson, his father a native of 
England, his mother of Kentucky. His 
father came to Greene county in 1822, 
and located on Sec. 29, T. 10, R. 12, 
where he built a log cabin and lived 
there for some years. He then built a 
brick house, moulding and burning the 



briek himself, and the brick house that 
our subject now lives in is the same one 
built by Thomas Hobson some 50 years 
ago, and in which he resided until his 
death, which occurred January 16, 1881. 
Peter J., the subject of this sketch, was 
reared on the farm, remaining with his 
parents during their lifetime. His 
mother died when he w^as only nine 
years of age. He has always resided 
at the old homestead. Mr. Hobson 
was united in marriage July 27, 1881, 
with Effie C. Cannaday, daughter of 
William and Mary C. Cannaday. This 
union has been blessed with two bright 
children — Jolin C. and Myrtle G. In 
August. 1884, Mr. Hobson took a trip 
to Harvey county, Kan., on a visit and 
also for the purpose of examining the 
land, but he did not like the country 
and, therefore, did not purchase. He 
owns 162 acres of land on section 29, 
Carrollton township, and 160 acres in 
Montgomery county. Ho is in very 
comfortable circumstano/s, and is an 
industrious, intelligent and enterprising 
citizen, higlily esteemed by all. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hobson are members of the 
Baptist church at Carrollton. 

William J. Brown came to Carrollton 
townshii:) in 1822, from St. Clair county, 
this state, whither he had gone froni 
Kentucky, in 1821. He settled on sec- 
tion 22, of this township, where he re- 
sided until 18-16, when he removed to 
Hancock county, but after a residence 
there and in Scott county, returned, and 
is now living in Linder township. 

David Norton moved from Utica, N. 
Y., in 1823, to a home in Greene county, 
locating on Sec. 27, T. 10, R. 12, enter- 
ing 80 acres of land. He lived here 
imtil his death. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1015 



In 1824, John, James, William and 
Edward liardcastle, natives of Mary- 
land, came to Carrollton, then but a 
collection of log cabins, and opened a 
carpenter and cabinet shop, in connec- 
tion with their farming operations. 
They were the sons of James and Eliz- 
abeth (Clarke) Hardcastle. They re- 
sided here for many years, respected 
citizens of the county. 

About 1826, William Lee made his 
appearance in this county, and for a 
time worked for other parties, but finally 
located on section 33. There he made 
his residence until his death. He was 
a native of England, and his wife, Sus- 
annah (Miller) Lee, of Pennsylvania. 
William came to this country when but 
17 years of age, locating at first in Indi- 
ana. He died here, July 19, 1854. 

Jordan Howard is a native of New 
York state, born in the year 1808. He 
there passed his earlier years. At 16 he 
accompanied his parents, Sylvester and 
Lydia Howard, to the broad prairies of 
southern Illinois. The family settled 
permanently in Morgan county, on a 
farm. Jordan settled in Greene county, 
as early as 1826. In what is now com- 
prised in the city of Carrollton, there 
stood an old frame building, erected for 
a tannery, and here the youth became 
instructed in the mysteries of the trade. 
Remaining in this capacity for a num- 
ber of years, he eventually became a 
clerk for David Pearson, with him, in 
after years, transacting a successful 
mercantile business. In 1842, he was 
united in marriage with Eveline Ryder, 
a daughter of John Ryder. Two chil- 
dren blessed this union — Charles, who 
died in early infamy, and Mary, who 
married Thomas 1). Price, one of the 



editors of the Carrollton Gazdtp. Since 
his retirement from mercantile pursuits, 
Mr. Howard has devoted his time and 
attention to farming, owning 140 acres 
in one of the best townships of Greene 
county. Mrs. Howard passed to the 
other world, Sept. 1, 1857. 

Absalom Clark, with his family, set- 
tled in Carrollton township in 1826, 
about a mile from where John I. Thomas 
now lives. He died many years ago, a 
resident of the county. His son Joshua, 
then 16 year old, came with his father. 
He resided here until his death, in 1866. 
Another son, John, one of the oldest 
children, who has been residing in 
Idaho, is now living with Franklin 
Clark, the youngest of the family, near 
Virden, Macoupin county. 

Lemuel Stubblefield, in 1827, came 
from Tennessee, and located near Car- 
rollton, where he resided about three 
years, when he removed to Wrights 
township, where ho died. 

Thomas Lakin settled near Carrollton 
in 1827. He built a cabin, and with his 
wife and family, lived here until death 
removed him in 1841. His Avife died in 
1854. He came to this locality from 
Sangamon county. 111., but had origin- 
ally came from Ohio. He was the father 
of Alexander Lakin, of this county, men- 
tioned elsewhere. 

Leonard Brace came to this section in 
the spring of 1828, and settled on a tract 
near the town of Carrollton, and now 
included within the limits of that city. 
He was a native of Herkimer county, 
N. Y., born in 1796. In Litchfield, in 
that county, he was united in marriage 
with Julia Eldred, about 1818 or 1820. 
In 1828, they came west, and located as 
above. He had been a soldier of the 



1016 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



war of 1812-15, and had made a gallant 
record. Mr. Brace at once commenced 
farming, but in a few months he was 
snatched from his family by the hands 
death. This was in 1829. He was bur- 
ied at a point about two miles north- 
west of the CarroUton cemetery. His 
widow is still a resident of the county 
seat. He was the parent of six children, 
Ave of whom are living — Joshua T., 
Thaddeus W.; Clara M., wife of Edward 
Ferguson; Ann E. and Curtius W. All 
of these children, although young at the 
time of coming here, are to be ranked 
with the old settlers, by right of a con- 
tinuous residence of over 56 years. 

During the year 1828, when Illinois 
was a far western point, Mrs. Brown, in 
order to give her children a start in the 
world, migrated to Greene county, set- 
tling on the farm now owned by John 
Brown, of this county. Here this ener- 
getic lady settled down to the hard task 
of making a comfortable home. Mrs. 
Brown was a native of North Carolina, 
a most kindly woman, and merited the 
respect of her pioneer neighbors. 

In 1828, also, caine Henry Brooks, 
and made a settlement in Avhat is now 
CarroUton township, about a mile and a 
(juarter west of the county seat. He 
was a native of Virginia, but was reared 
in Kentucky, where he was married. 
He was the father of 13 children, some 
of whom are still residents of the 
county. 

Thomas J. Short came from his home 
in Suuimcrtown, Tcnn., to Greene 
county, in the fall of 1829. He was 
born in Tennessee, Sept. 27, 1805, and 
was married to Catherine Overby. On 
coming to this county, being in very 
])oor circumstances, he rented land in 



CarroUton township, but soon settled 
in Rubicon township. He died Aug. 
10, 1876. 

Eli Witt settled in Greene county in 
1S29. He was a native of Jefferson 
county, Tenn., of English ancestry. At 
the age of 21 he was united in marriage 
with Nancy McNealy. He was engaged 
in farming in the county of his nativity 
until Dec, 1829, when he immigrated 
to this county, settling in the township 
of CarroUton. Here he resided some 
years when he removed to Texas, but 
later returned and bought a farm east of 
CarroUton, where he resided until over- 
taken by death, in Oct., 1851. He had 
been a soldier of the war 1812. With 
him came his son, Randolph, then a 
young man of 19 years. 

On the 12th of Nov., 1829, William 
Winn and family settled in this town- 
ship, about four miles west of the town 
of CarroUton. The land where the pio- 
neers settled was unbroken, requiring 
the muscle of the head of the family to 
subdue it. Here he livedfor many years, 
in a simple manner, his wants few be- 
cause easily satisfied. He died in Car- 
roUton. 

This part of the state seemed to have 
had a strong attraction for the emigrants 
from England. In 1830, John Wright, 
a native of Yorkshire, Eng., came to 
this county, and located on section 15, 
where he remained imtil he died, March 
23, 1865. 

Col. Purnell Short, a Kentuckian, 
came to CarroUton township from his 
"native heath," about 1830, and located 
near the county seat. He resided here 
only about a year, when he removed to 
Woodville township, where he died. 

Peter Montague Brown came to Car- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lOll 



rollton, in 1830, and carried on carpen- 
tering until 1836, when he bouglit the 
stock of Shackelford, Hodges & Co., 
and entered into mercantile life, but dis- 
continued it after about two years. 

Benjamin B. Powell made a settle- 
ment in Carrollton township in the fall 
of 1830. He was a native of Tennessee, 
born July 24, 1801. His parents came 
to Illinois as early as 1805 or 6, where 
they died, and Benjamin went back to 
Tennessee, and later to Alabama, where 
he married a Miss Lancaster. He re- 
moved to Illinois as above stated. His 
wife died in 1831, and was among the 
first to be interred in the Carrollton 
cemetery. He again married Phoebe 
Wood. He died a resident of the 
county, in Woodville township, Dec. 9, 
1874. " 

John Dowdall came to Carrollton, in 
1831, and after a short stay in that vil- 
lage moved on to a farm about four 
miles southeast of that place, where he 
lived many years. 

Henry Ballard, a native of Onandaga 
county, N. Y., came to Greene county 
in 1831, from Ohio, where he had been 
living, and located in this township. 
He was a carpenter by trade, and helped 
build some of the earliest carding ma- 
chines in the countj'. His family found 
the fever and ague so prevalent in this 
locality, that in the fall of 1832 he re- 
turned to Athens county, O., where they 
lived until 1844, when they returned to 
Greene county. Mrs. Ballard had been 
formerly Margaret Anderson. They had 
some six children. Mr. Ballard died in 
this county, Nov. 10, 1858, and his wife 
Nov. 26, 1861. 

Elisha Barnard came to Greene 
county in 1835, and settled in what is 



now Carrollton township. Here he re- 
sided until 1842, when he was snatched 
from his loving family by death. 

Mathew Stone located in Carrollton 
in 1833, where he resided until 1841, 
when he moved to Macoupin county, 
where he died in 1845. 

OTHKR PROMI.MCNT flTrZENS. 

Willis Randall Pinkerton was born in 
Greene county. 111., March 31, 1827, his 
parents being David and Celia (Barnes) 
Pinkerton. They were natives of \iv- 
ginia and North Carolina, and came to 
Greene county in 1823, locating on sec- 
tion 25, T. 11, R. 12, where they entered 
about 300 acres of land, on which they 
built a log cabin, in which Willis R. was 
born. They resided here until about 
1837, when they built a frnme house, a 
story and a half high, in which his father 
lived until his death, Oct. 4, 1853. His 
wife survived him until April 6, 1863. 
Willis R. was reared to farm life, assist- 
ing his parents in their farm labors un- 
til he was about 26 years of age. He 
then began life for himself, locating on 
80 acres of land, that was left to him by 
his father, and has ever since resided 
there, on the homestead. He was mar- 
ried, Oct. 7, 1858, to Mary E. King, 
daughter of Samuel P. and Elizabeth 
(Sawyer) King. By this marriage there 
were seven children, six of whom are 
living — Eva E., Ulysses S., David S., 
Rhoda E.. Martha R., and Mary D. Tlie 
one deceased is Celia A., who died April 
25, 1865. Mr. Pinkerton has added 
some to his original 80 acres, so that now 
he has a good farm of 160 acres, which 
is under cultivation, and comfortably 
imi)roved. Mrs. Pinkerton is a mem- 
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian 



1018 



HISTORY OF GREEN^ COUNTY. 



church at New Providence. Mr. Pink- 
erton liolds a letter from tlie United 
Baptist churcli at Hickory Grove, this 
county. He is an industrious farmer, 
and well respected citizen. His politi- 
cal views are democratic. 

Michael L.Carmody was born in county 
Clare, Ireland, in Sept., 1820, and is a 
son of Peter and Mary (Lyden) Car- 
niody, natives of Ireland. In 18-19, 
Michael left the Emerald Isle, went to 
Liverpool, and took passage on a vessel, 
sailing for New Orleans. From tliere 
he came up to Greene county. 111., ar- 
riving in the latter part of Dec, 1849. 
He then worked for one man by the 
month, and saved enough money in a 
year to bring his brother and sister out 
to this country. He continued working 
by the month for about three years, buy- 
ing some land in the meantime, and on 
the r2th of Sept., 1853, was married to 
Honora Nagle, daughter of John and 
Bridget (Carmody) Nagle. This union 
was blessed with nine children, five of 
whom are living — Mary, wife of John 
Carmody, residing in Carrollton; Mag- 
gie, wife of John Dunworth, living in 
Carrollton townshi]i; Ellen, Michael J. 
and Timothy U. Those deceased are — 
William T. and Bridget, who died with 
the scarlet fever, John and Honora. 
Mr. Carmody now owns 579 acres of 
land in this township, and deals in 
stock of all grades, buying and selling, 
mostly Durham cattle and hogs. He was 
the third Irishman to locate in Greene 
county, and he has by economy, indus- 
try and good habits acquired a vast 
amount of wealth and a good home, and 
but few of his nationality have succeeded 
in gaining the wealth, prosperity and 
friends which Mr. Carmodv is blessed 



with. He and his family are devout 
members of the Catholic church, at Car- 
rollton. Mr. Carmody's parents came 
to Greene county. 111., in 1853, and re- 
sided with him for several years. His 
father died in Sej)t., 1860, and his 
mother May 12, 1881. Both are buried 
in the Carrollton cenjetery. Connor and 
Honora, Mr. Carmody's brother and 
sister, landed in Greene county July 12, 
1850, and were employed by the month 
until they were married. John and Mar- 
garet, the younger brother and sister, 
came to this county in 1852. John en- 
listed in Co. F, 1st Mo. Cav., and served 
through the war, when he was dis- 
charged. Thomas, another brother, 
came here in 1851. The whole family 
were persuaded to come to this country 
by Michael, who came first, and was so 
impressed with this country that he in- 
fluenced them to come also. 

John B. Schnelt was born in Hanover, 
Germany, in 1837, his parents being 
William and Elizabeth (Bohm) Schnelt, 
natives of Germany. He engaged in 
farming, while in the old country, until 
1860, when he took leave of home and 
friends and went to Bremen, where he 
set sail on a vessel bound for New Or- 
leans. On arriving there he came up to 
St. Louis, where he remained until the 
spring of 1883, working in the sugar fac- 
tory most of the time. While there he 
was married, in 1865, to Mary Rowe, a 
dnughter of Bernhardt and Margaret 
Rowe. In the spring of 1883, he came 
to Greene county and located with his 
brothers on section 30, where, in con- 
nection with them, his attention is now 
turned to farming. 

Henry Schnelt, a brother of John B., 
left his fatherland in 1864, or four years 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1019 



after Jolin's depai-turc, and taking jiass- 
age at Bremen, sailed for New York, 
from which port he came west as far 
as St. Louis, where he remained three 
years, engaged in teaming. In 1867 he 
came to Greene county, and worked out 
by the month until 1871, when he, with 
two of his brothers, rented a farm on 
the same section, where they reside, 
which they farmed for three years. 
Then he and his brothers, Tobias and 
Lucas, bought 210 acres of land on Sec. 
30, T. 10, R. 12, where they have since 
resided. 

Tobias and Lucas Schnelt left Ger- 
many in 1868, sailing from Bremen on a 
vessel bound for New York, from where 
they came to St. Louis, where Lucas 
remained four years, working in the 
sugar factory. Tobias only remained 
about two months in St. Louis, when he 
came to Greene county, and was em- 
ployed by the month until 1871, when 
lie and his brother Henry rented the 
farm for three years. Lucas came to 
(ireene county that year, and they all 
fanned together. Aug. 13, 1875, the 
three l)rc)thers, Tobias, Lucas and Ilenr}' 
purchased 210 acres of land, as before 
mentioned, moved on to it and has since 
resided thereon. By hard labor and 
monej' saved by working by the month, 
they succeeded in saving enough to buy 
the farm and make a good home for them- 
selves, thus showing them to be hard- 
working, industrious, and enterprising 
men. They are now enjoying the fruits 
of their labor, and are highly esteemed 
by all of their acquaintances. Their 
mother, Elizabeth Schnelt, came to this 
country with Tobias and Lucas, and i.s 
now residing with her four sons, being 
at the ripe old age of 72 years, and en- 



joying good health. The brothers are 
all democrats in politics. 

Lewis Becker, a native of Baden, 
Germany, was born June lU, 18-"<0, his 
parents being Ignatius and Catherine 
(Straub) Becker, natives of Germany. 
His father was a tailor by trade, at 
which line of business he always 
worked until he came to this country, 
with the exception of a few years that 
he farmed. March 10, 1865, Lewis, 
with his parents, left the fatherland, 
taking passage at Havre, on the ship 
Mercury, bound for New York. During 
the voyage 16 persons died, 12 children 
and four grown persons. One man had 
the small-pox and he was locked up in 
a box to keep the disease from spread- 
ing. On arriving at New York they 
came west as far as St. Louis, and from 
there came up to Calhoun county, where 
his parents remained nine years. After 
being there about four months, Lewis 
was taken down witii the chills and was 
not able to do much forabinittwo years. 
In the spring of 186S became to Greene 
county and was employed by William 
Bagby about IS months, during which 
time Mr. Bagby died. He staid there 
that winter, and assisted Mrs. Bagby 
with the feeding and chores, attending 
school two months of the time. This 
was all the American schooling he re- 
ceived, but he had attended school eight 
years in Germany. Lewis next worked 
for .Jehosophat Eldred for about five 
years. He then rented ground near 
Walkerville and put in a crop of wheat, 
but it was all frozen out that winter, 
and he only staid there one year, and 
then rented a farm of Schnelten brothers, 
west of Carrollton, on which he re- 
mained two years. He next rented a 



1020 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



farm of 240 acres from Geo. W. Wriglit 
and son, paying S1,2(X) per year, cash 
rent, and renting for live years. In 18.S2 
he bought 108 acres of land on section 
25, and in 1883 he moved on to it, and it 
has since been his home. He was mar- 
ried April 22, 1879, to Sophia Unger, 
daughter of Timothy and Christine 
Unger, and l)y this union there are four 
children — Anna C, Katie M., Lawrence 
F. and Joseph A. Lewis had to give all 
his wages to his parents until he was 21 
years of age. so that his start in life did 
not begin until after that time; but by 
hard work and perseverance he suc- 
ceeded, and is now enjoying the fruits 
of his industry. But few know how our 
foreign people toil to make a beginning 
in life, but their labors usually reap a 
rich harvest. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are 
members of the Catholic church, at Car- 
rollton. In politics he is a democrat. 
In 1874, Mr. Becker's father, Ignatius 
Becker, with a family of six children, 
moved over from Calhoun county, and 
he is now living with Lewis. There 
were 12 children in the family, but one 
died in the old country, two in Calhoun 
county, and one was drowned while in 
Arkansas. Those living are — Lewis; 
Oswald, now in Washington territory; 
Reinhart, now in Arkansas; Annie, 
Sarah, Windelein, Romeon and Maggie. 
Mr. Becker thinks it would be profitable 
to most of our young American people 
to be in Germany three or four years, 
as it would teach tliem, first, to work; 
second, to save, and third, the value of 
a nickel or a dollar. There would not 
then be so many of them failing in bus- 
iness. But the way it is, they do not 
save in good times, and in hard times 
the}' haven't anything to save. 



Henry Schnelten was born in Han- 
over, C4erniany, Jan. o, 1847, and is the 
son of John B. and Mary (Schneider) 
Schnelten, natives of Germany. In 1866 
he, with his parents and the rest of the 
family, bade adieu to fatherland and 
friends, and going to Bremen set sail 
for America. They landed at the city 
of Baltimore and from there came on to 
St. Louis, where they remained about 
one M'eek and then came up to Greene 
county and resided with John Schneider 
about a year and a half. They then 
rented land from Robert Evans three 
years, and after that from Thomas Evans 
about five years, but in the meantime 
bought 187 acres of land from Robert 
Evans, onto which he moved and erect- 
ed a nice two story frame house at a cost 
of S2,000, where they have since resided. 
There were in the family, the father, 
mother, and five children, but one of 
these, John Herman, born April 1, 1845, 
died of typhoid fever in St. Louis, in 
the year 1867, and another, Bernard H., 
born June 15, 1854, died Oct. 30, 1881, 
at the home place, of the same disease. 
Their father died Sept. 22, 1878, and is 
buried in the Carrollton cemetery. Two 
of the brothers, Gerhardt and Henry, 
with their mother, are now residing at 
the homestead. Gerhardt was born 
Jan. 7, 1840, in Germany. He was 
married Jan. 6, 1878, to Elizabeth Guter, 
daughter of Anton and Ellen (Bruny) 
Ciiiter. By this union there are four 
children — Mar_y , Ellen, Lizzie and Anna. 
John B. was born Sept. 14, 1850, in 
Hanover, Germany. He is now study- 
ing for the priesthood in Milwaukee. 
Henry and Gerhardt own a farm of 280 
acres, 260 of which is under cultivation 
and 20 in timber. They have, by hard 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1021 



work, untiring energy and perseverance, 
succeeded in making a good start in life 
nnd arc now enabled to enjoy the fruits 
of their industry. The family are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church at Carroll- 
ton and are held in high esteem by all. 
.James Flemming was born in county 
Roscommon, Ireland, about 1833, and 
is a son of Peter and Bridget (Burke) 
Flemming, natives of Ireland. In 1849 
he decided to leave his native country, 
and going to Liverpool, sailed for Amer- 
ica on a vessel Ixiund for New Orleans. 
From there he came up to Cincinnati, 
where he remained nine 3'ears, and was 
ejnployed at hod-carrying and shoveling 
coal. While there he was married, in 
18o3, to Sarah Cavay, of Cincinnati, 
daughter of Patrick and Mary (Rodg- 
ers) Cavay. In 1858 IMr. Flemming 
came to Greene county, 111., and located 
on section 10 in this township, where be 
bought 80 acres of land on which he 
soon afterward erected a nice frame 
house and has ever since resided here. 
Mr. Flenuuing arrived at Cincinnati 
with but a capital of $25, but by hard 
work, diligence and good management, 
he is now the possessor of a nice farm 
of 200 acres, well improved, on which is 
a good residence and outbuildings, and 
everything showing prosperity. Mr. 
and Mrs. Flemming are the parents of 
four cliildren — Mary, wife of ]\Iichael 
Shallue, now residing near Greenfield; 
Bridget, wife of James Mack, who is 
now di'ceased; Patrick; and Kate, wife 
of Martin I>ayden, rcsiiling in Chicago. 
Mr. Flemming and family are members 
of the Catholic chunh. Few men of 
Mr. Flemming's natitmality have been 
enabled to acquire the comforts of life 
which he now enjoys. < 



Michael McMahon was born in county 
Clare, Ireland, Dec. 8, 1832, his parents 
being John P. W . and Anna (Considine) 
McMahcm, natives of Ireland. July 2, 
1852, he left home and friends in his 
native country, and taking passage at 
Liver])i)ol sailed for this country on a 
vessel bound for New Orleans. On ar- 
riving there he came up to Carrollton, 
where he worked out for about seven 
years, during whicii time he saved money 
enough to buy a house and lot, which 
he rented. He was engaged at making 
brick ft)r about six years, and then began 
farndng on land which he rented from 
Z. A. Morrow for one year. After that 
time be bought 120 acres of land from 
F. P.'Vedder, on Sec. 3(i, T. 10, R. 12, 
on to which he moved and li\ed about 
10 years. He then i)urchased 120 acres 
on the same section, on which he moved 
and has since resided He was married 
Nov. 1. 1859, to Honora Hogan, daugh- 
ter of Micliael and Ann (Fitzpatrick) 
Hogan. They are the parents of 11 
children, nine of whom are living — 
Thomas F., .lohn S., Patrick Henry, 
Michael W., Ellen, Ann, Elizaljcth, 
Sedalia and Honora. i[r. McMahon 
now owns 360 acres of land, 120 of 
which lies in T. 9, R. 11. He came to 
this country with no capital save willing 
hands, but by hard work, industr}' and 
ccon(Hny. has accumulated a great deal 
of ])roi)erty, and is now enjoying the 
fruits of his lalxir. He is an enterpris- 
ing, intelligi-nt citizen, and hence asso- 
ciates with only our best people. He 
and his family arc members of the 
Catholic church. His father, Patrick 
W., came to this country, in 1858, 
bringing with him the maiden who was 
soon afterward to become the wife of 






1022 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



our subject, Michael. His father re- 
sided with his sons until his death, 
which occurred in 1877. 

Frederick C^ook, a native of Prussia, 
German}^ was horn Sept. 20, 1819, his 
parents being John and Lottie Cook, na- 
tives of Germany. He learned the shoe- 
maker's trade, and traveled seven years 
after serving his apprenticeship, going 
to Hamburg, Libert, Bremen, Frank- 
fort, Horbusk, Berlin, Ochen, Littich, 
Brussels, Belgin, Lana, Teni, Cente, 
Elbert, Felt, Oscha, Brich, where he 
worked two years, Altenburg and sev- 
eral other places, where he worked as a 
journeyman. In March, 1847, after bid- 
ding adieu to fatherland and friends, he 
set sail at Bremen, on the vessel Jose- 
phine, bound for New York, at which 
port he arrived after a voyage of 32 days. 
Since leaving the old country he has 
never seen a single person from there. 
From New York he went to Philadel- 
phia, and after staying five weeks there 
he came on to Pittsburg, and from there 
to Louisville, Ky., where he worked at 
his trade eight months. He then re- 
moved to St. Louis, where he remained 
about 18 months, engaged at shoemak- 
ing, and then set out for Greene county, 
arriving at Carrollton on Easter Sun- 
day, 1849. He worked there 10 or 12 
years, and then bought 200 acres of land 
on sections 24 and 25, in this township, 
on which he moved, and after living 
there five years, he rented it out and 
moved back to Carrollton, where he re- 
sided seven years, and then moved back 
on the farm, and has since resided there. 
Mr. Cook has been twice married. In 
Feb., 1849, he was married to Clarissa 
Rice, who died in 1863. He was again 
married, Aug. 23, 1865, to Relief War- 



ren, daughter of Harry and Rebecca 
Warren. By this union there were 10 
children, nine of whom are living — • 
Frank, Lottie, Augusta, George; Mc- 
linda and Rebecca, twins; Louis Harry 
and John. The one deceased is James. 
Mr. Cook has seen hard times in his 
early days in trying to make a start in 
life, and but few of the rising generation 
know what hardships their parents had 
to contend with in making for them- 
selves a home. Mr. Cook has by economy 
and untiring energy been enabled to ac- 
cumulate considerable wealth, and now 
owns 200 acres of fine land, 80 of which 
is in Carrollton township, and 120 acres 
in Wrights township. All this has been 
acquired since he was 28 years of age, 
as he then came here with but 10 cents 
in his pocket. 

Gilbert L. Purl was born in \\'ayne 
county, Ind., on the 18th of Nov., 1856, 
and is a son of Thomas and Violet 
(Jones) Purl, his father a native of 
Pennsylvania, and his mother of In- 
diana. His parents came to Grreene 
county in the year 1858, and located in 
Carrollton, where his father still re- 
sides. Gilbert L. was reared to farm 
life, and remained with his father until 
he reached the age of 19 years. He 
then removed to Kansas, where he was 
employed for about seven years on a 
farm which his father owned. He then 
returned to Greene count}', and has 
since engaged in farming at home. He 
is now managing 105 acres of land, 
located about three miles north of Car- 
rollton, which is owned by his father. 
Although quite young, Mr. Purl is an 
intelligent, enterprising gentleman, and 
these qualities united with those of in- 
dustry and honesty are bound to meet 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1023 



with the success which they so truly 
deserve. 

FIRST ITEM. 

The first child born in tliis township 
was William, son of Benjamin and 
Hannah Ogle, born in 1818. This is 
said to have been the first birth in the 
county. 

ORGANIC. 

At the election in 1885, when the 
township organization weift into effect, 
the following officers were elected: E. 
A. Eldred, supervisor; T. E. Evans, 
clerk; N. J. Andrews, assessor; F. M. 
Roberts, collector; A. J. Tunnell, Henry 
Schnelton and R. P. Driver, highway 
conunissioners; Edward Booth, Jehose- 
phat Eldred and T. J. Carlin, justices; 
J. R. Kennedy, Warren English and 
William E. Ashlock, constables. Thos. 
E. Evans, the clerk, moving away, D. 
M. Fishback was appointed in his stead. 
This election took place April 7, 1885, 
and the judges of the election were : 
W. L. Armstrong, B. C. Hoilges and 
John L. Eldred; the clerks were : L. 
D. Simpson and John Lavery. 

EDITATIONAI.. 

District No. 1.— In 1838, a school 
house was erected of brick, 20x20 feet in 
size, the first teacher in which was 
Cyrus Sargent. This was torn down in 
1848, and a new one erected at a cost of 
about 8800, which is 20x26 feet in size. 
This is also built of brick. It is situ- 
ated on the northeast quarter of section 
20, in township 10. 

School district No. 3, has a school 
house located on the east side of sec- 
tion 5, which was built in 1865, at a cost 
of about 81,000. It is 20x30feetin size, 
a neat frame structure, and in a fair 



state of repair. Winnie Beason was the 
first teacher, and the present one is Jes- 
sie Simpson. Average attendance about 
25, with some 40 enrolled. 

School district No. 5. — A school 
house was built in 1856, at a cost of 
8408, which was used until 1869, when 
the school was moved to the village of 
Berdan. The first teacher was T. 0. 
Strain. 

CEMETKHIES. 

Pinkerton cemetery was laid out liy 
John F. Pinkerton in 1844. The first 
person liuried in this cemeterj' was 
Sarah Pinkerton, who died June 15, 
1844. 

Berdan cemetery was, at one time, 

opened for a burial place, hut is now 

abandoned for thr.t jnirpose, only nine 

bodies having been interred here. The 

first one was an infant son of William 

and S. M. Pinkerton, wlio died July 15, 

1832. 

BERDAN. 

The village of Berdan, which lies in 
the southeast quarter of Sec. 26, of T. 
11, R. 12, May 12,was laid out and j)latted 
in September, 1865, the plat being filed . 
for record on the 20th of that month, hy 
William R. Kellogg, Lewis S. Olmsted, i 
and Linus E. Worcester. It was named 
after James Berdan, of Jacksonville, 
who was prominently connected with 
the railroad. The pioneer business 
house was a grocery and notion store, 
opened at that i)oint by Richard Vedder, 
the same fall that the town was born. 
Shortly after this George Sleight opened 
a grocery store, and a saloon in connec- 
tion, which he kept until 1881, when he 
sold out to Patrick Layden, who is the 
present store keeper. 

M. L. Milledge came to Berdan in 



1024 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



December, 1882, and started in business 
in the village as a dealer in groceries, 
medicines and notions. He also carries 
on the general blacksmith business in 
connection, is also dealer in agricultural 
implements and sewing machines, and 
is notary public and pension agent. He 
erected the building in which he does 
business in 1883. It is 20.\46 feet in 
size, two storieshigh. He, when called 
upon, furnishes entertainment to the 
traveling public. 

REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 

Revel E. Pinkerton was born in Greene 
county, 111., March 22, 1846, and is a 
son of Wiley E. and Sally (Allen) Pink- 
erton, his father a native of Tennessee, 
his mother of Illinois. His father came 
to Greene county, A. D., 1823, and 
located near Berdan, where he pur- 
chased a tract of land on to which he 
moved and there resided until his death, 
Jan. 17, A. D., 1849. His mother is 
yet living and resides near Roodhouse 
with her daughter, Melissa. Revel was 
reared to the duties of farm life until he 
was 17 years of age, when in 1863 he 
enlisted in company A, 61st 111. Inf., 
and served until the close of the war. 
He then returned home and attended 
school one year in the country and one 
term at Manchester, at the end of which 
time he begun to learn the carpenter's 
trade, partly under 0. H. McGarvey, 
then going to Morgan county. Mo., 
where he finished under .lames Cowan. 
From there he removed to ^^'ashington 
county. Ark., where he was married 
and there remained eight years, working 
at carpentering and wagon-making. In 
1878 he returned to Berdan and bought 
a house and two lots where he has since 



made his home. He was married Dec. 
11, 1870, to Nancy J. Atkisson, daugh- 
ter of William Atkisson. Mr. and Mrs. 
Pinkerton are the parents of si.x chil- 
dren, four of whom are living — Sarah 
L., William W., Mary A. and Ernest 
H. Those deceased are, Ethel J., who 
died July 5, 1883; and Revel E., who 
died July 31, 1888. Mr. Pinkerton is a 
member of the Christian church and his 
wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
He is a member of Carrollton lodge, 
No. 342, I. 0. 0. F., and is a man of 
intelligence, industry and enterprise. 
Mr. Pinkerton's forefiathers were of 
Irish origin, and being Protestants were 
banished from the north of Ireland, 
coming to America at the close of the 
Orangemen troubles. 

George W. Reynolds was born in 
Henry county, Va., Nov. 28, 1803, and 
is a son of Richard D. and Nancy 
(Grisom) Reynolds, natives of Virginia. 
His father removed his family to Jluhl- 
enburgh county, Ky., in 1805, locatiogon 
a farm, where he spent the remainder of 
his days, his death occurring in 1835. 
Mrs. Reynolds survived him until 1845. 
George was brought up to farm life, liv- 
ing at home with his parents until he 
was 24 years of age, most of which time 
was spent in attending school. So 
much time was spent in. his education 
on account of his being crippled, at the 
age of 16 years; while out swimming 
one day, he contracted a cold, resulting 
in white swelling in the left leg, which 
confined him to liis bed for a year, and 
left him a cripple for life. In the spring 
of 1836, he came to Illinois, and bought 
640 acres of land in township 11, range 
10, and also purchased town property 
in Fayette. In 1837 he went back to 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1025 



Kentucky, and brought his family here 
to the town of Fayette, and there they 
resided until the spring of 1838, when 
he moved on to his farm in the same 
township, and remained there until 
1S69. Mr. Reynolds then sold out, and 
moved on a place near the CarroUton 
fair grounds, where he purchased 190 
acres of land, and on which he lived 
until 1879. He again sold out, and re- 
moved to Berdan, where he bought five 
lots and seven acres of land, and he has 
since continued to reside there. Mr. 
Reynolds was married in Kentucky, 
May 27, 1832, to Elizabeth Bellamy, 
and this union has been blessed with 12 
cliiMren, only si.x of whom are now liv- 
ing — Thomas F., married Rebecca Farr, 
and resides in Cass county, Mo.; Mary 
J., wife of Asbury Vandeveer, resid- 
ing near Greenfield; Elizabeth, wife of 
John Armstrong, residing in White 
Hall; Nancy, wife of Clinton Arm- 
strong, residing in Berdan; Maria A., 
wife of William J. Armstrong, residing 
near CarroUton; Bell, widow of Fred- 
erick Smith, living near CarroUton. 
Mrs. Reynolds died May 6, 1878, and 
^Ir. Reynolds was again married. May 
13, 1879, to Mary Taylor, daughter of 
Samuel and Jeannette (Mitchell) Taylor. 
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian church. 
Mr. Reynolds became a member in 
1824, a minister in 1828 and was or- 
dained in 1830. He is an intelligent, 
upright citizen. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice was established in Jan., 
1870, with George W. Sleight as the 
first postmaster. He held the commis- 
sion until his dc;itb, in 1881, butitwas 



continued in his name until 1882, when 
Patrick Layden was ap]>ointed to the 
office, and is the present incumbent. 

SCHOOL. 

A school house was erected in 186^1, 
by subscription, which was to be used ' 
for a church and school. Into this the 
school of district No. 5 was moved, and 
is kept there now. 

CARROLLTON. 

The beautiful city of CarroUton, the 
seat of justice of the county of Greene, 
is located on Sees. 22 and 23, T. 10 
north, R. 12 west of the 3d ^principal 
meridian. The history attending the 
birth of the town has been already given 
in the chapter relating to county gov- 
ernment. Thomas Carlin, afterwards 
governor of Illinois, was the first set- 
tler, of whom there is any record, 
within what is now the corporate limits 
of the city. In the spring of 1819, he 
came to this vicinity, with his mother 
and step-father, and camped under a 
large tree in the southern part of what 
is now the town site. He determined 
to make his home upon the prairie 
here, and built a log caliin about half a 
mile south of the square, and this was 
the nearest to what is now the center of 
a busy, thriving city. Michael Head- 
rick lived about a mile west of the same 
point, and Samuel Thomas, Abram 
Sells and others were at various dis- 
tances in the same general direction. 

The county seat was located by the 
commissioners upon the 20th of Febru- 
ary, 1821, and was immediately sur- 
veyed on the 13th of March, of the 
same year, but was not filed for record 
until July 30, 1825. 



1026 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Thomas Carlin, the proprietor of the 
new town, offered Jacob Fry, afterward 
well known as General Fry, a lot in 
Carrollton if he would build a house 
upon it, which was accepted. He im- 
mediately came here and cut the tim- 
bers, split the boards and put up a 
house, which stood for some 57 years, 
and for a long time formed a part of the 
St. James hotel, and was consumed by 
fire with the balance of that block, on 
the night of Thursday, March 21, 1878. 
But before Mr. Fry had finished his 
building he stopped his work to assist 
Thomas Rattan in the building of his 
log cabin, upon the northeast corner of 
the square. Thus, this was the first 
building finished in the new town, and 
Fry's the second. This building of 
Mr. Rattan's was built for and used as 
tavern or inn, and was the pioneer hotel of 
Carrollton. 

Probably the next building put up in 
the town was a temporary office, built 
on the west side of the square, by Sam- 
uel Lee, Jr., clerk of the circuit court, 
recorder, county clerk, justice of the 
peace, etc. 

Next was the court house, the contract 
to build which was let on the 13th of 
June, 1821, to \^'illiam and Thomas 
Finley, who agreed to build it for S3S0. 
In the following September a contract 
was entered into with Thomas Rattan 
to build a chimney for the same, at an 
expense of $55, 6000 bricks to be fur- 
nished him. The building was entirely 
finished by the 1st of June, 1822. It 
was a long, two-story building, with 
one end to the square, a plain, wooden 
building, dingy in appearance, and far 
from ornamental or attractive. 

In Dec, 1821, a contract was also let 



to John Dee and Henry Tcagarden, to 
build a hewn log jail, a little west of 
the court house. 

On the east side of the square, on the 
north end, was erected the first store in 
the town of Carrollton. This was opened 
by a party in Edwardsville by the name 
of Pogue, who placed it in charge of 
John W. Skidmore, who sold the first 
goods in the young village. Tliis build- 
ing stood on the site of the Sharon store, 
and was a small frame structure. Skid- 
more was an active, restless, nervous 
little man, who was always in a hurry, 
knew everybody, wd.s everywhere at 
once, at least it seemed so, and always 
busy. He kept a small stock of goods 
of the general character usuallj' found 
stores in all new countries, including 
liquors. 

Shortly after this, Samuel Lee erected 
a dwelling on the north side of the 
square, on the site of the present Rus- 
sell block, where he boarded with John 
Skidmore, whose sister-in-law, Miss 
Faust, he afterward married. This was 
a neat frame building with a portico in 
front. This building was afterward 
known as the haunted house. Mr. Lee 
died here in 1829, having commenced a 
house, afterward inhabited by Judge 
Hodges, and which was finished after 
his death. After Mrs. Lee had moved into 
the new house, a man bj' the name of 
Clements, who had the contract for car- 
rying the mail from St. Louis to Car- 
rollton moved into the old house, which 
had been enlarged, and here his wife 
died of cholera, in the fall of 1832. 

David Locke, deceased, was born in 
Shelby ville, Ky., on Feb. 22, 1799, and 
there grew to manhood, serving an ap- 
prenticeship to the trade of brick-mason. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1027 



July 24, 1823, he was united in marriage 
with Caroline M. Burford, a native of 
L}'nchl)urg, Va. The marriage cere- 
mony was performed by Rev. Simon 
Peter, who was afterward one of the 
pioneer ministers at Brighton, 111. After 
marriage they re.sitlcd in Mason county, 
Ky., and from there removed to St. 
Louis, and engaged a.f contractor and 
builder. While there he contracted to 
build a residence for Samuel Lee, Jr., 
of Carrollton, then circuit clerk. Mr. 
Locke, in 1828, removed his family to 
Carrollton, and afterwards built the first 
brick houses in Greene, Jersey and Ma- 
coujiin counties. He built the first 
brick court houses in Greene and Ma- 
coupin counties, and also the original 
building of the Shurtleff College, at 
Alton. In 1838 he contracted to erect 
the buildings of the Indian Missions, 
near Westport, Mo., for the M. E. 
church, and removed his family to Lex- 
ington, Mo., which was then the near- 
est town to Westjtort, and the largest 
place on the Missouri river west of St. 
Louis. He continued as contractor and 
builder until just before the war. Po- 
litically, Mr. Locke wasawhig from the 
time he attained his majority till the 
dissolution of that l)arty, and then 
joined the know-nothing party. He 
was a believer in states rights, that the 
Union was a confederation of states. 
Tliat a state had the right to secede, 
and that a man should obey the laws 
and commands of his state. Mr. Locke, 
like nearlj' all other men of Southern 
birth, claimed that, as Missouri had 
seceded from the Union, he must 
cast his lot with the south. At the 
beginning of the war many of his 
personal and political friends in Lexing- 



ton were arrested by the Federal troops. 
For giving them a salutation, while they 
were in jail, he was arrested and placed 
in jail, in the summer of 1861. He 
was afterward removed to the Masonic 
College, which was occupied as a fort by 
Col. Mulligan, and there kept as a po- 
litical prisoner. \\'liil<' Gen. Price was 
bombarding the town and commenced 
storming the fort, David Locke and 
other political prisoners were put in the 
pockets of the breast-works between the 
fires of the Federals and Confederates, 
and were kept in that condition two 
days. In the meantime, all the pris- 
oners took the oath of loyalty prescribed 
by Col. Mulligan, and were released, 
except Mr. Locke, who refused to take 
the oath, even under such trying cir- 
cumstances. Gen. Price, being made 
aware of this, sent a flag of truce to 
Col. Mulligan, informing him that if 
Mr. Locke was not immediately removed 
to a place of safety, he (Gen. Price) 
would put Ex-Gov. Austin A. King and 
John F. Ryland, and others, whom he 
held as political prisoners, in like jeop- 
ardy, which produced the desired effect. 
Mr. Locke was then confined in the 
basement of the building, where he 
spent his time during the remainder of 
the battle. During the time of his im- 
prisonment, his wife resided on the 
homestead at Lexington. She, during 
the battle, took refuge in the basement 
of her house, to avoid stray shots ami 
shell, and while in the basement, a can- 
non ball passed through the house. At 
the surrender of the fort, Mr. Locke re- 
fused his release, until formally released 
by Col. Mulligan without any oath. 
After the war Mr. Locke was too far ad- 
vanced in life to resume an active career. 



1028 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



He, however, resided at Lexington un- 
til the death of his wife, in 1868, after 
which he resided with his children. In 
1878, he visited Carrollton, Jerseyville 
and Carlinville, and found a few old as- 
sociates and acquaintances of forty years 
before, but most of them had either 
died or moved away. Mr. Locke was a 
devoted member of the M. E. church. 
He built the first church of that denom- 
ination at Carrollton, and nearly paid 
for the same alone. Upon the division 
of the church in 1844, he went with the 
church south, and remained a member 
at Lexington, state of Missouri, until his 
death, which occurred at the home of 
his daughter, Mary A., at Bunceton, 
Mo., in Jan., 1879. Of the children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Locke, five at- 
tained their majority — George and Mary 
A., reside at San Diego, Cal.; Morris 
R., resides at Jerseyville; and two sons 
are deceased. The eldest, Powhattan 
Burford, was a colonel in the Federal 
army and judge of the United States 
district court, under President Lincoln. 
His death took place at Louisiana, Mo., 
in 1868. He was the only one in the 
family who fought in the Federal army, 
George, James A. and Morris R. being 
in the Confederate army. James A. 
died at Jerseyville Aug. 1, 1881, after a 
brief and painful illness. He was con- 
nected with every enterprise for the im- 
provement and betterment of the com- 
munity in which he lived. With his 
associates he projected the St. L., J. & 
S. R. R., and the Chesterfield Coal and 
Mining Co. 

The principal store of early days was 
opened in the spring of 1822, by Pres- 
ton D. Kennett, who for many years car- 
ried on the largest business there. 



Prior to June, 1823, lots were sold in 
Carrollton to the following named indi- 
viduals, who settled here: William 
Pinkerton, Martin Wood, A. W. Cav- 
erly, William Finley, John Brown, R. 
Stephens, Willis Webb, Stark Foster, 
Thomas Gilliland, Jacob Waggoner, 
Isaac Pruitt, Charles Banes, William 
Reay, Charles Gregory, John Huitt, Jr., 
Isaiah Streetor, Hugh Jackson, Samuel 
Whitley, John Moore and A. K. Barl)er. 
For many years the growth of the town 
was slow, so much so that in 1829 it was 
but a cluster of log hou es, according to 
the account of Prof. J. M. Sturtevant, of 
the Illinois College, who visited it. 
Willis Webb was one of the first settlers 
in the town of Carrollton, the house 
which he built in the fall of 1821 being 
rented in March, 1822, by the county 
commissioners, in which to hold a 
session of court. 

Quite a number of taverns sprang 
into existence during the years 1822 and 
3, as it is found that on the 5th of 
March, 1822, a license was granted to 
Henry Teagarden, to keep a place of 
entertainment for one year, that was 
reissued the following year. In April, 
1823, licenses were granted for the same 
purposes to Lewis Abrams, Lester 
Brown, Willis Webb & Edward Prather 
and Samuel Howe. 

The first church building in the town 
of Carrollton was erected by the Bap- 
tists, who Were the pioneer denomina- 
tion of this locality. This building 
stood a little to the southeast of the 
square, a little out of town in those 
days. For several years Rev. Aaron 
Smith, a Revolutionary pensioner, who 
had been badly wounded at the battle 
of Eutaw Springs, was pastor. He did 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1029 



not reside in the village, but about a 
mile and a half southeast, but after- 
ward removed north of Apple creek. 
Ho some years* later emigrated to Ar- 
kansas, where he died. A history of 
this church is found with the other 
churches of CarrolUon in the Ecclesias- 
tical chapter of this volume. 

The history of Carrollton was for 
some years so interwoven with that of 
the county, that it has been difficult to 
separate them, and will be found in the 
general chapters of this work. 

In 1833, the little to.vn, then contain- 
ing but about 300 inhabitants, was swept 
by that dreadful scourge, Asiatic cholera, 
and over 80 inhabitants succumbed to 
the dreadful epidemic. A stage line 
ran from this place to St. Louis, where 
it was raging, and thus was it brought 
to the pretty little village, to desolate 
so many hearths. Nearly every one in 
the town was either sick or busy in at- 
tendance on the sick. Business was 
entirely suspended, grass grew in the 
streets and the entire place had a de- 
serted, funereal appearance. Those who 
lived in the country dared not venture 
to leave their homes, being fearful of 
being stricken down among comparative 
strangers, and so perishing. 

The first newspaper in Carrollton was 
the Pcoplr'n Advocate, published in 1842, 
of which an account is given in the 
chai)ter in relation to the press of the 
county. 

PRESKXT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

One of the largest and finest dry goods 
establishments in Carrollton is that of 
Vedder, .Tohnon & Davis. It was es- 
tablished in 1S81, by Vedder & John- 
son, who conducted it until Jan., 1882, 
when the present firm was formed. 



They occupy a fine, large store room, 
in the block owned by Kergher & Son, 
which is oOxSO feet in size, and have a 
well selected stock of dry goods, boots, 
shoes, hats, caps, etc., which will in- 
voice about $14,000. 

Orange T. Vedder, one of the firm of 
Vedder, Johnson & Davis, the mammoth 
dry goods house of Carrollton, is a na- 
tive of this city. He was born Nov. 7, 
1850, his parents being Francis P. and 
Wilhelmina (Lerpune) Vedder, natives 
of New York, who came to Greene 
county in 1830. Francis P. held the 
office of county clerk for 17 years. Mrs. 
Vedder died in 1861, and he in 1874. 
Orange was educated in the Carrollton 
schools, and in 18G7 took a position as 
clerk in a dry goods house, where he 
remained until 1881, when in company 
with F. A. Davis and J. I. Johnson he 
started in the dry goods business for 
himself, in which he stijl continues, al- 
waj-s on hand at hisbusj' post, where he 
has met with much success. He was 
united in marriage Jan. 31, 1882, with 
Mollie G. Jackson, daughter of Hayden 
and Louisa (Hinton) Jackson. By this 
marriage there is one daughter — Vena, 
born April 15, 1884. Mrs. Vedder is a 
member of the Christian church. Mr. 
Vedder is a member of the K. of P. 
lodge. 

James I. Johnson, partner in the 
large dry goods firm in Carrollton, was 
born in Alton, Oct. 27, 1854, his parents 
being James I. and Zella (Edwards) 
Johnson, natives of Maryland. They 
came to Illinois in 1838, and both died 
in (ireene county in lSfi7, his father in 
April, and his mother in May. They 
engaged in fai-ming here. James was 
educated in the common schools and 



1030 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



finished at Blaclcburn College, in Car- 
linville. He afterward engaged in the 
livery business in Carrollton, which he 
conducted four years, and then com- 
menced his present business, in part- 
nership with F. A. Davis and 0. T. 
Vedder, and has met with excellent suc- 
cess. In 1878 Mr. Johnson was elected 
alderman, and served one term to the 
benefit of our city and its population. 
He is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 
342, I. 0. 0. F., in which he is past 
grand, and of the encampment No. 81. 
He is also a member of Olymijic lodge, 
No. 913, of the K. of H. 

Francis Addison Davis, one of the 
genial and enterprising proprietors of 
tlie dry goods, boot and shoe house, 
known as the firm of Vedder, Johnson 
it Davis, in Carrollton, was born in tliis 
city Feb. 27, 1858, his parents being 
James M. and Sarah (Vedder) Davis, 
his father a native of Kentucky, his 
mother of Lysander, N. Y. His father 
was a physician and enjoyed an excel- 
lent reputation and a fine practice. His 
death occurred June 8, 1885. He was 
honored and esteemed by all who knew 
him. Mrs. Davis still resides in Car- 
rollton. Francis was educated in the 
schools here, after which, in 1874, he 
entered a dry goods store as clerk and 
was thus engaged until 1881. Then in 
company with James I. Johnson and 
Orange T. Vedder, he opened up with 
a stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, etc., 
and the firm are now doing a heavy 
business, having met with success be- 
yond their nnticipations. 

In Jvnie, 1885, L. F.Wheeler engaged 
in the sale of dry goods, boots, etc. 

McFarland, Weagley & Co., dealers 
in dry goods, etc., in 1878 succeeded 



McFarland & Robinson, who had con- 
ducted the business since 1870. At 
that time, this firm succeeded McFar- 
land, Roliinson & Hodges, who had suc- 
ceeded Z. A. Morrow. McFarland, Hub- 
bell & Co. established the business in 
1864, and were succeeded, in 1866, by 
Z. A. Morrow. 

Sharon Bros, are dealers in dry goods, 
etc. The business was established in 
1857, by John K., Joseph K. and John 
J. Sharon. In 1860, Jos. K. and J. J. 
took the business, and continued it un- 
til 1869, when C. C. Sharon joined the 
firm. Since 1882, the present firm lias 
conducted the business. 

The popular grocerj^ and queensware 
establishment conducted by William E. 
and George W. Clark, is one of the 
largest in the cit^'. By honesty and fair 
dealing, these gentlemen have succeeded 
in building up a large trade, which 
keeps constantly increasing. They are 
jdeasant gentlemen, and richly deserve 
the success they are meeting with. They 
carry a full stock of goods in tlieir 
lines. 

William E. Clark, proprietor of the 
grocery and queensware store in Car- 
rollton, in partnership with his brother, 
George W., is a native of Lockport, 111. 
He was born June 7, 1857, and is a son 
of Rev. W. D. and Mary S. (Wright) 
Clark, natives of New York, who came 
to Illinois in 1849. Rev. Mr. Clark has 
been pastor in the cities of Carrollton, 
Quincy, Galesburg and Aurora, 111., and 
is now associate editor on the B'ljiVxt 
l-'l'ig, of St. Louis. As a minister he 
has been very successful in the ])laces 
where he has jjreached, and is probably 
one of the most noted clergymen in the 
state. Rev. Mr. Clark is now residing 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1U31 



in St. Loui:^, having removed there re- 
cently. A\'illiani E. received his educa- 
tion in the high school of Quincy, and 
after his school days were over, he went 
to California, where he engaged in tlie 
mercantile business, at San Francisco. 
In this he continued for a year and a 
half, and then proceeded to Detroit, 
Mich., where he took a position in the 
office of tlie Pullman Palace Car Co. He 
remained there six months, and then re- 
moved to Council Bluffs, la., and there 
took charge of some railroad contract 
work, for two years, after which time 
he entered the freight office of the W., 
St. L. & P. R. R., in that citt, as ab- 
stract or receiving clerk. He was thus 
engaged for two years, then was on the 
road three years as traveling salesman 
for a dry goods house, and then located 
in Carrollton, where he is now doing a 
prosperous business, being known to all 
as a genial, accommodating gentleman. 
Mr. Clark is a member of Carrollton 
lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. M. 

G. E. Johnson established his present 
grocery business in April, 1881, at the 
southeast corner of the public square. 
He carries a stock of groceries, pro- 
visions, queensware, etc., which will 
invoice about S2,000. The salesroom is 
20xG(i feet in size. 

Gouverneur E. Johnson was born in 
Alton, 111., Nov. 5, 18.52, and is a son of 
James I. and Zabie (Edwards) Johnson, 
natives of ^Maryland. They came to 
Illinois, in 1848, locating at Alton, 
where Mr. Johnson became deputy war- 
den of the state penitentiary, under 
Col. Bucknuister, which position he held 
for 16 years. He subsequently removed 
to eastern Greene county, where he 
engaged in farming until 1867, when he 



was the victim of a sad accident. He 
was breaking a pair of mules, when 
they ran away, throwing him out and 
breaking his neck. His wife died in 27 
days after his death, on the 6th of May. 
G. E. Johnson received his education 
in the Blackburn University, at Carlin- 
ville, and after finishing there, he pro- 
ceeded to Baltimore, where he remained 
four years, being engaged in settling up 
the estate of two of his deceased uncles. 
He then returned to Greene county and 
engaged in the livery business at Car- 
rollton, in which he continued one year. 
This business he then sold out, and 
opened up a stock of groceries and 
queensware, in which he met with such 
success that he is still conducting the 
same prosperous business. In 1880, 
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage 
with Fannie E. Scott, daughter of Thos. 
and Kate (Doran) Scott, natives of Liv- 
erpool, Eng., who came to America in 
1851, and are now residing in Cai'roll- 
ton. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the 
Episcopal church. Mr. Johnson is a 
member of the city council, having been 
elected in April, 1885, and holds the 
office until 1887. He is there doing 
many acts of kindness to his needy fel- 
low-men, in endeavoring to relieve their 
distress. He is a member of the I. 0. 
0. F. and K. of H. lodges of this city, 
and is an enterprising citizen. 

Cornelius Carmody has a general 
store opposite the C. & A. depot. He 
has been doing business in Carrollton 
since 1867. 

Cornelius Carmody came to Greene 
county in July, 1850, and for six or 
seven years, worked by the month, ona 
farm. He tlu'n bouglit land and began 
farming forhimself. In 1865 he removed 



1032 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



to Carrolltoii, and engaged in the gro- 
cery business. He also purchased land 
at different times afterward, and now 
owns 120 acres, all within the city lim- 
its, for which he paid from $61 to $100 
per acre. He also owns his store, and 
lot, two houses and lots, and another 
store and lot, which cost him $4,500. 
He was born in county Clare. Ireland, 
in 1830, and came to America in 1850, 
landing at New Orleans July 1, and ar- 
riving in CarroUton July 12. He mar- 
ried Bridget Hines, and by that union 
there were four children, only one of 
whom is now living — Lydia, wife of 
George D. Hill. Mrs. Carmody died, 
and he was again married to Ann Con- 
nole. They are the parents of seven 
children — Jolm, Cornelius, Minnie, 
jNIaggie, Nora, Katie and Emma. Mr. 
Cainiody is a member of the Catholic 
church. His ])olitical views are demo- 
cratic. 

George D. Hill, who conducts the 
leading tonsorial establishment of this 
city, was born in CarroUton, Aug. 
15, 1861, his parents being John and 
Martha Hill. He received his education 
in the public schools, and afterward was 
emploj'ed with his father as a painter. 
But his healtli would not permit him 
to follow that business, and he thus, in 
the year 1880, commenced working at 
the barber's trade. In 1881 he bought 
out his employer, and engaged in busi- 
ness for himself, in which he still con- 
tinues, with good success. May 13,1884, 
Mr. Hill was united in marriage with 
Lydia Carmody, daughter of Cornelius 
Carmodj', which union has been blessed 
with one son — George C. Mr. Hill at- 
tends closely to business, and is re- 
spected for his honesty and fair dealing. 



J. Rainey & Son have been engaged 
in the grocery and queensware business 
since 1879. 

Greene & Bingham, grocers, com- 
menced business in 1885, succeeding 
Greene & Simpson, who established the 
same in July, 1881. 

H. Schafer & Co., grocers, established 
their business in 1SS2. 

R. G. Johnson, grocer, is the suc- 
cessor of H. L. Johnson & Son, who 
established the business in 1871. 

John J. Sharon, grocer, commenced 
business in 1882, as successor to Sharon 
Bros., who established the same in IS66. 

The wholesale and retail business of 
Charles H. Hodges, dealer in groceries, 
provisions, ehinaware, etc., was estab- 
lished by Hodges & Keeley, in 1872, 
who operated the same two years, when 
they were succeeded by Hodges & Bro. 
In ISSl the present firm took charge. 

The business of E. Smith & Co., 
druggists and book-sellers, was estab- 
lislied in 1867, by A. H. and Henry 
Smith, under the firm caption of Smith 
Brothers. They continued the same 
imtil 1875, when they were succeeded 
by Smith cfe Crow, and followed in 1877 
by the present firm, which is composed 
of Edward and A. H. Smith. Their 
store room is 20x60 feet in dimensions. 
They carry a stock which will invoice 
from $5,000 to $6,000. 

Alexander H. Smith, M. D., was born 
in N'ew Brunswick, N. J., Aug. 24, 1816. 
He took a literary course at Rutger's 
College, from which he graduated in 
1834, after which he entered the medical 
college at Philadelphia, and in 1837 
graduated as physician and surgeon. 
He soon afterward came to Illinois and 
located in Jersey county, near Jersey- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1U33 



ville, giving his attention to farming. 
Later he removed to Kane, in this 
county, and engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits. In 1867 he came to Carrollton 
and has since been interested in the 
the drug trade. While a resident of 
Jersey county, he married Amanda 
Robinson, of Greene county, who died 
in Dec, 1882, leaving five children — 
Charles, Henry, Edward, Greg R. and 
Mamie E. 

Edward Smith, of the drug firm of E. 
Smith & Co., was born in Kane, Feb. 
3, 1855, and is a son of Alexander H. 
and Amanda (Robinson) Smith. He has 
been engaged in the drug business, at 
Carrollton, since 1871, and has been a 
memlter of the firm since 1875. He 
takes an active part in the literary in- 
terests of the place, and his religious 
connection is with the Baptist church. 
He is a member of the board of educa- 
tion, and in politics is a democrat. 

C. P. Clemmons also handles drugs, 
stationery, etc. The business was estab- 
lished by this gentleman in 1862. ■ 

S. A. Vedder, druggist, engaged in 
business in 1870, as successor to Fry & 
Armstrong. The trade was established 
by Vedder & Davis in 1864. In 1868, 
Hobson & Donaho, became the proprie- 
tors. Two years later Fry & Armstrong 
took charge. 

L. Levy & Co. are engaged in the 
clothing and mcrcliant tailoring busi- 
ness, which was established in 1866, by 
H. tt S. Levy. In 1877, Samuel Levy 
succeeded that firm. In 1885 the pres- 
ent firm took charge. 

H. L. Horwitz, dealer in clothing, 
etc., established the business in 1879. 

H. C. Sieverling, dealer in agricul- 
tural implements, manufacturer of 



wagons and plows, and a general black- 
smith at Carrollton, 111., established 
this business in 1866. 

H. C. Sieverling is a native of Bruns- 
wick, Germany. He was born on Easter 
Sunday, April 9, 1828, his parents being 
Conrad and Eliza (Bullman) Sieverling, 
also natives of Brunswick. Both are 
now deceased. H. C. was educated in 
Germany, and tliere served an a])]>ren- 
ticeship at the lockmaker's and black- 
smith's trade, and then reported for 
military duty. In 1848 he sailed for 
America, on a vessel bound for New 
Orleans. He located first in tliat city, 
,and afterwards in Baton Rouge, where 
he staid for nine years, being employed 
at machine work. In 1853 he engaged 
in the building of snag boats, and thus 
continued until 1857, when he came up 
to St. Louis. From there he removed 
to Keokuk, la., but in a short time re- 
turned to St. Louis, thence coming to 
Illinois, and in 1858, located at Wood- 
ville, this county, where he carried on 
a successful business until 1866. He 
then removed to Carrollton, purchased 
property, and commenced his present 
business. Mr. Sieverling is a skillful 
artisan, well worthy of the patrtinage 
he has succee(le(l in obtaining. In 1855 
he was joined in marriage with Elean- 
ora llehnbold, a native of Philadelithia. 
They are the jiarents of three children 
— William II., bcirn Jan. 1(1, 1S6(1; Otis 
A., liorn Aug. 24, 1862; George B., l)oru 
Oct. 15, 1S64. Mrs. Sieverling was a 
widow, and has two cliildren by her 
former marriage — Henrietta, wife of 
Col. J. B. Nulton, of Carrollton; and 
Sophia, wife of Adam Ciimmy, of Car- 
rollton. Mrs. Sieverlingand her young- 
est daughter are members of the Pres- 



1034 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



byterian chureli, and her oldest daugh- 
ter is ameinber of the Episcopal church. 
Mr. Sieverliug has reiiresented his ward 
in the city council, having been elected 
alderman at one time. He is a member 
of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. 
M.; of chapter No. 77; of Hugh DePay- 
en commandery, No. 29, and of lodge 
No, 342, I. 0. F., and hi.s also been 
a member of the encampment. Thus 
it will be seen that he is an enterprising 
citizen. 

About the year 1863, A. B. Whitney 
established the hardware and agricul- 
tural implement business, now carried 
on by J. P. Morrow & Co. After two 
years the firm became Morrow & Whit- 
ney, but in 1868 the fiu'mer retii'cd. In 
1868 the present firm came into exist- 
ence. 

Stout & Sniilli sell hardware, farm 
machinery and implements. This bus- 
iness was established by J. H. Stout 
about the year 1879. In 1885, S. 0. 
Smith became a member of the firm. 

Thomas Scott, dealer in stoves, tin- 
ware and fancy goods, commenced bus- 
iness in 1860, on the northeast corner of 
the square. In 1868, he erected a build- 
ing on the southeast corner of the public 
square, and moved his stock thereto. 
The building is a brick structure, 20x84, 
and two stories high, built at a cost of 
$4,500. He carries a finely assorted 
stock in his line, which will invoice 
about $3,000. 

Sinjpson & Black, dealers in stoves, 
tinware, established business in 1884. 

Jacob Tendick, boot and shoe dealer, 
engaged in the business in 1879, moving 
to his present quarters in 1882. 

The restaurant, bakery and confec- 
tionary of H. T. Eberlein was estab- 



lished by Beatt}' & Porter, about the 
year 1879. They conducted it about 
two years, when they were succeeded by 
John Plattner, who continued the busi- 
ness until 1881, at whicli time the pres- 
ent proprietor assumed control. 

Herman T. Eberlein, proprietor of the 
restaurant on the west side of the 
square, in Carrollton, is a native of 
Saxe-Coburg, Germany, and was born 
July 28, 1853. He is a son of Paul and 
Adelaide (Conrad) Eberlein, also na- 
tives of Germany. Herman was edu- 
cated at Coburg, graduating from the 
gymnasium in 1867. He then engaged 
as a salesman in the mercantile business 
for one year, and in 1868 immigrated to 
America. On reaching here, he came 
west as far as St Louis, where he learned 
the confectioner's trade. He remained 
there four years and then came to Car- 
rollton, where he entered the eniplo}'' 
of Frank Vivell, baker and confectioner; 
and was thus engaged two years. Ho 
then went to Burlington, la., where 
he continued in the same business, 
and during the three last years of his 
stay there carried on a restaurant. This 
he sold out, and then returned to Car- 
rollton, and purchased the confectionery 
and restaurant in which he is now do- 
ing a paying business, and by attending 
closely to the wants of his customers, 
is meeting with deserved success. In 
1874, he married Frances C. Britchge, 
daughter of Joseph and Regina (Vonah) 
Britchge, natives of Switzerland, who 
came to America in 1853, locating in 
Greene county, where they now reside. 
Tliis union has been blessed with five 
children — Amanda, born Nov. 4, 1875; 
Francis J., born June 21, 1877; Paul, 
born June 11, 1878; Albert, born June 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1035 



16, 18S0; and Selina, born Feb. 16, 1884, 
Mr. Eberlein is a member of Carrollton 
lodge No. ;!42, I. 0. O. F., and of Car- 
rollton encampment No. 80. He is also 
a mcmlier of the order of Knights of 
Pythias. 

The bakery business now operated by 
G. L. Williams, was established in 1856 
by F. Vivell. 

The harness and saddlery business is 
represented by J. T. Cameron, who es- 
tablished the same in 1855. The build- 
ing is located on the west side of the 
square, and is 45x23 feet in size. He 
has a stock worth about $1,000. 

Joseph T. Cameron is a native of 
Smithville, Tenn. He was born Nov. 
5, 1832, and is a son of Joseph and 
Mary (Phillips) Cameron, natives of 
South Carolina. His father was a far- 
mer and located in Greene county as 
early as 1836. He died at Pueblo, Mex- 
ico, in 1848, whither he had gone as a 
soldier. Mrs. Cameron hail died in 
Tennessee man_y years before. Joseph 
T. was educated in the common schools 
of this state, and learned the trade of a 
tanner, being indentured to Charles IMc- 
Fadden. He subsequently learned the 
saddlery business, under Hiram Keach, 
and has since engaged in it with the ex- 
ception of about two years during the 
war, when he clerked in a store. He 
then again resumed his former business 
and is still occupied thereat. Mr. Cam- 
eron was married Dec. 6, 1859, to Jane 
E. Morrow, daughter of Z. A. and Re- 
becca (Edmonds) Morrow, natives of 
Tenne.-Jsee an<l South Carolina, respect- 
ively. Her father is now a resident of 
Texas. Her mother died in this county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are the parents 
of one c'.iild — George M., born June 18, 



1861. Tluy are mendjei-s of the Ha])- 
tist church. iMr. Cameron is a memljcr 
of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. 
M.; of chapter No. 77, and of Hugh 
DePayen commandery No. 29, and of 
the G. T. lodge, No. 393. He has been 
master in the blue lodge, has been and 
is now king in the chapter, and is now 
warder in the commandery. Mr. Cam- 
eron has held the office of alderman of 
the city several terms. He is a genial, 
industrious business man, and has met 
with a liberal patronage in consequence. 

Adam A. Weimer, cigar manufacturer, 
and retail dealer of all kinds of tobacco, 
established the same Feb. 10, 1885, on 
the north side of the square. The 
building is 20x60 feet in size, and he 
carries a stock of about §800. 

Adam A. Weimer, son of John Adp.m, 
Sr., and Anna Weimer, was born in 
Orb, Germany, July 6, 1859. During 
his youthful days he attended school in 
his native land, for al)out eight years, 
attaining a good education. At the age 
of 14, he became apprenticed to the 
trade of a cigar-maker, and at the ex- 
piration of three years, immigrated to 
this country, sailing from Bremen, and 
landing in New York, June 16, 1877. He 
came direct to Carrollton, and after a 
couple of years upon a farm, proceeded 
to Colorado and New Mexico, following 
blacksmithing in the mines of that 
country, during most of the time he 
was there. After spending about a year 
in the west, he returned to Carrollton, 
and entered the employ of his brother, 
Charles A. In the fall of 1881, he 
joined an opera company, at Chicago, 
and fiH- I ') nmnths served as general mu- 
sician of the same, traveling as far west 
as Salt Lake City, south to New Orleans, 



1036 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



east to Boston, and north to Manitoba. 
Returning to Carrol Iton in tiie fall of 

1883, he was, for a short time, in part- 
nership with his brother, Joseph J., in 
the manufacture of cigars, but has since 
become successor to the firm, and is 
still engaged in that line. Sept. 10, 

1884, he was married to Mattie E., a 
daughter of James V. and Elizabeth 
Mayberry. Mr. Weimer is a member 
of both the subordinate and encamp- 
ment of the I. 0. 0. F. order, and still 
retains a membership in the Chicago 
Musical Society, and is a charter mem- 
ber of the Carrollton Mus'cal Associa- 
tion . 

Charles A. Weimer, cigar manufac- 
ture and retail dealer of all kinds of 
tobacco, pipes, etc., is located on the 
east side of the square. He carries a 
stock of upwards of $1,000, and does 
a fine business. He was formerly in 
partnership with Mr. South worth but 
now is the sole owner of the stock. 

Charles A. Weimer has been a resident 
of Carrollton since 1873, and has since 
that time been engaged in the manufac- 
ture of cigars. He was born in Ger- 
many, Aug. 30, 1849, and attended 
school there from the age of six years 
to 13 years. He then commenced to 
work at cigar making and while follow- 
ing the trade, traveled in nearly all 
parts of his native country. In 1872, 
he concluded to immigrated to Amer- 
ica, as his parents did not wish him to 
go, he left without their knowledge, 
taking passage at Bremen on a vessel 
bound for New York. He had to bor- 
row the mone}' with which he crossed 
the Atlantic, and of course, when he 
landed here, had but very little. But 
having a letter of recommendation with 



him, he succeeded in borrowing enough 
money to take him to St. Louis, where 
he was employed at his trade 18 months, 
and tlien come to Carrollton. "Sir. 
Weimer was so well pleased with the 
this country that he sent tickets to his 
five brothers in Germany, so that they 
too might come and reside in this land 
of the free. All these brothers are now 
engaged in the cigar business, and are 
meeting with good success. Mr. Weimer 
has been twice married. In 1875 he 
was united in marriage with Ida Hall, 
who died in the year 1878. He was 
again married in 1885 to Susan A. Ved- 
der, daughter of Frank I. and Harriet 
Vedder, Mr. Weimer is a Knight Tem- 
plar, and a member of the K. of H. 
lodge of this city. He is very prompt 
in the fulfilment of all his obligations, 
and during his stay at Carrollton has 
made many warm friends who wish him 
success in all his undertakings. 

Julia E. Hall is well and favorably 
known to all the old settlers of Greene 
county, as the oldest daughter of Maj. 
A. W. and Dorlesky Bridges, living one 
mile north of Carrollton. She was 
born Jan. 9, 1828, and at the age of 23, 
was married to Wm. A. Hall, of Ches- 
terfield, Macoupin county. This union 
was blessed by one child — Ida M., who, 
at the age of 20, was married to Charles 
A. Weimer, of Carrollton. Wm. A. 
Hall died Jan. 20, 1856, and then Mrs. 
Hall returned to her father's home, 
near this city, and after parents' death 
moved to her portion of the farm, where 
she managed, b}' energv and economy 
to lay the foundation to a snug com- 
petency. In 1885 she moved to this 
city to live with her daughter and son- 
in-law, with whom she has resided since 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1037 



licr (laughter's death, up to the present 
day; a rare instance of mother-in-law 
and son-in-law dwelling harmoniousl}- 
together. She has became quite a real- 
estate owner, owing to her energy and 
economy, assisted by the skilful man- 
agement of her son-in-law, and is in 
a position now to look forward to a com- 
ing old age, with ease and comfort. 

L. W. Loomis, dealer in jewelry, etc- 
This business was established in 18(>0, 
by V. Villinger. 

Gustav Wiemer engaged in the sale of 
watches, clocks, jewelry, etc., and also 
the repairing of the same, in ^^arch•, 
1880. 

The firm of Kergher & Son embarked 
in the sale of furniture, wall paper and 
undertaking in 1850. 

Alvin Pegram, an enterprising lumber 
and grain dealer in Carrollton, was born 
in Greene county, March 15, 1839, and 
is a son of Nathaniel H. and Amanda 
Elizabeth (King) Pegram. His father 
was a native of Virginia, his mother of 
Mississippi, and they came to Illinois 
in the year 1838. His father is a farmer 
and is now living in Greene county. 
Alvin was educated in -the Carrollton 
Bchools and has ever since engaged in 
farming. He is now the heaviest grain 
dealer in the county. In 1880 he built 
an elevator, which he afterward sold, 
but now has large conveniences for 
handling grain extensively, besides own- 
ing two large farms near Carrollton. In 
the year 1870, Mr. Pegram was married 
to Almeda DeKalb Cook, daughter of 
James Cook, now deceased, Tbis union 
has been blessed with four children — 
Nathaniel James, born July 11, 1871; 
Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 20, 1872; 
Almeda DeKalb, born Sept. 20, 1874, 



and Abbie Alvin, born Sept. 5, 1876. 
Mrs. and Mrs. Pegram are members of 
the M, E, church, and enjoy the esteem 
and respect of many friends. In busi- 
ness ^[r. Pegram is known as a reliable, 
go-ahead citizen. 

Otto Kolkhoff, proprietor of the 
foundry and machine shop on Locust 
street, was born in Saxony, (Germany, 
on the Gth of Feb., 1851. He is a son of 
Fred and Mary (Potesky) Kolkhoff, na- 
tives of Germany. In 1863 they left 
fatherland and friends and sailed for 
this country, arriving at New York, 
where they now reside. His father was 
there engaged in the wholesale wine and 
liquor business, but is now living a re- 
tired life. Otto received hi-s education 
in (Tcrmany, attending the gymnasium 
there. At the age of 14 years he began 
to learn the trade of a machinist, and 
after serving his apprenticeship, set 
sail in 1868, on a vessel bound for New 
York. He remained in tiiat city two 
years, working at his trade awhile there. 
He then traveled all over the United 
States, and was during all that time, 
employed at his trade. He remained in 
California a short time, and was in 
Omaha five years. He afterward came 
to Carrollton, where he has resided 
about eight years. In 1879 he was 
united in marriage with Emily M'olke, 
daughter of Louis Wolke, a native of 
Germany, who came to this country 
some years ago. Emily was born in St. 
Louis. Mr. and Mrs. KolkhofTare the 
parents of two sons — Benjamin, born 
Feb. 13, 18S0, and Franklin, born July 
15, 1882. Mrs. Kolkbotl'is a member of 
the Presbyterian church. Mr. Kolkhoff 
is a member of the A. 0. U. \V. lodge, 
and is an honorable business man. 



1038 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Oswald Jackson, proprietor of the 
Carrollton Machine Shop and Foundry, 
is a native of Rochford, Es^>ex county, 
England, and was l)om July 23, 1854. 
He is a son of Edward Trotter and 
Mary Ann (Giles) Jackson. Mrs. 
Jackson died March 5, 1867. ' Oswald 
received his education in the grammar 
school at Forest Hill, England, and 
served an apprenticeship at the machin- 
ist's trade in Rochford, at the Essex 
Steam Plow and Traction Engine works. 
After learning liis trade, he left his na- 
tive country and embarked for America, 
and, on arriving there, came next to 
Illinois, locating at Carrollton. Here 
he engaged as machinist for J. C. Bur- 
russ, with whom he remained a short 
time and then took the machine shop 
and foundry and engaged in business 
for himself. He is still conducting it 
with skill and energy, and is prepared 
to fill all orders in machine or foundry 
work in the most scientific manner and 
on the shortest notice, making a spec- 
ialty of house-front work, such as col- 
utims, steps, plates, window sills, etc. 
Although young, Mr. Jackson has the 
ability and experience of men who 
have been in business for years. 

BANKING. 

The history of banking in Carrollton 
dates from about 1848. At that time, 
David Pierson was engaged in general 
mercantile business, and occasionally 
accommodated his fi-iends and neighbors 
by furnishing them exchange, which he 
continued to do until about 1854, when 
he closed out a part of his general busi- 
ness, and gave more of his attention to 
banking. In 1858, Mr. Pierson disposed 
of his outside business, and turned his 



attention to banking alone. In 1859 he 
erected the building whicli has ever 
since been occupied by the bank. In 
1860, having got in the new quarters, 
Mr. Pierson advertised, now, largely, and 
in 1861, notwithstanding so many banks 
failed, the "Exchange Bank" daily re- 
ceived deposits of merchants and oth- 
ers, carrying its customers all safely 
through the critical period, without the 
loss of a dollar. In 1864, Mr. Pierson 
associated in business his two sons, 
Robert and David D., but the name of 
the bank remained the same until 1878, 
when it was converted into the 

GREENE COUNTY NATIONAL I',ANK. 

This institution was organized with a 
paid up capital of $100,000. The fol- 
lowing were the stock-holders — Robert 
Pierson, David D. Pierson, Oman Pier- 
son, A. B. Gregory, George Wright, H. 
W. Wright, John I. Thomas, Daniel 
Morfoot, John Brown, George W. Davis, 
James M. Davis, William D. Chinn, 
James T. Crow, T. W. Brace, F. M. 
Fishback, John Snyder, and John 
Rainey. 

At the first meeting John I. Tliomas 
was elected president; David D. Pierson, 
vice-president; Robert Pierson, cashier; 
Oman Pierson, assistant cashier, and 
John I. Thomas, Daniel Morfoot, Rob- 
ert Pierson, James M. Davis, H. W. 
Wright, David D. Pierson and Oman 
Pierson, directors. Jan. 1, 1882. Robert 
Pierson resigned as cashier, and Oman 
Pierson was elected in his stead. A. B. 
Gregory has since been elected director 
in place of James M. Davis, deceased. 

July 1, 1885, the bank, after paying 
its regular dividends, had a surplus of 
$11,000, and undivided j rotits, $11,500. 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



1039 



Tims it can be seen fliat the Greene 
County National Bank may well be num- 
bered among the most reliable moneyed 
institutions of the land. 

Oman Pierson was born July 17, 1S39, 
at Carrollton, 111., and is a son of David 
and Eliza Jane (Norton) Pierson. lie 
lived with his ])arents until his majority, 
receiving his education in the common 
schools of Carrollton. He was married 
Jan. 31, 1861, to Maria .Stryker, daughter 
of Henry, Sr. and Elizabeth Stryker. 
They are the parents of five children — 
Maria Louise, Joseph Henry, Albert L., 
Florence Eugenia and David 0. Mr. 
Pierson was employed as salesman for 
Wright, Rickart & Co., for a period of 
about two years, and in the spring of 
186'2, formed a co-partnershii") with Geo. 
'\^'rigllt, in the dry goods business, the 
fii'in being known as Wright & Pierson. 
He continued in partnership until Jan. 
1, I860, when he purchased Mr. Wright's 
interest, and continued the business 
alone until 1872, when he sold out and 
made an engagement with L. M. Bates 
& Co., in the fancy dry goods business, 
at No. 351 Broadway, New York city. 
He remained with them one year, and 
then took a trip to Colorado in the in- 
terest of the firm, settling the affairs of 
a bankrupt firm. He then returned to 
Carrollton, and in 1875, entered the 
banking house of David Pierson & Sons, 
where he took an active interest in the 
business, working hard for its success. 
July 1, 1878, tlie business of David 
Pierson & Sons was succeeded by the 
Greene County National Bank, with a 
cash capital of S10Q,000. In making 
this change, it devolved upon Mr. Pier- 
son to visit New York and Washington 
to make the necessary arrangements. 



In tlie new organization he was elected 
a director and assistant cashier. In 
1880, Mr. Pierson was elected to repre- 
sent the o9th senatorial district, consist- 
ing of (irecaie and Morgan counties, in 
the 32d general assendily, in which he 
was chainiian of the committee on banks 
and banking, and a member ef the com- 
mittees on finance, corpin'ations and in- 
surance. In 1882, Mr. Pierson having 
received the endorsement of his county, 
was a candidate for re-election in the 
new district, composed of Greene, Jer- 
sey and Scott counties, and not until the 
third day's balloting, and after being 
voted for 471 times, was he defeated. 
His entire delegation stood by him to 
the end, and died in the last ditch. In 
politics, Mr. Pierson has ever been a re- 
publican. In 1882 he was elected cashier 
of the Greene County National Bank, 
which position he now holds. 

The Carrollton B.iiik was established 
in Aug., 1877, by a company composed 
of Benj. Roodhouse, D. Wriglit, J. 
Kaser, Jeduthan B. Eldred and Ciiarles 
H. Hodges. The officers were Benja- 
min Roodhouse, president, and William 
Bcatty, cashier. In the spring of 1880, 
E. B. Hobson was chosen cashirr, in 
place of William Beatty, resigned, and 
has continued to act in that capacity 
since that time. In April, 1883, the 
bank was reorganized with new ofliicers 
and directors. The bank is supplied 
with a fire-proof vault, which contains 
a burglar-proof safe, manufactured by 
MacNeale and Ervin, of St. Louis, with 
Yale time-lock for both safe and vault. 
The bank is a private institution, but 
the management guarantee security to 
depositors of at least 8300,000, making 
it one of the most solid nionetarv insti- 



1040 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tutions in the county. The officers at 
present are, George W. Davis, presi- 
dent; James P. Morrow, vice-president; 
Edward B. Hobson, cashier. The di- 
rectors are as follows: John Rhodes, 
George W. Davis, N. J. Sanders, J. E. 
Brace, J. P. Morrow, E. B. Hobson, W. 
M. Morrow, C. McAninch and C. W. 
Keeley. 

•The private banking institution of 
John Long & Co., was established in 
Sept., 1866. 

The Greene County Saving and Loan 
Association, was organized July 22, 
1884, the first payment lieing made in 
August of that year. The officers are 
the followingnamed. Conrad Kergher, 
pres.; C. A. Weimer, vice-pres.; F. M. 
Roberts, sec' v.; ^V. L. Armstrong, tres.; 
and a board of directors composed of 
the above officers, and Joseph Milnes, 
Chas. McAninch, J. E. Ferguson, S. 
Levy, M. L. Reed, T. P. CTreene and 
L. Lynn. 

LIVERY STABLE. 

In the fall of 1871, James E. Fergu- 
son established his half brother, Abram 
Massey, in the feed stable business, but 
that gentleman dj'ing soon after, Mr. 
Furgeson was obliged to take the busi- 
ness. He had Init tliree head of horses, 
and no money, and thus began the liv- 
ery business on a small scale. In the 
fall of 1872, during the campaign, livery 
horses were scarce and in great demand 
by the politicians. Robert Pierson let 
Mr. Furgeson have a team, David Pier- 
son furnished a horse, and (ieorge 
Evans, four horses. These, and the 
horses which he had himself, he let out 
nearly every day at $5 per diem, and 
thus got a good start. Later in the 
same year, he and .Jehosaphat Eldred 



formed a co-partnership under the firm 
name of Eldred & Furgeson, and in 
1873, they erected the fine stable on the 
west side of the square, into which 
they moved. This firm lasted until 
April, 1884, when Mr. Furgeson became 
sole proprietor. He now has a fine 
stable and stylish turnouts. 

James E. Furgeson was born in Car- 
roUton, 111., May 2, 1837, his parents 
being Edward and Sarah Furgeson. At 
the early age of 12 years he commenced 
working at the blacksmith trade. His 
father ha\'ing died, he was bound out to 
V. F. Williams, a blacksmith, whom he 
served until he had attained his major- 
ity. He then worked with him several 
years more, receiving a salary for his 
services. He subsequently spent four 
years in Johnson county. Mo., and then 
returned to Carrollton- and engaged in 
blacksmithing, running a shop of his 
own, which he conducted until 1871, 
when he established the livery business, 
as given above. Mr. Furgeson has been 
twice married. In the year 1860, he 
was united in marriage, in Johnson 
county. Mo., with Clara A. Bowman. 
She died in 1863, leaving one son — ■ 
Charles E. Mr. Furgeson was again 
married, Nov. 2, 1869, to MaryC. Brace, 
a sister of J. E. Brace.. Politically 
speaking, our subject is a republican, 
but does not take any active part in pol- 
itics, preferring rather to devote his 
time and attention to the advancement 
of his business and the welfare of his 
family. He is a member of the K. T., 
and I. 0. 0. F. lodges, of Carrollton. 

The extensive livery business of Ro- 
bards & Bridges was established in 1884. 

Oman Bridges was born in Greene 
county, 111., Sept. 17, 1838, and is a son 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1U41 



of Archibald W. Bridges, who was an 
early settler of the county. Oman was 
reared upon the farm of his father, and 
educated in the common schools of the 
county. His father was a dealer in 
horses, and Oman, at an early age, de- 
veloped an attachment for the horse, 
and followed in the footsteps of his 
father. He resided upon the farm, 
which consisted of about 600 acres, until 
the death of his mother, when he re- 
moved to Carrollton. In 1S84, with W. 
L. Robards, he established the livery 
business of Bridges & Robards. They 
have none but the finest of horses and 
buggies for the accommodation of the 
public, and are doing a thriving busi- 
ness. In politics, Mr. Bridges is a dem- 
ocrat. 

W. I^. Robards, son of Jesse Robards, 
is a native of Greene county. His early 
days were sjient upon a farm, and his 
education o])tained in the schools of 
Carrollton. He remained upon the farm 
imtil 1881, when he engaged in the liv- 
ery business at Carrollton, and in July, 
1884, entered into partnership with O. 
W. Bridges, under the firm name of 
Bridges & Robards, which has continued 
ever since. November, 1871, he was 
married to Laura Carlin, a daughter of 
Thomas J. Carlin. They have two chil- 
dren living — Mazy and Douglas. 

Edward D. Johnson, livery stable, 
commenced business in April, 1885, 
renting of some of the heirs of Jacob 
Hunt, who established the same many 
years ago, in a frame building on the 
present site, which l)uilding was de- 
stroyed by fire. In 1878, the present 
brick structure, which is 50x180 feet in 
size, two stories high, was built, at a 
cost of §7,500. It is supplieil with about 



12 single and double rigs, with an aver- 
age of 10 or 12 head of stock. 

Edward D. Johnson was born in Jer- 
seyville. 111., on April 22, 1852, and is a 
son of H. L. and Martha (Hutchinson) 
Johnson, the former a native of Eng- 
land, the latter of Ohio.' His father has 
been, at various times, a miller, farmer, 
livery-man and grocer, and has accumu- 
lated a handsome fortune. He is now 
residing in Carrollton. Edward received 
his education at Jacksonville, III., and 
subsequently commenced business as a 
clerk in his father's grocery store, being 
thus engaged for 14 years. In the year 
1885, he embarked in the livery busi- 
ness, and has his building stocked with 
the best of horses and finest of vehicles. 
In 1885, Mr. Johnson was united in 
marriage with Lottie English, a daugh- 
ter of J. W. and Eliza (Striker) English, 
residents of Jacksonville, 111., J. W. 
English being an attorney of that city. 
Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Epis- 
copal church. Mr. Johnson is an active, 
energetic and reliable business man, and 
his undertakings, we hope, will always 
meet with success. 

Lyman S. Bushnell, dealer in lumber 
and all kinds of building material, in- 
cluding paints, hardware and coal, is 
also pro})rietor of the Carrollton Tile 
Works, and half-owner of the Enter- 
prise Iron AVorks of Carrollton, is a na- 
tive of Illinois, born in Greene county. 
May 11, 1838. He is a son of Lyman 
and Susan (Taylor) Bushnell, natives 
of Connecticut and Ohio. He has one 
brother and two sisters deceased, and 
two sisters now living. Lyman, Sr., 
practiced medicine many years in this 
county, serving several years as justice 
of the peace, performing marriage cere- 



-U3- 



1042 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUKTY. 



monies, and holding court in one of the 
rooms of his dwelling, which was 
among the first frame buildings in the 
western part of the county. There was 
timher sufficient in the house and barn 
to build four or five modern frames. He 
also engaged in. farming. He came as 
early as 1819, to view the land, and in 
1822, arrived with father, mother, four 
brothers and two sisters, none of whom 
are now living, and located several 
eighties of land, in T. 10, R. 13. Lyman 
S. was educated in the common schools 
of the county, some of which were very 
excellent for the early day, and was oc- 
cupied at farming until 25 years of age, 
then enli.sted in Co. G, 101st 111. Inf., 
for three years, under Capt. McKee, 
entering a drilling camp at Morgan 
county fair grounds, board being jjro- 
vided at the Illinois Female College for 
a short time, and then at the camp. 
The regiment was ordered to Cairo, 
being quartered there a short time. 
From there it moved to Holly Springs, 
Miss., joining a part of Gen. Grant's 
command, marching en route to the rear 
of Vicksburg, where the regiment, after 
a few days, was ordered back to assist 
in guarding Holly Springs, where im- 
mense stores were accumulated. Gen. 
Murphy being commander of the post. 
Mr. Bushnell's company was one of 
those stationed along the railroad, north 
of the city. He, having been appointed 
regimental postmaster, remained in the 
city to care for the 300 to 500 letters re- 
ceived and mailed each day, while re- 
maining in camp; resuming the musket 
or cartridge-box, on the march, or field. 
Before many days, early one morning, 
picket firing and awful yelling was 
heard, and the streets began to fill with 



what proved to Ise VanDorn's cavalry 
raiders, numbering 7,000. Certain of 
the officer's quarters, and Mr. Bush- 
nell's postoffice, located in the court- 
house, were summarily dispensed with, 
under the influence of the ready carbine 
and revolver. The vast stores were 
quickly destroyed and prisoners paroled, 
as they were in too great haste to care 
for them, the Union army being too 
near and too strong. The four compa- 
nies, outside, with others, joined the 
90th 111. Inf., escaping capture by suc- 
cessful maneuvering, and a bold front. 
Mr. Bushnell, with the paroled part of 
the regiment, was sent to St. Louis, 
Mo., and quartered in the fair grounds 
for six months, being part of the time 
at home on leave of absence. They 
were then exchanged, rejoined the regi- 
ment in Tennessee, and were quartered 
for a time at Union City, 30 miles from 
Columbus, Ky. Mr. Bushnell was placed 
in charge of the brigade mail, making 
daily trips by rail to Columbus, and 
passing out citizens' mail at stations, 
when occasion required. From this, 
the regiment was ordered to Louisville, 
Ky., en route for Chattanoogna, where 
large numbers of troops were concen- 
trating, and where the regiment was 
merged into the 20th army corps, under 
the command of Maj.-Gen. Hooker. 
Mr. Bushnell participated in the activ- 
ities around Mission Ridge, Dalton, 
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Atlanta, through to Savannah, 
Columbus, S. C, Raleigh, N. C, Rich- 
mond, Va., and Washington, D. C, 
where he was in the grand review of all 
the armies, and where the regimental 
colors of the 101st received special 
notice for its war-scarred appearance, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



104;^ 



they liaviiifi marched over 1,200 miles, 
ahuost continuously. Mr. B. then came 
to Springfield, 111., by rail, where he 
was mustered out, in 1805, and from 
there came to Carrollton, 111., where he 
engaged with Henrj' L. Clay, lumber- 
man, remaining three years. Then 
forming a partnership with William R. 
Davis, he bought out ]\Iessrs. Clay & 
Price, and continued in the lumber bus- 
iness with him for five years, when Mr. 
D. was removed by death, and his son 
and daughter represented his interest in 
the business for one year, since which 
lime Mr. Bushnell has continued the 
business alone. In 1866, he married 
Mary C. Pinkerton, daughter of Andrew 
H. and Nancy A. Pinkerton, natives of 
Kentucky and Ohio. Her father is now 
deceased, and her mother, brother and 
two sisters reside in Carrollton. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bushnell are the parents of 
six children, five of whom are now liv- 
ing — Emily M., \Vm. L., Andrew H., 
Anna May and Lyman S. The one de- 
ceased, Elon A., was about 11 months 
old. The parents and three eldest 
children are members of the M. E. 
church. Mr. Bushnell's motto has al- 
waj's been, "his own shoulder to the 
wheel," when necessary; living up to 
that rule energetically, has made him 
measurably successful in all his under- 
takings. 

C'.VRROLLTON ROLLER MILL. 

In 1852, a grist mill, equipped with 
three run of buhrs, was built by Wright 
& Germain at a cost of about $10, OTK), at 
this place. In Sei)tember, 1862, ¥. P. 
Vedder purchased the property of R. F. 
Germain, who had bought out his part- 
ner some time previous. In March, 



1863, he disposed of it to David Pier- 
son. This gentleman ran it until Aug., 
1866, when it was sold to Paris & John- 
son, of Jerseyville. In 1867, Mr. Paris 
sold his interest to David Picrson, who 
five years later, became sole proprietor. 
In April, 1881, it was purchased by 
Thomas Hough, who is now operating 
it. He remodeled the mill, putting in a 
full set of roller machinery, for making 
the best quality of flour the market 
affords. The additional machinery for 
making flour by this new process was 
put in at a cost of $0,000. The mill is 
operated by steam, an engine of 1") 
horse power furnishing the motive 
power. The building proper is ;j2.\40 
feet in ground area, three stories high, 
frame, with a two story addition on the 
west side, 24 feet scjuare, and a ware- 
house, on the east side, 30x50 feet in 
size. TJie engine room is 30x32. The 
mill property is valued at from $12,00n 
to $15,000. 

Thomas Hough, proprietor of the Car- 
rollton roller mills, has been a resident 
of the county since 1863. He was born 
in Yorkshire, England, Jan. 6, 1844, his 
parents being Thomas and Elizabeth 
Hough. At the early age of eight years 
he entered a cotton factory where he 
was employed 11 years. May 6, 1863, 
he left his native country and sailed for 
Quebec, Canada. In August of that 
year he came to Carrollton, where bis 
uncle, William O. Graves, resided, and 
immediately commenced work in the 
Carrollton mill, and there continued 
until he thoroughly understooil the bus- 
iness. On the 0th of April, 1881, ^[r. 
Hough purchased the mill and has since 
been the sole proprietor. In Sei>tem- 
ber, 1807, he was married to Jane Wood- 



1044 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



head, also a native of England. This 
union has been blessed with three chil- 
dren — Elizabeth Helen, James Carlisle, 
and Thomas Crispin. Mr. Hongh is an 
industrious man who believes in always 
having his time occupied in doing some- 
thing useful. He commenced life poor, 
but by being frugal and energetic he has 
acquired a comfortable amount of this 
world's goods, and is ' entirely out of 
debt. He is honest in all his dealings, 
and courteous to all whom he meets, 
hence is highly esteemed for these ster- 
ling qualities. He is a student of astron- 
omy, in which study he takes much 
interest. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian church, and in politics is a repub- 
lican. Mr. Hough's mother died in 
England, in 1868, and in 1869, he pre- 
vailed on his father to come to this 
country, but within three months after 
his arrival in Carrollton, he was called 
to his heavenly home. 

ELEVATORS. 

There are two elevators in this city, 
one operated bj' R. H. Davis, the pres- 
ent member of the general assembly, 
and the other by Hussey & Co. 

THE GREENE COUNTY CREAMERY. 

This institution was established Oct. 
2, 1885, and is located on Fourth street, 
in what is known as the old factory. It 
was established by a stock company, 
the officers being — John Kaser, presi- 
dent; A. J. Tunnell, vice-president; F. 
M. Roberts, secretary; Wm. L. Arm- 
strong, treasurer; JohnY. Sawyer, sup- 
erintendent. The directors are — John 
Kaser, A. J. Tunnell, Frank P. Greene, 
N. J. Andrews, Wm. D. Waltrip. The 
company is composed of 33 stockholders . 



EDUCATIONAL. 

As to who taught the first school 
within the limits of the city of Carroll- 
ton, Fame, otherwise correct, is silent. 
The matter is entirely lost in oblivion, 
and covered by the dead ashes of the 
years long gone. Probably about the 
year 1824, a school was opened here, as 
a subscription or private academy. 
The first public school in the town was 
not opened until 1850, in a rented build- 
ing, but in 1851 a school building was 
erected, and dedicated Jan. 3, 1852, 
with appropriate ceremonies. Prof. 
\Vm. T. Bartle was the first principal. 
Prof. Russell was the second principal. 

The school continued in charge of 
Professor Russell during the remainder 
of that year, when he was succeeded by 
Henry Bonfoy. It does not appear 
that at this time there existed what now 
is called a graded school. The plan 
seemed to be modeled after the old 
academy system, with a female depart- 
ment, but those who lived within the 
district received the benefit of the school 
fund. In 1855, David G. Peabody was 
was employed as principal. He orga- 
nized the school upon the graded basis, 
and the enrollment for that year was 
220. He was assisted by his sister. 
Miss H. G. Peabody. He was re-em- 
ployed, and served six months of the 
following year. In the fall of 1857, 
Charles K. Gilchrist was employed and 
served two years. 

From this time on there was a change 
of principals nearly every year, no one 
serving longer than two years. Dr. 
Buckley taught a very large and well 
advanced high school for two winters. 
Among their successors were Alfred 
Harvey, for many years superintendent 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1045 



of schools at Paris, Edgar county, 111., 
and president of Illinois State Teachers' 
Association; Francis W. Parker, after- 
wards superintendent schools at Quincy, 
Mass., and of many others. 

At last the school huilding became 
inadequate to the wants of the people, 
and it was voted to build a new school 
house. The board of directors, George 
W. Davis, Thomas Boyd, and Rev. E. 
L. Craig, pushed the matter forward 
with vigor, and during the summer and 
fall of 1870 the elegant and commodious 
school building was erected, which now 
forms the most striking object in the 
town, to the eye of the passer-by. The 
building is of brick, faced with stone, 
three stories in height with a basement. 
The upper story is a mansard, and the 
whole is set off by a square tower, 
which rises from the center of the build- 
ing in front, 80 feet from the ground. 
It is finished inside with alterilate wal- 
nut and ash panels, oak floors, hard- 
finish walls, is well provided with 
blackboards, and is seated with An- 
drews' latest style of scliool desks. 
The original cost of the building, includ- 
ing the furnace, was §40,000. The 
directors were ably seconded by the 
principal, .Joseph Dobbin, then serving 
his second year. In the first week of 
Jan., 1871, Mr. Dobbin transferred the 
pupils to the new building, and pro- 
ceeded to organize and grade the school. 
He was assisted by S. Alice Judd, 
Mary Pike, Anna Pike, Delia Schenck, 
Miss H. G. Peabody and Nannie Price. 

SOCIETIES. 

Carrollton lodge. No. 50, A. F. & A. 
M., was organized under charter, Feb. 
21, 1848, under the name of Fletcher 



lodge, same number, with the following 
charter members — Henry Dusenberry, 
Edward A. D'Arc}', David M. Woodson, 
Isaac Darneille, R. S. Hollcnbcck, E. 
Van Home, D. B. Stith, and Dr. J. B. 
Samuel. The first oflTicers were — .J. 

B. Samuel, W. M.; E. A. D'Arcy, S. 
W.; and David M. Woodson, J. W. 
Shortly after its institution the name of 
the lodge was changed to that of Carroll- 
ton, but as the record from 1848 to 1851 
is lost, it is not certain of the exact date 
when the change was made, except that 
it was prior to 1851. The following gen- 
temen have served as masters of this 
lodge — James B. Samuel, 1848-50; Cyrus 
A. Davis was elected in 1851, but died 
while in the chair; L. W. Link, 1S51-2; 
J. B. Samuel, 1853-4; L. W. Link, 1855; 

D. M. Woodson, 18.56; J. B.' Samuel, 
1857-8; Clinton Armstrong, 1859; James 
W. English, 1860; J. B. Samuel, 1861-4; 
James W. English, 1865-8; George W. 
Davis, 1869-70; William R. Davis, 1871; 

C. W. Keeley, 1872-3; John Hill, 1874-5; 
Albert G. Burr, 1876-7; G. W. Davis, 
1878-9; J. T. Cameron, 1880; G. W. 
English, 1881; J. T. Cameron, 1882; 
John Hill, 1883. The present officers 
of the lodge, elected in 1884, are the 
following gentlemen — George W. Davis; 
W. M.; Thomas C. Jeffries, S. W.; C. 

A. Weimer, J. W.; James P. Morrow, 
T.; F. P. Greene, S. 

Carrollton Chapter. No. 77, U. A. M., 
was organized under dispensation April 
7, 1865, with the following officers : 
James W. English, M. E. H. P.; James 

B. Sanmel, E. K.; James W. Gregory, 

E. S.; John M. Pierson, C. H.; James 
P. Morrow, R. A. C; James W. Wil- 
cox, P. S.; John Baird, M. T. V.; Peter 
Fenity, M. S. V.; John D. Baird, M. 



1046 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



F. V. The lodge continued under dis- 
pensation until Oct. G, 1865, when a 
charter was granted it, and it was re- 
organized with the following charter 
niember,s : James W. English, James 
Samuel, Wm. R. Davis, .J. W. Gregory, 
J. P. Morrow, J. M. Wilcox, J. D. 
Baird, R. G. Robinson, W. L. Greene, 
J. B. Eldred, J. G. Reed, M. L. Wood, 
C. Armstrong, L. E. Eldred, W. P. 
Burroughs, J. M. Davis, M. L. Robin- 
son, Paul Wright, Edwin Woolloy, and 
A. C. Reno. The first officers under 
the charter were then installed, as'fol- 
lows- James W. English, M. E. H. 
P.; J. B. Samuel, E. K.; W. R. Davis, 
E. S.; J. P. Morrow, C. H.; J. M. Wil- 
cox, P. S.; R. G. Robinson, R. A. C; 
M. L. Robinson, M. T. V.; W. L. 
Greene, M. S. V.; J. W. Davis, M. F. 
. v.; M. L. Wood, S.; J. B. Eldred, T.; 
J. (t. Reed, G. The following gentle- 
men have filled the position of M. E. 
H. P: J. W. English, 1865-69; H. C. 
Withers, 1870-1; George W. Davis, 
1872-3; C. W. Keeley, 1874; J. W. 
Davis, 1875-6; J. P. Morrow, 1877; 
H. C. Withers, 1878-9; J. P. Morrow. 
1880; John Hill, 1881; Wm. L. Orr, 
1882; J. P. Morrow, 1883, and H, H. 
Montgomery, 1884-5. 

CarrolUon council No. 48, R. & S. M., 
was instituted on the 6th of Oct., 1870, 
with the following charter members: 
John Hill, H. C. Withers, C. W. Keeley, 
A. H. Smith, W. W. Beaty, J. C. Wool- 
ford, J. P. Morrow, J. B. Nulton, J W. 
English, W. H. Perry and W. L. Orr. 
The present officers are: C. W. Keeley, 
T. S. (i. M.; H. C. Withers, S. D. M.; 
Geo. W. Davis, P. C. of W.; W. H. 
Newbold, M. of E.; Frank P. Greene, 
Pec; L. R. Lakin, C. of G.; Jas. P. 



Morrow, C. of C; T. G. Jeffries, Sd.; 
John Hill, Sent. 

Plugh DePayen commandery. No. 
29, K. of T., was organized under a 
charter dated Nov. 16, 1878, with the 
following original members: H. C. 
Withers, Frank Winfield, Allen Mar- 
shall, James W. English, G. W. Davis, 
J. B. Nulton, J. S. Veddcr, William L. 
Orr and W. L. Greene. The first officers 
of the commandery were: H. C. With- 
ers, E. C; Frank Winfield, G.; Allen 
Marshall, C. G.; J. W. English, P.; 
Geo. W. Davis, S. W.; J. B. Nulton, J. 
W.; W. L. Greene, T.; J. S. Vedder, R.; 
W. L. Orr, W. There are 66 members 
in good standing, and tlie commandery 
is one of the finest in this section of the 
state. The present officers are: J. W. 
Hutchinson, E. C; Morris R. Locke, 
G.; J. B. Nulton, C. G.; Geo. W. Davis, 
P.; T. G. Jeffries, S. W.; H. H. Mont- 
gomery, J. W.; W. H. Newbold, T.; J. 
P. Morrow, S. 

CarroUton lodge No. 342, I. 0. 0. F., 
was instituted Jan. 31, 1867, with the 
following charter members: Walter S. 
Tandy, J. J. Paris, J. Donald Gee, Ben- 
jamin Shetterly, J. M. Russell, J. W. 
Montague, T. G. Jeffries, J. Q. Adams, 
John Cox and James Pope. The first 
officers were: J. J. Paris, N. G.; W. S. 
Tandy, V. G.; J. M. Russell, R. S.; T. 
J. Jeffries, T.; G. W. Rumrill, R. 
The lodge has been presided over by 
the following Noble Grands since its or- 
ganization: J. J. Paris, W. S. Tandy, 
J. Q. Adams, M. L. Wood, J. C. Wool- 
ford, G. W. Rumrill, W. S. Tandy, A. 
Headrick, S. F. Corrington, W. W. 
Beaty, J. H. Stout, E. C. Sackett, A. 
Headrick, J. L. Marmon, A Jackson, G. 
L. Williams, H. L. Clay, E. A. Doolittle, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1047 



H. C. Sieverling, H. C. Withers, G. W. 
Runirill, J. H. Short, J. I. Johnson, 
S. O. Smith, G. Sleight, J. E. Furge- 
son, W. J. Roberts, Warren English, 
William Lavery, David Felmley, H. T. 
Eberlein, David Felmley and Jos. W. 
Beaty. The present officers are: H. T. 
Eberlein, N. G.; James C. Cannedy, 
V. G.; Gustav Wiemer, S.; Amos Jack- 
son, T.; and E. A. Doolittle, R. The 
prescntmemhership is 67 in good stand- 
standing. The hall of this lodge is over 
Long & Co.'s bank, on the east side of 
the square, and is 24x60 feet in size; is 
well furnished, and fitted up, and the 
lodge has fine regalia. The society has 
about SI, 100 in the treasury, and is in a 
prosperous condition in all respects. 
Meetings are held every Friday evening. 
Carrollton Encampment No. 80, I. 0. 
O. F., was instituted Oct. 4, 1867, by D. 
G. P. R. D. Landers, with the following 
charter members: Thomas J. Carlin, 
A. Headrick, LeRoy ISIcFarland, James 
E. Furgeson, N. E. Bowman, George 
W. Rumrill, John Q. Adams, John Q. 
Ward, W. E. Carlin, John C. Woolford, 
Fred W. Lewis, Walter S. Tandy, Jas. 
W. English, James W. Montague. The 
first officers elected were as follows : 
C. P., James W. English; H. P., Geo. 
W. Rumrill; S. W., Thomas J. Carlin; 
J. W., John Q. Adams; S., John C. 
Woolford; G., James W. Montague; 0. 
S. S., James E. Furgeson. The en- 
campment was highly prosperous and 
flourishing up to the year 1874, but 
from that time the members seemed to 
lose interest in it, and for three or four 
years it was very difficult to get a 
([Uoruin present, only three or four of 
the faithful attending the regular meet- 
ings. During the vears 1878-'.), no 



meetings were held at all, and no report 
was made to the G. E. for the year 
1879. During that year the G. S. 
changed the location of the encamp- 
ment, and actu^illy moved its property 
to Medora, 111., without the knowledge, 
consent or desire of the few remaining 
faithful members. Deeming this action 
of the G. E. to be unjust, Patriarchs 
Corrington, Sackett and Rumrill deter- 
mined to reorganize the encampment 
and regain tlieir property and effects, 
which they deemed had been unjustly 
taken from them. Patriarch Corring- 
ton went to Springfi(>ld, at his own ex- 
pense, and consulted with tlie G. S. 
about the matter, the result of which 
was that the jiroperty was ordered to be 
returned to Carrollton and the encamp- 
ment placed in the same position that 
it was before. 

The encampment was, therefore, re- 
organized in Dec., 1880, a large amount 
of new blood being infused in the new 
encampment. Thirteen new members 
were initiated on that evening. From 
that time until the present, the encamp- 
ment has been in a flourishing condi- 
tion. Whilst it has not increased as 
rapidly as some encampments, yet the 
increase has been steady, and the addi- 
tions of first-class material. The fol- 
lowing named persons have presided 
over the deliberation of the encamp- 
ment from its institution to the present 
day: James W. English, Wni. Scruby, 
M. M. Engleman, John L. Marmon, 
John C. Woolford, E. L. Craig, Walter 
S. Tandy, Thomas J. Carlin, A. Head- 
rick, Leroy McFarland, James E. Fur- 
geson, S. F. Corrington, (ieorge A\'. 
Rumrill, E. C. Sackett, E. A. Doolitth , 
Amos Jackson, G. L. ^\'illiaIus, \\'il- 



1048 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



liani Lavery, John H. Stout, N. E. 
Bowman, H. C. Seiverling, H. T. Eber- 
lein and H. C. Withers. The present 
oflficers are as follows, to-wit : E. A. 
Doolittle, C. P.; G. W. Rumrill, H. P.; 
S. F. Corrington, S.; GustavWiemer, S. 
W.; Adam Weimer, J. W.; Joseph 
Beatty, T.; H. T. Eberlein, G.; J. A 
Hilleg, 0. S. S.; James L. Dawson, I 
S. S.; James I. Johnson, l.st G. to T. 
G. E. Johnson, 2nd G. to T.; W. B 
Osborne, 1st W.; Grant Osborne, 2d W.; 
James R. Cannedy, 3d W.; John H. 
Stout, 4th W. Finance committee: Pa- 
triarchs H. T. Eberlein, William Lay- 
er}' and Gustav Wiemer. Trustees — 
Patriarchs S. F. Corrington, PI. T. Eb- 
erlein, G. E. Johnson, W . B. Osborne 
and James L. Dawson. 

Olympic lodge, No 913, K. of H.,was 
organized Feb. 25, 1878, with the fol- 
lowing 13 members: W. L. Armstrong, 
C. L. Clapp, J. M. Davis, R. H. Davis, 
E. A. Doolittle, J. W. English, T. E. 
Evans, John Jones, Ed. Miner, T. D. 
Price, C. E. Russell, F. M. Roberts and 
H. C. Withers. On institution the fol- 
lowing officers were installed: E. A. 
Doolittle, D.; Ed. Miner, P. D.; C. L. 
Clapp, R.; T. E. Evans, F. R.; John 
Jones, T.; C. E. Russell, C; F. M. Rob- 
erts, G.; T. D. Price, S., and W.L.Arm- 
strong, G. M. Since the organization 
the following gentlemen have served as 
Dictator:Edward Miner, E. A. Doolittle, 
Jolin Jones, C. L. Clapp, C. H. Weag- 
ley, T. J. Alliert, W. L. Armstrong, J. 
B. Schwartz and Wm. Lavery. The 
present membershii) is about 35. The 
lodge meets the firstand third Tuesday's 
of each month in their hall, at the north- 
east of tlie square. Since their organi- 
zation there have been three deaths: 



John M. Roodhouse, James M. Davis 
and Dr. Lindsey English. There has 
been some $4,100 paid into the widows' 
and orphans' fund since the institution 
of the lodge, and $t),000 has been paid 
to the lodge by the supreme treasurer on 
account of the above deaths. The pres- 
ent officers are: William Lavery, D., 
William Egelhoff,V.D.; F. M. Roberts, 
F. R.; B. C. Hodges, T.; John Jones, 
C; E. Miner, G.; E. A. Doolittle, R.; W. 
L. Armstrong, D. G. D. and R. to G. L. 
Carrollton lodge. No. 293, I. 0. G. T., 
was organized June 19, 1880, with the 
following charter members: J. T. Cam- 
eron, J. H. Underwood, C. W. Kelley, 
E. E. Williams, David Pierson, W. H. 
Emery, W. H. Ploward, A. W. Greene, 
Mrs. S. J. Turner, Mrs. M. E. Kelley, 
Belle C. Kirby, Laura A. Binker, Anna 
Gamble, Josie Holland, Mary Harney, 
Maggie Scruby, Ella Binker and Mrs. 
C. J. Binker. The first officers were as 
follows: J. T. Cameron, W. C. T.; Mrs. 
S. J. Turner, W. V. T.; J. H. Under- 
wood, W. C; E. E. Williams, W. S.; 
Belle Kirby, W. A. S.; Mrs. J. E. Cam- 
eron, W. P. S.; Mrs. M. E. Kelley, W. 
S.; Maggie Scruby, W. M.; Laura Bin- 
ker, W. D. M.; C. W. Kelley, W. I. G.; 
Josie Holland, W. 0. G.; David Pier- 
son, P. W. C. T.; Edward Miner, D. G. 
W. C. T. Tlie lodge is in good con- 
dition, and is officered as follows: T. 
R. Bellas, W. C. T.; Fannie A. Sleight, 
W. V. T.; David Pierson, W. C; C. E. 
Underwood, W. S.; Mina Higbee, W. 
U. S.; Eugene Hall, W. F. S.; Sarah 
Underwood, W. T.; Geo. Sleight, W.M.; 
Maggie Sinclair, W. D. M.; William 
Carmody, W. I. G ; J. J. Dyson, W. 
0. G.; J. T. Atchinson, P. W. C. T.; 
S. A. Black, t). G. W. C. T. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1049 



SHAKSPEAREAN CLUB. 

As long ago as 1844, a dramatic asso- 
ciation ilourished in tlie town of Car- 
rollton', which had all the necessary 
stage fittings, scenery, and other para- 
pliernalia, but little of it is remem- 
bered. Of late years, the first social 
organization for mutual improvement, 
in Carrollton, was called the CarroUton 
Literiary Club. On Friday evening, 
Jan. 14, 1876, at the oflice of Dr. B. F. 
Kingsley, this club was organized. Jas. 
R. Ward, the prime mover in the incep- 
tion and organization of the society, de- 
serves special credit. The first officers 
chosen were: Dr. B. F. Kingsley, pres- 
ident; James R. Ward, vice-president; 
John Worthington, secretary; Charles 
Luthy, treasurer; and John Worthing- 
ton, Ed Smith and C. L. Clapj), execu- 
tive committee. James R. Ward, vice- 
president, withdrew from the society 
within a short time after its inaugura- 
tion. At the second meeting of the so- 
ciety, the president delivered his inaug- 
ural address, and recitations were given 
by Ed Smith, Charles Luthy, John 
\\'(irtliiugton and others. Shortly after 
this, a new set of oHicers were chosen, 
as follows: Dr. B. F. Kingslc}', presi- 
dent; William Keating, vice-president; 
C. L. Clapp, secretary; Ed Smith, 
treasurer; and John Worthington, Chas. 
Luthy, and C. L. Clapp, executive com- 
mittee. Meetings were held once a 
month, and three sessions more were 
held. There were, at the time, no lady 
members. 

On Dec. 2, 1876, a meeting was held 
at the residence of Dr. C. Armstrong, 
and a new society organized, with the 
following members: Dr. K. B. Hobson 
and wife, Ada Harden, Millie Harden, 



Hattie Hodges, Ada. Wheeler, Lucy 
Armstrong, Dr. B. F. Kingsley, and C. 
L. Clapj) and wife. It was decided to 
bend their energies to the study of the 
higher parts of standard English liter- 
ature, and Shakespeare was chosen for 
their first author. After some debate, 
"Midsummer Night's Dream," was the 
play selected for examination and study, 
to begin with. The first officers chosen 
were as follows: Dr. B. F. Kingsley, 
president; Dr. Massee, vice-president; 
Lucy Armstrong, secretary. Meetings 
were held until May 21, following, when 
the club adjourned, to meet in the 
autun)n, in response to a call from the 
president, E. A. Doolittle, who had 
been elected in the interim. 

October 1, 1877, the club gathered 
together for their winter's campaign 
among the authors, at the residence of 
C. L. Clai)p, when the following officers 
were elected — Ed. Smith, president ; 
Chas. Luthy, vice-president; Mrs. E. A. 
Doolittle, secretary. The meetings were 
held twice a month all winter until the 
season closed, April 1, 1878. 

During the next three winters there is 
no record of any meeting, and it is pre- 
sumed there were none held. However, 
on the evening of Oct. 31, 1881, a num- 
ber of gentlemen met at the office of J. 
\V. English, and there organized a 
society under the name of the Carroll- 
ton Shakspearean club, with R. II. 
Davis as president, and selected the 
" Merchant of Venice," from the works 
of the gri-at dt'lineator of humanity, as 
first upon which to commence their 
stuily. 

Nov. lo, ISSl, a number of the young 
people met at the residence of Lyman 
Wheeler, and organized the Junior 



1050 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Shakspearean club, with the following 
members — W. M. Montgomery, Miss 
Hinton, Ed. Smith, David Felinley, H. 
R. Heaton, C. S. Luthy, Ettie Wheeler, 
Mollie E. Payne, Hattie Hodges, James 
Davis, and Nellie Bonfoy. David Felni- 
ley was elected president, and Miss Hin- 
ton, secretary. 

Meetings were held by both clubs dur- 
ing the winter, the junior club holding 
its last one Feb. 14, 1882, and the senior, 
April 20. Oct 9, 1882, the senior club 
met at the residence of Mrs. L. M. 
Davis, and organized for their winter 
work. H. H. Montgomery was elected 
president, and C. C. Sharon, secretary. 
The last meeting of the season was held 
May 1, 1883. October 29, of that year, 
they met at the residence of C. L. Clapp 
for the first meeting of the season. Ed. 
Smith was elected president, and Miss 
E. C. Bulkley, secretary. The last 
meeting was held March 30, 1885. Many 
parties have served as ofhcers of this 
club, whose names do not appear here, 
but who reflected credit upon the organi- 
zation . 

CARROLLTON LIBR,\RV. 

The subject of instituting a library in 
the city of Carrollton had been several 
times agitated in that community, but 
it was not until 1873, that success at- 
tended the efforts of its originators. In 
that year, the Carrollton Library Asso- 
ciation W'as organized, with the follow- 
ing officers: H. C. Withers, Pres.; Dr. 
E. B. Hobson, Sec.; L.S. Eldred, Treas.; 
and A. G. Burr, R. G. Robinson and 
Dr. E. B. Hobson, Fin. Com. They 
have a fine and select library of several 
hundred books, which are well read. 
Among the prominent life members of 
the association are the following well 



known citizens: H. C. Withers, Isham 
Linder, Jr., E.A. Doolittle, Uen Linder, 
John Jones, Ed. Miner, Mrs. Ed. Miner, 
Thomas D. Price, Henry N. Price, Fred. 
F. Vedder, J. W. English, S. F. Cor- 
rington, Mrs. George Wright, G. S. 
Wright, J. M. Roodhouse, George L. 
Burruss, H. D. Burruss, Thomas Scott, 
Jr. W. W. Beaty, J. T. Crow, B. Rood- 
house, J. P. Morrow, J. C. Hardcastle, 
Spencer Smith, W. B. Robinson, W.H. 
Newbolt, C. L. Clapp, C. C. Furgeson, 
L. S. Bushnell, Chas. McAninch, Geo. 
L. Williams, John Kaser, and many 
others. The institution is in quite a bad 
shape, and some idea is had to turn it 
ever to the care of the school board. It 
is located, at present, in the ofhce of H. 
C. Withers. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The Carrollton fire department is 
equipped with a hook and ladder truck, 
which has two extension ladders, re- 
spectively 36 and 30 feet in length, one 
single ladder, 20 feet long, and a hook 
ladder, also 20 feet long. It has 28 
buckets, and four Babcock extinguishers. 
The truck cost about $650. The last 
officers elected were: M. L. Reed, capt.; 
H. S. Moore, sec; Wm. St. Clair, lad- 
dernian. The last election was in 1883. 
The apparatus is kept in a frame build- 
ing, erected by the city for that purpose 
in the rear of the calaboose. 

GOVERNMENT. 

Carrollton was incorporated as a town 
at a very early date, as will be shown 
by the following entrj' wliich was spread 
upon the records of the county imder 
the date of Sept 4, 1S33: 

At a meeting of the citizens of the 
town of Carrollton. convened at the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1051 



court house, in said town, pursuant to 
public notice given for tliat purpose, on 
tlie loth of Aug., 1S33, at 2 o'ch)ek p.m. 
The meeting was organized by electing 
William C. Rainey, president, and A. 
W. Caverly, secretary. Ten days notice 
having been given for the purpose of as- 
certaining the vote for and against a cor- 
poration, and the president and secre- 
tary liaving taken the oath prescribed 
liy law, the votes were 31 for incorpora- 
tion and 1 against incorporation, and 
afterward, according to notice given, an 
election was held on the 22d of Aug., 
1833, for trustees of said town, when 
James Reno, P. M. Brown, A. W. Cav- 
erly, Mathias Link and Edward D. 
Baker were duly elected trustees for the 
term of one year, and have severally 
taken the oath of office as prescribed by 
law, in open court. 

Early in 1847 this charter was re- 
pealed and the town was re-incorporated 
in 1849. July 6, of this year, an elec- 
tion was held under the new charter, 
which resiJted in the choice of officers 
as follows: President, C. A. Davis; 
trustees, Jordan Howard, A. W. Lynn, 
C. P. Heaton. Alfred Hinton and J. 
E. Walker each received 2i) votes, con- 
sequently neither were chosen. A new 
election was ordered, at which Alfred 
Hinton received a majority. F. P. Ved- 
der was made clerk, Z. A. Morrow, con- 
stable, and Dr. .John Hanltner, super- 
visor. 

The following are the present otiicers: 
Mayor, Thomas C. Hussey; clerk, Ed- 
ward Miner; attorney, E. A. Doolittle; 
marshal, Michael Hogan; treasurer, 
William L. Armstrong; aldermen — 1st 
ward, Luther Lynn; 2d ward, Samuel 
Hazel: 3d ward, G. E. Johnson. 



POSTOFFICK. 

The postoffice at Carrollton was first 
established in 1822, with John W. Skid- 
more as postmaster. He was succeeded 
by Samuel Lee. Jr., some time after. 
He was succeeded, about 1829 or '30, by 
Philip N. Rampy. Others followed, 
among whom have been Alfred Hinton, 
Hill, Gaylord, Kay, Marshall Dulaney, 
Cox, Frank B. Roberts, G. L. Williams, 
who went into office in 1867, and held it 
until succeeded by Charles Lynn, Feb. 
17, 1878. The latter was followed by 
his brother, James Lynn, Feb. 7, 188.5, 
and is the present incumbent. The 
number of postal money orders issued 
from this office, up to Aug. 28, 1885, was 
17,745. The first postal note issued 
by this office, was dated Sept. 4, 1883, 
was drawn upon Alton, and was for 81. 

While a portion of this book was in 
the hands of the publisher, a destructive 
conflagration visited the city of Carroll- 
ton, of which the following description 
is given: 

On the morning of Oct. 18, 1885, 
about 2:30 o'clock, an explosion was 
heard in the rear of Levy's block, in or 
about John Rainey's grocery store, on 
tlie northeast corner of the S([uare, and 
immediately flames burst forth from 
Rainey's building. The fire wagon, 
buckets, ladders and hooks, and all 
water buckets obtainable, were at once 
summoned and put in use. At first it 
looked like the entire east side of the 
sipiare would burn. Fortunately, how- 
ever, the wind became more quiet, and 
the fire was gotten under control, but 
not until T>cvy's magnifieent double 
two-story building, witli almost all the 
contents of the second story, both in the 
part lie was occupying, and that occu- 



1052 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



pied by Sharon Bros., was consumed) 
and John Rainey's two-story grocery 
store, witli all its contents, int'luding 
about $2,500 worth of accounts and 
notes of J. Rainey & Son, and about 
$2,500 of notes and accounts Henry T. 
Raine^v had for collection. IMuch of the 
stock of all parties was saved, but in a 
damaged condition. The loss is footed 
up to have been about $23,500, mostly 
covered by insurance. 

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

Among the men who have and are 
making Carrollton what is, are the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: 

Josiah Jones was a native of North 
Carolina, born in Jan., 1813. He set- 
tled in Greene county in 1835, and with 
the exception of a short time that he 
followed teaching school, was engaged 
in farming until his death, which oc- 
curred Jan. 7, 1870. He was a man 
who manifested great delight and in- 
terest in agricultural and horticultural 
pursuits, and although his farm was 
comparatively small, yet he realized 
more net profit than hundreds of far- 
mers with more land. The cultivation 
of the choicest fruits was to him a great 
source of pleasure and profit. Mr. 
Jones was a thorough democrat of the 
Jeffersonian school, and never wavered in 
♦his political faith. He was elected jus- 
tice of the peace several terms, serving 
his fellow citizens very satisfactorily in 
that capacity. Although he was not a 
member of any particular sect or 
church, he was a firm believer in reve- 
lation, and his life was that of a con- 
sistent christian. He was a kind devoted 
husband, an affectionate father and a 
good neighbor and excellent citizen. He 



was married in Greene county, in 1838, 
to Elizabeth A., daughter of Robert 
and Penninah Neece, who came from 
Tennessee and made settlement in this 
county at an early day. They were the 
parents of five children — John; Robert, 
who enlisted in Co. A, 61st 111. Inf., 
and was killed at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 18(12, aged 18 years; Jennie E., 
wife of Captain William Seeley; CuUen, 
and Fannie, who died in infancy. Mrs. 
Jones is still living, and resides in 
White Hall with her son-in-law, Capt. 
Seelev. 

The Very Rev. AVilliani Tilly Whit- 
marsh is the rector of Trinity Episcopal 
church, of Carrollton, and the church 
of the Holy Cross, at Jerscyville, and 
also holds the office of dean, of Litch- 
field. He was born at Portsmouth, 
England, May 28, 1834, his parents 
being John G. and Martha (Tilly) Whit- 
marsh, natives of Hampshire, England. 
His father was a lithographer, in Lon- 
don, in which city he died in 1854. His 
mother is still living and resides in Lon- 
don. William was educated privately 
for the Baptist ministry, and began 
active work in that vocation in 1856, 
holding pastorates respectively at Shef- 
ford Beds and Brixham Devon. In 
1868, he resigned the pastorate and be- 
came principal and proprietor of a large 
school in Barnstaple, Devonshire, wliere 
he continued five years. He then came 
to America, in 1873, and became suc- 
cessively the pastor, at East Winthrop, 
Me., and at Warren, 0. Here he was 
received into the Episcopal church Feb. 
2, 1879, and accepted a position as as- 
sistant rector of Trinity church, Cleve- 
land, where he was ordained deacon, in 
August, of the same year, and priest in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1053 



February following. In June, 1881, he 
became rector of St. Paul's church, at 
Muskegon, Mich., which position he 
resigned three years after, to take his 
present one. In 1856, he married Sarah 
Welch, daughter of John and Sarah 
(Wbitmarsh) Welch, theformcra native 
of Bath, the latter of Hampshire, Eng- 
land. John Welch was a turner and a 
manufacturer of furniture. Both he 
and his wife are now deceased. The 
above union was blessed with six chil- 
dren, four now living — Agnes, wife of 
Owen Hicks, of Cleveland, 0.; Frank, 
Walter and Katie. Those deceased are 
— Bertha, who died in Cleveland; and 
Ernest, who died in England. Mrs. 
Whitmarsh died in 'Warren, Ohio, 
in the early part of 1879. In 1881, 
Dean ^^'hitIna^sh married Rebecca A. 
Sheldon, daughter of Capt. Pardon 
Sheldon, of Rhode Island. Dean Wliit- 
marsh is a member of Muskegon lodge. 
No. 32, A. F. & A. M., of commandery 
No. 22, K. T., and of the K. of P., in 
which he holds the office of B. C. U. R. 
for the state of Illinois. 

Thomas Ward, a retired mechanic, of 
Carrollton, is a native of Stokes county, 
N. C, and was born July 20, 1811. He 
is a son of Randoljih and Eunice (Moore) 
Ward, both natives of England. They 
left their native country and came to 
the United States when quite young, 
and here Randolph Ward engaged in 
farming. Both he and his wife are now 
deceased. Thomas received his educa- 
tion in the schools of middle Tennessee, 
and afterwards learned the trade of a 
carpenter, there, which occupation lie 
has followed most of his life. In 1863 
he came to Greene county and has since 
resided here. He was united in mar- 



riage, in the year 1835, with Elizabeth 
Jane Gossaway, daughter of Benjamin 
and Polly (Smith) Gossaway, natives 
of Kentucky. Elizabeth was born April 
8, 1818. Their marriage has been blessed 
with three children, only one of whom 
is now living — Mary Ann, wife of 
Thomas Warren, residing in Ottawa, 
Kan. Those deceased are, Adrian and 
Caroline, who was married. Mr. Ward 
and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

Rev. Augustine J. Sauer, Rector of 
St. John's Catbidiechnrcli at Carrollton, 
is a native of Baden, Germany, born 
Aug. 28, 1848. He is a son of Herbert 
and Theresa (Miller) Sauer, natives of 
Germany. His father was a farmer, 
and immigrated to America when Augus- 
tine was not yet three years of age. 
Augustine was reared in New York city 
from that time, receiving his education 
in the schools of that city. In 1868 he 
returned to Germany to finish a theolog- 
ical course, and in 1872 graduated from 
the university at Munster, Westphalia, 
and was ordained as a priest. He then 
returned to America, and came to the 
Diocese of Alton, taking his first charge 
at Belleville, where he remained but a 
short time, when he was appointed Rec- 
tor of Petersburg. There he remained 
four years, and in 1877 came to Carroll- 
ton, and took his present charge, begin- 
ning the good work by establishing and 
building parochial .schools during the 
fir.st year, in which he ])laeed secular 
teachers. In 1841 he built a convent, 
and called four sisters here to take 
charge of this school, which is still con- 
ducted by them. There is a daily aver- 
age attendance of from 1(X) to 125 pupils. 
All the elementary branches, up to and 



1054 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



including the high school fetudies, are 
taught, with the addition of music, and 
several of the graduates are now teach- 
ing in the county, while some are in 
higher colleges. In 1882, the chancel, 
sacristies and transej^ts of a large new 
church building w-ere erected, and fur- 
nished at a cost of $10,000, to take the 
place of the old one. Improvements 
are constantly being made in the parson- 
age and grounds. The communicants 
number about S0(), and are about equally 
divided among Irish and German Amer- 
icans. The parish is in a very prosper- 
ous condition, owing to the generosity 
of her members, and not less to the ex- 
ertions of their zealous pastor. 

Edward Miner was born in Jersey- 
ville, Jersey county. 111., in 1885, and 
was the eldest of a family of seven chil- 
dren, his parents being Nathaniel and 
Louisa (Jackson) Miner. As a complete 
sketch of these people appear in connec- 
tion with the history of Jersey county, 
we now follow the fortunes of Edward, 
the subject, who grew to manhood in 
that comity, where he also received a 
liberal education. On attaining his 
majority, he proceeded to Carlinville, 
Macoupin county, w-here he entered into 
mercantile pursuits. This not proving 
remunerative, at the expiration of two 
years he abandoned this calling and 
turned his attention to farming, which 
he followed for some time. He then re- 
turned to Jerse3'vil]e, where he assumed 
the local editorship of the Rcpubliean, I 
and as such he conducted this enter- 
prise with marked ability. During the I 
spring of 1874, Mr. Miner concluded to 
cast his lot among the people of Carroll- 
ton, and accordingly took possession of 
the Patriot, its former proprietor having 



signally failed to bring the paper up to 
anything like a general circulation. To 
the trying task of resuscitating this wan- 
ing sheet, Mr. Miner bent all the en- 
ergies of his nature, and that he suc- 
ceeded admirably, is well known to the 
people of tlie county. As further notice 
to his editorial duties, we now state that 
he disposed of his interest to C.L.Clapp, 
the presentproprietorof that live paper. 
During the year 1877, when L. R.Lakin 
was re-elected county clerk, Mr. Miner 
became his able deputy. In 1882, he 
was the republican candidate for that 
office, but was defeated with the balance 
of the ticket. However, realizing his 
ability for the position, Mr. Jones, his 
opponent, retained him as his deputy, 
in which capacity he still serves in a 
satisfactory manner, and with credit to 
himself. Mr. Miner has been secretary 
of the Old Settlers' Association for six 
years, and of the Carrollton school board, 
seven years, and still retains those 
positions. He is also serving his third 
term as clerk of the city of Carrollton. 
He is a R. A. M., being a charter mem- 
ber of Burke chapter, at Carlinville, 111. 
He is also a member of the K. of II. and 

1. 0. G. T. societies. In 1861 Mr. Miner 
united his fortunes with Ella VaiiArs- 
dale, a daughter of W. H. VaiiArsdale, 
by whom four children have been born 
James E., Nettie L., Willie and Lucy. 

Hugh P. Farrelly was born Sept. 2, 
1858, in Greene county. 111., his parents 
being Hugh P. and Elizabeth (Brewer) 
Farrelly, the former a native of Ireland 
and the latter of Virginia. Hugh lived 
with his mother until her death, July 

2, 1878, she being buried at the Carroll- 
ton cemetery, where his father is also 
buried, he having died two weeks be- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1055 



fore Hugh was born. Hugh received 
his education in the common schocds, 
and graduated in 1877, with the first 
class that graduated from tlie (iieen- 
field high school. After leaving school 
he was engaged in farming one year. 
He then taught six months, at what is 
known as the Bear Creek school, in this 
county, after which he taught two terms 
at the Dover school. The next year he 
taught an eight month's term in the 
grammar department of the Greenfield 
schools, and then accepted a position 
as principal of the Rockbridge schools, 
where he taught one term. May 19, 
1883, he purchased H. H. Montgom- 
ery's interest in the Gnzdle oHice at 
Carrollton, it being a half interest, the 
firm being known as Price & Farrelly. 
Since his connection with the paper the 
subscription list has increased nearly 
300. Mr. Farrelly was married June 
2, 1885, to Florence E. Robinson, 
daughter of T. C. and Eliza (Legg) 
Robinson. Mr. Furrell}- is a member of 
the Olympic K. of H. lodge, Carrollton, 
having passed through the dillerent 
offices of the same order, at the (ireen- 
field lodge, and has represented the 
(ireenfield lodge twice in the grand 
lodge of the state. He was a charter 
member of the K. of P. of Greenfield, 
and passed through the chair of that 
lodge, also representing that lodge in 
the grand lodge of the state. He is 
also a member of the I. O. G. T., of 
Carrollton. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. church of this city. 
Jlr. Farrelly assisted, as far as was in 
his power, to elect Cleveland. 

Clement L. Clapp, proprietor of the 
Carrollton Pnlriut, was born in Ohio, in 
1852. He removed, with his parents, to 



Connecticut, where he spent his bo}'- 
hood. They afterward removed to Iowa, 
where he graduated from college, in 
1871. He then taught school three 
years; after which he s]ient two years at 
Yale college, as a graduate student. 
He was then engaged for two years as a 
member of the editorial staff of the New 
Haven, Conn., Dnihj Jonriidl mid Coxrier. 
After coming to this state he was em- 
ployed one year as tutor in the Illinois 
College, at Jacksonville, and in 1875, 
bought the Carrollton Patriot, a history 
of which is given elsewhere. Mr. Clapp 
was married, March 23, 1875, to Mima 
Allen, a native of New Haven, Conn. 
They are the parents of one child — Allan 
Charles. They are members of the 
Presbyterian church, of which Mr. 
Clapp has ofHciated as superintendent 
of the Sunday school for seven years. 

Luther M. Kennett, well known in the 
real estate and abstract business, was 
born in Carrollton, March 26, 1833, and 
is a son of Dixon H. and Fanny (Wil- 
son) Kennett, the former a native of 
Snowhill, Md., the latter of X'irgiiiia. 
They were united in marriage in Bour- 
bon county, Ky., and in 18o(), removed 
to Greene county, 111. Mr. Kennett 
was engaged in tlie mercantile business 
for many years. He died at Carrollton, 
in 1854, his wife having died there, with 
that dreadful disease, cholera, in the 
year 1833. Luther received his educa- 
tion in the university, atSt. Louis, Mo., 
and, after leaving school, proceeded to 
New Orleans, and there engaged, with 
his brother, in a wholesale grocery 
house, in which he remained 20 years. 
Since then he has engaged in sundry 
pursuits, doing considerable traveling, 
particularly through Colorado and the 



1056 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



west. He returned to Carrollton in 
1879, and has since resided here. In 
1862, Mr. Kennettenli.-<tedin the Wash- 
ington artillery, of New Orleans, com- 
manded by Capt. Slocum, and partici- 
j)ated in the engagement at Jackson, 
Miss., where he was taken sick. A few 
days before the battle of Mission Ridge, 
he was detailed to the quartermaster's 
department, as a clerk, and remained 
there until the clo.se of the war. He was 
discharged at Macon, Miss., and returned 
to New Orleans. Press G. Kennett, an 
uncle of Luther M., settled in Carroll- 
ton as early as 1825, and here died. A 
son of his, Luther M., had been mayor 
of St. Louis three terms. Ferdinand, 
another son, was also well and favor- 
ably known in that cit_v. Mortimer, 
too, was a son of his, but all three are 
now deceased. 

Geo. Wright, a retired merchant, of 
Carrollton, was born in Yorkshire, Eng., 
in 1808. He was bound seven years to 
the trade of a carpenter, but before his 
time expired he purchased his inden- 
tures. At 21 he had acquired a liberal 
education, and then turned his attention 
to the New World. Crossing the ocean 
on a sailing vessel, in 1830, he landed 
in New York, where he remained but a 
a short time, when he made his way to 
Greene county, where he first worked 
at his trade and farming. In 1836 he 
made his way to Carrollton, where he 
began life as a merchant, on a very 
small scale indeed. For a period of 20 
year Mr. Wright, who was slowly 
climbing to a front position as a mer- 
chant, bought his goods in St. Louis. 
Year by year lie went steadily forward 
to a successful mercantile career. His 
indomitable will, great industry and 



honesty, brought its reward, and the 
statement is to-day given, on good 
authority, that George Wright was the 
most successful dry goods merchant in 
Greene county. Mr. Wright has been 
twice married. In 1844 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Anna Turnstall, a 
daughter of Jno. Turnstall, ex-mayor of 
Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Wright died in 
18.56. There were four children born 
of this marriage; three are living — 
Warrick, Harry and Lenette. Jan., 1860, 
Mr. Wright was married to Mrs. Lat- 
timer, a sister of his former wife, by 
whom he has two children — Sidney and 
Arthur. Mr. Wright was a participant 
in the Black Hawk war. Mr. M'right 
and wife are members of the Presby- 
terian church. 

John G. F. Powell was born in 
Jamaica Plains, Queens Co., N. Y., Sept. 
4, 1839, and is a son of James H. and 
Jane (Bernard) Powell. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools there, and 
when 16 years of age he went to New 
York city and entered, as errand boy, 
the dry goods house of Perego & Son. 
He made a three year engagement with 
this firm at a graduated salary, but at 
the end of the first year he was pro- 
moted from errand boy to take charge 
of the hosiery department of the busi- 
ness. He served this firm six years, 
and then established a mercantile busi- 
ness in Brooklyn. A year later his 
former employers induced him to sell 
out and take an interest in their busi- 
ness, and he thus became the junior 
partner in the firm of Perego it Son. 
Here he continued until the spring of 
1871. when on account of failing health, 
he withdrew from the firm, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1872, came to Illinois and located 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1057 



at Carrollton. Here he carried on a 
meat market a few months and then 
followed various employments until 1874 
when he became deputy county clerk, 
under L. R. Lakin. He afterwards be- 
came deputy, under John Jones, in the 
sherifTs office, and has served under 
succeeding sheriffs, in like capacity, 
ever since, being now the able assistant 
of Sheriff Morrow. On Oct. 14, 1876, 
Mr. Powell was united in marriage with 
Nellie Brown. They are the parents of 
one son, Harold. In politics Mr. Pow- 
ell is a staunch democrat, as was his 
father before him. He is a member of 
the A. 0. U. W. and K. of H. lodges at 
Carrollton. He is an active business 
man, always at his post of duty, which 
fact has secured him a large circle of '' 
warm friends whose confidence and 
esteem he enjoys. 

Rev. William M. Campbell, pastor of 
the Presbyterian church at Carrollton, 
is a native of Woodstock, Ontario, Can- 
ada, where he was born Jan. 21, 1846. 
He is a son of Murdoch and Ann (Mc- 
Kay) Campbell, natives of Sutherland- 
shire, Scotland. They came to Canada 
about 1835 and engaged in farming, 
after having spent some time in the 
Maritime Provinces. His father died 
in 1881, but his mother still resides in 
Woodstock. William received his ad- 
vanced literary training in Toronto, 
after which he pursued his theological 
studies in Auburn, N. Y., and Chicago, 
111. He was ordained to the ministry 
in the Presbyterian church by the Pres- 
bytery of Saginaw, Synod of Michigan, 
in 1877. After being engaged in mis- 
sionary work in the west, and laboring 
in Michigan, for a year or two, he came 
to Carrollton, in the fall of 1883, and 



took charge of the Presbyterian church, 
where he at jiresent labors. The rela- 
tions between himself and people have 
been pleasant, and the work has, on 
various lines, been moving encourag- 
ingly onward. Rev. Mr. Campbell wa.-; 
united in marriage, in New York city, 
in 1883, shortly after commencing his 
Carrollton pastorate, with Caroline Wil- 
helmine Berbecker, daughter of Julius 
and Emma Marie (Lucneschloss) Ber- 
becker, natives of Germany, in the vi- 
cinity of Cologne. They came to 
America about 1855, and resided in New 
Orleans, Mrs. Campbell's birth-place, 
for a few years. They removed to New 
York city and afterward to Chicago. 
From the latter city, having been burned 
out, Mr. Berbecker removed again to 
New York, engaging in the wdiolesale 
upholsters' hardware business, where 
he at present resides, his wife having 
died in Chicago. Rev. Mr. Campbell 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
He is a contributing member of the 
American Akademe, a philosophical so- 
ciety having its headquarters at Jack- 
sonville, 111. He is also a member of 
the Victoria Institute of Philosophy, of 
London, England, of which the late 
earl of Shaftesbury was president. 

James McPheron was born in Anderson 
county, Tenn., Feb. 8, 1826, his parents 
being Amos and Hettie (Morris) Mc- 
Pheron, the former a native of Tennes- 
see, the latter of Virginia. His parents 
were married in Tennessee, where they 
remained until 1829, when they removed 
to Jacksonville, Morgan county, 111., 
where his father engaged in farming 
about three years. They made the trip 
to this .state in a four-horse wagon, that 
being the only means of conveyance in 



ox 



1058 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



pioneer times. In the winter of 1831, 
they came to Greene county, and located 
in Linder township, where he entered 
80 acres of land, for which he gave $100, 
and what is very remarkable, he is still 
living on the land which he first entered. 
He is now in his 89th year, and is among 
the oldest settlers now in Greene county. 
James was reared on a farm, staying 
with his parents until he was 17 years 
old, when he started out in life for him- 
self, working out from 1843 until 1847. 
He was then married, and settled down 
[ • in Linder township, where he farmed 
■ two years on rented ground. He then 
bought 130 acres of land in the same 
township, on which he remained eight 
years, or until 1858, when he sold out, 
and with his family took a pleasure trip 
to Fayetteville, Ark., where they re- 
mained one winter, returning to Carroll- 
ton in the spring of 1859. Mr. Mc- 
Pheron then engaged in teaming and 
huckstering for one year, and in 1860 
purchased 11] acres of ground on section 
26, which was owned by the Boston 
company. There were no improvements 
on the place, but it cost him $100 per 
acre. On this ground he started in the 
garden and nursery business. He im- 
proved the place, built a nice brick 
house and all necessary out-buildings, 
and the present surroundings show that 
he has been a successful, enterprising 
business man. Four years previous to 
going into the nursery business, he ran 
a grocery store at the C. & A. depot, just 
after the completion of the road. He 
now has a business place at Carrollton, 
opposite the Walker House, where he 
disposes of fruits and vegetables, all of 
which he raises, and he carries on the 
most extensive business of that kind in 



this vicinity. He is located inside the 
city limits, and cultivates 16 acres of 
ground. He was married, Nov. 4, 1847, 
to Amanda C. Cato, daughter of George 
E. and Euphemia (Rief) Cato. By this 
union there are six children — Edwin N., 
married Katie Doublebower, resides in 
Greenfield; Ella, wife of John Scruby, 
living at Roodhouse; Anna E., wife of 
L. W. Looniis, of Carrollton; Laura B., 
wife of John Clough, Jr., of Carrollton 
township; Robert A., married Maggie 
E. Camp, resides in Carrollton; and 
James C, at home. Mr. McPheronhas 
a floral department in connection with 
his business, which was organized on a 
small scale, in 1882, by Robert, who is 
the florist. It is now one of the largest 
greenhouses in the county. It is 18x70 
feet in size, is covered with 1,600 feet of 
glass, and is the only house in the county 
heated with hot-water pipes. 

William C. Kennett, a native of Mil- 
lersburg, Bourbon county, Ky., was 
born Feb. 6, 1814, his parents being 
Dixon H. and Fanny (Wilson) Kennett. 
D. H. Kennett was a native of Mary- 
land, born in 1782. He came to Illi- 
nois at an early day, and was a mechanic 
and justice of the peace at Carrollton. 
Mrs. Kennett was a native of Pendle- 
ton county, Ky, Her father was a native 
of Virginia, and was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. He departed this 
life in the year 1854. Mrs. Kennett 
died with the cholera in 1833. William 
was educated in the common schools, 
and afterward clerked in a dry goods 
store in St. Louis. He then engaged as 
clerk on a steamboat for a number of 
years, and subsequently was employed 
by an insurance company, as book- 
keeper, during which time his health 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



10.")i) . 



failed and he decided to take a trip to 
the Rocky mountains to see if possibly 
he might be benefitted. He traveled 
with a party of some fifty persons, 
among whom were Father De Smet, and 
several Englishmen, who were journey- 
ing for pleasure. Many of them died 
on the way, but Mr. Kennet improved 
so in health, that he increased in weight 
from 128 pounds to 192 pounds in six 
months. He returned to St. Louis, and 
from there removed to New Orleans, 
where he engaged in the commission 
business, in which he continued until 
the breaking out of the civil war, which 
caused his failure. Since then he re- 
turned to St. Louis, where he again 
engaged in the commission business, 
until having acquired a competency, 
he decided to retire from business. 
This he did, and took up his place 
of residence at Carrollton, where he has 
been for the past eight years. He first 
came to this city in 1831, remaining but 
a short time and often afterwards he 
made visits here. In the year 1847, 
Mr. Kennett was united in marriage 
with Julia Clapp, daughter of Benjamin 
Clapp, a native of New York. Julia 
was born March 5, 1829, in New York 
city. By the above marriage they are 
the parents of 7 children — Fannie, 
Alfred, Violet, Lucy, Dixon H., Grace 
and Agnes. The family are members 
of the Episcopal church. Mr. Kennett 
has many friends, being highly esteemed 
for his many good qualities. 

Thomas D. Price, of the Carrollton 
Gazette, was born March 22, 1836, in New 
York city, and is a son of Geo. B. and 
Mary A. (Green) Price, the former a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, the latter of 
England. In 1838 they moved to St. 



Louis, where they resided a short time, 
his father being engaged in the Bulletin 
office, now the St. Louis Itepublican. 
From there they removed to Bowling 
Green, Mo., where Geo. B. edited, 
printed and published the first religious 
paper ever published in that state. Two 
years after, they removed to Pittsfield, 
111., where he was engaged in publish- 
ing a paper for 'Squire Noyes, remaining 
there two years. He then removed in 
Carlisle, there publishing the Tratli- 
Teller for about two years, and from there 
came to Carrollton, establishing the 
Gazette, June 26, 1847, since which time 
they have resided here. In 1882, Geo. 
B. turned the office over to Thomas, 
who with his brother Matthew N., 
and his brother-in-law, H. S. Clay, 
took charge of it, the two latter being 
connected with it about two years. In 
1878 they established the Jacksonville 
Courier, under the firm name of Mes.-^rs. 
T. D. Price & Co., Mathcw N. Price and 
H. S. Clay conducting it. They puli- 
lished this paper about six year.s, and 
then sold out to Doying & Hinrichsen. 
Thomas D., during the time of this en- 
terprise, had remained in Carrollton, 
conducting the Gazette, andin July, 1881, 
had admitted H. H. Montgomery as a 
l)artner. This firm continued until May, 
1883, when H. P. Farrelly purchased 
Montgomery's interest in the enterprise, 
since being ably conducted under the 
firm name of Price & Farrelly. Mr. 
Price was married Oct. 3, 1861, to Mary 
J. Ploward, daughter of Jordan an<l 
Eveline (Rider) Howard. By this union 
there is one child — George Howard, 
who was born on the 21st Dec,, 1863. 
Mr. Price is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 
and K. of H. lodges. 



1060 



HISTORY' OF GREENE COUNTY. 



QHAPTi^KR XXVI. 



WHITE HALL TOWNSHIP. 



The civil sub-division of the county of 
Greene, known as White Hall, isoneof 
the most irregularly shaped of any. It 
lies in the northern part of the county, 
and is bounded on the north by Rood- 
house township, on the east by Athens- 
ville and Wrights, on the south by Car- 
rollton township, from'which it is sep- 
arated by Apple creek, and on the west 
by Walkerville and Patterson town- 
ships. It comprises about 42 sections 
of some as tine land as there is in this 
section of the state. Apple creek, with 
its tributaries, chief among which are 
Seminary and Wolf creeks, afford ample 
drainage. Some portions of this terri- 
tory are high, rolling prairie, stretching 
in "airy undulations, far away," while 
others are more hilly and covered with 
a mature growth of valuable timber. 
The soil has the same general character- 
istics that have made this portion of the 
state so famous in agricultural history, 
and is prolific and fertile beyond com- 
pare. The C, A. & St. L., and the C, 
B. & Q. railroads traverse a portion of 
this township, meeting at the city of 
White Hall, where both have stations. 
These unequalled railroad facilities 
have doubtless, been an important fac- 
tor in the building up and development 
of this portion of the county. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

There seems to be no doubt but that 
the first settler north of Apple creek 



was James Henderson. He first crossed 
that stream in Aug., 1818. His family 
settled here, as soon as he could get a 
cabin up, which was not until the fol- 
lowing j'ear. 

The same summer of 1819, Thomas 
and Samuel Allen, Thomas Rattan, Levi 
Reeder, and others crossed Apple creek, 
attracted by the beauty of the land, and 
made settlements. 

Thomas Allen and his brother also 
built the first mill in tliis county at this 
point on Apple creek, near the present 
site of New Providence. Thomas Allen 
was one of the prominent men of that 
early day. He was a large, corpulent 
man, weighing over 250 pounds, and was 
good natured and jolly, and especially 
delighted in romping with children. He 
had a great love for the young folks, 
common to all men of his build. His 
mill, of which a history is given further 
on, was one of the leading institutions 
of the county, in its day, and for many 
years the place was known as Allen's 
mill. He died at this place about the 
year 1833. 

Thomas Rattan did not live here very 
long, for when the new county seat was 
laid out in 1821, he removed to that lo- 
cality, where he finished the first house, 
and where he kept the only tavern or 
hotel in the place. Mr. Rattan repre- 
sented this district in the general assem- 
bly of the state several times, and is 
noticed in that connection, in the chap- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1061 



ter entitled National, State and County 
Representation. 

All of those jiarties settled just east of 
the road now leading from Carrollton to 
White Hall, except, that part of Thomas 
Rattan's land lay to the west of it. 

In the autumn of the same year, 1819, 
Zachariah and John Allen, Isaac Hill 
and others crossed the creek, and aug- 
mented the little settlement. 

William Allen came to what is now 
Greene county in 1818, and settled in 
White Hall township, in 1819. He was 
born in Rowan county, N. C, July 17, 
1798, and was the son of Thomas and 
Mary (Pinkerton) Allen. He came to 
what is now the city of Alton, in 1817, 
and coming to this county looked the 
country over, and, in the spring of 1818, 
came here as above. He lived here 
until his death, April 4, 1874. He had 
a family of nine children, seven of 
whom are living. He and his wife were 
members of the United Presbyterian 
church, and he was a staunch democrat. 
During the war of 1812, Mr. Allen was a 
soldier in the United States army, and 
participated in the glorious victory at 
New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815. Mr. Allen 
was a man much respected by all, and 
held several local offices in the county. 

Seldon Beebe, a native of the "Key- 
stone State," and his wife, Fidelia 
(Bushnell) Beebe, came to Illinois in 
1818, and made a settlement on Apple 
Creek Prairie, in this township, in 1820. 
In a short time he removed to Bluffdale, 
and located under the bluffs, where he 
resided until 1853, when be died. His 
wife, who was a native of Connecticut, 
survived him until 1870, when she too, 
was called to the other shore. 

William Speaks came with the others, 



from Tennessee, in 1819, and located on 
Apple creek, in what is now White Hall 
township. The first winter, for it was 
late in the fall when they came here, 
they were unable to put up a house, or 
get one, so they were compelled to camp 
out all that inclement season, by the 
side of a big log. While roughing it in 
this fashion, a child was born unto 
them. 

William Speaks was born in Mary- 
land, Jan. 17, 1782, his father being a 
native of North Carolina, his mother of 
Welsh descent. His wife was Sarah 
Orten, born July 14, 1782, in Rowan 
county, N. C. William removed to 
North Carolina when quite young, and 
later on, was married there. He then 
removed to Tennessee, and after five 
years, came to Greene county. 111., in 
the fall of 1819, accompanied by the 
Aliens, Morrows and Bells. They set- 
tled on Apple creek, near White Hall. 
Mr. Speaks lived on the old homestead 
until he was too old to work, when he 
sold out and, with his wife, removed to 
Greenfield, where they spent the bal- 
ance of their days with their daughter, 
Mrs. N. C. Woolley. He died July 3, 
1854, of cancer, and his wife died Oct. 
11, 1864. Both were members of the 
Baptist church. They had raised a 
family of nine children. 

Francis Bell, a Tennessean, came to 
this county in 1819, and settled upon a 
farm on Apple creek prairie, in this 
township. He lived here many years, 
and died in Tallula, this state, in June, 
1866. 

Francis M. Bell was horn in Upper 
Alton, 111., March 15, 1819, and was the 
son of Francis and Elizabeth (Allen) 
Bell. Francis M. came with his par- 




ents to this county in 1819, when hut 
an infant. His parents settled on Ap- 
ple Creek Prairie, where F. M. was 
reared. His mother died in 1835, his 
father in 1866. Francis M. was married 
June 4, 1840, to Margaret A. Morrow, 
by which union there were four chil- 
dren. Mrs. Bell died March 29, 1861. 
Hept. 2, 1862, he was again married to 
Jane F. Allen. By her there were born 
four children, three of whom died in 
extreme infancy. Mr. Bell was elected 
sheriff as before stated, serving with 
faithfulness. He was the owner of the 
mill at Belltown, from 1853 till 1870. 
Upon the expiration of his term of 
office moved to Wrights township, where 
he resided, upon a farm until Sept. 6, 
1879, when he died. 

A little school was organized in the 
winter of 1819, which was taught by 
AVilliam Welch, and the young settlers 
attended to their early education. 

In the year 1820, Charles Kitchen 
made a settlement in T. 12, R. 12, and 
is believed to have been the pioneer of 
this part of the township. He made 
some improvements on section 27, in 
the fall of the above year. He was 
afterward a Baptist minister, but was 
guilty of misconduct and left the county 
under a cloud. 

With him came Lewis Roberts, who 
located, also, upon section 27, where he 
resided many years. He was a native 
of North Carolina, born in 1797. In 
early youth he became a resident of 
Kentucky, where he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Rebecca Day. In 1820 he 
set out from Kentucky to Illinois in a 
covered wagon. He became quite pros- 
perous, owning some 600 acres of land, 
and died here. 



About a month after these men had 
shown the way, John Thompson fol- 
lowed them and located on the same 
section, where he passed many years. 
Mr. Thompson taught the first school 
in this part of White Hall township, in 
1823, and was the first justice of the 
peace. 

Thomas Rattan came to this part of 
the county in 1820, and built a cabin, 
and put up the first ox-mill and dis- 
tillery in this township, which he run 
but a short time, for on the organization 
of the county, and the laying out of the 
county seat, he removed to Carrollton, 
where he lived for years. 

David J. Seeley, came to Greene 
county, in 1820, but effected no perma- 
nent settlement until 1824, when he lo- 
cated on Sec. 33, T. 12, R. 12, in what 
is now known as White Hall town.^hip. 
Here he remained until 1833, when he 
removed to Galena, and engaged in the 
mining business. He afterward re- 
moved to Wisconsin, where he died 
May 4, 1868. 

Probably James Martin Allen was 
the first settler on the site of White 
Hall. A native of Tennessee, he was 
born in 1794. He found a home in 
Greene county as early as 1820. Shortly 
after his arrival he was married to Eliz- 
abeth A. Morrow\ For manj' years he 
kept the only inn, or tavern, on the 
property now owned by Mr. Adams. 
When the present town of White Hall 
was laid out, he concluded to settle on 
a farm, and accordingly purchased a 
tract on Lorton's Prairie. He died in 
1873, and his wife 11 months prior. 

Andrew Pinkerton came to this settle- 
ment, in 1820. He was born in Ken- 
tucky, in Dec, 1799. He was married 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1068 



in 1825 to Ellen Johnson, by whom he 
had seven children. 

Cyrus Tolman, who was afterward 
identified with the official life of the 
county, came to this settlement in 1820, 
and located upon 120 acres of land on 
Sec. 2, T. 11, R. 12, south of White 
Hall, where he resided several years. 
He was a native of Massachusetts, and 
his wife, Polly (Eldredge) Tolman, of 
Ohio. From the place of his first set- 
tlement he removed to Sec. 36, T. 12, 
R. 12. After a time spent here, he sold 
out and bought 280 acres of land in Jer- 
sey township, Jersej' county, where he 
died April 16, 1876. His wife died Oct. 
17, 1860. He was the father of W. 0. 
Tolman, who was born in this county 
in 1869. Cyrus was a member of the first 
grandjury of Greene county. 

Charles Baines, deceased, was born in 
Yorkshire, Eng., Feb. 8, 1797, and was 
a son of Robert and Margaret A. (Walls) 
Baines, natives of England. His father 
was a rope-maker by trade, as was also 
his son Charles, who followed that 
occupation until coming to this country. 
In 1820 they came to Greene county, 
111., his father entering 160 acres of 
land, and Charles, 80 acres, both on 
section 11, in this township. His father 
afterward sold out, and resided with his 
son, Solomon, until his death, which 
occurred in Dec, 1848. Charles had 
also entered 160 acres of land on section 
23, and he afterward erected on this a 
large two-story brick dwelling, and 
there resided the balance of his days, 
his death occurring Dec. 25, 1865. He 
was beloved by all, being an honest, up- 
right citizen, an affectionate husband 
and father, and a friend to the needy 
and distressed. Being among the ear- 



liest settlers of the county, he had wit- 
nessed the development of a vast wil- 
derness into a flourishing and wealthy 
county. At the time of his death, he 
owned 400 acres of land, thus leaving 
his family in comfortable circumstances. 
He was married Aug. 17, 1850, to Jane 
Milnes, a daughter of Adam and Mary 
Milnes, and this union was blesse'd with 
three children — Charles, Solomon, and 
Henry. Mrs. Baines had a family of 
five children by a former marriage. 
They are — John, who married Jane 
Edwards, and resides in Rockbridge; 
Joseph, married Mary Green, and re- 
sides in Carrollton; Mary, wife of J. 
Umpton, living in Scott county; David, 
married Nellie Kendall, and resides 
near White Hall; and Thomas, married 
to Virginia Starks, and residing in 
Linder township. The family now own 
the estate that was left them by Mr. 
Baines, and Mrs. Baines is now enjoy- 
ing the comforts of life, which are the 
result of her own and her husband's in- 
dustry. 

William Potts, one of the Argonauts 
of 1820, located upon Sec. 33, T. 12, R. 
12, the Rattan place. He was an En- 
glishman by birth. He entered 80 acres 
prairie, anfl 80 of timlier land, and built 
a log cabin in which he lived for several 
years. He then traded for another 
quarter of the same section, and built a 
good hewed log cabin, a story and a 
half high, where he passed the balance 
of his life. He died in 1862. His son, 
Elam A. Potts, born in 1821, is one of 
the oldest living residents of the county. 

With him came Jeremiah Smith, who 
settled on the same section. 

In 1820, Henry and Cyrus Griswobl 
made a settlement on Sec. 5. T. 11, R.12. 



nria iltrtrlY'rV' fi~ 



1064 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Henry, commonly called Harry, and 
Cyrus Griswold, deceased, were born in 
Waltham, Addison connty, Vt., Harry 
being born Jan. 9, 1790, and Cyrus, 
Sept. 15, 1792. Their parents were 
Adonijah and Mary (Barton) Griswold, 
natives of Vermont. In the spring of 
1819, Cyrus Griswold, in company with 
Capt. Spencer and others, came to Mis- 
souri in wagons, and in the fall of the 
same year, returned by wagon to Ver- 
mont, in company with Caleb Post. In 
the spring of 1820, Harry and Cyrus, in 
company with Capt. Richard Robley 
and Desire, his wife, their sister, and 
others, comprising a company of between 
30 and 40 persons, started on their way 
to Illinois, the train consisting of 16 
wagons, Mrs. Robley being the only 
woman in the company. She and her 
brother Cyrus, did the cooking for the 
company. After bedng on the road 10 
weeks they arrived in Missouri, in what 
is called Bonhomme bottom, on the Mis- 
souri river, some 35 miles west of St. 
Louis. Not being satisfied with the 
prospect, part of the company built a 
Hat-boat, on which they loaded their 
effects, bringing them down the Missouri 
river, and up the Illinois, opposite to 
what is now called Bluffdale, in this 
county, the others bringing their teams, 
all this occurring in 1820. Capt. Robley 
and others located at BluftVlale, and Har- 
ry and Cyrus on Apple Creek Prairie, 
on Sec. 6, T. 11, R. 12, where they built 
a log cabin, and for a time kept bach- 
elor's hall. The next year D.E.Woolley 
moved in and kept house for them. 
Dec. 24, 1823, Cyrusmarried Abby Post, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stick- 
les) Post, then residents of Missouri. 
John Post was a brother of Col. Justus 



Post, who was educated at West Point, 
and served his country in the war of 
1S12, with credit to himself and country. 
She is still living on the old homestead, 
and is the oldest settler now living on 
Apple Creek Prairie, having lived on 
the homestead 63 years. She has prob- 
ably seen more changes than any one 
now living in the neighborhood. The 
Post family are all natives of Addison 
county, Vt. After marriage they com- 
menced life in the log cabin above 
spoken of, with hut few conveniences. 
Her husband and Harry, being pos- 
sessed of energy and ingenuity, soon 
manufactured the necessary furniture 
out of such materials as could he ob- 
tained at that date, to supply their pres- 
ent wants, and make them quite com- 
fortable for the time being. The churn 
that was made of mulberry wood, at 
that time, is still in use by the Tunison 
family, and a number of other articles 
that were then made, are still in use. 
In the spring of 1824 they moved from 
their first location to a tract of land on 
Sec. 5, T. 11, R. 12, where they had 
built a story and a half hewed log house 
weathered on the outside with shaved 
boards, it then being considered the 
best house in the neighborhood. Here 
they erected a wagon shop in which 
Cyrus worked, while Harry worked on 
the farm, except in very busy times, 
when they both worked on the farm and 
in the shop. Cyrus being considered 
the best wagon-maker in the county, 
they had an extensive sale for their 
wagons. Oct. 5, 1826, Harry was mar- 
ried to Maria Post, daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Stickles) Post, of Mis- 
souri, and sister of Abby. Previous to 
his marriage, the brothers built a hewed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



1065 



log house similar to the one before men- 
tioned, on the same tract of land, and 
continued their partnership business as 
before, which proved remunerative. 
They soon accuniuhited considerable 
wealth by the shop and farm connected. 
Money being in demand at that time, 
all of it not needed in their business was 
loaned to advantage on real estate and 
in other ways. Cyrus Griswold died 
July 28, 1838, from being overheated in 
the harvest field, only living three da^^s 
after taking sick. Dr. \\'ood, of Car- 
rollton, was the attending ])liysician, 
who is still living at the age of about 90 
years. About this time the money 
crisis came, and Cyrus' death was a 
heavy blow upon Harry, leaving him 
with all the partnership business to 
settle. They having large sums of 
money loaned on real estate, he was 
forced to foreclose mortgages, and 
thereby came in possession of consider- 
able land, besides many losses otherwise. 
Previous to Cyrus' death, tlie two broth- 
ers had contemplated building each a 
house, botli of the same pattern, and 
exactly alike in every particular, and 
Harry, the surviving one, carried out 
the contemplated plan to the letter, in 
every respect, thus proving his devo- 
tion and his high estimation of his 
brother's counsel. These buildings were 
erected in 1845, of brick, about 40 rods 
distant from each other. After the 
houses were built, in 1841-42, the 
partnership was dissolved, and the lands 
divided, sold, and equally distributed 
among the proper heirs. C'yrus Gris- 
wold was a Master Mason of Dorchester 
lodge. No. 320, Vergenncs, Vt., having 
been made a mason about the year 1816, 
and received his demit Aug. 20, 1820, 



He was the father of three children 
— Justus, who died June 9, 1829, age, 
14 months; Rosetta, born April 1, 1832; 
and Lucy, born Jan. 8, 1836, the latter 
two now living. Harry Griswold died 
Oct. 15, 1850; and Maria, his wife died 
Aug. 31, 1854, in St. Louis county, Mo., 
while on a visit there, her disease being 
cholera. She lies l)uried in Fe Fee 
cemetery with her brothers and sisters. 
Their chihhen were — Delia, born Oct. 
6, 1827, died Oct. 27, 1827; Henry Ado- 
nijah, born Dec. 29, 1828; John, born 
Jan. 24, 1832, died Oct. 20, 1832; Loyal 
Post, born Aug. 14, 1833; Mary E., born 
Oct. 31, 1836; Geo., born Sept. 26, 1839, 
died Oct. 26, 1862; Emily, born Jan. 
28, 1843; and Lois, born Nov. 1, 1846. 
Henry Griswold was made a Master Ma- 
son in Dorchester lodge, No. 320, Ver- 
gennes, Vt., and was raised to the de- 
gree of R. A. M. about the year 1815. 
After coining to Greene county, he was 
among the first in organizing White 
Hall lodge, No. 80, he being one of the 
charter members. No one stood higher 
in the estimation of his brother masons 
than he. He lived and practiced the prin- 
ciples of masonry in every respect, and 
was charitable to all, at all times help- 
ing the needy and comforting the dis- 
tressed. He was a delegate to the grand 
lodge of masons, held in Shawneetown 
in Oct., 1850, having gone there after 
the charter for White Hall lodge, No. 80. 
He died in three days after his return, 
and was buried with masonic honors. 
The history of these two brothers was 
identical up to the death of Cyi-us, who 
died at the age of 45 years. Both were 
energetic, industrious, honorable and 
upright men, noted for their benevolence 
to the poor, their kindness to the sii k 



1066 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



and sufferinsT, their honesty and truth- 
fulness in all dealings with their fellow 
men. 

Loyal P. Griswold was born in Greene 
county, 111., Aug. 14, 1833, his parents 
being Harry and Maria (Post) Gris- 
wold, natives of Vermont. Five chil- 
dren, out of the family of eight, are 
now living — Henry, married Sallie E. 
Baker, and resides on the homestead; 
Loyal P., the subject of this sketch; 
Mary E., wife of George W. Barton, re- 
siding in New Haven, Vt.; Emily, sin- 
gle, and residing with her sis^ter in Ver- 
mont; Lois, wife of Albert H. Chapin, 
residing in in Franklin county, Kan. 
Loj'al P. Griswold was raised on the 
old homestead, remaining there until 
he had reached the age of 23 years, 
when he started out in life for himself. 
He was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 
1856, with Nancy C. Swallow, daughter 
of Guy and Catherine Swallow. After 
marriage he lived on the homestead one 
year and then moved to Manchester 
Prairie, where he bought 160 acres of 
land, which h.e farmed six years. This 
he then traded for 160 acres on Sec. 5, T. 
11, R. 12, on to which he moved and 
has since remained there. He has 
made many improvements on this place, 
and his residence, with all its surround- 
ings, show him to be a gentleman of 
taste and enterprise. He has traveled 
through Nebraska, Kansas and Colo- 
rado, and while in Nebraska purchased 
a tract of land which he yet owns. He 
also owns 477 acres in this county, and 
has an interest in something over 300 
acres, located in Jersey, Macoupin and 
Clinton counties. Mr. and Mrs. Gris- 
wold have been blessed with a family of 
eight children, five of whom are living 



— Allen C;., Hattie M., Harry, Lucian 
Guy, and Frank. The children de- 
ceased are — Lucius J., born Nov. 2, 
1857, died Oct. 20, 1865; Emma F., bora 
Nov. 4, 1862, died Oct. 7, 1865; Effie, 
born Nov. 7, 1877, died July 14, 1878. 
Mr. Griswold is a member of the grange 
lodge, and in his political views is with 
the republicans. He is one of our most 
substantial farmers and stands high in 
the estimation of all who know him. 

Henry Tunison was born in Somerset 
county, N. J., March 2, 1828, and is a 
soil of Henry and Sarah (Castner) Tun- 
ison, natives of New Jersey. They re- 
moved from that state to Illinois, arriv- 
ing in Greene county July 28, 1838, and 
locating first on what is known as the 
Kendall farm, one mile south of White 
Hall. They remained there that win- 
ter, and then his father rented another 
farm for one year. In the spring of 
1840, he purchased 180 acres of land on 
section 15, in this township, moved liis 
family there and remained until the 
winter of 1845. His wife died July 28, 
1844, and he was again married in the 
spring of 1845. He then removed 
northwest of the homestead, about four 
miles, and resided there until his death 
Oct. 12, 1864, in the 81st year of his 
age, he having been born Jan. 13, 1788. 
He was a successful farmer and stood 
high in the estimation of all his ac- 
quaintances. He left a family of six 
sons and two daughters. Henry re- 
mained at home until he was 20 years 
of age, assisting his parents with the 
duties pertaining to the farm, and then 
started out to do for himself. He and 
his brother, Jacob, bought a separator 
and engaged in threshing for about five 
years. It was the third machine that 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1067 



was ever run in the county, hence it was 
quite a remunerative occupation. After 
being thus engaged for five years, he 
abandoned that and turned his atten- 
tion to farming. He and Jacob took 
the homestead in 1846, having bought 
the other heirs out, and they farmed it 
for one year. Henry then bought his 
brother's interest and it has since been 
his phice of residence. He was united 
in marriage June 14, 1848, with Rosetta 
Griswold, daughter of Cyrus and Abby 
(Post) Griswold, a sketch of whom ap- 
pears in this volume. This union has 
been blessed with a family of six chil. 
dren, three of whom are living — George 
C, Abbie L. and Harry 0. The ones 
deceased are an infant; Addie E., who 
died at the age of 11 years; and Laura, 
who was married Sept. 19, 1876, to 
James H. Kirby, of Jersey county, 111., 
died Sept. 4, isSS, in her 29th' year. 
All his children received a liberal edu- 
cation, George C, at the State Univer- 
sity, at Champaign, 111.; Laura \., at 
Greenville, 111.; and Abbie L., at the 
M. E. College, of Jacksonville, 111. In 
1870, Mr. Tunison went to Kansas and 
southwest Missouri, and while in Kan- 
sas he purchased a tract of land, in 
Cherokee county, which he still owns. 
In a short time, after purchasing there, 
ho returned liome and resumed farming. 
He has traveled all through Nebraska 
and Iowa, and through most all the 
southern and eastern states. Previous 
to going to Kansas, or in the fall of 
1866, he purchased a half interest in 
the flouring mill known as Bell's mill, 
and continued in partnership until 1870, 
afterward trading it for land in Mis- 
souri. Mr. Tunison now owns 1,4.% 
acres of land and valuable town prop- 



erty in White Hall. He deals in stock 
of all grades, hut principally in the 
short-horn. He is one of the substan- 
tial farmers of this county, and stands 
high in the estimation of all, being es- 
teemed for his enterprise, honesty and 
sociability. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity of White Hall, and 
is supervisor of White Hall township. 
Jacob D. Tunison, a prominent resi- 
dent of Greene county, is a native of 
Somerset county, N. J., born Oct. 4, 
1825, his parents being Henry and Sarah 
(Castner) Tunison, natives of New Jer- 
sey. They came to Greene county, 111., 
in 1838, locating one mile south of White 
Hall. They remained there until the 
spring of 1840, when they purchased 180 
acres of land, moved on to it, and resided 
there until 184-5. Henry, the father, 
died Oct. 12, 1864. Jacob D. was reared 
on a farm, assisting his parents until he 
was 21 years of age. He and his brother 
Henry, then took charge of the home- 
stead, and farmed there one year, when 
he sold out his interest to his brother 
Henry. He then purchased a tract of 
land on Parmer's prairie, in Jersey 
county, and went there to improve the 
farm. At the expiration of one year he 
sold it and bought 220 acres on Sec. 11, 
T. 11, R. 12, on which he moved, and 
whore he still resides. In 1870 he went 
to Kansas, and while there purchased a 
tract of land. He now owns 900 acres 
of fine land. 600 of which is under cul- 
tivation and lies in Greene county. 111. 
Mr. Tunison has been married twice. 
Sept. 3, 1847, he was married to Ann E. 
Schuyler, a daughter of Josepli and 
Maria (Woodman) Schuyler. She died 
on the 12th of May, 1848. He was again 
married Oct 10, 1852, to Lucy Griswold, 



1068 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



daughter of Cyrus and Abby (Post) Gris- 
vvold. This union has been blessed with 
a family of 10 children, eight of whom 
are living — Mary, wife of Dr. J.W. Red- 
wine, of White Hall; Ella, Lucius, 
Alice, Carrie, Ward C, Ada and Nita. 
Those deceased are Albert B., who died 
Dec. 6. 1877, aged 17 years; Frank D., 
died Dec. 11, 1877, aged 15 years. In 
connection with farming, Mr. Tunison 
deals in stock, especially in thorough- 
bred short horn cattle. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, of White 
Hall. He stands high in business and 
social circles, being highly esteemed for 
his enterprise and fair dealing. 

Charles Gregory came to this county 
in 1821, and entering land on Sec. 11, 
T. 11, R. 12, resided there until his 
death, in May, 1845. He was largely 
identified with the official life of this 
county, and a sketch of him is given in 
detail in the chapter devoted to repre- 
sentation. 

Absalom Frame and William Hudson 
made settlements on section 35, in 1821, 
where they lived for many years. 

Redmond Strickland, with his family, 
came to Greene county in 1821, and set- 
tled on Sec. 32, T. 12, R. 11. He re- 
sided inT. 11, R. 11, on Sec. 6, at the 
time of his death, April 19, 1849. He 
was from Tennessee, and moved to San- 
gamon county, 111., where he was united 
in marriage with Phoebe Lakin. His 
wife died Jan. 12, 1849. They had 10 
children. He was a soldier in the war 
of 1812-15, and in the Black Hawk war. 

James H. Whiteside came into what 
is now Greene county, about 1821, and 
settled on Apple Creek Prairie, in this 
township, although he had settled in 
Jersey county, which was then a part of 



Greene, in 1817. He was a native of 
Rutherford county, N. C, born in 1782. 
While yet in infancy his parents moved 
to the small French settlement at St. 
Louis, Mo., wheie his father, Thomas 
S., buiit what was known as Whiteside's 
Station, w'hich was used as a protection 
against the Indians. On the breaking 
out of the war of 1812, James White- 
side enlisted and was made major of one 
of the Missouri regiments. He re- 
mained a citizen of St. Louis until June 
10, 1817, when he located in Jersey 
county as above menlioned, and after- 
ward removed to this count)'. He died 
here in March, 1862. 

In 1821, Sec. 8, of T. 11, R. 12, re- 
ceived a family of settlers in the persons 
of Asahel North, his wife, Prudence 
(Swallow) North, and the children of 
their union. He was a native of Con- 
necticut, and his wife of Vermont. He 
entered 600 acres of land on coming 
here, and built a rough, log cabin, in 
which they dwelt several years, and 
then erected a large, two story frame 
building into which thej' moved. Here, 
in 1846, Mr. North peacefully breathed 
his last. He was one of the greatest 
financiers of his day, and was noted for 
his financial sagacity. 

Benjamin Smith came to Greene 
county in 1822, and settled about one 
mile and a quarter southeast of where 
White Hall now stands. 

Alfred Hinton made a settlement on 
Apple Creek Prairie, in 1822. A sketch 
of him is given elsewhere. 

James Morrow, a native of North 
Carolina, came to Greene county in the 
fall of 1824, and crossing Apple creek, 
journeyed until he had reached a point 
north of the site of White Hall, where 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1069 



he made a settlement, and resided until 
1848, then moved to the suburbs of that 
city, and in 1850 to Roodhouse town- 
ship, where he died some six years 
later. 

Lemuel Stubblefiekl and family came 
to what is now known as White Hall 
township, in the spring of 1827. and 
after renting several pieces of land, in 
1830, located on some land in that pre- 
cinct, where they lived for some years. 
Lemuel died at Greenfield, at the resi- 
dence of his son, in 1851), his widow in 
1863. 

Adonijah Griswold made a settle- 
ment in this township, on Apple Creek 
Prairie, in 1828, being induced to re- 
move here from his native state, Ver- 
mont, by some of his children, who 
had already located in this region. Mr. 
Griswold was reared in Vermont, where 
he was also married to Mary Barton. 
He served in the war 1812, and during 
that struggle was taken prisoner by the 
British troops and placed in prison. 
After an incarceration of some time, lie 
succeeded in effecting an escape, by 
scaling the prison walls, only to be rc- 
cajitured and returned to his place of 
confinement, receiving 20 lashes as a 
j)enalty for seeking freedom. At the 
expiration of three years, however, he 
was released. He remained a resident 
of this township until his death, Sept. 
1, 1811. The widowed wife and mother 
survived him until 1844. 

Among the early settlers of this part 
of the county was Samuel Doyle, who 
came here in 1829, settling upon section 
36. A sketch of this pioneer is given 
elsewhere. 

John Martin made a settlement on 
what was afterward known as Martin's 



Prairie, in 1829, where he lived until 
1864, when he died. 

James Fears came to this county from 
Tennessee, in March, 1829, and settled 
upon section 6, of this township, where 
he remained until 1830, when he re- 
moved to Walkerville township, where 
he afterward died. 

Hezekiah Boring and his family came 
to this state in 1829, and liking the looks 
of this county stuck his stakes in what 
is now White Hall township. He 
passed the winter of the dc^ep snow, in 
1830-31, in the old orchard on what is 
now Harry Roodhouse's farm. He af- 
terward removed to Rubicon township, 
where he died. 

The Ballard family, consisting of the 
father, mother and three diildren, came 
to Greene county, in the fall of 1829, in 
a covered wagon. They located near 
the present site of Berdan, and spent 
the first winter in a rude log shanty, 
which was open at one end, but which 
ojjening was closed during very severe 
weather, with a blanket. A large open 
fire-place in the other end of the house, 
or room, for there was only one room, 
with ample space to receive huge back 
logs and plenty of fuel, that when fairlj' 
ablaze warmed up the atmosphere con- 
siderably, and made it endurable, even 
when the keen, cutting blasts of a cold 
winter swept the jirairic, andamongthe 
leafless branches of the trees. The 
next spring he built a more comfortable 
cabin. 

Bcnjan)in Roodhouse, a native of 
Yorkshire, Eng., came to the "Land of 
the Free," in Dec, 1830, locating in 
White Hall township, Greene county, 
on section 14. He was married twice. 
He died Aug. 3, 1831. His wife sur- 



1070 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



vived him until 1860, rearing a large 
family. 

Ezekiel Edwards, who died here in 
1853, settled near the town of New 
Providence in 1830. Later he removed 
to a place near Berdan, where he passed 
the remainder of his days. His wife 
Polly (Rucker) Edwards, died in 18.39. 

William Driver made a settlement on 
Apple Creek Prairie in 1830. He was a 
native of North Carolina, Pie died in 
this county, in an early day. 

Edgar Griswold, a native of Addison 
county, Vt., was born Jan. 2, 1820, his 
parents being David E. and Lydia 
(Twitchell) Griswold, natives of Ver- 
mont. His father came to Illinois in 
1829, and spent that winter in Greene 
county, returning to Vermont in the 
summer of 1830, where he remained 
mained until Aug. 24, 1831. Then, with 
his family of five cliildren — Melissa, 
Sophia, Damon, Edgar and Edwin, he 
started back to Illinois, coming all the 
way in wagons. There were seven 
wagons in the excursion and they were 
seven weeks in making the trip. On 
his arrival here, David Griswold located 
on 160 acres of land on section 9, in 
what is now Carrollton township. This 
was partially improved, there being a 
small log cabin, a corn crib, and a smoke 
house thereon, and it was what was 
then called second-hand land. There 
he resided until he was called hence by 
the grim hand of death, Aug. 24, 1875. 
A remarkable coincidence is noticejible 
in connection with that date. He left 
Vermont on August 24, his eldest son 
died Aug. 24, and his death occurred 
Aug. 24. Edgar, the subject of this 
sketch, was reared on a farm, and re- 
mained at home until he had reached the 



age of 20 years. He was then married 
and started out in life for himself, locat- 
ing at first near Greenfield, where he 
owned 160 acres of land, on to which he 
moved and remained there five years. 
He then exchanged farms with his 
brother Edwin, and moved back to the 
homestead, where he resided several 
years. From there he removed to Ma- 
coupin county, where he purchased 320 
acres of land, on which he remained 
two years, then sold out and again re- 
turned to the homestead where he has 
since resided. In 1868 he took a trip to 
California, going by way of New York, 
and down across the Isthmus of Panama, 
and was accompanied by his brother-in- 
law, John North. They visited the 
cities of San Francisco and Sacramento, 
and on their return traveled 800 miles 
by stage. Mr. Griswold has accumu- 
lated a great deal of property, and now 
owns 725 acres of rich land, 480 of which 
lies in Christian county. On the 12th 
of March, 1810, he was married to Lucy 
North, daughter of Asa and Prudence 
North. They are the parents of 11 
children, seven of whom are living — 
Perry, married Olive Stone, resides in 
Kansas; Seth, married Etta Whiteside, 
resides in White Hall township; Ellen, 
wife of Edward Boulton, residing in 
Greenfield; Sylvia, wife of George W. 
Whitaker, residing at Kearney, Neb.; 
Damon, married Etna Baldwin, resides 
in Christian county; Carrie, wife of T. 
M. Meek, residing near Rockbridge, and 
Edward at home. Mr. Griswold is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity of 
White Hall, and also of the grange 
lodge. He is one of the siibstantial 
farmers, and enterprising citizens of this 
township. Mr. Griswold now has in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1071 



liis possession two sickles 50 years old, 
which he brought to this county with 
him, and whicli he used to cut his first 
wheat with. 

George Kendall located on Apple 
Creek Prairie, in ISol, and lived there 
for some years. 

Nathaniel Kendall, a native of Waldo 
county, Me., was born June 15, 1815, 
his parents being George and Sarah 
(McLean) Kendall, natives of Maine. 
He came with his parents to Greene 
county, 111., in 1831, they locating on 
Apple Creek Prairie, where his fatiier 
purchased 200 acres of land, second- 
handed, on which he built a small frame 
house, where they lived some 10 or 15 
years. He then moved to White Hall, 
where he passed the balance of his days 
in rust and contentment. He tlied Dec. 
24. 1839, and his wife died .July 26, 
1838; both being buried in White Hall 
cemeter}'. Nathaniel remained witli his 
parents while they lived, and had been 
reared to the duties of farm life. At 
their death he took charge of the home- 
stead, and resided on it until 1880, when 
he sold out and purchased 466 acres on 
Sees. 1 and 2, T. 11, R. 12, and has 
since resided on it. Mr. Kendall was 
married Oct. 18, 1842, to Minerva Smith, 
daughter of Benj. and Marilla (Bacon) 
Smith. This union has been blessed 
with 13 children, 11 of whom are liv- 
ing — Marilla, wife of L. Barney, resid- 
ing in Denver, Col.; Frank, resides in 
Texas county, Mo.; Sarah; Nellie, wife 
of David Milnes, who resides on the 
farm; Thursa, wife of George Baldwin, 
residing in Reno county, Kan.; Ira, Ida, 
Allen; Mamie, wife of William Cronan, 
living in Texas county. Mo.; Bentley 
and Norma. Those deceased are: Mabel, 



and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
Kendall is a member of the Masonic 
lodge, No. 80, of White Hall. He is 
one of our most enterprising farmers 
and highlj' respected citizens, and is 
one of the old pioneers of the county, 
both he and his wife's parents being 
among the first to locate here, and they 
will be mentioned in that part of the 
volume which relates to the early set- 
tlers. Marilla Smith, Mrs. Kendall's 
mother, came to Greene county, from 
Ohio, in 1820, and located on the farm 
that Mr. Kendall now lives on, where 
she resided until the death of her hus- 
band, in 1879. She is now living in 
Kansas City, Mo. 

Dr. S. H. Culver settled just west of 
White Hall in 1831, and since that time 
has been prominently identified with 
the religious history of the county. 

Among the settlers of the year 1832, 
was Joshua Jones, of Virginia, who, 
with his wife and children, settled on 
Sec. 33, T. 12, R. 11. where he resided 
until overtaken by death. 

David 15. Jones was born in Pulaski 
county, Ky., Nov. 9, 1815, his parents 
being Joshua and Elizabeth (Barrow) 
Jones, his father a native of Virginia, 
his mother a native of North Carolina. 
They came from Kentucky to Greene 
county. 111., in 1832. and were several 
weeks on the road, having come in a 
wagon, which was drawn by four yoke 
of oxen. They settled on what is called 
Lorton's prairie, where they bought 80 
acres of land and also entered a large 
tract, and built a little log cabin, the 
location being on Sec. 33 T. 12, R. 11. 
They lived in this cabin about three 
years, when his son David B. built a 
frame house, this being the first one he 



1072 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



hail over built, and it is still standing, 
being now about 50 years old. Here 
Joshua lived until his death, Feb. 14, 
1868, having survived his wife over 30 
years, her death occurring March 3, 
1835. David B. remained at home until 
he was 25 years of age, assisting in the 
labors of the farm. He was then mar- 
ried, Sept. 24. 1840, to Elvira Davis, 
daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Beale) 
Davis. He purchased 80 acres of land 
on Sec. 32, T. 12 R. 11, and with some 
assistance erected a frame house, where 
they lived until 1870, when they moved 
to Montgomery county, Kan., and there 
bought town property. While there, 
his son-in-law started in the mercan- 
tile business, but Mr. Jones returned 
to the old homestead here, and it has 
since been his home Mr. and Airs. 
Jones were the parents of two children 
— Rebecca A., who died Sept. 25 1871. 
and Asbury W., who died in 1847. Mr. 
Jones has a nice farm of 200 acres, and 
is very successful in his business opera- 
tions Mrs. Jones died Sept. 13, 1879. 
Mr. Jones is a member of the M. E. 
church, as was also his wife during her 
lifetime. 

William H. Nash settled on Apple 
Creek Prairie in 1832, where he died in 
1872. He was a Virginian, but came 
here from Kentucky, where he had re- 
sided a few years. 

David Crist made a settlement near 
White Hall in 1833, He was a native 
of Ohio, and at that time in his 24th 
year. In the village, which then boas- 
ted of two buildings, both of the rudest 
descriijtion, one answering for a store, 
Mr. Crist, in partnership with Joshua 
Simonds, opened the first general mer- 
chandise store, which they operated 



until a year had rolled by, when Mr. 
Simonds dying, Mr. Crist closed out the 
concern at auction, andengaged in other 
callings, at Belltown and elsewhere, 
where he grew to be a wealthy man. 

James Davis during the j'ear 1835, 
located on section 33, west of the town 
of White Hall. He was a native of 
North Carolina, born in 1780. In 1803, 
he married Jane Morrow, a native of 
the same state. During his lifetime he 
followed farming, and came here as 
above stated, to better his fortune. He 
afterwards removed to another farm on 
Apple Creek Prairie, where he lived 
until called on to pass to another world. 
He died near Springfield, 111., Aug. 18, 
1858. His wife had "gone before" 
Nov. 18, 1855. 

T. 11, R. 12, was the pioneer town- 
ship in manufactures. On section 13, 
was built the first potter's kiln, by Wm. 
Heath, in about the year 1826, and was 
abandoned in 1828, on account of his 
being on government land, and subject 
to entry by any one, and Peter Fronk 
purchased the land of the government. 
A former well known potter, Mike 
Baker, learned the trade of him. Heath 
was a man of some noble instincts, but 
the demon inebriation often possessed 
him, to the great detriment of himself, 
his business and family. He was the 
father of the celebrated orator and 
Methodist preacher, the lamented Rev. 
Nathaniel Pinckard Heath. 

About 1827, Ephraim Harper con- 
structed a tannery on section 11, which 
was superintended by George Gordon, 
an eccentric old bachelor uncle of Mrs. 
Harper. The bark, at first, was pre- 
pared in an antiquated method. It was 
spread upon a floor, a wheel some five 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



1()7;5 



feet in diameter, and about two and a 
Iialf feet of grooved, or rough surface, 
at the rim, was made to revolve on a 
shaft, the one end in the center of the 
track, and propelled by a horse at the 
other end. The capacity of the tannery, 
we think, did not exceed 500 hides per 
year, at no time. The manufacture of 
leather here, was considered a great 
convenience, and a decided improve- 
ment on the home method, of pounding 
bark by hand, and tanning in rude 
troughs. The writer has seen persons 
as late as 1834 and '35, carrying green 
hides in front of them, on horseback, 
from as far off as Montgomery county. 
Mr. Gordon died in about the year 
1837, or '38, and Mr. Harper, in 1844. 
Shortly afterward, the business was en- 
tirely abandoned. 

In about the year 1831 or '32, on this 
same section, Aaron Hicks erected a 
castor bean mill, which was a financial 
success, and a benefit to the commu- 
nity, for several years. It was accident- 
all}- burned, the writer thinks, in the 
winter of 1837 or '38. Messrs. Harper 
& Hicks were men of staunch integrity, 
and promoters of education, temperance 
and good morals; pillars in the Baptist 
church. 

Before White Hall was laid out there 
was a cotton gin erected by "Esq." 
Archer, in T. 12, R. 12. The seasons 
proving too short for cotton-raising, it 
was abandoned. It was erected near 
the residence of the late Mrs. Anthony 
Potts. 

Of the first noted law case it is re- 
marked: It originated in this wise: 
One, "Judge Marks," lived on section 
11. His humble log house stood a few 
rods east of the railroad, on the hill on 



the property now owned by J. D. Tuni- 
son. Marks was a man of hitlierto un- 
impeached honor and veracity, and 
justly prized his good name and char- 
acter. He was a candidate for the highest 
office in the county (senator we believe). 
His competitor was Thomas Rattan, the 
wealthiest man north of Apple creek. 
On the east of the road was an ox-mill 
and a distillery. The voting place was 
at Rattan's house, and on election day 
excitement ran higli, which was in- 
creased by the free use of whisky pur- 
chased, of course, by the candidates. 
Richard Rattan, the brother of Thomas, 
was making headway for his brother by 
arguments, but more by whiskj'. Mr. 
Marks finally yielded to the pressure and 
ordered whisky too. A few minutes 
passed, and seeing some liquor near, 
supposing it to be what he had ordered, 
began dealing it out as his treat. Soon 
Richard Rattan discovered that Marks 
was not using his own whisky and said, 
"You stole brother Tom's wliisky and 
treated out of that." "I did not," said 
Marks, "I ordered the liquor and treated 
out of it." "You did not, sir, you stole 
my brother Tom's whisky and I can 
prove it." I will give you an oppor- 
tunity to do so," replied Marks, and 
began suit for slander. The case could 
not be decided in Carrollton. A change 
of venue was taken to Madison county. 
The trial came off at Edwardsville. 
Each party knew of one witness, who 
was duly and truly sober; and each 
party had him summoned. Neither 
party could find out exactly what that 
witness' testimony would be, before 
trial, and after hearing, both were dis- 
satisfied with it; it was not enough, and 
yet too much. The testimony was as 



1074 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



we have narrated. The jury's verdict 
was, one cent damages for plaintiflF. 
Rattan sold his farm to pay costs. 
Marks' expenses and chagrin caused 
him to dispose of his, and move into 
another county, where he died, at an 
advanced age, highly esteemed. 

About the year 1821, there came to 
the Apple Creek Settlement, a man 
from Pennsylvania, by the name of 
David Clawson. A man of hercvilean 
strength and energy; afoot and alone, 
swimming streams, sleeping on prairie, or 
woods, carrying weapons, needed cloth- 
ing, and provisions, asking no boot of 
man or beast. He was the match for 
any two stout men ; but genial and 
affable, provoking no quarrel, and none 
would be likely to invite one with him. 
He selected a home on the edge of the 
Illinois bottom, where, in a short time, 
his iron frame succumbed to malarial 
fever. His remains lie buried near by. 

James Henderson was the first to 
make a claim on land north of Apple 
Creek, in this county, which was in 
Aug., 1818. He was born in Hunter- 
don county, N. J., March 9, 1783. He 
was the youngest of 10 children. His 
father's name was Edward, and of Prot- 
estant Irish descent. At the age of 21, 
he went to Virginia, remained there two 
years, and then went to Ohio, where, in 
1807, he married Mary White, eldest 
daughter of Thomas and Amy W. 
White, born Oct. 25, 1787. Her father's 
grandfather was English. Her father's 
mother's maiden name was Shreve, 
whose grandfather, Derick Arisen im- 
migrated to New Amsterdam in 1680, 
from Holland. The maiden name of 
Mrs. White was McGhee, and her 
parents were Scotch. The children of 



James and Mary Henderson were 
eleven, 10 of whom grew to man- 
hood and womanhood, three daughters 
and seven sons. Of these — Caroline, 
born in Oct., 1808, married by Rev. Bo- 
garth, Jan. 1, 1828, to Geo. W. Allen, 
who died in Jan., 18(34, and his widow 
now resides in Greenfield; Hope, mar- 
ried by John Allen, Esq., in Oct., 1831, 
to Rev. Amos Prentice, who died in 
Shelby ville, 111., in Aug., 1849, she 
dying in Nov., 1879; Nathaniel, married 
in Dec, 1833, by John Allen, Esq., to 
Martha E. Bacon, who died in May, 
1850, her husband fallowing her in July, 
1863, dying in Macoupin county; Thos., 
who now lives in Harrison county, la., 
married in June, 1834, to Eliza Estes, 
by Rev. J. B. Corrington; Edwin, now 
of Macoupin county, married in Nov., 
1839, to Eliza J. Williams, by Rev. J. 
B. Corrington; James, now of Harrison 
county, la., married in March, 1841, to 
Elizabeth Peters; Perry, married to 
Ellen Williams, in Jan., 1846, by Rev. 
H. Wallace; his wife died in March, 
1858, and he was found dead in his bed, 
on his farm, on Rock river. Rock Island 
county. 111., June 10, 1882; Amy A., 
married to T. J. Robinson, in Jan., 
1846, by Rev. H. Wallace; they now 
reside in Rock Island county; Safety 
M., married Hezekiah J. Williams, 
March 5, 1854, Rev. Rutledge, officiat- 
ing; Franklin, married in July, 1851, 
by Rev. C. P. Baldwin, to Sarah A. 
Metcalf; F. Henderson now resides in 
Towanda, 111.; S. M. Henderson now 
lives on the old homestead, where he 
was born, three miles southeast of White 
Hall. He says, "Few and evil have 
been the days of the years of my pil- 
grimage, and I have not attained unto 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1075 



the days of the years of my fathers." 
James H. Henderson died July 25, 1849, 
after a long and painful illness. His 
wife followed him Aug. 9, of the same 
year, having been an invalid for nine 
years. There are more than 150 de- 
scendants of James and Mary Hender- 
son now living. 

RECOLLECTIONS OF S. M. HENDERSON. 

Many of the foregoing facts, which 
precede the sketch of the Henderson 
family, are given by S. M. Henderson, 
and a sketch of early times is herewith 
given from the pen of that worthj^ gen- 
tleman : 

Three sons were born in 1820, on 
Henderson creek, in the order named — 
William Speakcs, W. B. Thaxton, and 
Perry Henderson. 

One of the first school houses built in 
the township, stood about one-fourth 
mile east of the state road, on the Rood- 
house farm. It was built of large logs, 
a fire-place in each end, with chimneys 
made of sticks and mud, with puncheon 
floor, a clapboard door, and for light, 
oiled paper was used instead of glass. 

The second teacher in the settlement 
was a plucky little Yankee by the name 
of Augustus Barbour. One morning 
about Christmas time, the young men 
met at the school house just at day- 
break, built a good fire, barred the door, 
and waited for the teacher. He was 
somewhat earlier that morning than 
usual, hoping to be in time to enter the 
house before the crowd arrived, for 
there were a number of neighbors and 
married men ready for the fun, but they 
were in readiness for the attack or to 
repel one. Mr. Barbour pretended to 
be very wrathy, and after a few feints 



to get in, started for liis ])oarding place, 
which was at Thomas Rattan's. The 
bolters saw tljeir opportunity, and soon 
pursued. He was caught by Hanip. 
Rattan, just as he stepped on his father's 
porch; and they soon had him with his 
feet in the air over the spring. "Treat, 
or we'll duck you till you do!" were the 
stern words. "One, two, three!'' "Ill 
treat," said the convinced teacher; and 
whiskey and sugar flowed so freely that 
many small children reeled and stag- 
gered as they returned home, which in- 
censed a number of the patrons of the 
school, and the tide began to set against 
the practice, until it was abandoned, 
more than forty years ago. 

Not quite 60 years ago (wouldn't do 
to give names), a young lady was pre- 
paring for her wedding day, and thought 
she could not obtain her outfit nearer 
than St. Louis, proposed to her father 
to help him drive cattle to that city, 
where she could purchase articles de- 
sirable. The offer was accepted, and 
she rode on horseback there and back, 
bringing some things of which tin' 
queen of Sheba never saw. 

OTHER rnOMINENT CITIZENS. 

Judge Benjamin Baldwin, deceased, 
who was one of Greene county's most 
prominent and wealthy citizens, and 
whose portrait will be found in this vol- 
ume, was a native of Virginia, born in 
1792. He was reared to the duties of 
farm life, in his native state, and when 
quite a young man, removed to Ohio. 
Having almost no education, and with a 
capital of but 50 cents, he arrived in 
Cincinnati previous to the war of 1812. 
He volunteered and served under Har- 
rison, being lieutenant at the time, and 



1076 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



his widow is now receiving a pension 
for his services. He helped to build 
Fort Meigs, during a most inclement 
winter, but never received any compen- 
sation for his service, nor did his widow, 
until since 1878. After the war, he pro- 
ceeded to Warren county, 0., and there 
•became self-educated by reading and 
taking part in debates, and subsequently 
worked his way up until he had finally 
filled every office in the county. He 
was also made brigadier-general of the 
Ohio militia. The last time he was a 
candidate for office in that state, was for 
the state senate, on the democratic 
ticket, but that time the opposition was 
successful. This defeat being the first 
and last he had ever met with. He was 
Tnarried in Ohio, in 1814, to Martha 
Varner, who was born near Newtown, 
Hamilton county, 0., in 1796. By this 
union there were 13 children- — Mar- 
tin V., Joshua C, Mary B., Franklin, 
Jesse H., Elizabeth, Elias V., Andrew 
J., Francis M., Thomas J., Joseph W., 
Martha J., and Evaline. In the fall of 
1849, Judge Baldwin came to Greene 
county and selected and purchased land 
in White Hall township, He then re- 
turned to Ohio to dispose of his prop- 
erty there, after which, in 1851, he 
returned to this county, bringing with 
him his family. The land on which he 
located is what is known as the Henry 
Robley farm, and on it he remained 
until 1860, when he moved to White 
Hall. He purchased property there and 
resided in that city the remainder of his 
days, his death occurring Feb. 13, 1865. 
He was truly a self-made man, having 
started ni life with merely nothing, but 
with enterprise, activity, and shrewd- 
ness, had acquired daring life, several 



thousand acres of land, a great part of 
which he gave to his children, as they 
became of age. In 1860 he was elected 
to a seat in the state legislature, having 
also filled that office during two terms 
in Ohio, his first election being in 1829. 
He won the esteem of all, by his candor, 
uprightness and affable manners. The 
judge was a lifelong democrat and was 
heartily in accord with his party on all 
issues. In relig'ous belief he assimilated 
with those of the Universalist faith. In 
these two matters he was always firm 
and steadfast, Mrs. Baldwin still sur- 
vives at the ripe old age of 90 years, 
and makes her home with her daughter, 
Mrs. John P. Hunt. She is an amiable 
lady, in full possession of all her facul- 
ties, and quite active still, for one who 
has seen so many summers come and go. 
Benjamin F. Baldwin, deceased was 
born in Warren county, Ohio, Feb. 28, 
1821, his parents being Judge Benja- 
min and Martha (Varner) Baldwin. 
Benjamin F. was reared to manhood at 
the family homestead, 30 miles from 
Cincinnati, and was educated in the 
schools of his native county. On ar- 
riving at a suitable age, he adopted 
farming as his business. April 3, 1843, 
he married Hannah Sever, a native of 
the same county, born April 3, 1823. 
Her parents were Lewis and Mary (Pea- 
cock) Sever, both natives of New Jer- 
sey, although they were of German 
descent. In the fall of 1819, his father, 
having come out to Illinois and selected 
and purchased land in White Hall 
township, was so well pleased with the 
country, that in the spring of 1850 Benj. 
F. also came out to this county, and 
located on section 16, in White Hall 
township, where he had purchased a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1077 



tract of land. On this he resided until 
1858, when he bought another tract 
south of his first location, on to which 
he moved, having erected a fine, two 
and one-half story, frame house, cele- 
brating the 4th of July, that year, by 
raising the frame thereof. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Baldwin 
were seven in number, of whom six are 
living — Lewis S., of Roodhouse Tp.; 
Martha Marilla, who died at the age of 
21 years; Mary Amanda, married 
Henry M. Hunt, now living in Kansas 
City; George E., married Theresa Ken- 
dall, lives near Nickerson, Kan.; John 
A., residing at the old homestead ; 
Alice C, widow of Marcus R. Oil- 
ier, of White Hall; Alva C, liv- 
ing at the old homestead. In 
this county Benj. Baldwin not only 
followed farming and stock raising, but 
also engaged in other kinds of business. 
He established a store at New Provi- 
dence and carried on a general merchan- 
dise trade there, conducting it while act- 
ing as postmaster for some five or six 
years. His term of service as postmas- 
ter was under Lincoln's administration, 
though he, himself, was a democrat. 
From New Providence, Mr. Baldwin re- 
moved to White Hall and carried on the 
general merchandise business about 10 
years, having in stock about $20,000 
worth of goods. He built an elevator 
there at a cost of $14,000, which was 
burned down in the summer of 1885, 
while in the possession of his son-in- 
law, H. M. Hunt. Mr. Baldwin had 
also operated for some time, a large 
grist mill on Apple Creek Prairie, which 
had been constructed by Jesse. and E.V. 
Baldwin, and which had a capacity of 
6U barrels per day. He was carrying 



on all these enterprises at the time of 
his death. On the morning of Feb. 5, 
1875, what is known as a "mock senate" 
was holding a session in the Universalist 
church, on Apple Creek Prairie. Mr. 
Baldwin was personating the senator 
from Arkansas and had just finished a 
speech to the senate, when, in less than 
five minutes, or just as the next speaker 
had risen to his feet, Mr. Baldwin was 
dead in his chair. His death cast a 
gloom over the neighborhood, as he was 
a man full of life, ambition, and enter- 
prise, and was of that class who are a 
power in the communit}'. He had never 
entered political life in earnest. He 
had, however, held the office of justice 
of the peace. He had been grand mar- 
shal of the Greene county fair for 15 
years and was presented, by the board 
of directors, with a saddle, whip, and 
spurs, valued at SIOO. Mrs. Baldwin 
followed him to the long rest, Feb. 1, 
1883, and both now sleep side by side in 
the White Hall cemetery, their resting 
place being marked by the handsome 
Baldwin monument. It is said to be 
the finest in the county and was erected 
by the sons. Lewis, George, John, and 
Curtis, as their last tribute of respect. 
Mr. Baldwin left 2,000 acres of land to 
his children. John A. and Alva C. re- 
side on the home tract of 1,500 acres 
and are extensive stock farmers. The_v 
deal in all grades of stock and generally 
feed about 800 head of cattle every win- 
ter. They are very enterprising young 
men who have an eye to business and 
are bound to meet with success in all 
their undertakings. 

Elias V. Baldwin was born in Warren 
county, 0., July 15, 1827, his parents 
being Benjamin and Martha (Varner) 



1078 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Baldwin. Elias came to Greene county 
in 1848, being then 21 years of age, and 
in the fall, he hired out to husk corn, 
receiving therefor 50 cents per day. 
During that fall, he went north to look 
at the country, but not finding any 
place more desirable than Greene 
county, he returned, took the stage to 
Alton, from there went to St. Louis, 
where he remained over night, and next 
day, in the morning, took the boat for 
Cincinnati, arriving at his home in 
Oliio, the day before Christmas. He was 
engaged that winter in driving a team 
on the Cincinnati, Goshen and Wil- 
mington turnpike, hauling produce. He 
remained there until the next spring, 
and then returned to Greene county and 
went to farming, on 1.10 acres of land, 
which his father had bought for him. 
Previous to that time, his father had 
been there, and contracted for the same 
farm. With a willing hand, Elias com- 
menced buying hogs and cattle, which 
he drove to Alton to dispose of, and 
when he could not get his price there, 
would drive them on to St. Louis. Feb. 
14, 18-50, he was married to Mary 
Pankey, daughter of William B. and 
Samantha fLorton) Pankey. After mar- 
riage, he began farming a little more 
extensively, locating on section 21, on 
which land there was an old log cabin, 
and into this he moved, and lived six 
years in it. He had, by that time, laid 
by enough to build a more commodious 
residence, and in 1856 erected a fine 
two-story dwelling, costing something 
like S4,(ifKl. His improvements, in the 
shape of buildings, will now amount to 
$10,000, and the surrt>undings show him 
to be a man of enterprise and intelli- 
gence. Mr. Baldwin raises considerable 



stock, and also buys and sells hog.s, 
horses and cattle, of all grades. About 
one-half of his land is in grass, and the 
balance in grain, all of which is used in 
feeding stock. In all his undertakings 
he has been very successful. He has 
been president of the Greene County 
Agricultural Society, for two years, and 
stands high in the estimation of his 
many acquaintances. 

F. M. Baldwin, one of the prominent 
retired men of Greene county, was born 
in Warren county, 0., May 20, 1831, 
being a son of Benjamin and Martha 
(Varner) Baldwin. F. M. came to this 
state with his parents in the fall of 
1850, and located on Apple Creek 
Prairie, remaining with them until his 
marriage, April 5, 1855, with Mary 
Agnes Bowman, daughter of Abram and 
Agnes(Turley) Bowman. After marriage 
he removed to String Prairie, where his 
father had given him 240 acres of land. 
He resided there until Aug., 1869, when 
he moved to a place called Baldwin's 
Mill, and engaged in the milling busi- 
ness with B. F. Baldwin, hi.s brother, 
for two years. He then sold his interest 
in the mill to his brother, and engaged 
in. farming, which he followed until the 
fall of 1883, when he retired from busi- 
ness life and moved to White Hall, 
where he built a fine two-story residence 
opposite Mr. Wilkenson's nursery, on 
Franklin street. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin 
are the parents of nine children, four of 
whom are living — Etna, wife of Damon 
Griswold ; Martha, wife of Marcus 
North; Mary, wife of B. W. Greer, 
and Agnes, at home. Those deceased 
are— Lewis E., born April 26, 1862, died 
Nov. 20, 1875; Harry C, born Dec. 5, 
1863, was killed by the explosion of a 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1079 



boiler, May 10, 1881 ; Elias V.,born May 
15, 1865, died Sept. 2, 1876 ; Frances, a 
twin sister of Mary, born May 7, 1860, 
died Sept. 9, 1862 ; Emma, born March 
28, 1869, died Aug. 18, 1869. During 
active life, Mr. Baldwin was one of the 
most prominent stock raisers of the 
county, as was also his father. Mrs. 
Baldwin died Jan 25, 1885, and is buried 
at the White Hall cemetery. Mr. Bald- 
win has made a success of life, and 
secured for himself a reputation for hon- 
esty and fair dealings, of which his fam- 
ily may well feel proud. 

John P. Hunt, a prosperous and 
highly esteemed citizen of this county, 
is a native of Gilford, Belknap county, 
New Hampshire, born Sept. 8, 1889, his 
parents being Joseph and Martha 
(Dame) Hunt. He received his educa- 
tion in the common schools, until he 
was 13 years of age, and was then sent 
to Gilford Academy, New London, a 
scientific and literary institution, from 
which he graduated in the summer of 
1857. He was a post-graduate for some 
months thereafter. In the fall of 1857, 
having made up his mind to come west, 
he proceeded to Greene county. 111., 
where he engaged in teaching, at what 
is known as the Maple Grove school. 
He filled that position with satisfaction 
for six years, at the expiration of which 
time he took a trip to California, where 
he was employed in teaching school 
and in mining, at different places on 
the Pacific coast. In 1868 he returned 
to Illinois, and Aug. 13, same year, was 
joined in marriage with Eveline Bald- 
win, daughter of Judge Benjamin and 
Martha (Varner) Baldwin, Mr. Hunt 
moved to what is now Roodhouse town- 
ship and there engaged in farming, at 



which he has since been occupied. He 
is the possessor of 363 acres of land, 40 
of which is on section 20, 263 on section 
19, and 60 in White Hall township. 
He has a fine two-story frame house, a 
commodious barn, and everything to 
make home pleasant and comfortable, 
all of which show his industry and 
prosperity. He is not only engaged at 
farming, but at other business enter- 
prises. He has two coal mines, one lo- 
cated in Roodhouse township, where he 
employs 10 men, and the other in White 
Hall township, which turns out 250 
bushels per day, five men being there 
employed. The latter is leased to (Jeo. 
Newton, and the former to Thomas 
Cotter & Son. Mr. Hunt also carries 
on a rendering business, which is man- 
aged by Fabian Toutant, receiving the 
dead stock from the C. & A. R. R. Co. 
In politics, Mr, Hunt is a staunch deni- 
crat. 

Edward A. Giller, a prominent citizen 
of this county, is a native of Manches- 
ter, England, born Sept. 11, 1821, his 
jiarents being Thomas and Hannah 
(Bagley) Giller, natives of England. 
His father was a carriage manufacturer, 
and was thus engaged until his death, 
which occurred in his native country in 
1839, having survived his wife several 
years, she dying in 1823. Edward was 
reared in Manchester, and there learned 
the trade of carriage painter in his 
father's manufactory, besides learning 
to be a very good worker in wood at the 
same business. His education was lim- 
ited to a knowledge of reading, writing 
and some arithmetic. A\ the age of 20 
years, he left England, to seek a home 
in the new world, being accompanied 
by his cousin, Robert Frost. They set 



1080 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



sail May 14, 1842, on the Roscius, a 
large sailing vessel, bound for New 
York. On arriving there they traveled 
west as far as St. Louis, and then came 
up to Greene county. Here Edward 
was employed by a man named King, 
and received S5 per month for his ser- 
vices, having to do his own washing and 
mending. He continued there one win- 
ter, when, thinking that he was not 
receiving enough w^ages, he started out 
to hunt another place, and was engaged 
by F. P. Vedder, doing painting in con- 
nection with farming. He thus contin- 
ued to work around until the spring of 
1844, when he and his cousin, Robert 
Frost, went to the Galena lead mines, 
with the intention of getting some 
wealth. They spent one summer there, 
but not meeting with much success, 
returned to Greene county, and for the 
first time since coming to this country, 
he and his cousin parted, he going south 
and his cousin east. Edward proceeded 
to New Orleans, but not finding employ- 
ment, returned as far as Natchez, where 
he spent the winter, taking a job of cut- 
ting cord-wood at 75 cents a cord. In 
the spring of 1845 he returned to White 
Hall and resumed his trade of painting, 
and also working at wagon and carriage 
niaifing, until May, 1846, when the Mex- 
ican war having broken out, he, with 
ardent patriotism, enlisted in Co. C, 1st 
111. regiment, and was elected sergeant- 
major, the regiment being commanded 
by the gallant John J. Hardin. Maj. 
Giller participated in the hardships of 
the voyage down the Mississippi to New 
Orleans, thence across the Gulf, to Camp 
Erwin, Tex., continuing the march, 
on Dec. 21, the troops occupied Agua 
Nueva, having completed a six weeks' 



march of 1,000 miles. The march con- 
tinued until the battle of Buena Vista, 
in which severe fight Maj. Giller was 
engaged, his duties calling him to the 
the side of Col. Hardin. From there 
he. went to Camargo, where he was mus- 
tered out, June 17, 1847, when he 
returned to White Hall, where, March 
1, 1849, Major Giller was married to 
Augusta Ladd, daughter of Timothy and 
Deidamia (Swallow) Ladd. He bought 
120 acres of land on sections 5 and 6, 
where he settled down, building a little 
shop in which he worked at his trade at 
night, and improved his farm by day. 
This shop is still standing on the old 
farm. By the frugal and energetic 
efforts of the major and his wife, they 
continued adding to their original tract, 
from time to time, until they now own 
two of the finest farms in the county, 
comprising 985 acres of land, in a good 
state of cultivation. Major and Mrs. 
Giller have been blessed with a family 
of 11 children, seven of whom are liv- 
ing — George A., married Emily C. Rob- 
ley, resides in Missouri; Charles H., 
married Hattie Bonfoy, and resides in 
Roodhouse township; Sophronia J., 
wife of Jacob Rickert, residing in Kan- 
sas; William M., now attending school 
at Ann Arbor, Mich.; Ella A., Lora B., 
and Edward A., at home. Those deceased 
are Marcus R., Walter. Emma, an infant 
and Alice M. Major Giller is a promi- 
nent and enterprising gentleman, and 
enjoys the confidence of all. He and 
his family are now enjoying a home of 
ease and comfort, the fruits of their 
industry and perseverance. He has 
served his township as treasurer a great 
many years, and is a representative 
member of the grange lodge. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 



lusi 



David Woolley, one of the earliest 
settlers of Greene county, is a native of 
New York. Early in Feb., 1822, he 
started from his home east of the Hud- 
son, with a span of horses and a wagon, 
his wife and three children, to move to 
the great west. Coming as far as Olean, 
on the Allegheny river, he, with two 
other families, stopped, and built two 
flat-boats. On one they put their fami- 
lies and better class of goods, while on 
the other, they freighted their teams, 
wagons, and other goods. The two 
boats having been lashed together, were 
set adrift, and floated down the Alle- 
gheny into the Ohio, and down that 
river, until reaching Shawneetown, 
where they landed, the latter part of 
March. They sold their boats for what 
they could get, and struck out into the 
country. The principal of this sketch 
went as far north as Hamilton county, 
where he stopped and remained through 
the summer and fall. Not liking that 
part of the country, he again hitched 
up his team, and started for Morgan 
county, and, on looking around for a 
situation, found one more to his liking 
in Greene county, where he settled, in 
Dec, 1822, on what is known as Apple 
Creek Prairie. There he remained till 
March, 1826, when he moved to his farm 
in Bluffdale, where he remained until 
he died, in 18G0, regretted by all who 
knew him. Tn common with other en- 
terprising, early settlers, he acquired a 
reasonable share of this world's goods, 
and raised a family of nine children, all 
of whom occupy respectable positions 
in the communities in which they re- 
side. 

Benj. Smith, deceased, was born in 
New Haven, Conn., Sept. 25, 1796, and 



was a son of Benj., Sr., and Sarah (Kim- 
berly) Smith. His father was a sea 
captain and was lost in a storm, two 
weeks before our subject's birth, and a 
wharf which he owned on the coast of 
New Haven was destroyed by fire soon 
afterwards. Benj., Jr., came to Hlinois 
in 1818, locating in Madison county, 
where Alton now stands, and where he 
helped build the first frame house. 
Jan. 4, 1820, he married Marilla E. 
Bacon, of Madison county. In 1822 he 
moved to Greene county and entered 80 
acres of land near White Hall. Here 
he lived until his death, with the excep- 
tion of the years '54 and '56 spent in 
California. He died Aug. 7, 1879, and 
was buried in White Hall cemetery. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of 
nine children, the three eldest dying in 
infancy. Those living are — Sarah A., 
Jlinerva, Harvey A., Theresa 0., Ange- 
line M. and Ira B. Mrs. Smith was 
born in Massachusetts, March 17, 1799, 
her parents being Joel and Polly 
(Wheaton) Bacon, natives of Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut. They moved to 
Ohio in 1803, and, in 1818, to Madison 
county. 111. After Mr. Smith's death 
she staid one year at the homestead, 
then moved to White Hall, where she 
lived two years, and then moved to 
Iowa. In 1884, she moved to Kansas 
City, and is now residing there with 
her daughter. She sent wliat is now 
called "the Edmunds polygamy bill" 
to Senator Logan, who presented it to 
congress. 

CEMETERIES. 

In 1835, Joshua Jonts laid out a 
burial ground on about an acre and a 
half, on bis farm, which is now known 
as Jones' cemetery, which he donated 



1082 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



to the public for their use and benefit'. 
Tlie first interment was that of Eliza- 
beth Jones, who was buried the same 
year of the laying out of the cemetery. 
There are over 20<) bodies now at rest 
in this "God's acre." 

North cemetery was opened as a pri- 
vate burial place, but was afterward 
thrown open to the public. The ground 
was given by Asahel North, whose child 
was the first to be buried there. 

Rodgers' cemetery consists of one acre 
of ground, donated by W. H. Rodgers. 

NEW PROVIDENCE. 

This village, better known to the res- 
idents of the countj- as Belltown, was 
laid out in 1866, the plat of the same 
being filed for record on the 20th of 
Feb., of that year, by John Bell, F. M. 
Bell and Jesse S. Allen. Prior to the 
incejition of the town, however, these 
parties resided here as is noticed else- 
where. About the earliest attempt at 
any business at this point was a store 
started by a man by the name of King, 
who kept a few groceries. 

Shortly after this T. L. Miller opened 
a store for the sale of general merchan- 
dise, w'ho was followed shortly after by 
B. F. Baldwin. The latter carried a 
good stock and did a large trade. He 
removed to White Hall at a later day. 

The village of New Providence lies 
upon the southwest quarter of Sec. 
23, of T. 11, R. 12, and contains about 
100 inhabitants. At one time this was 
quite an ambitious little village, but on 
the railroad passing it by, and the foun- 
dation of the town of Berdan, its hopes 
dej)arted. 

One of the first mills in the county was 
built in 1820, at this place by Thomas 



and Samuel Allen. In those days, all 
felt the inconvenience of going nearly to 
St. Louis to have their grain ground, 
and the idea of having a mill in their 
midst pleased everybody, so when Mr. 
Allen asked for help, they gladly hast- 
ened to his assistance, remaining faith- 
fully until the whole thing was com- 
pleted. But no sooner had it com- 
menced work, than a freshet in the 
stream washed away the abutment, and 
left the mill without any water. The 
settlers gathered again, filling the crev- 
asse with logs, stone, brush, straw, 
clay, sand, in fact any and everything 
that was at hand, eflectually closing the 
breech. Soon after, another flood in 
the stream made an excavation under 
the building to the depth of about 20 
feet, and the mill was again silenced. 
But willing hands once more were in 
attendance, and soon the hole was filled 
up, and the danger of its recurring was 
guarded against. The mill now com- 
menced an active life, and was a great 
convenience to the people of this section 
of this state. It is to the honor of Mr. 
Allen, that, remembering the timely 
assistance of his neighbors in time of 
need, he ground their grain for years 
without any charge. There was a saw- 
mill run in connection with the mill. 
This mill they ran for many years, 
when they tore it "down, and built an- 
other, which they ran three or four 
years, when they sold it to F. M. Bell 
& Bro. 

About the year 1857, the old mill hav- 
ing long outlived its usefulness, Fran- 
cis M. and John Bell and Arthur Davis 
tore it down, and built what is known 
as the new mill, which they ran for sev- 
eral years, when it was purchased by 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1083 



Jesse Allen. In 1860, Henry Tunison 
became a half owner with Mr. Bell, 
forming the firm of Bell & Tunison, who 
ran it for four years. F. M. Bell & Son 
were the next proprietors, operating it 
for three or four years, when it was sold 
to Peter Roodhouse, who was followed 
by Thomas Johnson in 187G, who oper- 
ated it for three or four years. It next 
passed into the hands of the present 
proprietors, Roodhouse & Strang, in 
1882. 

When this mill was first built, by the 
Bell Bros., it cost about $10,000. It was 
run by water power for a time, but^they 
finally purchased an engine, at a cost of 
about $3,000. It is three stories in 
height, well constructed, is equipped 
with three run of buhrs, and all the 
necessary machinery. 

KEPRESENT.\TIVE CITIZE.VS. 

J. D. Pinkerton was born in Greene 
county, 111., Jan. 28, 1847, and is a son 
of John F. F. and Margaret E. (Mc- 
Donald) Pinkerton, his father a native 
of Tennessee, his mother of Kentucky. 
His father came to Greene county at an 
early day, and located near Berdan, 
where he lived several years, and then 
moved to New Providence, where he has 
since resided. J. D. was brought up 
on a farm where he has spent most of 
his life. In 1881 he commenced engi- 
neering, running the engine of the flour- 
ing mill of Thomas Johnson, for some 
time, in New Providence. He has for 
the last two years turned his attention 
to farming, and is now thus engaged. 
He cultivates about 50 acres of land and 
owns 14 lots, in partnership with his 
brother, Wiley B., in the village where 
he resides. He was united in marriage. 



Nov. 23, 1884, with Sarah I. (Crump) 
Lynn, daughter of VA\ Crump. She has 
a family of four children by her first 
husband — Etta, Ada, Harry and Myrtle. 
Mr. Pinkerton is an intelligent, indus- 
trious citizen, and well respected in this 
community. 

Ahirah and Rosanna (Hall) Clifford, 
are natives of North Carolina. Ahirah 
was born July 15, 1811, and Rosanna Aug. 
12, 1816. They remained in their na- 
tive state until the spring of 1866, 
when they removed to Cannon county, 
Tenn., where they lived until the fall 
of 1868. From there they removed to 
Caldwell county, Ky., only remaining 
therr a short time, when in 1869 they 
came with their family to Greene county, 
111., locating near Wilmington, where 
they lived about three years. Their 
next move was to Crawford county, 
Kan., where they staid three years, 
then moved to Montgomery county in 
the same state, remaining there six 
months, and then returned to Illinois, 
locating in Jersey county, where they 
bought a small tract of land, and farmed 
there until 1882, when they moved to 
New Providence, bought property there 
and have since made it their home. He 
was married Feb. 5, 1835, to Rosanna 
Hall, daughter of Moses and Lydia 
(Hunter) Hall. By this union there 
were eight children, seven of whom are 
living — Lydia S., wife of John Ilcnkle, 
living in Kansas; Samantha M., wife of 
Zadoc L. Guither, residing in Jersey 
county; John H. married Mary Hayes, 
resides in New Providence; Rachel 
Emeline, wife of Milton Williams, re- 
sides in Jersey county; William M., 
nuirried Susan Ogle, and resides in New 
Providence; James W. and Joseph G., 



1084 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



remaining at home with their parents; 
Elizabeth J., departed this life April 
24, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford are 
members of the United Baptist church, 
together with their entire family of chil- 
dren, and also some of their grand- 
children. 

John H. Clifford, son of Ahirah and 
Rosanna Clifford, was born in Davie 
county, N. C, Dec. 16, 1839, and was 
brought up to a farm life with his par- 
ents, until the commencement of the 
war, when he enlisted as a musician 
under Capt. W. A. Clement, Co. F, 
4'2d North Carolina regiment, eastern 
division of the Confederate army, under 
Gen. Lee. He was wounded in the left 
arm at Murry Hill, N. C, in February, 
1863. He was afterwards on post duty 
in Salisbury, N. C, until the close of 
the war. In 1866 Mr. Clifford moved 
with his family to Cannon county, 
Tenn., and engaged in the milling busi- 
ness at Woodbury. He married Mary 
M. Hays, daughter of Sampson Hays, 
Sept. 12, 1867, remaining in Tennessee 
until 1872, when the family moved to 
Caldwell county, K}'., and there en- 
gaged in the milling business, near 
Princeton, where he resided until April, 
1880, when he moved to New Provi- 
dence, Greene county. 111., where he 
has ever since been engaged in the mill- 
ing business. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford 
are the .parents of seven children — 
Fannie B., married D. E. Gaither, re- 
siding in New Providence; Addie, 
Robert James, Ada, Suda and Lula. 
Mr. Clifford is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, being made a mason in 
Princeton, Ky., lodge No. 82, and is 
now a member of White Hall lodge No. 
80. Himself and wife and two oldest 



daughters, are also members of the 
United Baptist church at New Provi- 
dence, Greene county. 111. 

WHITE HALL. 

One of the most flourishing and enter- 
prising towns in this section of the 
state, is White Hall. It is located upon 
the south part of Sec. 35, T. 12, R. 12, 
and upon Sec. 2, T. 11, R. 12, and cov- 
ers more than half a section. It was 
originallj' laid out by David Barrow, 
upon the southeast quarter of section 
85, on the 12th of Jan., 1832, and the 
plat filed for record, March 9, 1832. It 
was surveyed and platted by Jeremiah 
Smith, who was, at the time, deputy 
county surveyor, and originally con- 
tained 48 lots and four streets, called, 
respectively. East, West, Main and 
Church streets. There have since been 
added several additions, chief among 
which are those laid out by Linus E. 
Worcester, first in 1860, and the second, 
in 1863; I. D. Vedder, in 1864; Bates, 
in 1873; A. F. Vedder, in 1873, and the 
three additions of Ayres', two of Davis' 
and Carr's, and one each of Culver, 
Milne, Israel, Drummond, and Potts. 

James M. Allen, as has been already 
mentioned, was the first settler upon the 
site of the city of White Hall, locating 
here in 1820, and erecting a log cabin, 
where he lived for some 12 years. When 
Mr. Barrow laid out the town in 1832, 
Mr. Allen removed to a farm on Loft- 
on's prairie. James Allen kept a tavern 
at his place, the only place of the kind 
between Jacksonville and CarroUton. 

In 1830, Beverly Holliday made a 
settlement on the site of the town. He 
was afterward the first postmaster of 
the town, and the story goes that he. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1085 



like nearly all of the pidneer postmas- 
ters, carried the oilice in his hat, and 
when accosted and asked for a letter, he 
would take it off, and, searching around 
in its depths, fish out the missive and 
hand it to the recipient, and walk off 
with the balance of the office on his 
head. He also had a carding machinCj 
which was the only one ever in the 
place. 

Widow Holliday was the other inhab- 
itant on the town site, in 1830. She 
came here from Virginia and occupied a 
small log cabin. She had five sons. 

In 1830, David Barrow built a brick 
residence here, owning considerable 
land in this neighborhood. 

Next came Elijah Lot, who built a 
cabin, in 1831, just north of where the 
Baptist church now stands. He was af- 
terward the second postmaster in the 
town, and was quite an important man 
in the settlement. 

In 1832, Mr. Barrow determined to 
lay out the town, and on doing so, peo- 
ple began slowly to settle in the place, 
and it began to assume the appearance 
of a village. 

About this time David Hodge, who 
had been keeping a small store on Apple 
Creek Prairie, two miles west, moved 
into town with his stock, and opened 
the first store in the town. He moved 
building and all, and took his sons into 
partnership, the firm name and style 
being Hodge & Sons. The store was a 
small frame building, and the stock but 
scant, but contained a fair assortment of 
most everything necessary in the new 
settlement. Mr. Hodge was a progres- 
sive business man, and quite public- 
spirited and enterprising. 

Joshua Simonds was the next repre- 



sentative of the business of the rising 
village, who opened a general store. 

About 1833, Beverly Holliday erected 
a carding mill, which, at first, ran with 
foot power, but into which steam power 
was afterward introduced. 

Jarboe & Hodge were the next mer- 
chants to locate in White Hall. They 
rented the first commodious store room 
ever built in the town. This firm car- 
ried on business for some years, but 
hard times setting in, consequent upon 
the panic of 1837, they were forced to 
the wall and failed. 

Nathan Kendall, who owned a saw 
and grist mill several miles east of the 
town, about this time built the 'first 
dwelling in the village, which had any 
pretentions to elegance and comfort. 

In 1834, Dr. William H.dliday came 
to the town of White Hall and hung 
out his shingle as a physician, the first 
in the embryo metropolis. The next 
was Dr. S. H. Culver, who had moved 
to this vicinity in 1831, but did not 
begin practice here until 183o or 6. 

In 1835, Samuel Higbee, a Kentuck- 
ian, opened a wagon shop, and shortly 
after entered into a partnership witli 
William Carr, a blacksmith, who at- 
tende<l to the iron work of the wagons, 
carried on the business of manufactur- 
ing those necessary articles. 

Vincent Higbee came from Kentucky, 
in 1837, where he had been engaged in 
the trade of a blacksmith, and opened 
a hotel. This business he continued 
some years. 

Calvin Hagar was the next merchant 
of the place, coming from the granite 
hills of his native Vermont, in 1835, 
and opening up a small general stock, 
in a small building just north of the 



1086 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



place occupied by the old Baptist 
church, Asbury Davis, afterward prom- 
inently identified with the business life 
of the town, and one of its influential 
merchants was a clerk in the store of 
Mr. Hagar. The latter gentleman car- 
ried on business here for some years, 
when he died, and was succeeded by his 
son-in-law, Mr. Davis, who soon built 
up a good business. 

In the year 1835, the first pottery 
was made in White Hall, as detailed 
further on, by Michael Baker. This is 
now one of the leading industries of the 
town, and of Greene county. 

In 1835, Joseph Akins and Blackwell 
Hollida}' were added to the list of mer- 
chants, as were Hoaglan & Goodcup, in 
188(i. The following j'ear the latter 
firm became Ayres & Hoaglan. 

In 1836 Chester Swallow was a promi- 
nent merchant, who had come here from 
Vermont, and in his store, acting as 
clerk was Linus E.Worcester, since one 
of Greene county's most prominent men. 

About this time Aaron Reno settled 
in White Hall, engaging in mercantile 
business, in the dry goods line, on Main 
street, which was afterwards destroyed 
by fire. Mr. Reno was one of the lead- 
ing merchants of the town for many 
years; was a man of excellent judge- 
ment, and quite popular. 

About this time, also, came .Josiah 
Lamborn, the pioneer attorney of the 
place. He came from Jacksonville. 

About the year 1840, Henry Fitch had 
a small store in this town. He after- 
wards sold out to Dr. Drish. He is 
now a resident of San Francisco, Cal., 
quite a wealthy man. He was one of 
the projectors and stockholders in the 
U. P. railroad. 



Goodcup & Mallard were, also, mer- 
chants about this time. A man by the 
name of Hall opened a harness shop 
near where the Masonic liall is now lo- 
cated, about the same time, where he 
carried on business for several years. 

By the census of the general govern- 
men, taken in 1840, the town contained 
between 3 and 400 inhabitants, and 
about 50 houses, mostly frame. At that 
time, Ross B. Hughes was running the 
house so well known as the White Hall 
house, since and still run by Mrs. Mary 
Amos. 

From this time on the town increased 
rapidly, until it is now one of the most 
enterprising, go-ahead, flourishing com- 
munities in tliis section of country. A 
history of the mills, i^otteries, business 
houses, cburches and other institutions 
is given elsewhere, so that a repetition 
would be needless, suffice it to say that 
in 1880, the town had a population of 
2,147 people, and more business places 
than any town, in proportion to inhabi- 
tants, in any other place. It has 
now several church organizations, two 
weekly and one daily paper, a number 
of potteries, mills, and all the other 
concomitants of a thriving town. 

PRESENT ASPECT OF THE CITY. 

A short review of the present busi- 
ness and other interests of White Hall, 
will better show the develojiment of 
this enterprising town from an almost 
insignificant village of log and frame 
shanties to its present solidly built 
form, than columns of grandiloquent 
encomiums. 

POTTERIES AND TILE WORKS. 

The most important business inter- 
ests of White Hall centers in the vari- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1087 



ous institutions manufacturing drain 
tile, fire brick, sewer pipe, terra colta 
ware, pottery, anrl various other forms 
of clay. Of this industry, the Republi- 
can, in its issue of Jan. 4, 1879, says: 

" Their proximity to two great rail- 
road lines crossing each other at White 
Hall, and their superiority to all 
others known in this country or in Eu- 
rope, as shown by analysis of chemists, 
and render the fire clay deposits of this 
neighborhood a source of wealth, the 
extent of which is limited only by man- 
ufacturing facilities. The deposit near- 
est to town is owned by Chapin Bros., 
and is located three-fourths of a mile 
east of the corporation line. Otlier 
deposits belong to A. D. Ruckel, Cul- 
berson cfe Smith, Felix Brown, and to 
the White Hall Fire Clay Works, who 
own an extensive and exceedingly valu- 
able tract of clay and coal land. M. C. 
I'urdy owned the first clay bank ever 
opened here. White Hall is rapidly 
taking the load in the manufacture of 
stoneware, drain tile, sewer pipe, fire 
brick and terra cotta ware, and these in- 
dustries must continue to grow and pros- 
per. No other place in the Union can 
compete with the (piality of the clay 
found here." 

The following article is eliiiped from 
the Republican, under date of .Jan. 7, 
1882: 

"From the veteran potter,.!. N. Ebey, 
we learn some hitherto unpublished 
facts, relatingto the early history of the 
jiottery business in the vicinity of White 
Hall. He writes substantially as fol- 
lows: in the fall of 1827, I first passed 
over the ground where White Hall now 
stands. I was then manufacturing earth- 
enware in Sangamon county. Michael 



Baker, formerly and since a citizen of 
WMiite Hall, who was working for me 
and learning to turn ware, informed me 
that there was fine white clay in that 
vicinity. I loaded an ox wagon with 
ware, drove over the beautiful, but unim- 
proved intervening prairies to Kinkead's 
Point, some 10 miles east of Carrollton. 
I sold the ware to A. M. Kennett, father 
of Jlortinicr Kennett, since mayor of 
St. Louis. Thence I went to the little 
pottery run by William Heath, father 
of N. P. Heath, since deceased, on the 
land.now owned by Nancy Evans, south 
of S. M. Henderson's present residence. 
Heath built the first kiln, and made the 
first ware ever manufactured in Greene 
county. The second kiln was built west 
of Simeon Ross' present residence. 

Heath was using what was known as 
the Ross clay. I took a part of a load 
of the clay home with me for )iainting 
purposes on common pottery. In 18;!2, 
while yet in Springfield, I became very 
anxious to manufacture stoneware. T 
tested all the clay in the vicinity, with 
a proportion of the Cireenc county clay, 
and all except the latter was a failure. 
That proved so encouraging, that in 
1833, 1 went to the little village of White 
Hall, got the numbers of the clay land, 
and went to Edwardsville and entereil 
it, and in April moved into the front 
room of a little house near where the 
old M. E. church stands. Dr. William 
Ilolliday occupied the frnnt room. I 
bought an old log cabin, moved it to the 
lot now owned by Dr. Chapman, and 
there turneil the first stoneware made 
in Greene county. I liad no kiln, but 
I hauled the green ware to Edward 
Heath's redware kiln, then used by 
Michael Baker, and there burned the 



1088 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



first stoneware ever burned in the county. 
It was a very good, common article. I 
sold part of it to Joshua Simonds, who 
sold dry goods in a small tenant house, 
near the present site of the postofKce. 
From this time until 1864, a period of 
31 years, but Tittle was done in the way 
of manufacturing stoneware, and from 
that date the historj' of the business is 
familiar to the people of AVhite Hall, 
and the state at large." 

In 1865 the subject of drain tile was 
agitated, and David Culbertson think- 
ing that it could be made a success 
from the excellent fire clay in this 
vicinity put in a small machine for the 
manufacture of tile, in the pottery of 
A. Pierce, during the winter of that 
year. At that time the capacity of the 
institution would average about 500 tile 
per day,the machine being run by hand. 
When the enterprise was established, 
or machinery for the same arrived, a 
partnership was formed with A. Pierce, 
which existed for five years. At that 
time, in the spring of 1870, Mr. Cul- 
bertson, retired from the present suc- 
cessful tile works of Culbertson, Smith 
& Co. At that time he purchased the 
present site, then covered with corn, 
and began the erection of a frame struc- 
ture or shed, 18x100 feet in size, put- 
ting in a machine operated by horse 
power, and which had a capacity of 
about 4,000 tile per day. It was gener- 
ally conceded that Mr. Culbertson had 
gone too far, and that it would be im- 
possible for him to make it pay on such 
a large scale, as drainage was not con- 
sidered a success, anyway. Conse- 
quently, he was subjected to considera- 
ble ridicule. But the success which has 
crowned those first efforts is abundant 



evidence to the contrary. He operated 
the business on this scale until 1876. 
The year previous, Thomas A. Smith 
became a partner in the concern, and in 
1<S76, a brick structure, 20x40 feet in 
size, and a 30-horse power engine was 
added, besides new machinery through- 
out, at an additional expense of $3,500, 
w-hich increased the capacity to about 
7,000. In .Jan., 1882, the firm became 
Culbertson, Smith & Co., John Arm- 
strong entering the firm. During that 
summer was erected the present large 
main building, which is a two-story 
brick, 40x100 feet in dimensions, in 
addition to a one-story structure, which 
is 40x75 feet in size. These additional 
improvements of 1882 amounted to 
$10,000, including $2,000 worth of new 
machinery added. The works now have 
a capacity of 2,000,000 per year. It has 
grown from a diminutive concern to its 
present dimensions during the past 20 
years, thus demonstrating what can be 
accomplished bj' pluck, energy and en- 
terprise, such as its founder and present 
owners possess. The institution is now 
valued at $30,000. 

Augustus Pierce & Co.'s pottery is lo- 
cated in the northeastern part of the 
town. This was established in 1864, 
and is the oldest one in the county. Mr. 
Pierce learned the trade of potter, at 
Akron, 0., and afterward came west. In 
1863, while working on a farm near 
White Hall, then a mere hamlet, he 
jirocured a strong bag, went prospect- 
ing in the claj' fields, and selecting a 
bagful of the best, and carried it to 
Winchester. B. G. Culver, engaged in 
the dry goods business, became inter- 
ested in the enterprise, put up the nec- 
cessary funds, and the first pottery in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1089 



White Hall was established, just east of 
the place where the C, B. & Q. depot 
now stands, and near the site of the 
works now owned by the firm of which 
he is the senior member. From this 
humble beginning has sprung the fine 
works now operated. The main build- 
ing is 24x90 feet in size, with an L 
24x60, all well and substantially built. 
It has a capacity of turning out some 
40,000 gallons of ware per month, all of 
the finest description. Mr. Pierce 
operated this pottery for some four 
years, in company with Mr. Culver, 
when David Culbertson became a part- 
ner. The latter was succeeded by F. I. 
Vedder. In 1881, Isaac Powell became 
the junior of this firm. 

Hill and Prindle are the present rep- 
resentatives of the old pottery, insti- 
tuted in White Hall, in the fall or win- 
ter of 1864, by that pioneer of the pot- 
teries of this section of the state, J.N. 
Ebey. At the time he was running it, 
it was but a small aflair. He continued 
at this some five years, when he dis- 
})osed of it to Hubbs, Moore & Boone, 
who ran it about a year, when W. W. 
Hubbs became sole proprietor. In 1873, 
George Hill succeeded Mr. Hubbs, oper- 
ating the same until 1879, when L. T. 
Prindle purchased a half interest in the 
concern. On the formation of this part- 
nership, they increased the number of 
kilns to three, and added steam, for dry- 
ing the ware and crushing the clay. 
This firm was the first to make pans by 
steam, and is the only one at present. 
They have increased the original capac- 
ity of the works from 25,(X)0 to 500,000, 
per year. This is considered the larg- 
est pottery here. Their ware has a sale 
as far south as San Antonio, Tex., and 



west, as far as Los Angeloa, Cal., 
besides extending a proportionate dis- 
tance north. They use 25,000 bushels 
of coal, and400cords of wood, annually, 
and 1,600 tons of potter's clay. During 
the year 1885, they started a store in 
connection with their business, for the 
sale of their ware. Thej' have invested 
a capital of about $15,000, and do an 
annual business of about 830,000. They 
give employment to between 40 and 50 
men and boys, in the various branches 
of their business. 

Lyman T. Prindle is a partner of Geo. 
Hill, in the pottery of Hill & Prindle, 
White Hall. He was born in Virdcn, 
111., on Feb. 11, 1858, and is a son of 
Remsen M. and Cynthia J. (Twitchell) 
Prindle, natives of Vermont. His 
father was an architect and builder. He 
died in 1SG3, in Waitsfield, Vt. His 
widow now lives in Prattsburgh, N. Y., 
and is now the wife of S. M. Ostrander. 
Lyman T. was educated in the high 
school of Bloomington, and at the Nor- 
mal University. He began life as a 
teacher, and followed that professiim 
three years. He then commenced deal- 
ins in stoneware, which he followcdjfor 3 
years. In 1880 he entered into a part- 
nership with Mr. George Hill in the 
manufacture of stoneware in this, city, 
in which he is still engaged. In ISSl be 
was married to Susan E., daughter ot 
George and Sarah (Rix) Hill. She was 
born at Gloverville, N. Y., Sept. 1859. 
Her parents were nativi.s of England, 
but removed to this country before mar- 
riage. Mr. and Mrs. Prindle are the 
parents of three chililren — Remsen (!., 
born Feb. 17, 1882; Frank E.,born Dec. 
8, 1883, and Lyman W., born Oct. 10. 
1885. Mrs. Prindle is a member of the 



-mr 



1090 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



M. E. church. Mr. Prindle belongs to 
White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., 
■end has been one of its officers for 
years. Mr. Prindle has a brother, E. 
M., living in Greenfield, Kan., in the 
stock business. The family name was 
formerly spelled Pringle, and is a Scotch 
name. His ancestors came to this 
country from Scotland and England in 
the 17th century. 

A. King is operating the most north- 
ern pottery in the town. It was estab- 
lished in 1S70, by John King, who ran 
it for about nine years, when he dis- 
posed of it, but in a short time had to 
foreclose the mortgage and bid it in. 
The property is valued at about S2,000 
and has a capacity of turning out about 
15,000 gallons of ware. Owing to the 
depression of the times at this writing, 
these works are doing but a minimum 
business, but in the bright future that 
awaits all that have learned "to labor 
and to wait," they no doubt will reap a 
rich harvest, for the merits of White 
Hall ware needs no praise. 

The pottery of P. J. McGowan was 
established in 1880 by the present pro- 
prietor, in company with T. O'Gorman 
and M. Golula, but this partnership did 
not last long, since which time Mr. 
McGowan has operated alone. He now 
has about three acres of land in the 
city, connected with the works. The 
building he occupies is 60x30 feet in 
size, with an L 30x50. The entire plant 
is valued at about S3, 000. He emploj^s 
about lo hands. The works have a ca- 
pacity of turning out 16,000 gallons of 
stoneware, and about S500 per month of 
terra cotta ware. 

P. J. McGowan was born in the city 
of New York, March 12, 1855, and is a 



son of Charles and Mary (Murphy) 
McGowan, natives of Ireland. They 
removed from New York to Akron, 0., 
in 1865, where they still reside. The 
subject of this sketch was educated at 
Akron, where he also learned the trade 
of a painter, and has since followed 
that business. He came to Illinois in 
1872, and worked as a "jour" some four 
years, when he engaged in the business 
near Quincy. In 1880 he was married 
to Addie Brickart, a native of Greene 
county. By this union there was one 
child — Mollie. Mrs. McGowan's death 
occurred in 1883. Mr. McGowan is a 
member of the Benevolent lodge. No. 
227, I. 0. O. F. He is a successful 
business man, and has won many friends 
by his genial manner, his honesty and 
fair dealings. 

Ruckel's pottery was established by 
Charles Ebey, the son of the veteran 
potter of White Hall, John Ebey. He 
was succeeded by Murphj' & Bates, but 
the latter retiring, L.C. Murphy carried 
on the business until Oct., 1878, when 
D. C. Banta became the proprietor. On 
Jan. 1, 1883, A. D. Ruekel, the present 
owner, came into possession, and has 
continued therein ever since. The in- 
stitution has a capacity of turning out 
200,000 gallons of ware a year, but is 
not driven to its extreme limit now. 
The plant is worth about $2,0W. 

The Purdy pottery was instituted in 
1865, by F. C. Garbitt, who built the 
edifice at this place. This is north of 
the depots. He used horse power for 
the propulsion of the machinery. He 
was succeeded by Brown, Cogdell & 
Sax, but it finally came into the hands of 
Purdy & Ruekel. On the retirement of 
the latter, M. C. Purdy became sole pro- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lO'.ll 



prietor, and is to-day. The works have 
a capacity of making over 250,000 gal- 
lons of ware per year, besides a large 
amount of potter's clay is shipped to 
other points. Mr. Piirdy owns about 60 
acres of excellent fire clay lands. 

WHITE H.\LL MACHINE WORKS. 

This enterprise was established in 
1877, by Winn Bros. & Co. At that 
time they erected the present brick 
building, which is 40x70 feet in size, 
and which was built at a cost of $2,500. 
In 1880 the firm became Winn Bros., 
composed of George W. and Richard B. 
Winn. They have the institution fully 
ei[uipped with all necessary machinery, 
run by a 12-horse power engine. The 
enterprise includes foundry, wagon and 
blacksmith shops, etc., and brings into 
requisition a capital invested of about 
$8,000. During good seasons they give 
employment to about 15 men. 

A\'illiani Winn, son of William and 
Elizabeth (Fordj Winn, was born in 
Richmond, Va., May 17, 1803. His 
father was a native born Welshman, 
and his mother of Scotch descent. 
They immigrated to this country, lorat- 
ing near Richmond, Va., where they re- 
sided until their death. William, the 
subject, immigrated to Lexington, Ky., 
where he remained but a short time, 
when he removed to near Cincinnati, 
O., where he was married to Phoebe 
Osborne, March 3, 1825, who was a na- 
tive of that state and a daughter of 
Aaron and Eleanor (Frazier) Osborne, 
natives of N. J. The former died at 
Grandview, Ind., at the very advanced 
age of 104 years. The latter's death 
occurred in Ohio. After the marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Winn, they removed 



to Indiana, and located near Rising 
Sun, ivhere they remained until coming 
to this county in 1829. They lived 
upon the old homestead until their 
death. Mrs. Winn died April 22, 1858, 
and her husband survived her death 
until Nov, 27, 186(5. They are both in- 
terred in the Rich woods cemetery, 
within 50 yards of where these pioneers 
first settled, and Avhere they erected 
their first rude log cabin to shelter them 
from the stormy blasts of the then new 
western wilds. 

George W. Winn, a son of William 
and Phoebe (Osborne) Winn, was born 
near Rising Sun, Ind., May 3, 182", 
coming with his parents to this county, 
when about two years of age. His ed- 
ucation was derived, sitting on an oak- 
wood seat, principally from a Webster's 
spelling book. Young Winn became 
apprenticed to the trade of a black- 
smith, and became a superior workman. 
When the war of the rebellion came on 
he enlisted in Co. I, 91st 111. Inf., and 
was afterward detailed to hospital .str- 
vice at St. Louis, being general ward- 
master of Post Hospital. While in the 
service, two little children of Mr. 
Winn died. The bereaved mother, 
now left entirely alone, decided to enter 
the service of the United States, for the 
relief of the boys in blue. For 19 
months she administered to tlie sick 
and dying with a solicitude that gained 
for her the esteem of all. The heroine 
of the hosjjital wards at St. Louis, and 
the wife of G. W. Winn, who were mar- 
ried Oct. 20, 1859, was Mary C. Bog- 
gess, a daughter of Madison and Eliza- 
beth (Reddin) Boggess, who settled in 
Carrollton, or on the site of that place, 
in the summer of 1818. Mr, Boggess 



1092 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



was a wagon-maker by trade, and fought 
in the Black Hawk war. He was a 
young man when he came from his na- 
tive state. Kentucky, to this county, be- 
ing a member of a party of surveyors 
and "carrying the chain." His wife died 
in Jan., 1854, and he followed her June. 
7, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. W'um are the 
parents of eight children — ^James M., 
born Dee. 7, 1860, died Aug. 18, 1862; 
Charles D., born June 4, 1862, died 
Aug. 27, 1863; Mary E., born Oct. 10, 
1869; Julia A. born March 23, 1871; 
Craig, born Nov. 28, 1873, and died 
Aug. 17, 1879; Walter, born June 3, 
1879 ; and one child that died in in- 
fancy, not christened. Mr. Winn was 
previously twice married. The first 
time to Mary A. Tucker, April 30, 1849. 
They were the parents of one child — 
John A., born March 29, 1850. His 
first wife died Aug. 3, 1852. He was 
again married Nov. 3, 1852, to Sarah 
Tucker, and were blessed with one 
child— William, horn Nov. 9, 1856. 
Mrs. Winn's death occurred Feb. 7, 
1859. In company with his brother, 
Richard B, Mr. Winn established 
the Carrollton machine shops, which he 
operated successfully until coming to 
White Hall, in 1877. In conclusion it 
may be stated that Mr. Winn's life has 
been a success, owning a half interest 
in the foundry and machine shops at 
White Hall, besides other valuable 
property. What is somewhat remark- 
able, he has never uttered an oath, 
never drank any liquor, and has never 
used tobacco. He is a member of the 
M. E.. church, the Masonic fraternity 
and the G. A. R. He is a republican. 
Richard B. Winn, son of William and 
Phoebe (Osborne) Winn, was born Dec. 



8, 1848, at the old homestead, four miles 
west of Carrollton. His early years 
were spent upon the old homestead with 
his parents, obtaining his education in 
the public schools of Carrollton. From 
the time he was 17 j^ears of age until he 
attained his 20th birthday, he labored 
the majority of the time as an appren- 
tice at gunsmithing and as a machinist. 
He also taught school during the winter 
of 1861 and 1862. At the age of 20 he 
enlisted Aug. 22, 1864, in company H, 
40th Mo. Inf., serving until the close of 
the war, and being honorably dis- 
charged, Aug. 11, 1865. During the 
struggle he served in the engagements 
of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and 
Nashville, Tenn., besides fourteen days' 
fighting at Spanish Fort, Mobile, and 
one day at Fort Blakeley, Ala. While 
marching from Fort Blakeley to Mont- 
gomery, Ala., Mr. AV. was so unfortu- 
nate as to have his right arm broken and 
crushed by falling over a log, April 11, 
1865, the result of which has rendered 
it almost entirely useless. Returning 
from the army, Mr. W. engaged in farm- 
ing for about a year, when he entered 
the foundry an 1 machine shops with his 
brother, George. W., at Carrollton. 
Here he remained until 1877, when they 
established their present successful en- 
terprise in White Hall. He was mar- 
ried Nov. 19, 1868, to Mary Luther, who 
was born Sept. 17, 1850, in Grundy 
county. 111. " She was a daughter of 
Martin and Ursula (Cosgrove) Luther, 
the former of Pennsylvania and the lat- 
ter of New York. In 1858, they emi- 
grated to Illinois, locating at Pioneer, 
now known as Palmer, about eight 
miles west of Carrollton. Mrs. Luther 
died in March, 1859, and was buried in 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lOii;'. 



Eldred's cemetery, under the bluffs. 
Mr. Luther was again married to Mrs. 
Caroline Briscoe, in May, 1866. Mrs. 
Briscoe was the widow of Wm. Briscoe, 
and a daughter of Selden and Fidelia 
Beebe. They remained here until 1869, 
when they removed to Christian county, 
where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. W. 
have two children — Wm. L., born July 
9, 1870; Harry L., born Feb. 21, 1883. 
Mr. Winn is among the prominent busi- 
ness men of White Hall, having in com- 
pany with his brother, a large foundry 
machine ship, etc., as already described, 
besides residence property in the city. 
He is a member of the K. of H., (t. A. 
R. and the city council from the Third 
ward. He was at one time correspon- 
dent of the CarroUton Gazette from this 
place, and attained considerable promi- 
nence and notoriety as a decidedly spicy 
and racy local writer. He is also a 
member of the Methodist church, and 
in politics affiliates with the republican 
party. 

WHITE H.VLL CH.MR F.\CTORY. 

During the month of July, 1882, J. G. 
Kinder erected a building here and com- 
menced the business of cutting outchair 
and other furniture frame stuff, and 
shipping it, in the rough, to various 
points. In Oct., 1883, the firm of Kin- 
der & Moore was formed, and erecting 
large additions to their building, they 
commenced the manufacture of chairs. 
This they carried on until March, 1885, 
when the present company was formed. 
It is incorporated under the general 
laws of the state, and the present offi- 
cers are — S. D. Chapin, Pres.; Francis 
Prowler, Sec, and Isaac Fowler, Treas. 
J. G. Kinder is the general uianager of 
the factory. They turn out no low- 



priced goods, but make some 14 differ- 
ent styles of chairs, that can be sold for 
lower jirices tliat can be had elscwliere. 
They employ about 40 hands, with con- 
stantly increasing business. 

FLOURING MII.I,. 

The steam grist-mill at White Hall 
was built by Kendall and Smith, aljout 
the year 1860. They continued to run 
it for some years, and were succeeded 
by several parties. Finally it became 
the property of Welch & Rector, who 
ran it for several years, and in 1878, A. 
D. Ruckel purchased the interest of Mr. 
Rector, and the firm became Welch & 
Ruckel. In June, 1879, 0. F. (Jrant 
purchased the interest of J. E. Welch, 
and under the firm name and style, con- 
tinued the business until 1882, when O. 
F. Grant became the sole owner, and is 
running it now. The building is 50x80 
feet in size on the ground, three stories 
high, built of frame and ecjuipped with 
three run of buhrs, two purifiers, corn 
sheller, etc. The motive power is de- 
rived from a 40-horse power engine. 
This mill has a capacity of 100 barrel 
per day, and has a large local trade. 

Oscar F. Grant, representative of the 
milling business of White Hall, was 
born in Newbury, Orange county, Vt., 
on Dec. 30, 1832, and is a son of Wil- 
liam and Finetta (Nelson) Grant. His 
father was born in Scotland, and came 
to the United States with liis parents 
when a child. He learned the carriage- 
making trade, and followed it most of 
the time until his death, which occurred 
in Corinth, Vt., in 1867. His widow 
died ten years later. Oscar F. was ed- 
ucated in the common schools of his 
native state, and afterward learned the 



1094 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



trade of carriage-maker, with his father. 
He did not follow the trade, however, 
but went to Oliio and began the milling 
business. After becoming acquainted 
with its details, he remained in the em- 
jiloy of the firm he had learned with, 
and was with them in all 15 years. 
After this he worked for another firm 
for eight years, and then engaged in 
buying grain. In 1879 he came to 
Greene county, and bought the flouring 
mill in White Hall, which he has con- 
ducted ever since with success. In 
1859 he was married to Anna E., daugh- 
ter of Theophilus and Anna (Clark) 
Potter, natives, respectively, of Ver- 
mont and Ohio. She was born in Ohio, 
May 24, 1841. Mr. Grant is a member 
of Akron lodge, No. 83, A. F. & A. M.; 
and of the chapter in Akron, No. 25. 

Among the leading representatives of 
the general merchandise trade in White 
Hall are the following firms: T. Abrams, 
W. W. Arnold & Co., and Vosseller, 
Cochran & Co. 

The dry goods trade is represented by 
John H. Graves. 

There are two first-class drug estab- 
lishments in White Hall, those of A.F. 
Tedder and 0. J. Husted. 

A. F. Vedder, dealer in drugs and 
groceries, is the representative of a bus- 
iness established in 1861, by Worcester 
& Vedder, who operated it for about a 
year, when the firm was changed to A. 
F. Vedder & Bro. For about two years 
this continued, when the latter disposed 
of his interest to A. J. Worcester, 
and under the firm name of Vedder & 
Worcester, it ran for some two years, 
when A. F. Vedder assumed the sole 
proprietorship. About two years after 
this, he took in, as partner, A. D. 



Ruckel. Continuing thus until 1880, it 
did a large business, but in that year, 
Mr. Vedder became sole proprietor, and 
so continues to this date. He carries a 
stock of about $7,000, in his store, which 
is 23x75 feet in size. 

Aaron F. Vedder, tlie popular drug- 
gist and grocer, of White Hall, was 
born in the state of New York, Dec. 30, 
1834, his parents being Albert and Susan 
(Lusk) Vedder, natives of New York. 
They came to Illinois in 1865, and 
located on a farm, where Mrs. Vedder 
died in 1870. Aaron received his edu- 
cation at Fulton Seminary, Fulton, N. 
Y., and at the age of 19 years, came to 
Illinois; here he engaged as clerk in a dry 
goods store at White Hall, and remained 
in that position two years. He then 
became mail agent between Chicago and 
St. Louis, and was thus employed two 
years more, at the end of which time 
he embarked in the drug businees in 
this city, and in two years afterward 
added to his business a stock of hard- 
ware, and conducted it successfully for 
10 years. He then sold out the hard- 
ware stock, and added a stock of grocer- 
ies, and still conducts the drug and gro- 
cery business, in which he has a large 
trade. Mr. Vedder is the oldest drug- 
gist in the city, and one of the most 
prosperous. In 1861 he was married to 
.Jennie Drisch, daughter of Dr. and 
Martha Drisch, of White Hall. They 
were natives of Virginia, and both are 
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vedder 
were the parents of two children, one of 
whom, Lena, is living. The one de- 
ceased is Virginia. Mrs. Vedder died 
in 1866. Mr. Vedder again married, in 
1868, to Mrs. Nellie Bullock, widow of 
Joseph Bullock, and daughter of Nathan 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1095 



and Almira (Goodhouse) Winters. Bj' 
this union there is one child — Florence. 
Mrs. Vedder is a member of the Pres- 
byterian church. Mr. Vedder is a mem- 
ber of White Hall lodge, No. 80, A., F. 
and A. M., and is a liberal, enterprising 
gentleman. 

0. J. Husted, deals in drugs and 
groceries. This business stand was 
established by this gentleman in Sep- 
tember, 1882. His salesroom is 19xl5o 
feet in floor area, with a storage-room in 
the rear, of 16x30 feet in size. He car- 
ries a well assorted stock, which will 
invoice about $5,(X)0. 

0. J. Husted, the enterprising drug- 
gist and grocer, on Main street, was 
born in Greene county, July 10, 1851, 
and is a son of Henry L. and Lucetta 
E. (Post) Husted, natives of Vermont 
and Missouri, respectively. They came 
to Illinois many years ago, while the 
country was yet new and almost a 
wilderness. 0. J. was educated in 
Platteville, Wis., and commenced life 
as a farm hand, being thus employed 
three years. He then secured a situa- 
tion as book-keeper in a bank, in which 
position he remained two years, after 
which time he commenced in the drug 
business, being engaged as clerk for six 
years. He then opened up in business 
for himself in this city, which he has 
been conducting for the f)ast eight years, 
and through steady attention to the 
wants of his customers, courteousness 
and untiring energy, he has secured the 
best trade in the city. Mr. Husted was 
joined in marriage, June 27, 1877, at 
Potosi, Wis., witli Mary A. Seaton, a 
daughter of Hon. James W. and Amanda 
(Buscher) Seaton. By this marriage 
there is one child — Harry Seaton, born 



April 9, 1883. Mr. Husted was bereft 
of his wife on April 13, 1883. She 
was a prominent member in the Presby- 
terian church, and had always taken a 
very active part in all work entered into 
by the different societies of the church. 
She was of Scotch descent, and was of 
such a disposition that she made hosts 
of friends wherever she went. Her hus- 
band so reveres her memory that he has 
erected a beautiful monument of Scotch 
granite over her remains, for which be 
sent to Aberdeen, Scotland, the home i>f 
her ancestors. 

August Fischer, Charles H. Higbee, 
and Charles Dossel are the enterprising 
dealers in the jewelry line in the town. 
Mr. Dossel has a stock of jewelry, etc., 
in connection with O. J. Husted's drug 
store, and carries a stock of about 
Sl,o00. 

Charles Dossel, tlie flourishing jew- 
eler of White Hall, was born in that 
city, Jan. 3, 1862, and is a son of Geo. 
and Catherine (Schremm) Dossel. He 
remained with his parents until the 
spring of 1876, receiving his education 
at the White Hall schools, at the same 
time assisting his brother, George, in 
the confectionery and restaurant. He 
subsei|ucntly proceeded to Winchestei', 
Ind., and engaged in the jewelry busi- 
ness with Lewis Klamberg, with whom 
\ he continued two years, at the expira- 
tion of which time he returned lionie. 
He was again employed in assisting his 
brother in the confectionery, until 1880, 
when he returned to Winchester, Ind., 
and again engaged in the jewelry busi- 
ness, where he completed his trade, 
after a term of three years. He tiieri 
left Indiana, and came back to Illinois, 
locating at Carrollton, where he was 



1096 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



eiiii)loyed by Loomis & Villinger for 
diu' yuar, after which he came to White 
Hall, and started in liusiness for him- 
self. He is a young enterprising gen- 
tlemen, to whom we can wish nothing 
but success. 

The first dealer in lumber in the town 
of White Hall was L. E. Worcester, 
who established a yard here about the 
year 1854. He operated for some time, 
sometimes alone, sometimes with a 
partner, until the firm became Cochrane 
& Worcester. These parties were suc- 
C(^eded by L. E. Worcester & Co., in 
1873. In 1885, the present proprietor, 
F. F.Worcester, became the sole owner, 
lie carries a stock of about $4,000, in- 
cluding lumber, salt, paint, etc., and is 
doing a handsome business. 

Fulton F. Worcester, a prosperous 
lumber merchant of this city, whose 
business is located near the C. & A. de- 
pot, was born at West Windsor, Vt., 
Aug. 22, 1847. He is a son of Alfred 
and Mary (Farwell) Worcester, natives 
of Vermont. In 1865, they removed 
from that state to Illinois, locating in 
Wliite Hall, wliere they spent the re- 
nuiiuder of their days. Mr. Worcester 
dying July 4, 1885, and Mrs. Worcester 
in 1880. Fulton F. was educated in the 
common schools of Vermont, and after 
removing to Illinois, learned the trade 
of a carpenter. He was engaged at that 
trade about seven years, and then en- 
tered into partnership with L. E. Wor- 
cester, in the lumber business. This 
firm continued until Jan. 1, 1885, when 
L. E. sold out his interest to F.F., who 
has since conducted it alone. In Feb., 
1872, Mr. ^^\)rcester was united in mar- 
riage with Amanda White, daughter of 
Alfred and Elizabeth (Hubbard) White, 



the former a native of Ohio, the latter 
of Kentucky. They are now residents 
of White Hall. Mr" and Mrs. Worces- 
ter are the parents of two bright children 
—Alfred W. and Mary Elizabeth. Mrs. 
Worcester is a member of the M. E. 
church. Mr. Worcester is a member of 
White Hall lodge No. SO, A. F. & A. M. 
He is a live, honorable business gentle- 
man, and well deserves the success 
with which he has met, thus far in life. 

Zeno Stocks, dealer in lumber, lime, 
cement, paint, etc.', has been engaged 
in this line of trade since June 1, 1879. 
He has, also, a sack depot, in connection 
with this business, and has about 6,000 
sacks on hand. His entire stock will 
invoice about $5,000. 

Zeno Stocks was born in Pitt county. 
North Carolina, May 13, 1846, and is a 
son of John and Susan(CTwaltney)Stocks, 
also natives of North Carolina. In 
Pitt county lie buried the father, grand- 
father and great-grandfather of Mr. 
Zeno Stocks, in a family burying ground 
on the old homestead, which was orig- 
inally entered by the great-grandfather, 
whose name was also John. This 
land was entered on a permit from 
the British Crown, long before tiie 
Revolutionary war. In the adjoining 
county of Craven, in one cemetery, lie 
the bodies of Mr. Gwaltney, the father 
of Mrs. Stocks, and her grandfather. 
Zeno was educated in North Carolina, 
and began business as a school teacher 
in his native county, which he continued 
for about a year, when he came to 
Greene county, in 1870. He again en- 
gaged in teaching school, which he fol- 
lowed for 10 years, and then entered 
the lumber business, which he still 
continues, enjoying a good trade. He 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1097 



was married, Dec. 15, 1880, to Louisa, a 
daughter of Adam and Margaret Koehm, 
natives of Gerniai y, who now reside 
near Greenfield, this county, engaged in 
farming. By the above marriage there 
was one child — A. L., born June 9, 
1882. The death of Mrs. Stocks oc- 
curred Aug. 18, 1883. Mr. Stocks was 
again married Oct. 7, 1885, to Amy A., 
daughter of T. J. and M. F. Baldwin, 
who reside near White Hall. 

David Hutchinson, dealer in agricul- 
tural implements, farm machinery, bug- 
gies, wagons, etc., established his busi- 
ness liere in 1865. He generally car- 
ries a stock of about $8,000. 

David Hutchinson, dealer in agricul- 
tural implements, etc., was born in 
Bristol, Bucks county, Penn., Nov. 12, 
1818, and is a son of Edward Church 
and Rebecca (Broodnix) Hutchinson, 
natives of Pennsylvania. David re- 
ceived his education in his native town, 
and aftejiward went to Philadelphia, 
where he learned the trade of a black- 
smith. He has worked at the trade for 
about 35 years. He came to this county 
in 1842, and has resided in White Hall 
since that time. On his arrival, he en- 
gaged in his present business, which 
has since increased to its present pro- 
jiortions. Dec. 25, 1848, he was mar- 
ried to IVfary Jane Boomer, a native of 
Kentucky. By this marriage, there 
were two children, both deceased. Mrs. 
Hutchinson died Aug. 5, l.S8(). March 
26, 1883, Mr. Hutchinson was again 
married to .\my C, daughter of Thos. 
and Althca (Linn) McGuire. Her par- 
ents were both natives of Pennsylvania. 
They came to White Hall many years 
ago, and are now deceased. Mr. Hutch- 
inson is a member of White Hall lodge. 



No. 80, A. P. & A. M. Several times 
he has been chosen by his fellow-citi- 
zens as a member of the council of the 
city, each time serving with credit to 
himself, and satisfaction to them. 

A. Nesbit is engaged in the bakery 
and confectionery business, which was 
established by himself in March, 1867. 
He carries everything that properly be- 
longs in his line, and, with a stock of 
about 81,000, does a nice business. 

Archibald Nesbit was born in the 
northern part of Ireland, but was of 
Scotch and English parentage. He left 
his native country when a child, coming 
to America, where he landed at New 
York City. At the age of 14, he there 
commenced to learn the baker's trade, 
at which he was engaged for several 
years, when he proceeded to a location 
in Connecticut, where he had charge of 
bakery for three years, after which he 
came to Illinois, where he continued 
his business, in Chicago, for two years. 
He then removed to Bloomington, 
where he afterward commenced busi- 
ness for himself, meeting with splendid 
success for two years, when he was un- 
fortunately burned out, and from there 
he went to Kno.wille, Kno.\ county, 
and carried on business eight years, 
feeding the soldiers. In 1862, he went 
to the mountains, crossed over to Port- 
land, Ore., and again engaged in busi- 
ness for two years, when he sold out 
and returned to Illinois. He subse- 
quently settled in White Hall, engaged 
in business, and has .since remained 
here, having been quite successful in 
securing a good trade, wliich fact is 
doubtless attributable to his skill and 
ability. In 1860, Mr. Nesbit married 
Annie M. Andrews, a native of Nor- 



1098 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



way, but who was reared in tlie United 
States. Mr. and Mrs. Nesbit are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church, and 
are well respected citizens of this com- 
munity. 

Christopher Weitzel is the only dealer 
in clothing. 

The grocery trade is in the hands of 
W. C. C'hapin, Fowler & Porter, Chas. 
Laurig, Lowcnstein & Son, Mrs. E. J. 
Saxe, A. F. Vedder and L. C. Wright. 

The hardware business is in the hands 
of the following well known firms: 
Brantzel Bros, and Gooding & Co. 

Meat markets are run by E. C. 
Clement and Simonds & Wentworth. 

The furniture business is in the able 
hands of Augustus F. Lange and Robert 
Dixon. 

Hutchinson & Munger established the 
livery business in 1859 or 1860, in a 
building built for that purpose by 
Hutchinson & Munger. They were suc- 
ceeded by Perry & Munger, and Potts & 
Grimes. They were followed by A. J. 
Baldwin, and he by Samuel Potts. W. 
B. Grimes & Co. were the successors of 
the latter gentleman, and after operat- 
ing for a time the firm became W. B. 
Grimes & Co., then Grimes & Edwards. 
The latter firm came into existence in 
March, 1884. In October, of the same 
year, H. S. Edwards, the present pro- 
prietor, assumed sole charge. He keeps 
some 10 head of stock, and buggies, 
etc., in proportion, and does a good 
business. 

Hale S. Edwards, proprietor of the 
White Hall livery stable, was born in 
Hickory county, Mo., on the 14th day 
of June, 1843. His father, L. B. Ed- 
wards, was born in Virginia, and licr 
mother, whose maiden name was Annie 



Strainer, was born in Kentucky. They 
located in this county in 1839, and after 
residing here some years, they removed 
to Missouri. There the father of our 
subject died, in 1876, his widow still 
residing in that state. Hale S. was edu- 
cated in western Missouri, and after 
finishing his schooling, followed farm- 
ing there until 1883. He then came to 
White Hall, and engaged in the livery 
business, which he has since continued. 
In 1874, he was united in marriage with 
Annie Dowdall, a native of this county. 
They are the parents of three children 
— James L., Erith and Blanche. Mr. 
Edwards is a native of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. Mrs. Edwards belongs to the 
Baptist church. 

Hiram Watson established a marble 
yard in ^\'hite Hall, in 1850, and still 
continues at the head of the establish- 
ment. He has a frame building, 20x40 
in which work is carried on. He man- 
ufactures all kinds of monuments, 
tombstones, and carried a stock that is 
valued at about $3,000. 

Hiram Watson the enterprising vet- 
eran marble and granite dealer, of 
White Hall, 111., is a native of Ken- 
tucky. He was born March 15, 1825, 
and is a son of John and Mary (John- 
son) Watson. His father was a native 
of ^'irginia, his mother, of Kentucky. 
When Hiram was a babe, his parents 
moved to Morgan county. 111. When 
he was but five years of age, his mother 
died and his father broke up house- 
keeping, and Hiram and his youngest 
brother, William, were taken by A. Q. 
Lindsey, who cared for them as his own, 
until they grew to manhood. After the 
death of Hiram's mother, his father 
married again, and afterwards moved to 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



lOi)'.) 



Missouri, locating on, and clearing 
some of the land on which Kansas City 
now stands. He died en route to Santa 
Fe. Hiram spent his early life in Mor- 
gan county, and there received his ed- 
ucation. He then came to White Hall in 
1842, where learned he the mason's trade, 
which he followed for several years. In 
1846 he enlisted and took part in the 
Mexican war, in the regiment com- 
manded by Col. ,1. J. Hardin, in Capt. 
Fry's company. He was in the battle 
of Buena Vista. After the war he re- 
turned to White Hall, where he en- 
gaged in the marble business. In 1850, 
he started into the marble business 
for himself and has ever since con- 
tinued at it, having quite a large and 
remunerative trade, the result of his 
industry and ability. In 1860, he was 
joined in marriage with Mary E. Milne, 
a native of Maryland, and a daughter 
of William and Annie (Grant) Milne, 
both of whom are now deceased. By 
this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watson are 
tile parents of two children — Edwin D. 
and Mary E. Mr. Watson, has by thrift 
and good management, placed himself 
and family in very comfortable circum- 
stances. 

And many other of the usual lines of 
business have their full representation 
in the town, most of whom are spoken 
of elsewhere. 

Oliver A. Morrow, the photographic 
artist of White Hall, was born near 
Athensville, this county on April 29, 
1863. His father, Jesse Morrow, was 
born in North Carolina. His mother, 
whose maiden name was Elvira Brad- 
shaw, was born in this state. Oliver 
A. was educated in Athensville, finish- 
ing at the high school in Carrollton, 



111. He then commenced life as a 
teacher, and after one year in that pro- 
fession, he was connected with a flour- 
ing mill for two j'cars with his brothers. 
He then commenced the photographic 
business, which he has since followed. 
In connection with it he also does 
crayon work, and in both lines he has 
turned out excellent work, and met 
with good success. He is a mend)er of 
the Christian church. 

Dr. Thomas W.Pritchett, the popular 
dentist of White Hall, was born in 
Greene county. 111., May 7, 1841, his 
parents being Isaac and Sarah (Holmes) 
Pritchett, the former a native of Ohio, 
the latter of Virginia. Isaac was a 
farmer; and also a manufacturer of mill 
buhrs. He died in this county in the 
year ISoo, Mrs. Pritchett surviving liim 
until 1862. Thomas W. was educated 
in the common schools of Greene 
county. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 
91st 111. Inf., and served with that regi- 
ment until its term of enlistment ex- 
pired, that being nearly three years. 
He was discharged at Springticld, 111. 
In 1866, he began the study of dentistry, 
with Dr. James M. Ball, of Indiana. 
In 1868, he proceeded to St Louis, 
where he practiced with Dr. George H. 
Silvers, one year, and in 18()9, came to 
White Hall, where he has since re- 
mained, and through skill, ability, and 
attention to business, has met with de- 
served success in the practice of his 
profession. In 1869, Dr. Pritchett was 
united in marriage with Naomi Allen, a 
daughter of Samuel and .\nn (Clark) 
Allen, natives of Tennessee and Vir- 
ginia, respectively. They came to Illi- 
nois at a very early day, and Mr. Allen 
was extensively engaged in farming. 



1100 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



He was the father of 12 children.. He 
died in the year 1861, his wife surviv- 
ing him one year, she dying in 1S6'2. 
Dr. and Mrs. Pritchett are the parents 
of two chiklren — Charles and Ross. 
Dr. Pritchett is a member of White 
Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M. 

BANKS. 

The White Hall Banking Association, 
transacting business in this city, was 
established Jan. 1, 1877, as a private 
bank, in a frame building now occupied 
by Abrams' dry goods store, with the 
following officers: James Dowdall, 
Pres.; Isaac Powell, cashier; Jas. Dow- 
dall, L. E. Carter, A. S. Seely and 
Isaac Powell, directors. They removed 
to their present location in Sept., 1883. 
This building is a fine one 20x65 feet in 
size, and well fitted up. On its incep- 
tion it had a capital of only $10,000, but 
it has increased to $100,000, making it 
one of the strongest monetary institu- 
tions in the county. The present offi- 
cers are : Linus E. Worcester, Pres.; 
Isaac Powell, cashier, W. P. Worcester, 
assistant cashier; James Dowdall and L. 
E. Carter and the above officers, direc- 
tors. The late A. S. Seely was one of 
the board of direction at the time of his 
death. 

The People's Bank was established 
in 1867, by David Pierson, James and 
Albert Gregory, under the title of Pier- 
son, Gregory & Co. They conducted 
the business until April 1, 1875, when 
they were succeeded by John North, C. 
E. Walesand E. North, under the name 
of North, Wales & Co., until the title of 
People's Bank was assumed, Jan. 1, 
1877. The company owns the building 
they occupy, which is 20x70 feet in size. 



The first officers were: Peter Rood- 
house, Pres.; Ed. North, Cash.; John 
North, C. E. Wales, Edgar Griswold, 
Peter Roodhouse and Ed. North, direct- 
ors. A. Davis succeeded Mr. Roodhouse 
as president. Since the death of Mr. 
Davis, in 1881, there has been no presi- 
dent. Tlie present officers are : Ed. 
North, Cash.; James Porter, Ass'tCash.; 
John North, Ed. North, C. E. Wales 
and James Porter, directors. The 
bank's capital is $50,000. 

OPKEA HOUSE. 

This beautiful edifice was erected in 
1867, at a cost of upwards of $20,000. 
It owed its inception and completion to 
a stock company, that was incorporated, 
however, but all were residents of the 
town of White Hall. It remained in 
the hands of this company for a number 
of years, probably seven or eight, when 
by mutual agreement it was sold at pub- 
lic venue, Simeon Ross being the pur- 
chaser. It is a handsome brick struc- 
ture, 45x87 feet in size, two-stories in 
height. The lower floor is divided into 
two-store rooms, each being 22x87 feet 
in size, with 14 foot ceiling. The opera 
house proper is in the second story has 
a very fine auditorium, with a capacity of 
about 500. The stage is 28x34 feet in size. 
There are about 300 chairs in the hall 
besides the seats in the gallery, and 
more can be added if necessary. When 
the building was put up, a shingle roof 
was put on, but Mr. Ross has replaced 
it with a more durable one of iron. 
The first lessee was A. F. Vedder. It 
is now under the management of Fowler 
& Martin, F. Fowler having personal 
supervision. 

LIBRARY. 

The White Hall Library Association 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1101 



was organized Jan. 17, 1876, as a stock 
(■iin]]iany, with 52 stockliolders, a great 
many subscribing for more than one 
.'^liare. The first officers were: Hugh 
Lamont, Pres.; E.J. Pearce, 1st Vice- 
Pres.; A. W. Foreman. 2d Vice-Pres.; 
Isaac Powell, Treas.; F. W. Pritch'-tt, 
Secy.; G. B. Danforth, Geo. Hill,- E. 
A. Giller and J. S. Judd, directors. In 
the purchase of hooks, and fitting up of 
library room, about $800 was invested. 
Shares are $10 each, and shareliolders 
have access to the library. Those not 
having stock are entitled to the use of 
the library at the following rates: one 
month, 50 cents; three months, $1; six 
months, $1.50; one year. $2.50. The 
room used is on the second floor oppo- 
site the People's Bank, on Main street. 
Tliere were, originally, 1,200 volumes 
on the shelves, but the income has not 
been sufficient to keep it in good condi- 
tion. The works owned by the associa- 
tion, however, is a very good collection, 
having been selected by good judges. 

POSTOFFIC'K 

The ])OPtoffice at this ])oint was estab- 
lished with Beverly HoUiday as post- 
master. He carried the mail in his hat, 
continuing this method about three 
years. At first he received mail once in 
two weeks. Elijah Lotts succeeded 
him, and held the position about four 
years, when L. E. Worcester succeeded 
him. His commission was dated Nov. 
11, 1843. He held the post until 1855, 
when he was succeeded by John N. 
Israel. After him came Aaron Reno, who 
was jjostmaster for a few months be- 
i ing succeeded by Marcus Worcester, in 
April, 1861. He was succeeded by S. 
D. Chapin, in Aug., 1871. The present 



incumbent of the office, Rev. B. B. 
Hamilton, was commissioned April 1, 
1883. It was made a money order office 
July 1, 1873, and became a presidential 
office Jan. 1, 1879. 

B. B. Hamilton, born at Yankee 
Prairie, New Design, Monroe county, 
III., Feb. 4, 1822, is the third son "of 
Thomas McClure Hamilton, born, in 
Rutland county, Vt., Jan 3, 1785, and 
Apphia (Brown) Hamilton, born at 
Hartford, Washington county, N. Y., 
June 7, 1788. They were married in 
Athens county, O., in Nov., 1805, and 
moved to Illinois in the spring of 
1818, under the territorial government. 
Thoma.s M. was (|uite a prominent man 
in his connnunity, but moved to the 
south part of Greene county (now Jer- 
sey) in May, 1831. He died Dee. 9, 
1844, his widow surviving by nearly 
25 years, dying in September of the year 
1869. B. B. received in his childhood 
only such advantages as the common 
school of the pioneers afforded, having 
an excellent memory, and a great thirst 
for knowledge, he was the chan)pion 
in the spelling school, and an earnest 
debater, before he was 16 years old. He 
taught his first school at Pea Ridge, 
in Jersey county, in the winter of 1839- 
40. After this he taught at various 
places in Jersey county, and in Monroe 
rounty, dividing his time between the 
school room and work on the farm until 
the spring of 1848, 'when he entered 
into partnership with his brother, 
Nathaniel, in merchandisingat Grafton. 
In the fall of 1849 he returned to Otter- 
ville, and commence<l business on his 
own account, which was continued with 
various degrees of success, until Nov., 
1856. He had been elected school com- 



1102 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



missioner of Jersey county, in 1847, 
and appointed postmaster, and elected 
justice of the peace in 1S49, holding these 
latter offices until 1856. He was married 
Dec. 21, 1844, to Mary Ann Chandler, 
eldest daugliter of Hiram and Julania 
Chandler, born in Ohio, Sept. 14, 
1825. Mr. Hamilton made profession 
of faith in Christ, in July, 1830, and 
was baptized into the Salem Baptist 
church, constituted Feb., 1828, by 
which body he was licensed to preach 
in May, 1839 He was ordained in the 
Union Baptist church, in May 1853. 
His business arrangements would not 
permit his taking charge of any church, 
although he preached with a good de- 
gree of acceptance, as he found oppor- 
tunity, until he closed out his business 
and moved from Jersej' county, in 1856, 
into Marion county, 111., where he re- 
sided for about two years. In Sept., 
1858, he came to White Hall, 111., 
where he has made his home ever 
since. He has been pastor of the 
churches following, ever since that dati : 
White Hall, Manchester, Big Spring. 
Winchester, Otterville, Kane and Car- 
linville, in Scott, Greene, Jersey and 
Macoupin counties. He was agent for 
Shurtletf College, for about one j'ear. 
He taught school at Grafton in 1860-61; 
at White Hall, in 1861-62; at Win- 
chester, 1865-66, and 1866-67; at Green- 
field, in 1867-68, and southwest Man- 
chester, in the winter of 1872-73. He 
joined the 61st 111. Inf., in the field, 
Oct. 30, 1862, receiving the appoint- 
ment of chaplain, from that date. He 
was with his regiment at Bolivar, in 
West Tennessee, at the siege of Vicks- 
burg, at the capture of Little Rock, 
Sept. 10, 1863; and resigned at Mur- 



freesboro, Tenn., March, 1865. In Feb., 
1883, he was appointed postmaster at 
White Hall, 111., which office he now 
holds. There have been born unto him- 
self and wife, nine children, of whom 
five are surviving — John Bruwn, now 
surgeon general United States Marine 
Hospital service, born Dec. 1, 1847; 
Flora Eva, born Aug. 21, 1852, married 
Dr. E. T. Cassell, now of Edgar, Neb.; 
Amy Eliza, born July 9, 1855, married 
John Leverett, of Upper Alton, 111.; 
Henry DeWitt, born Feb. 26, 1863, now 
a lawyer of New York city; Frank 
Chandler, born Feb. 23, 1868, now a 
junior in Shurtleff College. Those 
dying were — Arthur Lee, Apphia Ma- 
rie, Laura Adaline, and Ellen G. Mr. 
Hamilton joined the I. 0.0. F. lodge. 
No. 53, of Jerseyville, in Feb., 1850, 
and was initiated into the encampment. 
No. 20, at its institution in June, 1853; 
was made a Mason, by Morning Sun 
lodge, at Jerseyville, in 1853, and was 
initiated into the Carrollton chapter, 
where he received the council degrees. 
His studies and familiarity with the 
history of current events are too well 
imderstood to need special mention in 
this connection. His first presidential 
vote was given to Binney, in 1844, and 
he has voted consecutively for each can- 
didate on the Republican ticket since 
1856, except when Lincoln was a can- 
didate, in 1864, his duties in the field 
precluding him from the exercise of his 
right in that regard. 

EDUC.\TION.\L. 

It is currently believed that the first 
school in the town of WHiite Hall was 
opened about 1835, and taught by a man 
by the name of Barton. Some have 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



liii;i 



thought that the date of this should 1 e 
1S;5G, which may be the proper one. 
Tliis was in a small frame school house 
erected on Carrollton street. Some 
time afterward, the school was held in 
the unfinished church edifice started by 
the Methodists but never completed. 
Various other school houses were used, 
but in 1867 the present elegant school 
house was erected at a cost of $2'2,0()f). 
It is well ventilated and heated, and 
constructed according; to scientific jirin- 
ciples, and is a credit to the city and 
the board of education. Tlie grades 
are — primary, second intermediate, in- 
termediate, grammar and high school. 
The present efficient corps of teachers 
having charge of this school, in 18S.3, 
a'c the following well known educators: 
High school — George M. Herriek, prin- 
cipal, and (ieorge W. Smith, assistant; 
grammer department — Dwight Purdy 
andMattie J. Black; intermediate grade 
— Laura Lowenstein and Emma Pritcli- 
ard; 2nd intermediate — Fannie Adam 
and Mollie G. Beam; primary — Sarah 
Craig and Viiinie A. Vedder. 

George M. Herriek holds the i)()si- 
tion of princii)al of the schools of 
White Hall. He is a native of Essex, 
Chittenden county, Vt., born March 21, 
185G. His parents, Leonard E. and 
Susan B.(CottVen) Herriek, were natives 
respectively of N'ermont and New 
Hampshire. They removed to Wis- 
consin, in 1857, and to M'innebago 
county, this state, in 1858. There tliey 
still reside, in Rockford, his father, who 
was formerly a farmer, now being re- 
tired from active pursuits. George M., 
the subject of this sketch, attended the 
West Rockford high school from 1869 
until his graduatit)n, in 1872, and in 



1874 commenced attendance at college in 
Beloit, Wis., from which he graduated 
in the classical course, in 1878. After 
leaving college he was chosen principal 
of the Durand graded school, and held 
that ])osition one year, when he gave it 
up to accept a similar one at Lena, 
Stephenson county, 111. He remained 
in charge there three years, and then 
went to Chicago, wliere he accepted a 
position in the employ of Cowperthwait 
& Co., of that city. This he held one 
year, until he was chosen ijrincijial of 
the White Hall public schools. He 
then came to this city and has ever 
since held that i)osition, this l)eing his 
third year here. On Sept. o, IKSH, he 
was married to Julia A., daughter of 
Nicholas and Hannah (Wilson) Pickard. 
Miss Pirkard was a graduate of the 
Lena high school, and liad been a suc- 
cessful teacher in the public schools 
there for several y(*ars. Both her pa- 
rents were natives of New York. They 
came to Illinois in 1850. Mr. Pickard, 
now deceased, was a physician. His 
widow now makes her home with Mr. 
and Mrs. Herriek. in this city. They 
are the parents of one child — Laura 
Hannah, born Feb. 3, 1885. Mr. Her- 
riek and wife are members of the White 
Hall I'resbyterian church. The pro- 
fessor is the j)ossessor of a state certifi- 
cate, granted in 1881. He also received 
the degree of A. M. in course, from 
Beloit College, in 1881, at which time he 
was chosen from his class to deliver the 
master's oration. 

THK WHITE H.\I,L .MHSERY 

Was established in 1871, by the present ^ 
j)roprietor. Henley Wilkinson, it being 
located at the west end of Franklin 



1104 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



street. While the local patronage has 
been verj' liberal, 90 per cent, of the 
stock grown for years past has found a 
market in other counties and states,' he 
often shipping more stock in one day 
than Greene county would use in a 
year. This establishment is one of the 
permanent institutions of the county. 
Special attention is given to all new 
fruits of merit. 

The White Hall green houses were 
establi.shed in 1881, on the grounds of, 
and in connection with the nursery. 
Business in this branch increased so 
rapidly that it was impossible for the 
management to anticipate the proper 
amount of extension, from year to year, 
until to-day it is the largest establish- 
ment west of the Alleghany mountains, 
in any cit}' the size of White Hall, and, 
for age, individual enterprise and per- 
manent structure, it has no rival in 
America. Glass and putty have been 
purchased by the ton, 200 perches of 
stone has been used in the foundations, 
and 40,000 brick in the furnaces and 
cisterns. The reserve capacity for water- 
ing plants is 2,000 barrels. Pots from 
the factory are bought by the 100,000 at 
a single purchase. 

The present capacity for table plants 
is over half a million, bulbs and choice 
new plants being imported direct from 
England, France and Germany. The 
trade in this department is fast as- 
suming a national character. Plants 
are sent out from this place by freight 
and express, and by mail, from Ne 
braska to Florida, from Baltimore to 
Oregon. Special care is given to grow- 
ing flowers for funerals, parties, wed- 
dings and school commencements; bo- 
quets, wreaths, crowns, crosses and all- 



manner of designs, filled with the finest 
roses, carnations, etc., in the best and 
latest styles. 

The catalogues issued by this estab- 
lishment are equal to those sent out by 
the best eastern growers. Parties visit- 
ing White Hall from midwinter to 
spring should see these green houses; 
in the summer, the flower garden is 
only excelled by the city parks. 

Richard H. Wilkinson, the father of 
Henley ^^'ilkinso^, was born and raised 
ia the state of Virginia, and graduated 
at Winchester College. He came to 
southern Indiana in 18.32, and was one 
of the pioneer Methodist ministers and 
was an active assistant in establishing 
the Greencastle University. In 1835, 
he married .Julia A. Henley, who was 
born and raised in Clark county, Ind., 
and was a sister of Thomas J. Henley, 
who figured conspicuously in state and 
national politics, until the gold excite- 
ment in California, when he was ap- 
pointed by the U. S. congress to fill the 
position of postmaster at San Francisco. 
Later on he resigned this position to 
accept an Indian agency, which posi- 
tion he held at the time of his death. 
His son, Barkley Henley, is the young- 
est member of our present congress. 
Richard H. Wilkinson and wife moved 
from Clark county to LaPorte county, 
ill the fall of 1835, and located on a 
farm, where they have remained for 
over 50 years, and are still in good 
health. 

Henley Wilkinson was born Feb. 2, 
1840, in Durham, Laporte county, Ind., 
and was the second son of Richard H. 
and Julia A. Wilkinson. He was edu- 
cated at Laporte, and remained on the 
farm with his parents until he was 21 






Propr Whit^au Nurserics S Green Mouses 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1107 



years of age, when he associated him- 
self ^ith Irvin L. Jessup, the leading 
nurspyman and florist of Laporte. In 
the fall of 1864, he came to Illinois and 
temporarily settled in Bureau county. 
April 25, 1865, he was married to Ella 
M. Owen. In 1867, he moved to Beards- 
town, 111., wliere he established and 
operated a nursery of fruits and flow- 
ers. In 1871, he established a branch of 
the fruit tree department at White Hall 
and, in the spring of 1873, he moved 
with his family and permanently lo- 
cated in Worcester's west addition to 
the city of White Hall. He is a posi- 
tive actor on the stage of life, demo- 
cratic in politics and makes no profes- 
sion of religion, but aids all of the 
churches to the extent of his ability, 
advocating that morals are best pro- 
moted in the rising generation by the 
independence of the various churches, 
each on its own adherents or followers. 
Ella M. Owen, to whom he was married, 
was a daughter of Allen and Margaret 
Owen, and a niece of Robert Dale 
Owen, of Indiana. She was born near 
Richmond, Ind., April 2, 1844. In 
1853, she came with her parents to Il- 
linois, they permanently locating in 
Bureau county, where she was living at 
the time of her marriage with Henley 
Wilkinson, April 25, 1865. Nine chil- 
have been the result of this union — 
Allen H., born April 2, 1867; William 
G., born Aug. 14, 1869, died Nov. 18, 
1869; Stella A., born Feb. 10, 1871; By- 
ron 0., born April 26, 1873; Lloyd H., 
born Nov. 28, 1875; Ralph W., born 
Dec. 3, 1877; Tillie M., born Nov. 14, 
1879; Leon Earl, born Jan. 26, 1882; 
Pansy May, born Jan. 2, 1884, died Jan. 
8, 1884. 



HOTELS. 

The Commercial hotel was built in 
1869, and was first kept by John Carr, 
proprietor of the building. He kept it 
several years, and then let it to others. 
Since that time it has had a varied his- 
tory. The present landlord, Thomas 
Duncan, took the house in Aug., 1882, 
and it has met with its first success un- 
der his management. This success has 
been well deserved, as Mr. Duncan is a 
boniface who spares no pains to make 
his guests comfortal)]e. He and his 
estimable family are a welcome addition 
to the city of White Hall. The house 
contains 20 sleeping rooms, besides the 
other appurtenances of a good hotel, 
and has a liberal patronage. 

Thomas Duncan, the present propri- 
etor of the Commercial, was born at 
Jonesboro, Eastern Tenn., March 1, 
1821. He is a son of James and Saraii 
(Hunt) Duncan, both natives of Tennes- 
see. He lived with his parents until 
he had reached the age of 25, being en- 
gaged in farming with his father. In 
1856 he moved to this state, and bought 
land near Girard, Macoupin county, 
where he was engaged in farming nine 
years. He then sold his farm, and en- 
gaged in the grocery business at Girard, 
in which enterprise he was engaged for 
11 years. He then embarked in the 
hotel business in the same place, taking 
charge of the Enterprise hotel, which 
he conducted for about three years. 
From there he removed to White Hall, 
and took charge of the Commercial ho- 
tel. He was married, Aug. 7, 1856, to 
Elizabeth B. Kilzmiller, daughter of 
Henry and Elizabeth (Carr) Kitzmiller. 
They are the parents of nine children, 
eight of whom are living — Martha M., 



TTT 



1108 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



married to L. P. Smith, living at Pal- 
myra, Macoupin county; Mary E., 
Sarah E., Ella B., Laura A., Katie J., 
Birdie Irene and Ethel V. All of these, 
with one exception, have been endowed 
with a marked talent for vocal music. 
The one deceased was an infant, not 
named. The family are devout mem- 
bers of the Baptist church, the young 
ladies being leading singers in the choir. 
Mr. Duncan is a man honest and upright 
in the fullest sense of the words. He is 
a republican, politically. 

The leading down town hotel of White 
Hall, is the Brunswick, which is cen- 
trally located on the southeast corner of 
Main and Sherman streets. The build- 
ing was erected by George Dossel and 
Charles Gropp, in partnership, in 1882, 
at a costof S10,000. The hotel business 
was carried on in this structure by its 
builders for two years, when Charles 
Naught purchased the interest of Mr. 
Gropp, in the business, in April, 188-5. 
The building is handsome, both in archi- 
tectural appearance, and in its furnish- 
ing. It is two stories in height, and 
covers an area of 2fix80 feet on the 
ground. In this building are six large 
and handsome sleeping rooms, and 12 
other rooms, over Weitzel's clothing 
store, are also used for this purpose. 
They have a well fitted office, dining 
and saTnple rooms. In front of the 
office is a room in which they handle 
confectionery, cigars, etc. The proprie- 
tors of the building are Dossel & Gropp. 

The Amos House is one of the old 
landmarks of White Hall. It was built 
in 1835, by Enos Ayers, who ran it for 
five or six years, and was succeeded by 
Ross B. Hughes. He ran it about four 
years. It has since changed landlords 



a great many times. It is now owned 
by Mrs. Amos, who still accommodates 
guests. It is the oldest hotel in White 
Hall. 

NURSERY. 

In 1877 W. P. Bates & Co. established 
a nursery at White Hall, which was op- 
erated by them successfully. The firm 
was composed of the above gentleman 
and his father, P. J. Bates. The former 
removed to Arkansas in 1881, where he 
now operates a large nursery and fruit 
farm. They still carry on the fruit busi- 
ness on a somewhat extended scale in 
White Hall, dealing, principally, in 
strawberries and grapes, although all 
small fruits receive their attention. 

James Brown established the city 
green house in 1884, and already it has 
become one of the institutions of this 
busy little city. It has a conservatory 
18x70 feet in size, and nice grounds in 
which to bed his plants. He makes a 
specialty of roses, being an adept in 
handling that queen of flowers, although 
he keeps on hand nearly all the annual 
and perennial plants. 

James Brown, Jr., was born Dec. 20, 
1857, in Chester county, Penn. He is a 
son of James and Catharine (McKelvey) 
Brown, the latter a native of Ireland. 
The subject was educated in Chester 
county, Penn., and there began the busi- 
ness of life, at the early age of nine 
years, as a florist. He came to Illinois 
in 1883, and established the greenhouse 
which he now conducts witth success. 
June 8, 1882, he was united in mar- 
riage with Catharine Keenan, a native 
of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brown and wife 
are members of the Catholic church. 

DEPOTS. 

The C. & A. R. R. has had two depots 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, 



IIUU 



in this city. The first one was erected 
in 1863, and was 20x40 feet in size. It 
gave place to the present structure, 
which is 80x100 feet, in the fall of 1870. 
The first agent in the old building was 
Mell Leighton, and Geo. McFadden, in 
the new one. He was succeeded by W. 
K. Morley, and he by G. W. Seeor, the 
present agent, who took the post in 
1871. 

The first depot of the C, B. & Q. R.R. 
at White Hall was built in the winter 
of 1870. It was destroyed by fire, Oct. 
9, 1884. The work of rebuilding soon 
commenced, and the present structure 
was ready for occupancy in Dec, 1884. 
The old depot was 24x60 feet in size; 
the new one is 10 feet longer. The first 
agent was named Hesser. Thorrlas P. 
Rafert}' now manages the business of 
the company at this point in a gentle- 
manly and obliging manner. He suc- 
ceeded John Beaty in this position. 

Thomas P. Raferty was born at Sing 
Sing. N. Y., Nov. 13. 1855, and is a son 
of Patrick and Mary (McNawall) Raf- 
erty, natives of Ireland. They emi- 
grated from New York to Illinois, and 
located at Rock Island, where Thomas 
began the study of telegraphy, remain- 
ing with his parents until he had arrived 
at the age of 17 years. He then came 
to Greene county, and took the position 
of night operator at Rockbridge, where 
he remained nine months. He then 
came to White Hall as day operator and 
assistant agent to H. L. Pierce and J.T. 
Craj)sey, which situation he held four 
years. He then took charge of the office 
at Medora', as agent and operator, where 
he was located one year, and at the ex- 
piration of that time returned to White 
Hall, where he entered the oflice of the 



C, B. & Q. as agent, on Dec. 29, since I 
which time he has ably performed the 
duties pertaining thereto. Mr. Raferty 
was married, June 19, 1878,to Ilcni ii^'ita 
Ayres, daughter of Alfred and Ann 
(Eofl") Ayres. By this marriage there 
are two interesting children — Leroy M. 
and Katie. Mr. and Mrs. Raferty are 
members of the Catholic church. Mr. 
Raferty is an energetic, careful mana- 
ger, well qualified to fill with credit the 
position he holds. 

CORNET B.\XD. 

The White Hall Silver Cornet Band 
was organized in the winter of 1865-6, 
and is the first band ever organized at 
this place. It was made up as follows: 
F. F. Worcester, leader and Eb cornet; 

J. A. Boehm, Bb cornet; Geery, 

alto; Bruce Atwood, tenor; John Mills, 
Bb bass; M. H. Watt, tuba; Geo. Daw- 
son, bass drum. At present the band is 
made up as follows: T. J. Grant, leader 
and Eb cornet; M. J. Galhuley, El) cor- 
net; Lutlier Markellie, Bb clariontt; 
Richard White, Bb cornet; George Hal- 
pin, solo alto; Melvin Black, 1st alto; 
John Fahcy, 1st tenor; J. E. Adams, 
2d tenor; F. F. Worcester, baritone; 
H. L. McFarland, Bb bass; Charles 
Black, tuba; William Dawson, bass 
drum; Greeley Vermillion, snare drum; , 
Geo. Adams, drum major. The officers 
for 1885 are: M. J. Galhuley, pres.; 
F. F. Worcester, sec. and treas.; M. .1. 
Galhuley, T. J. Grant and F. F. \\\,r- 
cester, trustees. The organization is out 
of debt, and has some money in the 
treasury. They have paid out about 
81,000 in the last five years for instru- 1 
ments and uniforms. Their hall and 
practice room is over the People's 



1110 



HISTORY OF GREENE COL'NTY. 



bank. They have played for the trades' 
procession at St. Louis, two years, and 
fur the Veiled Prophets parade, once. 

SOCIETIES. 

White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. 
M., was duly organized June 19, 1850, 
under a dispensation, receiving a char- 
ter Oct. 8, 1850. The list of the origi- 
nal members is here given : J. C. 
Winters, Henry Griswold, John B. 
Mcintosh, Joseph Richert, N. Kendall, 
Asbury Davis, John Grant, Jas. Kelley 
and Arthur Axley. The first officers 
were as follows: J. C. Winters, W. M.; 
Henry Griswold, S. W.; J. B. Mcin- 
tosh, J. W.; J. C. VanOstrand, T.; 
Asbury Davis, S.; Joseph Richert, S. 
D.; Nath'l Kendall, J. D.; Arthur Ax- 
ley, tyler. There is a present member- 
ship of 96 brothers. The hall in which 
they meet was erected by them in 1873, 
and embraces the upper story of S. D. 
Chapin's building. It is constructed of 
briclc, and is 24x65 feet in size, and was 
completed at a cost of about $2,500. 
The furniture, which is very handsome 
and complete, cost some S700, in addi- 
tion. The following have filled the 
office of W. M. of this lodge: J. C. 
Winters, J. B. Mcintosh, E. M. Husted, 
J. W. Gregory, F. H. Clark, J. M. 
Perry, S. D. Chapin, W. P. Worcester, 
J. E. Higby, T. A. Smith, Isaac McCol- 
lister. The present officers are : Isaac 
McCollister, W. M.; H. W. Chapman, 
S. D.; L. T. Prindle, J. W.; Charles 
Quigley, T.; C. W. Pritchett, S.; Wm. 
Winn, S. D.; Robert Dixon, J. D.; L. 
0. Bates and Charles Richert, stewards; 
S. M. Henderson, C; and Edward Rix, 
tyler. 

Benevolent lodge. No. 227, I. 0. 0. 



F., was instituted under a dispensation 
granted April 3, 1857, upon which ap- 
pears the following list of petitioners: 
J. W. Adgate, Peter Parker, D. C. 
Banta, Thomas Lakin and Joseph B. 
Cook, The first meeting of the lodge 
which met for institution bj' D. D. G. 
M., W. L. Graham, was held May 14, 
1857. The charter bears the names of 
the above petitioners. The first officers 
were: Peter Parker, N. G.; D.C. Banta, 
V. G.; J. W. Adgate, R. S.; Thomas 
Lakin, T.; J. R. Austin, W.; H. D. 
Moreland, C; J. B. Cfok, 0. G.; W. 
M. Allen, I. G. Since the organization 
of this lodge they have initiated 264 
members. The present membership is 
about 45, and much interest is taken in 
the work of the order. The hall in 
which they meet was built by the lodge 
in 1873, embracing the second story of 
the building only. It is 22x65 feet in 
size, and was completed at a cost of 
$2,500. The following is a roster of the 
officers in 1885: J. W. Turner, N. G 
M. M. Fuller, V. G.; Zeno Stocks, R 
S.; T. A. Smith, P. S.; J. D. Adams, T 
S. B. Silkwood, W.; J. W. Bernthistle 
C; D. E. Culbertson, R. S. N. G. 
Charles Quigley, L. S. N. G.; D. Cul- 
bertson, R. to G. L.; W. B. Beadnal, I. 
G.; and J. W. Scott, 0. G. 

Culver post. No. 512, G. A. R., was 
organized June 18, 1885, by T. G. 
Capps, D. S. M. 0., with the following 
charter members — B. B. Hamilton, J. 
C. Winters, J. F. Potts, W. M. Potts, 
G. W. Burns, f. E. Smith, E. J. Pearce, 
G. W. Winn, S. Culbertson, Levi Cul- 
bertson, J. S. Baker, M. H. Walker, D. 
W. Trask, Joseph Westnedge, G. W. 
Brown, Thomas Martin, W. H. Hender- 
son, J. F. Allen, George Strickland, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1111 



V. C. Wright, L. N. Ballard, M. C. Wil- 
liamson, W. H. Dix, R. B. Winn and 
Squire Remer. The post, although a new 
one, is in fine working order, and now 
has a membership of 38. They meet 
once a month in the I. 0. 0. F. hall. 
The first and present officers are — T. E. 
Smith, C; G. W. Trask, S. V. C; Sam- 
uel Culbertson, J. V. C; G. W. Winn, 
Q. M.; J. F. Potts, S.; B. B. Hamilton, 
Chap.; M. H. Walker, O. D.; G. R. 
Strickland, 0. G.; R. B. Winn, Adj't, 
G. W. Brown, S. M.; Levi Culbertson, 
Q. M.S. 

Orphans' Hope lodge. No. 1-J31, K. of 
H., was organized March 5, 1879, by J. 
H. Vinson, D. G. D., with the follow- 
ing charter members: G. W. Trask, 
R. B. Winn, A. W. Foreman, F. E. 
Huddle, J. S. Brooks, A. F. Vedder, 
L. H. Wagner, J. E.Welch, R. F.Clark, 
W. C. Baker, Charles Richert, E. L. 
Brown, J. Culbertson, M. H. Walker, 
J. S. Brown, C. W. Henry, G. R. Fan. 
ning, J. W. Henry, F. M. Frost, H. J. 
Wells, John King, Wm. Sykes, Conrad 
Weis, W. J. Goodall, S. Culbertson, 
E. L. Simonds and .J. F. Walker. The 
following were the first officers of the 
society: E. W. Foreman, D.; J. Cul- 
bertson, J. D.; E. L. Brown, A. D.; J. 
E. Welch, R.; A. F. Ycdder, F. R.; \V. 
C. Baker, T.; G. W. Trask, C; C. W. 
Henry, G.; R. B. Winn, Gn.; E. L. Si- 
monds, S.; A. W. Foreman, M. E.; F. 
E. Huddle, P. D. There is a present 
membership of 33, and the lodge is 
highly prosperous. The present ofiicers 
are: C. W. Henry, D.; J.W.Turner, 
Y. D.; W. M. Ballard, A. D.; R. B. 
Winn, R.; E. W. Foreman, F. R.; B. W. 
Greer,C.; C. Richert, T.; S. Culbertson, 
G,; J. S. Baker, Gn.; Chas. Handler, S.; 



A. W. Foreman, M. E.; and C. Richert, 
P. D. 

MlNICir.VL. 

The city of White Hall was incorpor- 
ated, by an act of the general assembly, 
as a town, in 1836. No record exists, 
or is accessible, of the early officers, 
and the names of but two are remem- 
bered — Archibald Clark and Chester 
Swallow. In 1838 another charter was 
obtained containing greater powers, and 
this answered until 1869, when a new 
charter was obtained from the same 
source. At that time, Samuel Higbee 
was elected president, and P. Brantzel, 
W. B. Harper, S. Y. Yillinger, J. Smith 
and G. S. Vosseller, trustees. In 1884, 
the place was duly incorporated as a 
city, and the following officers were 
elected — Seneca D. Chapin, mayor; R. 
S. Worcester, clerk; Isaac Powell, treas- 
urer; Thomas Henshaw, attorney; F. 1. 
Vedder, marshal; T. P. Hackney, super- 
intendent of streets; Robert Neece, 
superintendent of lamps; aldermen, 1st 
^'ai\] — Nulton F. Worcester and Alfred 
White; 2d ward— D. Culbertson and A. 
0. Yosseler; 3d ward— M. C. Purdy,and 
Michael Brantzel. 

The present officers of tlie city are 
Seneca D. Chapin, mayor; R. S. Wor- 
cester, clerk; Isaac Powell, treasurer: 
Thomas Henshaw, attorney; M. II. 
Walker, marshal; A. B. Harrison, 
superintendent of streets; I^obert Neece, 
superintendent of lamps. The city 
council is composed of the following 
alderman— N. E. Perkins, Alfred Whitf, 
David Culbertson, T. J. Grant, Jr., M. 
C. Purdy, and R. B. Winn. 

I'ROMI.VK.NT CITIZKXS. 

James T. Henley, a prominent citi- 
zen of White Hall, was born in Albe- 



1112 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



marie county, Va., Oct. 31, 1833. He 
is a son of Samuel and Frances (Davis) 
Henley, also natives of Virginia, where 
they were married. His father was of 
English extraction, his mother of Eng- 
lish and French. Samuel learned the 
miller's trade in Virginia, which busi- 
ness he followed until about 1836, when 
they immigrated to St. Louis, where he 
l)urchased ])roperty and engaged in 
milling for Cathcart & Walsh, a promi- 
nent milling firm of that day. He then 
sold his property in St. Louis and pur- 
chased a farm in St. Charles county and 
turned his attention to farming. Mrs. 
Henley died there, and after remaining 
a few years, Mr. Henley sold his farm 
and removed to St. Louis. He died 
I there in 1883, at the advanced age of 86 
I years. They had a family of six chil- 
dren, James T. being the fourth. After 
his first wife's death, Mr. Henley was 
again married to Mrs. Williams, who is 
also deceased. James T. was reared on 
the farm and received but a limited ed- 
ucation, such as was afforded in the log 
school house of that day, when they 
had slab benches for seats, but by study 
has acquired a good, practical educa- 
tion. He is quite a reader and has a li- 
brary containing many standard works. 
He was married Feb. 18, 1862, to Julia 
A. Hume, a native of Missouri, born 
March 11, 1S41. She is a daughter 
of Stanton and Sarah (Breckenridge) 
Hume, an own cousin of Hon. John C. 
Bi'eckenridge, vice president during 
President Buchanan's term of office. 
Her parents went from Kentucky to Mis- 
souri, where her father died. Her 
mother is still living. Mrs. Henley 
was the 10th of a family of 12 children. 
Mr. Henley resided in Missouri imtil 



April 3, 1863, when he came to Greene 
county. 111., and settled on his farm 
near Wilmington, now called Patterson, 
which he had previously purchased, 
and there engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, which he still follows. May 9, 
1874, he purchased tlie residence prop- 
erty, built and occupied by Judge Bald- 
win, in White Hall, and still resides 
there. Mr. Henley has been quite suc- 
cessful, financially, and has accumu- 
lated until he now owns 845 acres of 
land, 45 acres of which are within the 
city limits of White Hall. Mr. and 
Mrs. Henley are the parents of three 
children — Fannie D., Cora M. and Sallie 
B. Mr. Henley's political views are 
democratic. He is a materialist in re- 
ligion. 

John W. Vinyard, one of White Hall's 
prominent citizens, is a native of this 
county, having been born within its 
limits, Jan. 11, 1844. He is a son of 
Squire and Jane (Manley) Vinyard, 
who are noticed in other places in this 
work. John W. was reared in this 
county, and here received his educa- 
tion, principally at the Giller school 
house. For 12 years after leaving school 
he was engaged in the general merchan- 
dise business, as a partner with his 
father. During that time he managed 
the business. He then went to reside 
on a farm, and engaged in the stock 
business. In 1873, he was united in 
marriage with Ann Doyle, a daughter of 
Gregory and Elizabeth (Wood) Doyle. 
Bj' this marriage there are five children 
— Frances, Lizzie, Stanley, Lloyd, de- 
ceased, and Earl. 

Albert H. Owings was born near Win- 
chester, Scott county, 111., May 25,1853, 
and is a son of Mordecai and Cynthia 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



IIKI 



(Adkinson) Owings. His father is a na- 
tive of Kentuclcy, his mother of Ten- 
nessee, and they have been engaged 
through life in the pursuit of agricul- 
ture. Albert received his education in 
the district schools near Winchester, 
and followed farming until 1881, when 
he engaged in the dry goods business at 
Winchester, where he continued two 
years. He then came to White Hall, 
and in partnership with his brother 
Milton, opened up in the same business 
here, which they carried on until the 
latter part of Oct., 1885. In the spring 
of 1874, Mr. Owings was married to 
Mary J. Oleameyer, a daughter of Peter 
and Lucinda (Beasley) Oleamej'er, na- 
tives of Germany, and of Scott county, 
111., respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ow- 
ings are the parents of four children, 
only two of whom are now living — Ber- 
tie and Etta Belle. Those deceased are 
— Percy and Robert. Mrs. Owings is a 
member of the Baptist church, and Mr. 
Owings, of the M. E. church. He is 
also a member of the K. of H. lodge of 
White Hall. Mr. Owings is an ener- 
getic business man, and any failure to 
make a success of any business he may 
undertake during life can never be at- 
tributed to a lack of industry on liis 
part. 

Absalom Mitchell, oneof White Hall's 
residents, belongs to that class of citi- 
zens who, having accumulated a compe- 
tency by application to agricultural life, 
have retired from active pursuits, and 
come to the city to live in comfort upon 
the fruits of early labors. He was born 
in Indiana, Feb. 9, 1835, and is a son of 
Amos and Nancy (Fulford) Mitchell, 
natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respect- 
ively. His father, who was a farmer, 



died in 1837 ; his mother died in 1868. 
Absalom was educated in the common 
schools in Indiana, and then adopted 
farming as his future work. In 18G4, 
he removed to this state and county and 
purchased a large farm, which he culti- 
vated until 1882. when he sold out and 
removed to White Hall, which is now 
his residence. In 1859, he was united 
in marriage with Jennie Deviney, a 
daughter of George Washington and 
Rebecca (Hill) Deviney, who were, 
respectively, natives of Tennessee and 
Missouri. Her father, who followed 
farming, died many years ago. Her 
mother died in 1879. Mrs. Mitchell 
was born Aug. 6, 1841. By this mar- 
riage tliere have been 11 children, of 
whom only one, Myrtle Elizabeth, is 
now living. Of the others, all died 
young, save Rosetta, who was the first 
child; she was married at the time of 
her death. 

William M. Vinyard, a well known 
known farmer and and land owner, of 
Greene countj", resiiling in the south- 
west quarter of White Hall city, is a 
native of Greene county. He was born 
near Walkerville on Aug. 6, 1837. His 
parents are both natives of Kentucky, 
and came to Illinois about 1823. His 
father. Squire Vinyard, followed farm- 
ing and money loaning until his deatli, 
Dec. 26, 1880, having outlived his wife 
by some 25 years. William M. Vinyard 
was reared in this county, receiving his 
education in its common schools. He 
was brouglit up to farm life, and has 
made agriculture his business. In IStU) 
be purchased his first farm of 233 acres, 
which lies on Sec. 7, T. 11, K. 12, wliicli 
is still owned by him, together with ItlO 
acres on section 6 of the same township. 



1114 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



He then bought 40 acres on section 13, 
and next 120 acres on sections 9 and 10, 
all in T. 11, R. 13. After this he added 
120 acres more on Sec. 3, T. 11, R. 12, 
and on the latter tract he now resides. 
On Feb. 2. 1S60, he married Sophia 
Bains, a native of this county, and of 
English descent. By this marriage 
there were three children — Etna A., 
wife of E. C. Hudson, living near Walk- 
erville; Lillie B.; and Caroline, who is 
deceased. June 14, 1864, William M. 
Vinyard was united in matrimony with 
Mary J. Murray, also a native of this 
county. By this marriage there are 
four children, two of whom are living — 
William L., and Lee C. Squire C. and 
Martha J. are deceased. Mr. Vinyard 
has some very fine tracts of land, and 
they lie in a fine part of the country. 
He has accumulated considerable wealth 
in the last 25 years, owing to his ener- 
getic and enterprising efforts. 

.Judge Isaac D. Vedder was born in 
Onondaga county, N. Y., June 5, 1820, 
his parents being Aaron F. and Nancy 
(Allen) Vedder, his father a native of 
New York, his mother of Canada. They 
removed to Illinois in 1847, but in 1851, 
they returned to New York, and there 
spent the balance of their days, dying 
in the town of Ly.«ander. His father's 
business was that of a carpenter and 
joiner. Isaac D. received his education 
in the common schools of Lysander, 
after which he was emjDloyed as clerk 
for one year, at Fulton, Oswego county, 
N. Y. In May, 1840, he came to his 
y)resent location, in White Hall, where 
he has ever since resided, except three 
years, which he spent in Washington 
City. On coming to this city he sold 
goods for about five years, and then 



worked at the carpenter's trade for two 
years. In 1847, he received an appoint- 
ment in the national land-office, at 
Washington, D. C, which position he 
retained until 1850. He then returned 
to White Hall, and formed a partner- 
ship with A. Davis, in the dry goods 
business, which continued for six years, 
when the firm sold out. Mr. Vedder 
was elected justice of the peace then, 
but in 1861, he resigned thatofl[ice, and, 
forming a partnership with A. Davis 
and G. S. Vosseller, again embarked in 
the dry goods business. In the fall of 
1864, Mr. Vedder retired from this firm, 
and in lS(i6, was appointed a notary 
public, which office he still holds. In 
1872, he purchased Judge Worcester's 
interest in the wagon and carriage man- 
ufactory, and engaged in that business 
five years. He then sold out, and since 
that he has been doing an agency busi- 
ness, that of a notary public, and for 
four years that of police magistrate. 
Feb." 15, 1849, he married Sarah E. 
Prettyman, daughter of Thomas and 
Mary (Pelton) Prettyman, natives of 
Delaware, and Alexandria, Va., respect- 
ively. Mrs. Prettyman is now a resi- 
dent of Washington, D. C. Mr. and 
Mrs. Vedder are the parents of nine 
children, eight of whom are living — 
Nannie, deceased; Ada, wife of Dr. Geo. 
F. B. Willard, of Vergennes, Vt.; Min- 
nie; Thomas A., married; Francis L., 
married; Isaac D., Jr.; Richard P.; Nel- 
lie and Charles. Mrs. ^'edder is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church, of Washington 
city. Mr. Vedder is a member of 
White Hall lodge. No. 80. He is highly 
esteemed for his good qualities, his hon- 
esty and integrity. 

William J. Roberts, county superin- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1115 



tendent of schools, and editor and pro- 
prietor of the White Hall RfgiMer, was 
born at Litchfield, Montgomery county, 
111., Jan. 9, 1852. His parents were 
Wni. H. and Charity (Martin) Roberts, 
natives of Illinois and Indiana, respect- 
ively. His father died Aug. 30, 1851, 
and his widow Nov. 18, 1875' Wil- 
liam J. was educated in the common 
schools, and in the high school at Jer- 
seyville. He has also attended several 
normal schools. He began business on 
a farm, which he followed until he was 
22 years of age. After finishing his 
education, he followed school teaching 
for eight consecutive years. In June, 
1881, he was appointed to fill a vacancy 
in the office of county superintendent. 
In December of the same year, he was 
re-appointed for one year. In Novem- 
ber, 1882, he was elected to hold the 
office for a term of four years. He is 
well fitted for the office, both by educa- 
tion and experience. His early educa- 
tion was not obtained, however, with- 
out considerable exertion on his own 
part. His father having died before 
our subject was born, his mother was 
agi,dn married to George E. Smith. 
William J. was not favored with the 
educational advantages he craved, and 
at the age of 14 years, he left home to 
educate himself, his stepfather not tak- 
ing much stock in such matters. The 
last year of his teaching experience, he 
acted as principal of the Roodhouse 
schools. June 1, 1883, he bought a 
half interest in the Roodhouse Journnl, 
and in August purchased a half interest 
in the White Hall Regider. July 1, 
1884, he purchased the above papers, 
entire. July 7, 1885, he sold a half in- 
terest to Milton Owings, and re-pur- 



chased the same Oct. 23, 1885, as related 
elsewhere. 

George Hill is a native of England, 
born in Brighton, Sussex county, in 
1836. At the early age of 18 he crossed 
the ocean, and arriving in New York 
City, he subsequently made his way to 
Albany, where he became apprenticed 
to an architect and builder. On com- 
pleting his trade he went to Glovers- 
ville. where he married Sarah Ricks, a 
daughter of Joseph Ricks, of McHenry 
county. 111. Taking up his residence 
once moreat Albany, he became actively 
employed at his calling until 1852, when 
he moved to Fort Plain, where he 
erected many notable buildings, for by 
this time he had gained an extensive 
reputation as an architect and builder. 
During the war he was a soldier in Co. 
H, 10th N. Y. Zouaves. In 1866 he 
settled in White Hall, Greene county, 
and it was not long before his talents 
and energy as a contractor and builder 
became manifest and he soon received 
orders from wealthy parties contem- 
plating building. He it was who be- 
came the architect and builder of some 
of the more notQd business blocks and 
private residences of White Hall, Rood- 
house, Greenfield and other points. In 
1873, owing to ill health, he abandoned 
this calling, in which he won the adm'- 
ration of many, and the following year 
purchased the pottery of W. W. Huhbs; 
in this, owing to liberality, honesty and 
industry he transacts a very large trade, 
having all modern facilities for it. 

E. J. Pearce was born in ?]vansburg, 
Crawford county, Penn,, Oct. 6, 1889. 
He worked on a farm in the summer, 
and cut cordwood in the winter, until 
his 19th year. He attended district 



1116 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



schools a few three-months' terms, dur- 
ing the wintei', and in 1858 entered the 
academy at New Lebanon, Penn., where 
he remained until the close of the school 
year, except during three months of 
the winter of 1858-9, when he taught 
school near that place. He also taught 
a couple of terms of writing school that 
winter and spring. In the summer of 
1858 he engaged to teacli a graded school 
at Cooperstown, Penn., but this term 
only lasted one week, as the great frost 
of June 5, destroyed the growing crops. 
Desiring to seek a warmer climate, he 
started southward, and after a varied 
experience, reached Cairo, Va., and set 
out to find employment. He soon se- 
cured a school, which he taught until 
about the first of March, 1860, when, 
having decided to immigrate to Illinois, 
he started, and soon arrived at White 
Hall. The first man he met in White 
Hall was Marcus Worcester, since 
deceased. He walked two and a half 
miles to the residence of his uncle, 
Israel Pierce, tliat evening, and before 
night next day had engaged to teach 
the Floyd school. He taught 13 months 
in this county at that time. When 
school closed, in 1862, he engaged in 
enlisting soldiers for the war. On Aug. 
8, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. 
Ct, 91st 111. Inft. He was soon after 
made 1st sergeant, then 2d lieutenant, 
1st lieutenant and captain, in succes- 
sion. He was captured with his regi- 
ment at Elizabethtown, Ky., Dec. 27, 

1862, by John Morgan's forces, and pa- 
roled. He was exchanged in June, 

1863, at St. Louis. On the 21st of July 
he arrived at Vicksburg, Miss., in com- 
mand of 40 men, guarding 200 desert- 
ers. Gen. Logan immediately assigned 



him to duty at the court house, as as- 
sistant provost marshal. He remained 
there eight months and during the time 
issued all the passes to persons going 
up and down the river, or through the 
lines; paroled 3,000 to 4,000 rebel pris- 
oners; assisted in organizing two negro 
regiments, and issued orders for rations 
twice each week for more than 20,000 
people. In March, 1864, having re- 
ceived a jiromoti'on, he was ordered to 
join the regiment at Brownsville, Tex. 
At the end of the week he embarked on 
board a propeller, and was soon after 
placed in charge of a steamboat on the 
Rio Grande, and at the end of about six 
weeks detailed as adjutant of the regi- 
ment, which position he held until he 
was promoted to captain and was made 
acting assistant adjutant general of the 
2d brigade, 3d division, 13th army 
corps, in March, 1865. He retained 
this position all through the Mo- 
bile campaign, and until his regi- 
ment was mustered out, at Mobile, July 
12, 1865. After his return to White 
Hall, he taught school in town, and at 
Giller's school house, until July, 1867, 
when he was employed to sujacrintend 
the only elevator in the place. While 
at work at the elevator, in Feb., 1868, 
he was surprised by the information 
that lie had been appointed assistant 
assessor of internal revenue. This po- 
sition tie held until the office was abol- 
ished. He was then appointed to other 
revenue positions, and remained in the 
service until 1876, when, not wishing to 
be transferred to Chicago, he resigned. 
He taught school at the Hicks school 
house, east of White Hall, in 1876-7, 
and in Feb., 1877, started the White 
Hall Republican, and entered upon edi- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1117 



torial work, as related in the Press 
chapter. He was a member of the re- 
publican state central committee from 
1878 to 1882, and has always taken an 
active part in politics, as a speaker and 
a writer. In 1867, he married Maggie 
A. Carr, in White Hall. They have 
five children living — three boys and two 
girls. Three of their children died in 
infancy. Mr. Pearce is a ready and 
forcible writer. 



CEMETERY. 

The White Hall Cemetery Association 
was formed Feb. 16, 1865, with L. E. 
Worcester, Simeon Ross, J. B. Greg- 
ory, I. D. Vedder and B. (i. Culver, in- 
corporators. They selected and pur- 
chased their present beautiful location 
for a burial ground, on section 2, south 
of the town, and laid it out and orna- 
mented it. Many handsome monuments 
grace the place. 



OHAPa^RR. XXVII. 



ROODHOUSE 

The sub-division of Greene county 
known as Roodhouse township, is loca- 
ted in the northern part of the county, 
and is bounded on the north by Scott 
county, on the east by Athensville town- 
ship, on the south by White Hall town- 
ship, and on the west by Patterson town- 
ship. Tlie land is nearly all prairie land, 
and is most excellently adapted to ag- 
ricultural purposes, ^nd for stock-rais- 
ing. The center of three lines of rail- 
road, it has the best facilities for the 
shipment of the jiroducts of the soil, of 
any township in the county. The thriv- 
ing town of Roodhouse is located in the 
southeastern part ofthe township and is 
one ofthe largest business centers of the 
county. 

E.VKLY SETTLEMENT. 

Benjamin Drumniond was i)robably 
the first settlerin this partof the county. 
He came from Madison county in 1819, 
and located near where tlie town of 



TOWNSHIP. 

Roodhouse is now situated and resided 
there for many years. 

John Taylor was the next settler in 
this township, settling in 1820. He lo- 
cated on section 3, where he entered a 
large tract of land and where he lived 
until his death. The same year there 
was quite a settlement in this section. 

Isaac Hill made his settlement in this 
township, also, in the year 1820. He 
made this his home, and became identi- 
fied with the early development of the 
county. 

John, Robert and Thomas Lorton, 
made settlements within the limits of 
what is now Roodhouse township, in 
1820, on what was afterward called Lor- 
ton's prairie. Descendents of these old 
pioneers are still residents of the 
county. 

Elisha Spencer came to Greene county 
in 1820, and located in what is now 
Roodhouse township. He remained 
here until called to cross the dark gulf 



1118 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



that divides life from death, in 1864. A 
sketch of him is given in connection 
with that of his son, James R., who is a 
resident of the county. 

LEADING CITIZENS. 

Below will be found sketches of those 
who have been active and prominent 
in the afi'airs of this townsliip. 

Abram J. R. Field, was born in Gib- 
son county, Ind., Dec. 11, 1825, his par- 
ents being Joseph and Jane (Kell) Field, 
his father a native of Kentucky, and his 
mother of Warwick county, Indiana. 
Joseph, with his parents, immigrated 
from Kentucky to Gibson county, Ind., 
when he was quite small, and there the\' 
remained until he was 20 years of age. 
In 1831, he came with his parents to 
Illinois, and located at Alton, where 
they remained about one year. There 
his father hauled and put up the first 
bricks in Lower Alton. His father 
removed to what is now Patterson town- 
ship, in 18o2, and entered and bought 
2,100 acres of land, all in one tract. He, 
with his family, moved into a small log 
cabin, where he lived several years, and 
then erected a large two-story brick 
house and made improvements at a cost 
of several thousand dollars. The im- 
provements are all good, and at the time 
of its completion his residence was said 
to be the finest in the county. Here he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 
1880. His mother died in 1849. Our 
subject was reared on a farm, remaining 
at home until 21 years of age, when he 
was married and started in life for him- 
self, locating on the homestead, where 
he remained and farmed three j'ears, 
when he removed to the town of Patter- 
* son. There he engaged in the mercan- 



tile business, which he followed for 
three years, when he sold out and bought 
160 acres of land on Sec. 6, T. 12, R. 12, 
and a short time after bought another 
160, but sold again and bought 141 acres 
on section 2, and then built a large 
frame house, two stories in height, at a 
cost of $5,000. This building burned 
down, and having no insurance thereon, 
it was a great loss to Mr. Field. He 
then removed into his old residence, 
where he now lives, but onl}' remained 
there one year, when he bought 175 
acres of land on section 5 and removed 
on to it, where. he lived nine years, and 
then sold out and moved again to his 
old house, where he has since resided. 
Mr. Field now owns 1,300 acres of land 
in Patterson township, 100 acres in Clay 
county and 160 acres on his homestead. 
He was married May 10, 1846, to Eliza- 
beth Stone, daughter of Micajah and 
Elizabeth (Weaver) Stone. They are 
the parents of 10 children, six of whom 
are living — Lewis R., married Mary 
Campbell and resides in Patterson town- 
ship; Jasper N., married Emma Mann; 
Doctor C. and Winfield Scott, at home; 
George W. and Matilda J. The ones 
deceased are: William, Joseph, Lusetta 
and Katie, and two who died in infancy. 
Mr. Field is a member of tlie I. 0. 0. 
F. lodge, and also a member of the K. 
of P. He has been an extensive stock- 
dealer until recently, and has now 
turned his attention to farming entirely. 
Mr. Field is conservative both in poli- 
tics and religion, and during the war of 
the Rebellion, took a decided stand for 
the welfare of the Union. 

John Spencer was born in Greene 
county, 111., April 17, 1837, his parents 
being William and Parthenia (Tatten) 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1119 



Spencer, natives of Indiana. His par- 
ents came to Greene county at an early 
day, and were among the pioneers. 
His father entered 40 acres of land on 
section 14, and also entered land at 
other places. He remained in Greene 
county until 1845, when he removed to 
Morgan connty, where he died, Jan. 24, 
1885. His mother is yet living, at the 
advanced age of 80 years, and resides 
in Morgan county. Our subject was 
brought up on a farm, remaining at 
liome imtil 17 years of age, when he 
started in life for himself, lie and liis 
brotber, Elisha, renting a farm tor 
getber, on which they lived and farmed 
about four years. He and his two 
brothers then bought a threshing ma- 
chine, which they ran for several 
years, and also had ox teams and broke 
rough ground. After he was married, 
he and his elder brother, Jonas, bought 
60 acres of land in Morgan county, and 
moved on to it, living there four years, 
when he sold out and bouglit 170 acres 
of land, his present homestead, on Sees. 
11 and 14, T. 12, R. 11, and moved upon 
it, where he has since resided. In 
1869, he built a large, two-story, frame 
house, at a cost of $1,5(K), and also made 
other costly improvements. He was 
married March Id, 1S58, to Margaret A. 
Baines, daughter of Solomon and Caro- 
line 8. Bnines. They are the parents 
of 11 children, eight of whom are liv- 
ing — Franklin P., married to Ella Kel- 
ler, resides in Morgan county; Mary J , 
Debbie A., Charlotte, Nancy E., Jennie, 
Frederick L., and Norman K. The 
ones deceased are — George S., Alvin 
E., and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
and MrsT Spencer and four daughters 
are members of the M. E. church. Mr. 



Spencer now owns 340 acres of land. 
He has held the office of township 
treasurer, and several other offices, and 
is a highly esteemed citizen of this com- 
munity. 

Alfred W. Taylor was born in Greene 
county, Nov. 28, 1848, his parents being 
John A. and Jane E. (Thomi)son) Tay- 
lor, natives of Illinois. Ilis father was 
born in 1822, and was brought up in 
Greene county as a farmer. His first 
permanent settlement was on the farm 
now owned by Alfred ^\■. He first 
bouglit 160 acres of land on section 1, 
Roodhousc township, where he moved, 
and lived until 1877, when he moved to 
Roodhouse, and lived until July, 1884. 
He then moved back to the farm and 
lived there until his death, Nov. 6, 1884. 
There were only two children in the 
family — Catherine M., who died in 1860, 
and Alfred \V. Mrs. Taylor is yet liv- 
ing, and resides at the residence of 
her son, Alfred. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, remaining at home until 22 
years of age, when his parents remov- 
ing to Roodhouse, he took charge of the 
homestead, and there he has since re- 
sided. In 1877 he and his father bought 
160 acres of land near Roodhouse, and 
subsequently purchased 120 acres on 
Sec. 1, T. 12, R. 12. Alfred now owns 
520 acres of land. He was married 
April 5, 1869, to Terusa Edwards, 
daughter of Presley and Terusa Ed- 
wards. They are the parents of four 
ciiildren — John L., Charles L., Albert 
L. and Clarence E. In the summer of 
1884 Mr. Taylor erected on his farm a 
large two-story frame house, at a cost of 
S2,3(X). The main building is 24x32 
feet, with an L 18x28 feetin dimensions, 
and it is one of tlie best and finest 



1120 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



buildings in his vicinity. Mr. Taylor 
is an industrious and enterprising citi- 
zen, and has, by his energy, placed 
himself and family in a most comforta- 
ble position. 

James Rawlins was born in Warren 
county, Ky., April 16, 1798, his parents 
being James and Lydia (Green) Rawlins, 
natives of North Carolina. His pater- 
nal grandfather was born and raised in 
London, Eng. James was reared in his 
native state, until, in his 12th year, 
when the family removed to Bedford 
county, Tenn., where they remained 
about three years, then removed to 
Orange county, Ind., where they re- 
mained about five 3'ears, when they re- 
moved to Illinois, in 1819, locating in 
what is now Lawrence county, where 
they remained until 1826, when they 
came to Greene county, arriving in 
April of that year. They settled on the 
southeast quarter of Sec. 18, T. 12, R. 
11. There the parents resided some 
three or four years, when they removed 
to a point about a half-mile north of 
where Wilmington now stands, where 
they resided until their deaths. James 
was married Jan. 18, 1827, to Rebecca 
Taylor, a native of East Tennessee, and 
daughter of John and Nancy (Burgess) 
Taylor, and afterward settled on Sec. 
17, T. 12, R. 11. They are the parents 
of 14 children, seven of whom are liv- 
ing — Nancy, deceased; Lydia Jane; 
Elizabeth; Sarah; Peggy, deceased; 
Melissa C; William A., deceased; John 
T.; Catherine, deceased; Millie L; Jas. 
A., deceased; Walter, deceased; Pleas- 
ant A., and Julia A., deceased. Mrs. 
Rawlins died June 4, 1885, and is buried 
in Jones' cemetery. Mr. Rawlins has 
been identified with Greene county for 



a half century. He is a member of the 
regular Baptist church, of Barrow sta- 
tion. 

Pleasant A. Rawlins was b(jrn in 
Cxreene county, July 1, 1848, his parents 
bing James and Rebecca (Taylor) Raw- 
lins, his father a native of Kentucky, 
and his moth'er of Tennessee. His pa- 
rents came to Greene county in 1822. 
His fatlier was a blacksmith by trade, 
and worked around for several years at 
his trade. His first permanent location 
was on Sec. 17, T. 12, R. 11, where he 
entered 80 acres of land. Our subject 
was reared on a farm, remaining with 
his parents until 22 years of age, when 
he was married, and located on section 
17, where he owns 160 acres of land. 
He afterward built a large two-story 
frame house on section 20, and moved 
into it, where he has since resided. He 
was married, March 1, 1870, to Mary E. 
Vanderheyden, daughter of Derrick L. 
and Elmira (Greene) Vanderheyden. 
They are the parents of six children — 
Leonora, Adelaide, Elbert V., Ira E., 
Ben. W. and Leon A. Mr. Rawlins now 
owns 200 acres of land on sections 17 
and 20. He is a member of the I. 0. 
0. F. and A. 0. U. W. lodges of Rood- 
house, and the order of P. of H. He is 
an intelligent and enterprising citizen of 
his county. 

Isaac R. Smith, a prominent agricul- 
turist of Roodhouse township, was ■ 
born near Winchester, Scott county, 111., 
June 18, 1835, his parents being Ab- 
salom and Lydia (Baird) Smith. They 
were both natives of Tennessee, and 
were married in Wilson county, of that 
state, from which they removed to the 
vicinity of Meredosia, Morgan county, 
111., over 60 years ago, being some of the 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1121 



early settlers in that part of the state, 
and, consequent!}', having had to en- 
dure the severe hardships of the winter 
of the deep snow. From there they re- 
moved to Scott county, where Isaac R. 
was born. They resided near Win- 
chester until they passed to that better 
world, the father dying about 1856, and 
the mother in Aug., 1880. They were 
both interred in the Moore graveyard, 
near Bloomfield. Mr. Smith was a 
soldier in the Black Hawk war, and was 
personally acquainted with (len. Jack- 
son. Isaac R. was reared to farm life 
in Scott county, where he resided up to 
the time of his coming to Greene 
county, in March, 1883. He is now the 
owner of a nice little farm of 53 acres, 
in Roodhouse township, on which he 
carries on general fanning. Isaac R. 
Smith and Mrs* Huldah Cox, a native 
of this county, and daughter of James 
Moore, were married Aug. 4, 1877. She 
died in Aug., 1879, and was the mother 
of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. 
Smith was again married, Marcli 4. 1881, 
to Effie Jane Sn.ith, a native of Scott 
county, and daughter of Coleman Smith, 
Mrs. Smith is a member of the regular 
Baptist church, at Barrow Station. Our 
subject belongs to a family of 11 children, 
of whom nine are living, the youngest 
being now 40 years old, while Mrs. 
Smitli is one of a family of 12 children, 
only three of whom are now living, the 
youngest being 52 years old. 

John Hoots, a representative farmer 
of Roodhouse township, was born in 
Chattanooga, Bledsoe county, Tenn., 
Oct. 13, 1S24, his parents being David 
and Hannah (Welch) Hoots. In 1829, 
John's parents came to Illinois in a 
wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, the 



usual mode of transportation at that 
early daj'. On coming to Illinois they 
located in Scott county, on Indian creek. 
There the parents of John resided until 
their death, the father dying March 31, 
1871, aged G6 years, and the mother 
June 6, 1859, aged 55 years. The father 
was buried in Burns' graveyard, Scott 
county, and the mother in the Epeth 
graveyard. David Hoots was born in 
Lincoln county, Tenn., while his wife 
was born in Louisville, Ky., where she 
resided until 12 years of age, when her 
parents removed to Tenn,essee, where 
she was united in marriage with Mr. 
Hoots. Coming to Illinois, as they did, 
in 1829, the family were here to endure 
the hardships of the deep snow, which 
followed so soon after their arrival in 
Scott county. John was reared mostly 
in Scott county, and he remembers well 
the first time he saw the site of the town 
of Winchester, there being only one log 
house where the town now stands, and 
there be has often hunted squirrel, and 
also killed rattlesnakes. John Hoots 
and Sarah Ann Haney, a native of 
Bledsoe county, Term., were united in 
marriage, in Scott county, Feb. 3, 1844. 
She departed this life June 10, 1871. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hoots were the parents of 
eight children, four of whom are now 
living. The children were as follows — 
Ella Jane, deceased; David M., married 
Ollie Dewees, and now resides near 
Nevada, Vernon county, Mo.; Hannah, 
deceased; Julia Ann, deceased wife of 
George Crane; Sophronia E., deceased 
wife of Robert Sclby; ICphraim. married 
Haltie Henry, and lives in this town- 
ship; Douglas lives near WalkervilJe, 
and Jasiier, of this county. Mr. Hoots 
was again married, Se|)t. 3, 1873. to 



1122 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Mary Eliza Young, a native of Spencer 
county, Ind., and daughter of Sanford 
and Matilda Young. Her parents re- 
moved to Scott counjy. 111., where she 
was mostly reared. Her father after- 
ward removed to Mexico, Audrain 
county. Mo., where he died in March, 
1875. Her mother died at the residence 
of Mr. Hoots, in Jan., 1880. Mr. Hoots 
is now the possessor of 80 acres of land 
on sections 3 and 10, Roodhouse town- 
ship. On his farm are two springs, 
possessing medicinal properties, which 
are attracting general attention, and are 
known as Hoots' Golden Mineral 
Springs. The water contains soda, mag- 
nesia, carbonate of lime, sulphur and 
iron, with hydrogen gas arising from the 
bottom of the springs. Religiously, 
Mr. Hoots is a Christian, while his wife 
is a Baptist. Mr. Hoots' brother Wil- 
liam was a member of Co. (i, 28th 111. 
Inf., and served through the war, being 
wounded at Pea Ridge. He was in 28 
battles and skirmishes. Of his company 
of 100 men, only six returned to their 
homes, and, on their arrival in Win- 
chester, there was quite an affecting 
scene, while sitting around the dinner 
table, thinking of the many who went 
out with them and the few who returned. 
Robert Vantuyle, was born in Somer- 
set county, N. J., on Nov. 26, 1832, his 
parents being Otto and Charlotte (Bul- 
mer) Vantuyle, natives of New Jersey. 
When our subject was about four years 
of age, his parents immigrated to Greene 
county, in 1837 and wintered near White 
Hall. In the spring of 1838, they moved 
north of Roodhouse about two miles, 
where his father entered 100 acres 
of land, and moved into a little log cabin 
where he lived several years making 



improvements, and building a nice 
frame house and barn. He lived here 
until the spring of 1851,' when he sold 
out and bought 100 acres of land, just 
over the line of Greene, in Scott county, 
and removed on to it, where he remained 
until his death, which occurred in 1852. 
Our subject remained on this farm until 
1882, when he moved back to Greene 
county. His mother is yet living and 
resides in Manchester. Our subject was 
reared on a farm, remaining at home 
and on the homestead from boyhood. 
After his father's death, he purchased 
the homestead from his mother, in Scott 
county, and remained there until 1882, 
when he bought 130 acres of land on 
Sec. 7, T. 12, R. 11, and removed on to 
the place, where he has since resided. 
He now owns 400 acres of land in Scott 
count}', and 290 in Greene county. He 
was married May 3, 1859, to Margaret 
A Clark, a daughter of Edward J. and 
Sarah (Smith) Clark. They are the pa- 
rents of three children — Frederick O., 
married to Sulie Rawlins, lives on the 
homestead in Scott county; Edward J. 
and Lottie A. Mr. Vantuyle is an in- 
dustrious and enterprising citizen of 
his county and is now the supervisor of 
Roodhouse township. While a resident 
of Scott county he was elected a member 
of the boaid of county commissioners 
and served in that capacity with great 
credit. In politics he is a strong dem- 
ocrat. He now devotes his attention 
almost exclusively to stock-raising. 

Charles K. Smead, was born in Addi- 
son county, Vermont, on August 30, 
1826, his parents being Elisha and 
Filena (Kellogg; Smead, natives of New 
Hampshire. His parents immigrated 
from Vermont to Greene county in 1837, 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUJJTY. 



11-2;^ 



and located on Apple Creek Prairie. 
They came over in a two-horse wagon, 
starting all alone, but overtook a com- 
pany, which they followed to this? county. 
There were four children that came — 
Harriet, Charles K., Mary F. and 
Laura. His mother died when he was 
an infant, and his father again married. 
His father died in July, 1840, and his 
stepmother in 1839, when our subject was 
only 14 years of age. After the death 
of his parents he worked for James 
Simmons for five years, going to school 
30 days out of a year. He was to have 
a suit of clothes, horse, saddle and 
bridle, to stay until 21 years of age, but 
becoming dissatisfied before he was 21, 
he left and went to Jacksonville, 111., 
and worked one year on a farm, then 
came back to Greene county, and worked 
out on a farm during the summer, and 
went to school during the winter, for two 
years. In 1847 he had gained a fair 
education, and came into the vicinity 
where he now lives, and began teaching 
school. He taught school for about 
three years, when he Avas married, and 
bought 40 acres of land on section 24, and 
moved into a log cabin, and commenced 
in earnest to earn an honest living, which 
he has accomplished by hard work. He 
was married January 30, 1851, to Sarah 
Alvcrson. By this union they had two 
children— Darius C, married to Huldy 
Hunt, of Vermont, and Barclay. His 
wife died Jan. 5, 1854, and he was again 
married. May 23, 1855, to Mary (Wheel- 
er) Stowall, daughter of Sylvenas and 
Eunice Wheeler. By this union they 
have three children— Laura J., Herbert 
N. and Edgar. His wife had two chil- 
dren by her first husband— Ellen, mar- 
ried to Thomas O'Connoll, and Adelia, 



who is dead. Mr. Smead now owns 140 
acres of land on sections 23 and 24. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smead are members of the 
Baptist church. 

John A. Morrow, a prosperous far- 
mer and stock-raiser, living west of 
Roodhouse, was born in Greene county, 
IlL, April 18, 1849. and is a son of Ab- 
ner and Mary A. (Wood) Morrow. His 
father was a native of Tennessee, and 
farming was his occupation. His 
mother was a native of Alabama. Both 
died in this county during the year 1853. 
John A. was educated in the schools of 
this county and began life as a farmer, 
thus continuing until he was 20 years of 
age. He then engaged in the butclier 
business for one year, and then became 
proprietor of a grocery and hardware 
store in Roodhouse, which business he 
conducted one year, when he sold out 
and again returned to the pursuits of 
agriculture. He has since been engaged 
in farming and raising stock. In the 
spring of 1872, Mr. Morrow was united 
in marriage with Ella J. Thaxton, a 
daughter of William B. and Ellen (Mc- 
Gaffey) Thaxton, natives of this county, 
and of Vermont, respectively. Her 
mother is dead and her father has since 
married again and is now a resident of 
White Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are 
the parents of two children— Willie A. 
and George B. Mr. Morrow is a mem- 
ber of Roodhouse lodge, No. 681, I. 0. 
O. F., and of the K. of P. and A. 0. U. 
W. lodges, of the same city. He is a 
gentleman of good business qualities 
and has the reputation of being one of 
our most reliable and enterprising citi» 

zens. 

Amburgh Campbell was born in Des 
Moines countv, la., Aug. 1840, his par- 



os 






1124 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



ents being Daniel A. and Sarah C. (Lor- 
ton) Campbell. His father was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and his mother of 
Kentucky. His parents came to Greene 
coimty in 1833, and lived here several 
years, when they moved to Iowa, where 
they lived a few years, when they moved 
back to Greene county, but only staid 
here a short time, when, loading up 
the family, they went to Fannin 
county, Tex., and bought a tract of 
land, and remained there five years, 
when his fathers' eyes began to fail, and 
he removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he 
had his eyes doctored. In 1855 he, with 
his family, removed to Greene county, 
and located about three miles southeast 
of White Hall, where he bought a tract 
of land, and remained there until his 
death, which occurred in 1857. The 
mother died in 1879. Our subject was 
brought U[) on a farm, remaining at 
home until 17 years of age. He then 
worked out until the breaking out of 
the war. In Feb., 1862, he enlisted in 
Co. A, 61st 111. Inf., and served until 
the close of the war. He was in the 
battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, 
Nashville, and several small skirmishes. 
After he was discharged, he went to 
Macoupin count}^, where he farmed one 
year, then came to Greene county, and 
l)OUght 40 acres of land on section 21, 
where he lived a short time, when he 
bought 180 acres of land, on Sees. 16 and 
21, T. 12, R. 11, andmovedon to it, where 
he has since resided. He was married 
March 28, 1866, to Sarah A. Crist, 
daughter of David Crist. They are the 
"parents of eight children — Flora, Mor- 
ton, Robert, Clara, Kittie, Pearl, Emma, 
and an infant. Mr. Campbell and son 
are members of the Grange. 



John A. McNail was born in St. 
Clair county, 111., Jan. 18, 1817, his 
parents being Abel and Nancy (Thomp- 
son) McNail, his father a native of 
South Carolina, and his mother of Ken- 
tucky. His father came to Illinois 
when a territory, and settled in St. 
Clair county, where he remained until 
1825, when he came to Greene county, 
and located under the bluff, in what is 
now Walkerville township, where he 
remained about two years. He then 
removed one mile north of Roodhouse, 
where he lived until his death, which 
occurred in 1828. His parents were 
among the early settlers of Greene 
county, and went through the hardships 
of an early settler's life, which was in- 
deed very hard in those days. The 
subject of this sketch was brought up 
on a farm, remaining at home until in 
his 21st year, when he started out to do 
for himself, without a penny. He hired 
out by the month for two years, work- 
ing on a farm and in a distillery at 
Alton. He also drove a team at Alton 
for six months; then he hired out to 
drive stock, for different parties. He 
was engaged in this business for five 
years and by industry and being saving 
commenced trading for himself, and 
working on a farm in the summer sea- 
son. He continued trading and farming 
until 1846, when the Mexican war broke 
out, and he enlisted in Co. C, 1st 111. 
Reg., under Colonel Hardin. He had 
Served about five months, when he was 
discharged on account of his having the 
yellow fever. After recovering, he came 
back to Greene county, and bought 80 
acres of land on Sec. 9, T. 12, R. 12, 
and moved on to it, and where he has 
since resided, with the exception of about 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



111'.'. 



five years, when he was traveling around 
to different states trying to bury his 
deep troubles and sorrow, which were 
occasioned by the death ofhis wife. He 
has been twice married, first on June 7, 
1846, to Hopey Lemons, w'ho died in 
1851. By this union they had two chil- 
dren, one of whom is living — Edward 
C. He was again married April 5, 1854, 
to Amanda Cranfill, daughter of Ishara 
and Nancy (Groce) Cranfill. By this 
union they had five children, four of 
whom are living — Lou J., married to 
Thomas Hickman, resides in Montgom- 
ery county; Isham P., married to 
Amanda McGown, resides in Roodhouse. 
William G. and Alta L. The one de- 
ceased was one who died in infancy. 
Mrs McNail is a member of the Regular 
Baptist church of Barrow. Mr. and 
Mrs. McNail own 250 acres of land. In 
1868, he built a large two-story frame 
house at a cost of $3,000. Mr. McNail 
has been a man of strong mind, having 
borne up under a great many serious 
troubles, and has been a hard worker 
in his life, being industrious, intelligent 
and enterprising. 

James Ballard w^as born in Greene 
county. May 2, 1854, his parents being 
William and Armelia (Smith) Ballard, 
natives of Illinois. There was a fam- 
ily of nine children, all of whom are liv- 
ing — James, married to Amanda J. Ed- 
wards; David, Charles, William, Mar- 
tha, Emma, Fannie, Sarah E. and Ella. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, re- 
maining with his parents until 26 years 
of age, when he was married and pur- 
chased SO acres of land on Sec. 8, T. 12, 
R. 12, and moved on to it, where he has 
since resided. He was married Jan. 1, 
1880, to Amanda J. Edwards, daughter 



of Isham and Sarah Edwards. Tliey 
are members of the Baptist church of 
Oakley. Mr. Ballard now owns SO 
acres of land and is an industrious and 
intelligent citizen. 

El)UC.\TIO.\.\I.. 

The first school house in district No. 
1 was erected about 1855, and it was 
used for school purposes until 1877. In 
that year it was torn down, and a new 
one erected, at a cost of 8600. Rosa 
Moore was the first teacher in this 
structure. In 1883, this building was 
blown down by a cyclone, and a new 
one, 21x30, erected, which also cost 
$600. The first teacher in the last 
edifice was Mary S. Craig. The present 
teacher is Lowell Call. The enroll- 
ment is 65; average attendance 58. 

District No. 2, T. 12, R. 12.— The 
present school house was erected in 
1872, at a cost of about 8900. William 
Cooksie taught the first term of school 
therein.- The present teacher is J. S. 
Hess, of Macoupin county. The en- 
rollment is 40, and the average attend- 
ance about 35 scholars. The building 
now used took the place of one erected 
about 1854. The first teacher then was 
Joshua Bigham. 

Di.strict No. 5, T. 12, K. 11.— This 
building was put up about the year 1875, 
at a cost of about 8800. The present 
teacher is Charles Crist. 

District No. 6, T. 12, R. 11.— Tl.is 
school house was built in 1882, at a cost 
of about 8900. The first teacher was 
James C. Smith. The present teadicr 
is John Hawkins. 

The present school house in Dist. No. 
10, T. 12, R. 12, was erected in 1860. 
At that time it stood on section 12, but 



1126 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



about 1873 it was removed about one- 
half mile north, to its present locatioDj 
on section 1. In size, it is 18x24 feet, 
and is fitted with single desks. The 
present directors are, David Thompson, 
A. W. Taylor, and Z. Baird. Mary J. 
Thompson is the teacher. 

BARROW. 

Barrow is a small village of about 100 
inhabitants, situated on the St. Louis 
branch of the C, B. & Q. R. R., in the 
north part of Greene county. The place 
was originally laid out by Robt. Thomp- 
son, in 1869, as a result of a contract, 
whereby the railroad company built a 
side track at this point, and agreed to 
maintain it, in return for the right of 
way, freely granted, through his land. 
The next year, the first dwelling and 
first blacksmith shop were built, by 
James Ashlock. John Williams erected 
the first store building, and the residents 
in the vicinity, put uji a depot, costing 
about $500. 

In 1871, Mr. Thomas sold out his 
farm and his entire interest in the town, 
to Mr. Alfred Barrow, by whom it was 
again laid out, platted, and for whom it 
was named. Mr. Barrow donated one 
acre for stock pens, and two acres for 
other depot grounds. Very soon, Mr. 
Barrow erected a fine residence in the 
town for himself, and several other small 
buildings, for rent. The people united 
in the erection of a neat and commodi- 
ous church, which is used by the Meth- 
odists and two Baptist churches. There 
is also a good church building about 
half a mile south of the village. It was 
during 1871, that the first warehouse 
was erected, by Smith, Edwards & Bar- 
row. 



The growth of the town has been very 
slow, although the richness of the soil 
about it is a guarantee of steady in- 
crease. 70,000 bushels of wheat have 
been shipped from Barrow during one 
season. Its business history is summed 
up as follows: 

The village now contains about 25 
dwelling houses, one store, two church 
buildings and three church organiza- 
tions, one saw-mill, grist-mill for corn 
only, one elevator, one warehouse, one 
blacksmith and wagon shop, one broom 
factory and one or two boarding houses. 

The first store was built by John 
Williams, in the fall of 1870. He put 
in a stock of merchandise and ran it 
about one year, when he took in as a 
partner J. J. Short, the firm being 
known as Williams & Short. About a 
year afterward, W. A. Thompson suc- 
ceeded Short, and the firm became Wil- 
liams & Thompson. Williams died 
about a year afterward, when Thomp- 
son became sole proprietor and so con- 
tinued about one year, when he asso- 
ciated with him J. F. Doyel. This 
partnership existed some three years. 
About the year 1877, George W. Man- 
ley succeeded this firm, operating the 
business about a year. Short periods 
intervened the successions of A. D. 
Cochran and J. B. Edwards & Son, who 
were successors of Mr. Manley. In 
1883, David Hubbard and Henry Hanks 
became owners of the business, which 
they continue to operate. It is a gen- 
eral store, with a small stock of goods. 

The next man to commence business 
here was J. J. Short, who built a two- 
story building in 1874. The second 
floor was used as a town hall. He put 
in a stock of groceries, and ran it about 



HISTORY 0|(F GREENE COUNTY. 



4 



11:27 



one and a half years, when he sold out 
to Thompson & Doyel, who consoli- 
dated their store with the one they had 
just bought, and moved into the new 
building. 

In 1877, J. W. Campbell started a 
general merchandise store, and ran it 
about one year, when he sold out to A. 
D. Cochran, who ran it about 18 months, 
wlien he sold out to David Hubbard, 
who ran it about two years. He and 
Henry Hanks then bought out Edwards 
& Son, and consolidated the two stores. 
J. B. Edwards brought on a new stock of 
goods, and started a new store, conduct- 
ing it until the spring of 1885, when he 
moved his stock to Alsey. 

ELEVATOR. 

This was built in 1873, at a cost of 
about S1,(XX), l)y C. F. Bruce, who left 
it uncompleted. He built it for a mill, 
but sold it to J. N. Israel, who finished 
the building at a cost of $2,000,and con- 
verted it into an elevator. It is 30x40 
feet in dimensions, and three stories in 
height. This elevator has done a great 
deal of business, but owing to the 
scarcity of grain, is now idle. 

A SAW AND GRIST MII.I, 

Was erected in 1875, at a cost of about 
$1,000. It was built by C. F. Bruce, its 
present owner. One set of machinery 
runs both departments. 

TILE FACTORY. 

About 1876 the tile factory was erected 
by C. F. Bruce and A. J. Ashley, who, 
after running it about three years, sold 
out to J. W. Smith, who operated it 
about two years, and then sold to parties 
at Roodhouse,when it was moved there. 



A blacksmith shop was built in the 
spring of 1870. The first was James M. 
Ashlock, who ran it until 1SS8, when A. 
Haney bouglit it. He now carries on 
the business. 

Albert Haney was born in Scott 
county, 111., Oct. 19, 1857, his parents 
being James and Mary (Hoots) Haney, 
natives of Tennessee. His father is 
now dead; his mother is yet living, and 
resides in Schuyler county. 111. Albert 
was reared on a farm, remaining at home 
until 12 years of age, when he started in 
life for himself, and being homeless and 
friendless, worked around from one 
place to another until 22 years of age, 
He was then married, and located about 
a mile and a half west of Barrow, on a 
farm, where he remained three years. 
In 1883, he removed to Barrow, and 
purchased a house and six lots, having 
accumulated enough money to buy a 
homestead. He also bought a black- 
smith shop, and commenced to learn the 
trade, acquiring most of what he knows 
about the business himself, he being 
very apt at almost any trade. He 
does all kinds of repairing and wood- 
work. He was married, Sept. 2, 1880, 
to Lillie J. Thomson, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Lockey (Bandy) Thompson. 
They are the parents of two children, 
both of whom are dead. His shop 
building is 30x42 feet in dimensions. 
Mr. Haney receives a liberal patronage, 
and is a good workman, both in black- 
smithing and wood-working. 

A boot and shoe shop was established 
about 1875. G. B. Dunn then came 
here, and conducted a shop of this char- 
acter for three or four years. Several 
others have run it for a short time, since 
then. 



1128 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



J. B. Hayes was the first physician to 
locate here. He came in 1876, and re- 
mained about three 3'ears, then moved 
away. 

Next came Dr. J. B. Bowman, in 1879. 
He remained a short time. 

Dr. Lynfoot, another physician who 
located here, died about two years after 
his arrival. 

A broom factory was started in 1885, 
by E. A. Cotter & Co., who do a good 
business. 

EDUC.\TI0N.\L. 

In 1877, district No. 1 was divided, 
and a new building erected at Barrow, 
at a cost of about $1,000. Its size is 
nbout 24x86 feet. It is a very neat 
building, and comfortably arranged. Its 
average attendance is about 30 pupils. 
Tlie present teacher is J. W. Chapman. 

Alfred Barrow, the enterprising gen- 
tleman after whom Barrow Station was 
named, was born in Greene county. 111., 
.\ug. 16, 1834, his parents being Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Taylor) Barrow, his 
father a native of Kentucky, his mother 
of Anderson county, Tenn. His parents 
had come to this county several years 
jirevious to their marriage, on July 
13, 1826, and his father, who had come 
to Greene county about 1820, had en- 
tered 80 acres of land on Sec. 11, T, 12, 
R. 12. Here he built a little log cabin 
in which he lived until the time of his 
death in 1839. Being among the early 
settlers of the then almost wild country, 
his mother, having been left with six 
small children, had to endure many 
hardships, but by industry and good 
management she succeeded in keeping 
her children together, and also in giving 
them a good education for these times. 
In 1869 she was called hence by the 



hand of death. At the age of 18 years, 
Alfred was employed as clerk in the 
store of A. Reno, at White Hall, and his 
success in this position may be judged 
by the fact that one year later he was 
admitted as a partner. During the- 
money panic of 1857-8, this firm sold 
out, and paid up, and thus Alfred was 
left with nothing but his credit. For 
about 10 years afterward he was en- 
gaged in various ways and places, trad- 
ing in stock and grain, merchandise, etc. , 
generally succeeding very well, and 
keeping up through all the convulsions 
of the country, and the ups and downs 
of business life. In 1868 Mr. Barrow 
purchased and improved a half section 
of land near Cameron, Mo., afterward 
trading it for the farm where he now 
lives, and on which he has erected a 
fine, commodious residence, at a cost 
of $3,000. In 1870 he laid out and platted 
the town of Barrow, erecting several 
dwellings, etc., besides assisting his 
neighbors in building two houses of 
worship, a warehouse, and some other 
public buildings. Some years later he 
erected several good business buildings 
in Roodhouse, which he still owns, be- 
sides his snug little farm of 400 acres, 
thus being insured of a comfortable 
living the balance of his days. Mr. 
Barrow has gone through a good many 
severe struggles, and hard times, but he 
manages to keep clear of debt, and ex- 
pects to remain content, where he now 
resides, during the rest of his days. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postofiice at Barrow Station is 
kept in the store of Hubbard & Hanks. 
It was established at this point in 1873, 
when John Williams was appointed 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1129 



postmaster. He was succeeded by W. 
A. Thompson, and he, by G. W. Man- 
ley. J. J. Short is the present post- 
master. He was appointed in 1882. 
Henry Hanks is his deputy, and trans- 
acts the business of the ofhoe in the 
store, in which lie is a partner. 

James Jimison Short, of Barrow, 
Greene county, was born in Moigan 
county, ni., March 26, 1829, his parents 
being James and Mary Ann (Burnett) 
Short, natives of Virginia. James and 
Mary Ann, his parents, emigrated from 
the state of Virginia to Kentucky, at an 
early day, thence to Indiana, where 
they remained only a short time. In 
1824, they immigrated to Illinois, and 
settled on the head of Indian creek, in 
Morgan county, where his father, James, 
entered 120 acres of land, and, as was 
customary those days, built a small log 
cabin, and commenced improvements. 
He remained here until his death, 
about 1834, which was caused by being 
thrown from a horse, being found un- 
conscious, alongside the road, and died 
shortly after. His mother is yet living, 
and resides in Springfield, 111. Our 
subject was reared on a farm, until tlie 
death of his father, after which he went 
to live with his uncle. Rev. Levy 
Springer, also a farmer, of Virginia, 
Cass county. He remained with him 
until 18 years of age, wlien he went 
to Sangamon county, 111., where he 
worked around from one place to an- 
other by the month, for two years, re- 
ceiving from $6 to S9 per month for his 
seiv'ices. He made rails there for 40 
cents per 100, and cut cord-wood for 40 
cents per cord. After the expiration 
of two years hard labor there, he went 
back to Virginia, Cass county. 111., and 



rigged out two teams of oxen, consisting 
of eight yoke, bought plows and fol- 
lowed breaking tough prairie in Sanga- 
mon, Cass and Morgan counties for 
about five years. He was then married 
and engaged in farming, in Cass county, 
for himself, renting land for two years. 
He then bought a small tract of land 
there, and remained on it until iMiS, 
when he removed to Scott county, ill., 
and purchased 120 acres of land, aiul 
remained there until 1878. .\t this date 
he removed to Barrow Station, Greene 
county, purchased town proijerly, and 
engaged in merchandising witli John 
Williams, thej' continuing as partners 
for two years. In 1875 he sold out his 
interest to his partner, and built a large, 
two-story frame business house, 18x40 
feet in dimensions, with a large hall 
which was used for some time as the 
town hall. He put in a stock of family 
groceries and continued the business 
until 1877, when he sold out and re- 
sumed farming and buying stock, which 
is his present occupation, principal!}'. 
He was married .\ug. 31, 1854, to Nancy 
McDonald, daughter of Jonas and 
Martha JIcDonald, of Cass county. Mr. 
Short owns seven lots and three build- 
ings in Barrow. Mr. and Mrs. Short are 
members of the M. E. church. He was 
ordained a local minister in Danville, 
111., and is the present local preacher of 
the JI. E. church of Barrow. He is the 
president of the Greene County Sunday 
School Association, and is now serving 
his second term as such. He has lield 
the oHice of constaltle four years, and 
township trustee four years, and school 
director 10 years, all in Cass county, 
and is now serving a four years term as 
notary public. He is also postmaster at 



1130 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



Barrow,and reporter for two newspapers. 
Mr. Short is a man who lends a helping 
hand to all public enterprises and takes 
a great pride in the welfare of his county 
and its people. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The United Baptist church at Barrow 
Station was organized in June, 1874, at 
a meeting held for that purpose. At 
this meeting, James Doss was elected 
clerk, and Elder S. B. Gulp was chosen 
as pastor. The constituent members 
were ; L. J. Patterson, Charlotte Bent- 
ley, S. H. Patterson, Henrietta Ed- 
wards, J. T. Doss, James Doyel, Henri- 
etta Doyel, H. T. Hubbard, Elizabeth 
Hubbard, Laura Smith, John Smith, 
James Smith, Lucy Edwards, Louis 
Doyel, Thomas Edwards, Serena A. 
Edwards, William Smith, Harriet 
A. Smith, J. F. Doyel, Nathan- 
iel Robinson, Malinda Robinson, Ma- 
linda Williams, A. J. Ballard, Philemon 
Reno, Matilda Reno, Jane Edwards, 
Wm. Ballard and Lucretia Ballard. 
The society is in a prosperous condi- 
tion. 

The Union Regular Baptist church 
of Barrow was organized Sept. 1, 1830, 
in a school house, by Aaron Smith, 
James Smith, and Charles Kitchens, 
with the following members ; R. 
Asher, John Rose, James Megeehe, 
Elizabeth Penalton, Jane Megeehe, 
Wm. Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, 
Peter Barrow, John Thompson, Winna 
Thompson, Walter Taylor and Susanna 
Taylor. The first deacon chosen was 
Walter Taylor, and the first minister 
ordained was James McBride. They 
held meetings at the diilerent hoxises 
until June, 1845, when service was held 
in a church, which they had just built 



on land given by John Taylor. In 1878, 
a new church, 28x40 feet in dimensions, 
was erected at Barrow Station, into 
which the congregation moved and have 
since worshiped. The present clerk is 
Samuel Baird, and the membership is 
about 75. The name of Regular Baptist 
church was assumed in 1840. 

COAL BANKS. 

Campbell's coal bank was first opened 
in 1867, but very little attention was 
paid to it at that time. In 1884, they 
sunk a shaft, and have been working it 
ever since. They are now engaged in 
sinking a new shaft. Thej' employ six 
miners, and take out about 200 bushels 
daily, and, with the aid of an engine, 
which they are now preparing to put in, 
they hope it may prove a valuable mine. 
It is said to be excellent steaming coal. 
The state geologists have asked for a 
specimen. 

SOCIETY. 

Star grange No. 1581, was organized 
May 12, 1875 with the following charter 
members: J. V. Staats, Luke Chap- 
man, Amburgh Campbell, J. P. Hunt, 
P. A. Rawlins, J. T. Rawlins, Wm. H. 
Davis, Albert Stewart, Preston Taylor, 
S. J. Hopkins, Noah M. Stone, William 
Smith, P. G. Edwards, Chester Coates, 
Sarah Campbell, Eva Hunt, Mrs. A. M. 
Davis, Mrs. Sarah E. Davis, Mrs. May 
C Davis, Mrs. Sarah C. Crist, Lizzie 
Stewart, Thonuda Chapman, Angeline 
Stone, Henrietta J. Smith, Mrs. Nanc}' 
Edwards, and Mrs. E. J. Coates. The 
first officers were: Amburgh Campbell, 
M.; J. V. Staats, 0.; S. J. Hopkins, L.; 
Albert Stewart, S.; P. A. Rawlins, A. S.; 
N. M. Stone, chaplain; Luke Chapman, 
treasurer; J. P. Hunt, secretary; Wil- 
liam Davis, J. K.; May Rawlins, C; 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1131 



Sarah Campbell, P.; Lizzie Stewart, F.; 
Eva Hunt, L. A. The present officers 
are: P. A. Rawlins, M.; J. R. Baker, 0.; 
C. J Crist, L.; George Hopkins, S.; 
Anderson Everett, A. S.; Zach Everett, 
C; Luke Chapman, treasurer; Thomas 
Bandy, G. K.; Lula Harp, C; Emma 
Bandy, P.; Flora Campbell, L. A. S.; 
Morton Campbell, secretary. Themem- 
bership is now about 34, and is in a 
prosperous condition. 

ROODHOUSE. 

This, the most northerly of the cities 
of Greene county, is certainly entitled to 
rank as one of the most flourishing and 
enterprising of its towns, or for that mat- 
ter, in this portion of the state, as none 
have shown a greater growth in so short 
a length of time. Some points in its 
early history have been so well compiled 
and written by other hands, that they 
are given here as an introduction to the 
history of the town: 

When the Jacksonville branch of the 
C. & A. R. R. was extended as far as 
White Hall, in 1862, a small depot was 
built, around which Roodhouse after- 
ward grew up. John T. Rawlings, who 
took a prominent part in building up 
the town, thought there should he a 
depot near its present location, and, 
after some trouble, succeeded in obtain- 
ing the permission of the railroad com- 
pany to erect a building on its lantl. 
George Wildeborn was the carpenter. 
In this, the first depot, James Arm- 
strong served as agent and telegraph 
operator, furnishing his own instru- 
ments. The trains stopped only when 
flagged. Mr. Armstrong also conducted 
a small trade in lumber, tinware, and 
family supplies. Subsequently, citi- 



zens of the place, being in danger of 
losingthe telegraph office, builta depot, 
which was afterward used as a school 
house, and now serves as a dwelling 
house. One of the first residences 
erected in the town was put up by Adam 
Shearer, who was also the first black- 
smith of the town. He sold liquors at 
his residence for some time. Soon after 
James Thompson obtained a barrel or 
two of sugar and some coffee, with 
which he opened a grocery store, in an 
old log hut. He afterwards sold out 
and butchered a few beeves. The lay- 
ing out of a town was already talked 
of, and some surveys made, but nothing 
definite was as yet done. A meeting 
was held about this time, in Rawlings' 
warehouse, to consider the propriety of 
building a church or lecture room. A 
small school house, or public building, 
was erected in consequence. A Sunday 
school was at once organized, the teach- 
ers and superintendent coming from 
White Hall. 

Among those who settled in the vil- 
lage during its infancy, the following 
may be mentioned: Charles Adler, now 
deceased, built a small edifice in which 
he kept a boot and shoe shop. Sim- 
mons & Thompson erected a storehouse 
and transacted a general merchandising 
business. Ea.ch member of this firm 
built a comfortable residence. Adam 
Shearer built an addition to his house, in 
which he sold groceries. Mr. Shearer 
was also the postmaster for some time. 
John and William Sitton also arrived 
and built residences. They were both 
contractors and carpenters, and put up 
a number of buildings. John B. Mc- 
intosh was the first tailor in the town. 
He purchased the school house and 



1132 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



moved his family into it. When the 
Peter Thompson property was burned 
down, Norman Lange bought the site 
and built upon it. John T. Rawlings 
was the second postmaster, and was at 
the same time proprietor of a pros- 
perous general business. 

In April, 1866, John Roodhouse, the 
original owner of the land upon which 
the greater part of the little sittlenient 
was built, laid out the town named for 
him. The original j)lat contained 40 
lots 66x130 feet, and 75x150 feet. Ad- 
ditions have since been made to the 
town as follows: John Roodhouse, 
three; William Cobb, three; Cobb & 
Mitchell, one; J. C. Cobb, two; P. J. 
Sharp, one; L. E. Worcester, two. Its 
growth for a number of years was very 
slow. White Hall was but four miles 
distant on the south, and Manchester 
equally near on the north, and being 
much older towns had every advantage. 
Still, new comers continued to be attrac- 
ted to the young village. Dr. D. B. 
Moore opened the first drug store. 
Harmon Wales kept the first hotel, in 
a building which now constitutes a part 
of the St. James Hotel, owned b}' Pat]<rick 
Lennon. The Kirkland House was 
put up soon after, just opposrite the 
depot, by David Kirkland. Tliis build- 
ing was burned in 1877, whereu]ion Mr. 
Kirkland at once erected the commo- 
dious and substantial brick structure 
which now occupies the site. 

Besides those mentioned Humphrey 
Armstrong, Frank Armstrong, Charles 
Savage, William Lorton, 'John Cole, 
Mrs. Martha Wallace, L. E. Cobb, Wil- 
liam H. Barrow, Adam Chapman, Thos. 
McMahon, James Long, Hofi" Bridges, 
and Dr. Veatch were early settlers. 



In 1871, the Louisiana branch of the 
C. & A. R. R., which was built to con- 
nect the Jacksonville branch of that 
road, with Louisana, Missouri, and 
"so furnish an outlet to the far west, was 
approaching completion, and the ques- 
tion where a connection should be made 
with the Jacksonville branch must be 
settled. A strong influence with the 
officers of the road w'as brought to bear 
in favor of Jacksonville as the j)lace for 
the junction. Wliite Hall, however, 
was nearer the natural point, and since 
she had secured the crossing of the C. 
& A. with the Rock Island road, now 
began to consider herself foreordained 
for a railroad center. Meanwhile some 
of the more enterprising spirits at Rood- 
house conceived the idea that it would 
be a very nice thing if the junction 
could be secured for that town. The 
leading men of White Hall laughed at 
their presumption, and ridiculed the 
idea of an effort to build up a town out 
on the prairie. Thej' considered it a 
foregone conclusion that White Hall 
was to swallow up all the surrounding 
villages, and laughed at the idea of lit- 
tle Roodhouse overcoming the wealth 
and influence of White Hall. But at a 
point then known as Dutch Mills, a few 
miles w"est of White Hall, the work 
came to a stand still until the location 
of the junction should be decided. The 
matter was earnestly discussed by lead- 
ing men of the new town, and finally a 
letter was sent to T. B. Blackstone, 
president of the road, asking what would 
be required to secure the junction at 
Roodhouse, and signed by John Rood- 
house, John T. Rawlings, J. M. Arm- 
strong, and Simmons & Thompson. 
The following reply was received: 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1133 



"John Roodhouse and others — Gen- 
tleinen : I have received your letter of 

the , and carefully considered its 

contents, and ordered a survey to be 
made of the route which you liave men- 
tioned, and if found as favorable as you 
seem to think, I will then give what in- 
formation you desire. 

Respectfully yours, 

T. B. Blackstone." 

As soon as the survey commenced, 
White Hall became alarmed, and sent a 
delegation to Chicago to turn the current 
in her favor. Meantime a meeting was 
held in Mr. Rawlings' store at Rood- 
house, and a committee, consisting of 
John Roodhouse, John T. Rawlings, 
and E. M. Husted, was appointed to go 
to Chicago to see President Blackstone. 
In order to hasten their arrival they 
took a hand-car as far as Jacksonville, 
that they might catch an early train 
from that city. Here they were met by 
the assurance that White Hall had 
secured the prize, but determined never- 
theless to hasten on to Chicago, in the 
hope it was not too late. An interview 
with President Blackstone developed 
the clieering fact that if the citizens of 
Roodhouse would secure for the road 
the right of way from the Illinois river 
to that town, and deed to the company 
10 acres for <l(>])()t grounds, witliiil a 
week, the junction would l)e made at 
that point. On the return of these gen- 
tlemen, a subscription paper to secure 
funds for purchasing the right of way 
was at once drawn up. Messrs. Rood- 
house, Cobb, and J. T. Rawlings, each 
subscribed 81, (XX). Messrs. Simmons, 
Husted, Armstrong, and P. A. Rawlings 
each 8500, G. W. Thompson, S'ioO, and 
others like sums. Many persons of 



very small property gave liberally, and 
the result was, that the road was secur- 
ed. E. M. Husted was president and 
treasurer of the committee to secure the 
right of way, and conducted this part of 
the enterprise with great skill. 

After the road was secured, the growth 
of the town liecame very rapid, and one 
brick block after another was added, in 
the business portion of the town. Live 
business men came here to locate and 
engage in trade. So fast were the arri- 
vals, that it would be tedious and unnec- 
essary to follow each in the order of its 
succession; so we will let the history 
of the past give way to that of 

THE I'KESE.NT. 

The dry goods store of \\m. H. Ains- 
worth, is located on the northwest cor- 
ner of the public square. He com- 
menced business here in 1881. 

Strang & Murray, dealers in dry 
goods, etc., are situated at the north- 
west corner of the square. The busi- 
ness was established by Strang, Murray 
& Co., Oct. 8, 1883. In July, 1884, T. 
F. Williams entered the firm as partner, 
but, in two months, sold to Mr. Strang. 
Tho firm then took its present title. 

J. W. Campbell's dry goods and gro- 
cer}' store is located on the northwest 
corner of the square. He began busi- 
ness in 1882. 

E. H. Sawyer, one of the most enter- 
prising merchants of Roodhouse, is the 
proi)rietorof two groceries. He started 
in the grocery business in 1876, and has 
met with such liberal patronage that he 
found it necessary to add store after 
store to his business, now having the 
largest trade in the city. One store is 
located on the south side of Palm, 1. - 



1134 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



tween Morse and East Railroad streets, 
the building being 22x54 feet. Here 
may be found a line of staple and fancy 
groceries, notions, stationery, etc., and 
also a stock of hardware, the total value 
being about $3,000. The other grocery 
is situated on the north side of the 
square and occupies two store rooms, 
each 22x50. In one room Mr. Sawyer 
carries a stock of flour and feed, and in 
the other groceries and queensware, 
invoicing about $1,500. This grocery 
was established in December, 1884, by 
E. H. and G. N. Sawyer, who still con- 
tinue in partnership. 

E. H. Sawyer was born in Wolcott, 
N. Y., June 18, 1845, and is a son of 
Nathan and Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, 
the former a native of Windsor county, 
Vt., thp latter of the state of New York. 
In 1858, his father came to Illinois, af- 
terward locating in Alton, where he 
died in August of the same year. In 
1860, Mr. Sawyer came west, and lo- 
cated at Godfrey, where he remained 
some 13 years. He then removed to 
Greene county, where he was engaged 
as a salesman, for some four years, at 
the expiration of which time he engaged 
in his present business. In 1884, Mr. 
Saw)'er was united in marriage with 
Phyllis Shields, a daughter of Frank 
and Maggie (Miller) Shields, natives of 
Scotland, who immigrated to America 
many years ago and are now residing in 
Greene county. In 1864, Mr. Sawj'er 
enlisted in Co. D. 144th 111. Inf., and 
served his country until the close of 
the w'ar. He was promoted to the posi- 
tion of corporal during that time. After 
Lee's surrender, he was discharged at 
Springfield, and returned home. Mr. 
Sawyer is a member of the A. 0. U. W. 



and G. A. R. societies, and has held 
most of the offices in the gift of the 
lodges of which he is a member. He 
has also held the office of mayor of the 
cit}', and is one of our liberal public 
spirited citizens. 

George N. Sawyer, the popular and 
enterprising grocer of Roodhouse, is a 
native of Oneida county, N. Y., born 
Nov. 18, 1839. He is a son of Nathan 
snd Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, natives of 
New York. Mrs. Sawyer's father built 
the first house ever erected in Rochester, 
N. Y. He was born in Ireland, from 
where he emigrated to America, locating 
in New Y''ork state. Nathan Sawyer 
came from Vermont, so that from Puri- 
tan and Irish ancestors, George N. has 
descended. His parents came to Illi- 
nois some time between the years 1859 
and 1861, locating in Alton where his 
father practiced law for some years. He 
died there in 1870, and Mrs. Sawyer's 
death, which was caused by a railroad 
accident, occurred in 1872. George N. 
received his education in the schools of 
his native place, and from there subse- 
quently came to Madison county. 111., 
where he was employed at farm work 
for a time. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. 
D, 10th 111. Inf. under Col. James D. 
Morgan, and was in the service four 
years. He was promoted to the rank 
of a corporal against his wishes. He 
participated in all the battles in which 
hia regiment took part, that being some 
34 severe engagements. At the close of 
the war he- received his discharge at 
Chicago. He then came down to God- 
frey, where he obtained a situation in the 
store and postoffice, in which he contin- 
ued six years. In January, 1871, he 
came to Roodhouse, where he soon re- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1135 



ceived an appointment as postmaster, 
which position he lield 11 years. In the 
meantime he purchased a half interest 
in a general merchandise store, soon 
after becoming sole owner of the business 
which he conducted seven years. He 
then sold out and devoted his entire 
time and attention to the postoffice, until 
January, 1882, when he engaged in the 
insurance business for some two years, 
at the expiration of which time he went 
into the mercantile business with his 
brother, where he is still to be found, 
ever busy, and through courtesy, hon- 
esty and close attention the firm has se- 
cured a liberal patronage. In 1871, Mr. 
Sawyer was married to Denice P. Bre- 
ton, a native of Paris. She came to the 
United States with her parents in 1848. 
They located in St. Louis and there 
spent the balance of their days. By the 
above marriage there are five children — 
Fannie B., Helene D., Clara C, Lillie 
May and George. Mr. and Mrs. Saw- 
yer are members of the Congregational 
church. Mr. Sawyer is a member of 
White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., 
of White Hall lodge, No. 227, 1. 0.0. F., 
of the A. 0. U. W., and G. A. R. socie- 
ties. He held the oflice of treasurer of 
the A. 0. U. W. for three terms and of 
Master, for two terms, and has held most 
of the offices of the various societies to 
which he belongs. He has also been 
treasurer of the township board, of which 
he was a member. He is a liberal, pub- 
lic spirited man, and is generally re- 
spected. 

The grocery store of Cyrus W. Shep- 
pard is on Palm street. He commenced 
in 1881. 

Heaton & Dill are proprietors of a 
family grocery store, on the north side 



of the square. The business was estab- 
lished in 1884. 

W. .1. Ferguson commenced the gro- 
cery trade in Roodhouse, in 1855. He 
is located in a building near the north- 
west corner of the public square. 

Robert Craig commenced the grocery 
and queensware business here in April, 
1885, and is located on the north side of 
the public square. 

L. A. English is the proprietor of a 
grocery store on the west side of the 
scjuare. He commenced business in 
1875. 

The grocery store of G. P. Leighton, 
on the west side of the public square, 
was established in July, 1885. 

Brickey & Watson carry a stock of 
groceries in their establishment, on the 
north side of the public square. They 
began business Sept. 1, 1885. 

R. B. & W. A. Thompson carry on 
the grocery trade, and are also proprie- 
tors of the Roodhouse creamery. The 
former business was established by W. 
A. Thompson, in 1880, and in 1881, the 
firm assumed its present composition. 
In 1884 they erected a creamery. 

John P. Slaten carries on the drug 
business for Dr. A. J. Bruner, in his 
store on Clay street. The business was 
established by Dr. Bruner, in Jan., 
1881, and there has been no change in 
ownership since that time. The build- 
ing is of brick, two stories high, and 
22x50 feet in ground size. The stock 
carried, consists of drugs, patent medi- 
cines, cigars, tobaccos, druggists' sun- 
dries, etc., etc., and will invoice about 
82,500. Mr. Slaten attends to the busi- 
ness in a highly satisfactory manner. 

John P. Slaten, Sr., deceased was born 
near Newbern, Jersey county, at the 



1136 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



old Slaten homestead. His parents were 
George W. and Senjentine Slaten, who 
are still living in Jersey county, in the 
same locality where they were early 
settlers, and where John, Sr., was raised. 
He resided with his parents until he was 
married to Mary Spalding, also a native 
of Jersey county. By this marriage he 
had one child — John P., who now con- 
ducts the drug business in Roodhouse. 
When the war came on Mr. Slaten en- 
listed in Co. K, 97th 111. Inf., being 
mustered in at Springfield, and served 
with his regiment until reaching Louis- 
iana, and while on duty in that state, he 
was killed in a railroad collision between 
Algiers and Brashear city. His remains 
were returned to his family, and now 
lie buried at the Salem cemetery, within 
a half mile of the place of his birth. 

John P. Slaten, Jr., was born Dec. 12, 
1862, at the same place where his father 
was born — the old Slaten homestead, 
Mississippi township, Jersey county, 
five miles from Grafton. His father, 
John P., Sr., was a member of an early 
settler's family. Our subject was reared 
and received his education in that 
vicinity. They moved to Woodville, 
Greene county, where he clerked in a 
store; after remaining there some time, 
they went to Carrollton, and 18 months 
later came to Roodhouse, where he en- 
gaged in the drug business, carrying 
on the trade for his step-father. Dr. 
Bruner. At the election for municipal 
officers, held April 21, 1885, he was 
elected treasurer of the city. He is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias, and 
has been the lodge secretary, and is also 
a member of the J. P Slaten, Sr., Camp, 
No. 27, Sons of Veterans, which camp 
was named in honor of his father; he is 



one of the charter members, and holds 
the position of first lieutenant. 

Dr. James W. Hosman, the druggist 
on Palm street, also carries a line of 
school supplies. He began here in 
1876. 

William Gerbing has a meat market 
on Palm street. He commenced busi- 
ness in 1882. 

The meat market of Edward Scruby 
& Co., on Morse street, was established 
in 1884. 

Smith & Epstein, clothiers, are lo- 
cated on Morse street. They com- 
menced business in 1883. 

The clothing store of M. S. Good is 
located on the west side of the public 
square. This business was established 
in 1875. 

Wm. Hyndman conducts an estab- 
lishment on the corner of Palm and 
Morse streets, for the sale of clothing 
and gent's furnishing goods, notions, 
boots, shoes, etc., in which he carries a 
stock that will invoice S5,000. He com- 
menced the business here in 1883, and 
occupies a brick bi;ilding, 20x60 feet in 
size. 

William Hyndman, the prosperous 
and reliable clothier of this city, is a 
native of Scotland. He was born June 
21, 1861. and is the eldest son of Thomas 
and Mary (Hunter) Hyndman, natives 
of Scotland. In 1863 they left their 
native country, to make their home in 
Canada, where they resided for some 
years. Later on, they came to Alton, 
111., where they lived a short time. 
Business at this time being brisk in 
Louisiana, Mo., they removed there, and 
subsequently, to Roodhouse, in 1879, 
where they are located at the present 
time. Thomas Hyndman has charge of 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1137 



the blacksmith shop of the C. & A. 
R. R. Co., at this point. \\^illiam se- 
cured the principal part of his education 
in the Louisiana schools. Upon the re- 
moval of his father's family to Rood- 
house, he entered the shops, as his 
father's assistant, and remained an em- 
ploye of the road long enough to acquire 
a small capital, with which he deter- 
mined to invest in business speculation. 
Mr. Hyndman was united in the bonds 
of matrimon}', to Beena J. Rusliwortli, 
Sept. 25, 1884. Miss Rushworth was 
born in Bloomington, 111. She made 
her home at Alton, with her uncle and 
aunt, Mr. Benjamin Rushworth and 
wife, until her marriage. She received 
her education in the Alton high school, 
and, at the age of 15, she removed to 
Roodhouse, with her uncle's family. 
Being tendered a position in the jjublic 
school, she entered, as primary teacher, 
which position she held five j'ears. She 
is a member of the C. P. church, of 
Roodhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Hyndman 
are the parents of one child — Daisy. 
Mr. Hyndman, although young, has a 
good talent for business, and his success 
thus far, has been most marked. His 
honest dealing and amiable manner are 
well deserving of a lilieral patronage 
from our citizens. 

E. S. Bundy, furniture dealer, began 
business in 1882. 

Freeto & Bender, hardware dealers, 
are on the west side of the square. The 
business was established in 1875, by 
Freeto & Bullard. The present firm 
was constituted in April, 1885. 

Wm. Simms, shoemaker, is located 
on the west side of Railroad street. He 
commenced here in 1884. 

John Allen Kammerer carries on the 



trade of boot and shoe making, on Palm 
street. He began in 1878. 

Samuel Hendricks, harness-maker on 
Morse street, began business in 1879. 

Carl Aulierer has a bakery on Palm 
street. He has been in the business 
since 1875. 

The millinery business is represented 
by — Mrs. Craig, who began in 1885; Miss 
M. A. Park, who commenced in April, 
1881; Miss Mary Clark, who opened in 
the same year; and Mrs. M. A. Wood, 
whose initial business was done in 1882. 

The blacksmitbing industry finds an 
exponent in W. H. Taylor. 

James Madden is another son of Vul- 
can. He commenced in 1884. 

A. D. Ruyle has been in the wagon- 
making business since 1880. 

The news depot and candy store at 
the postoffice is conducted by W. C.« 
Roodhouse, who commenced the busi- 
ness in 1882. He has a neat stock, .-md 
has a paying run of business. 

Hal C. Worcester, the enterpri.<ing 
young lumber merchant of Roodhouse, 
established this business here in 1881. 
He entered into jiartnership witli his 
father, Judge L. E. Worcester, of Wliite 
Hall, under the name of H. C. Wor- 
cester & Co., they being the successors 
of Worcester & Bundy. The lirm are 
now doing a heavy business, which fact 
is undoubtedly due to the energetic, at- 
tentive eflbrts of the manager. 

Hal C. W'orcester was born in \\'hite 
Hall, 111., Nov. 26, 1859, and is a son 
of Judge L. E. and Luthera (Ladd) 
Worcester, the former a native of Ver- 
mont, the latter of Greene county. 
Hal C. received his education in the 
schools of this county, and immediately 
engaged in tlie lumber business, in 



1138 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



which he has since continued. He now 
carries a stock of oils, paints, cement, 
lime, etc.; also, pumps and agricultural 
implements of all kinds. Mr. Wor- 
cester is a member of the K. of P. 
lodge. 

The livery stable of Gilmore & Ash, 
on the south side of the square, was 
built in 1878, by Carey Shaw, who con- 
ducted it about two years, when G. W. 
Colclaugh purchased it, and ran it three 
years. Jan. 2, 1884, T. H. Buriell and 
Jesse Ash purchased it, and continued 
until Sept., 1885, when W. P. Gilmore 
bought out the interest of T. H. Buri- 
ell, and the firm is now Gilmore & Ash. 
This firm is running a first-class, well 
equipped livery stable. They also deal 
in stock, buying and selling. 

William P. Gilmore, one of the genial 
proprietors of the above livery stable, 
was born in Greene county, 111., May 
31, 1846. He is a son of John M. and 
Rachel (Stogdon) Gilmore, natives of 
Tennessee. They came to Greene county 
as early as 1828, and were here married. 
John M. was engaged in farming. He 
died in 1883. His widow is a resident 
of this city. William received his edu- 
cation in the common schools, and sub- 
sequently engaged in farming, until he 
was 35 years of age. He then moved 
to town, but continued the handling of 
stock and has carried it on ever since, 
part of the time in connection with 
other business. He took stock in a 
bank some years since, and was for a 
year and a half cashier of that institu- 
tion. In 1882, Mr. Gilmore was elected 
and served three years as county com- 
missioner of Greene county. He now 
owns two fine farms, one containing 200 
acres, the other 562 acres'. Though hav- 



ing been in several kinds of business 
since coming here, he has always dealt 
considerably in stock, and but recently 
purchased the livery stable which he 
now manages. In 1866, he was married 
to Cassinda Barnett, a daughter of W 
Ham and Cassinda (Peters) Barnett',' 
tives of Pennsylvania. They came to 
Greene county some years ago, and here 
William died, in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilmore have had eight children born 
to them, four of whom are now living — 
Anna C, Alma, Harry and Gertie. 
Those deceased are — Francis W., Fred- 
die, Maggie and EfEe. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilmore and their daughter Anna are 
members of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Gilmore has been a member of the 
I. 0. 0. F. since 1868. 

The livery stable of Sawyer & Knight 
is located on the north side of East 
Palm street. Mr. Sawyer and M. Pat- 
terson commenced the business in 1872. 
In two years Mr. Patterson sold out to 
his partner, who continued the business 
alone until 1880, when he took James 
M. Cobb into partnership. They bought 
out Wiley Gilmore, and continued to- 
gether about two years, when F. L. 
Knight purchased Mr. Cobb's interest, 
and the present firm was formed. 

Lyman B. Fetter conducts a shop for 
the repair of watches and jewelry, on 
the east side of Morse street. He com- 
menced business in Dec, 1884. 

W. F. Huge, merchant tailor, is lo- 
cated in a comfortable building, near 
the postoffice. He established his bus- 
iness here in 1883. 

EDUC.\TI0N.\L. 

The first school in Roodhouse was a 
private affair, taught by Lydia F. Swal- 
low, who began in 1865. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1139 



The first school building was erected 
in 1868. It was a frame building, 26*36, 
and cost about §1,000. It is now used 
as a residence. The schools were not 
then graded. 

The building at present used for edu- 
■•nal purposes is a three-story, brick 
siructure, 75x75 feet in ground area. It 
was erected in 1877, at a cost of $6,000. 
The principals of the school from that 
time to the present have been: N. M. 
McCullough, H. M. Anderson, Miss A. 
E. Lemon, \Vm. M. Berry, W. J. Rob- 
erts, D. K. Starkey, L. W. Cohvell and 
H.E.Starkey ,the present principal. The 
first diploma was issued under the 
principalship of Mr. Roberts, to Jessie 
Shield. The school has about 500 
scholars, and is in a highly prosperous 
condition. The corps of teacher is as 
follows: Principal, H. E. Starkey; 
assistants, Jessie Shields, Emma John- 
son, Mattie Young, Eva Cherry, Dora 
Johnson and Mamie Wieser. They 
have all done their best to increase the 
efficiency of the school. 

The Oriental Laundry was started in 
1884, by J. L. Boggess, who sold to Mrs. 
Sarah Gilson, June, 1885. 

HOTELS. 

The Phoenix hotel, located opposite 
the C. & A. passenger depot, is the 
principal hostelry of Roodhouse. Its 
erection was begun and completed in 
1884, and it was opened Oct. 4, of that 
year. Though of frame construction, 
it is substantially built, and presents a 
very handsome and imposing appear- 
ance. It is three stories in height, and 
covers an area of 55x120 feet. It has 
a billiard room, sample rooms, a fine 
office and dining room, culinary rooms, 

3S 



55 sleeping rooms, and can accommo- 
date, comfortably, 110 guests. The cost 
of the building was $10,000, and the 
furniture added $4,000 more to the ex- 
pense. Nothing is lacking to add to the 
comfort of the guests of the house. 

F. M. Bateraan, the present proprietor 
of the Phoenix hotel, was born in Au- 
rora, 111., July 18, 1852. He is a son of 
H. M. and Mary M. (Warner) Bateman, 
the former a native of New York, and 
the latter of Ohio. His parents were 
engaged in farming, at Aurora, until 
Mr. Bateman was about six years of age, 
when they moved to Decatur, 111., where 
they engaged in the restaurant business. 
They remained there eight years, when 
they removed to Bloomington, where 
Mr. Bateman and his father continued in 
the restaurant business, at the same time 
running a hotel, until 1878. He and his 
father then took charge of the Phcenix 
hotel at that place, and also bought the 
dining room and lunch counter at Bloom- 
ington. His father still continues in 
charge of them, and also has charge of 
the Hotel Madison, at Alton, 111. Mr. 
Bateman sold out his interest in the bus- 
iness at Bloomington, in 1880, and came 
to Roodhouse, where he bought the din- 
ing room and lunch counter, at the C. & 
A. depot, from E. C. Swan, Sr. He gave 
his entire attention to this business, 
until 1882, when he purchased the hotel 
formerly known as the Dacy House, 
from its owner, David Kirkland. This 
building was consumed by fire, in March, 
1884, and Mr. Bateman then erected the 
present fine commodious building, since 
known as the Pha?nix hotel. This he 
now conducts, in connection with the 
business at the C. & A. depot, previously 
mentioned. Oct. 9, 1880, Mr. Bateman 



1140 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



was united in marriage, at Bloomington, 
with Helen L. Budlong, a daughter of 
Albert and Sarah (Fairbanks) Budlong. 
This marriage has been blessed with two 
children — Berniee and Alice. Mr. and 
Mrs. Batenian are members of the Sec- 
ond Presbyterian church, of Blooming- 
ton, with which they united while they 
were residents of that city. Mr. Bate- 
man is a member of Worcester lodge, 
No. 113, K. of P., of Roodhouse. His 
political views are republican. By 
close attention to business, and by his 
genial and obliging disposition, Mr. 
Bateman has secured the liberal patron- 
age of the traveling public, who are sat- 
isfied with nothingbut the best, of which 
they are assured, by a visit to this excel- 
lent and flourishing hotel. 

The Kirkland House is a brick struc- 
ture, which stands on the site of one 
destroyed by fire. In the fall of 1871, 
David Kirkland commenced the con- 
struction of a frame hotel building, and 
finished it the following spring. It was 
the first hotel in the city. It contained 
22 rooms, and was two and one-half 
stories in height. It was destroyed by 
fire, Sept. 6, 1876, and soon the present 
building was commenced. In height it 
has two stories and a mansard, making 
tliree floors devoted to hotel purposes. 
The building is on Railroad street. 

Heuberger's restaurant is finely lo- 
cated on Clay street, second door west 
of the postoffice, in a new brick build- 
ing, two stories in height, and 20x60 
feet in ground area. On the first floor 
is a well lighted and pleasant office, a 
dining room 30 feet long, and back of 
that the kitchen, all of which are fur- 
nished with first class accommodations. 
The second story has nine sleeping 



apartments in it. This building was 
erected by Mr. Heuberger in 1885. 
Previous to moving into his present 
commodious quarters, Mr. Heuberger 
had carried on business on Palm street 
for about 13 years. 

Joseph Heuberger, the well known 
proprietor of the above restaurant, be- 
gan business here in 1872, and has been 
feeding the hungry ever since. He is a 
native of Switzerland, and was born 
May 11, 1843. He is a son of Joseph 
Jacob and Anna Marie (Schupp) Heu- 
berger, both of whom died in their na- 
tive country, Switzerland. Joseph was 
educated in his native country, and 
there learned the trade of a litho- 
grapher. He was six months in the 
Papal army, and participated in the 
battle of Perugia, where he was taken 
prisoner and sent back to Switzerland. 
He then learned the trade of a barber, 
in which business he continued for four 
years. In 1863, he left his home, sailed 
across the ocean, and emigrated as far 
west as Jacksonville, where he worked 
four weeks and then enlisted in Co. C, 
6th 111. Cav., and served during the 
war. Mr. Heuberger was in the regi- 
mental band, and, when Forrest made 
his raid into Memphis, he took four of 
his m'en and went out to meet him, and 
by so doing, checked the approach of 
Forrest for some twenty minutes, which 
saved the camp and kept Forrest from 
entering the city. He lost only one 
man in his stand while engaged in the 
fight. He fired ninety-three shots, and 
says he took good aim. Capt. Forrest, a 
brother of Gen. Forrest, was mortally 
wounded in the fight. Mr. Heuberger 
was discharged in Alabama, and re- 
turned to Jacksonville, 111. In Janu- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



11-11 



ary, 1867, he went to Scott county, and 
remained four years, and, in 1870, came 
to Greene county, and in the same year 
was married to Anna Chaflher, a native 
of Prussia. By this marriage, there are 
two children living — Sophia and Katie. 
Mr. Heuberger is a member of the I. 
0. 0. F. All his undertakings have 
met with such success that he accumu- 
lated enough to erect the fine brick 
building previously mentioned. 

The Globe hotel was built in 1882, by 
Roodhouse & Patterson, and was run as 
a hotel by Clark Bros., for one year, 
when they were succeeded by William 
Scott, the present landlord. The build- 
ing is brick, two stories high, the main 
portion being 24x75 feet in dimensions, 
to which an addition, 16x24 feet, was 
built. There is a basement under the 
whole building. It contains 23 rooms. 

The Delmonico restaurant, Mrs. D. C. 
Mclver, proprietress, is a first-class in- 
stitution. It is located on the north 
side of the square. 

The St. Elmo restaurant is on Palm 
street. It was opened in June, 1885, by 
R. C. Hastings, the present proprietor. 

ROODHOUSE B.\NK. 

The financial institution which bears 
the above name holds a high rank 
among the conmiercial enterprises of 
(ireene county. Its history dates back 
to 1874, in which year it was established 
by G. W. Armstrong. He started it in 
connection with his store, and the only 
indication of a bank, at that time, was 
the safe, as Mr. Armstrong at first trans- 
acted such business only for the accom- 
modation of customers. His business 
in this line gradually increased until, in 
1876, a company was organized, com- 



posed of G. W. Armstrong, E. M. Hus- 
ted and \V. H. Barrow, with E. M. 
Husted as president. No changes 
were made in the composition of the 
company until Aug., 1883, when W. P. 
Gilmore was admitted to membership. 
Mr. Gilmore had been cashier of the 
Farmers' & Drovers' Bank, and his con- 
nection with the Roodhouse Bank dates 
from the time this institution bought 
out the Farmers' & Drovers' Bank. Mr. 
E. M. Husted was then again chosen 
president, which position he still holds. 
The other officers of the bank are: A\'. 
H. Barrow, cashier; C. T. Bates, assist- 
ant cashier; Harrie G. Moore, book- 
keeper. The capital stock of the bank 
is held in equal amounts by Messrs. 
Husted, Armstrong, Barrow and Gil- 
more. These gentlemen are all solid 
men of Greene county, and their bank 
has a high standing in financial circles. 
The resources of the bank consist of 
the entire worth of the stockholders, 
and the institution is known as a private 
bank. 

When the Roodhouse bank was re-ur- 
ganized, in 1876, they erected a building 
on East Palm street, which thej' occu- 
pied until August, 1883, at which time 
they purchased their present building 
from John Roodhouse and James L. Pat- 
terson. Its size is 24x60 feet in dimen- 
sions, two-stories in height. The bank 
is supplied with two time-lock safes, 
one of Diebold, Norris & Co.'s make, 
and one of McNeal & Urban's make. 
This building is very neatly finished and 
furnished. The ceiling and walls are 
papered with highly ornamented paper, 
being first canvased and papered over, 
which makes a very bright, flashy aj)- 
pearance. The counter is highly orna- 



1142 



HISTORY OF GREENE COLNTY. 



mented, and taking everything all in all, 
this is the finest furnished building in 
the city. 

Edward Manferd Husted, among the 
prominent, representative citizens of 
Roodhouse, is a native of Addison 
county, Vt. He was born Sept. 9, 1830, 
and is a son of Lyman and Emily (Den- 
ison) Husted, natives of Vermont. Ly- 
man was engaged in farming during life. 
When Edward was but four j'ears of 
age his mother died, leaving four chil- 
dren, of whom he was the third. His 
father married again, and in 1836 emi- 
grated west, coming by way of Chicago 
on water, and from there to Greene 
county via the Illinois river. They lo- 
cated on Apple Creek Prairie, arriving 
there on the 24th of June, 1836. Ly- 
man then took teams and returned to 
Chicago after his freight, an action 
which seems quite marvelous at the 
present day. While on the trip home 
he took the bilious fever, and in a few 
days after his return to Apjile Creek, 
was called to his last home. Edward 
M. was educated in the common schools 
of this county, and was afterward en- 
gaged in farming for many years. He 
still owns some 800 acres of land which 
he manages still. The families adjoin- 
ing the city and it is one of the finest 
cultivated in the county, being thor- 
oughly hedged and also tile-drained. 
He has given much attention to the 
raising of stock and grain. His resi- 
dence is situated in the north part of 
the city, adjoining the farm, and is a 
handsome one, its surroundings show- 
ing the taste of its owner. In 1877, Mr. 
Husted was elected president of the 
Roodhouse Bank, and has since contin- 
ued ill that position. He has been ac- 



tively connected with every important 
interest in this part of the county. He 
was for several years justice of the 
peace and has held several minor offices. 
To him may be given much credit in 
getting the Kansas City branch of the 
C. & A. R. R. here. He has by much 
labor and good management acquired a 
competency, and, being blessed with 
good health, lives to enjoy his hard 
earnings. In 1850, Mr. Husted was 
united in marriage with Harriet M. 
Swallow, a daughter of Guy and Kath- 
erine (Bonnister) SwaHow, natives of 
Vermont. B}' this union there was 
three children, two of whom are now 
living — Effie C, wife of A. J. Lee, of 
Carthage, 111.; and Edgar M., now living 
at the old homestead. The one deceased 
is Emma. In the summer of 1864, Mrs. 
Husted died and Mr. Husted was again 
married, in 1865, to Augusta C. Bonnis- 
ter, daughter of Elishaand Olive (Hale) 
Bonnister, both of whom are now de- 
ceased. Her father was killed by a 
train, June 20, 1882. Her mother died 
in August, 1885, and both lie side by 
side in their long resting place. Mr. 
Husted is a member of the White Hall 
Hall lodge. No. 80, A. F. & A. M., of 
Carrollton chapter. No. 50 and of Hugh 
de Payen commandery, No. 29. He 
is, altogether, one of our most liberal- 
minded citizens. 

INSURANCE. 

The Great Western Workingmen's 
Mutual Aid Association was organized 
in 1882, and passed into the hands of 
the present strong management in 1884. 
As now constituted the officers are as 
follows: George W. Armstrong, presi- 
dent; T. M. Bates, vice president; W. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1143 



H. Barrow, general superintendent; E. 
M. Husted, general agent; C. T. Bates, 
treasurer; L. H. Clampit, medical di- 
rector; C. C. VanDoren, secretary. 
Those officers also constitute the board 
of directors. Nov. 7, 1885, occurred a 
change, which will be very beneficial to 
the old as well as the new members. It 
consists of consolidating the several 
classes and divisions so as to make the 
assessments uniform. The plan has been 
submitted to some of the best insurance 
companies of the state and elsewhere, 
and has been approved and commended 
by all. In the first year of the present 
company's management, the business 
has been very large and showed great 
increase over previous figures. The 
general office is in the Armstrong block, 
on Palm street, which is well fitted up 
for such a purpose. The office room is 
22x60 feet in size. The company is a 
substantial one and decidedly a credit to 
the city of Roodhouse. 

George W. Armstrong, one of the 
representative citizens of this city, is a 
native of Ellsworth, Me., and was born 
March 29, 1813. He is a son of John 
and Isabella (Atwell) Armstrong, na- 
tives of Boyhill, county Fermanaugh, 
Ireland. They left their native isle 
and sailed for America, in 1836, and 
came to Boston. Mr. Armstrong was 
employed in a tannery there, where he 
learned the trade. From that city they 
moved to Maine, and he there was em- 
ployed in the same occupation four 
years, and then engaged in farming 
until 1868, when he moved to Illinois, 
since which time he has retired from 
active labor. He is now a resident of 
this city. George W. was educated in 
the public schools of Maine, and 



in 1864 immigrated to Illinois, locating 
in Schuyler county, where he worked 
by the month in a saw-mill for about 
six months. He then came to Greene 
county, and worked in a saw-mill south 
of White Hall, about one year. They 
then went to Menard county, and se- 
cured employment at the same occupa- 
tion — saw-mill work. They were there 
engaged nearly one year, and then went 
to Jacksonville, where they obtained 
contract work on the C. & A. R. R., of 
constructing fences, furnishing wood, 
etc., and also assisted in the building of 
the Louisiana bridge, of that railroad. 
In this work they were engaged about 
five years, with profit to themselves. 
At the end of this time he began in the 
grocery, hardware, dry goods and lum- 
ber business, in partnership with P. J. 
Sharp and J. M. Armstrong, having 
formed under the firm name of Arm- 
strong & Sharp. They continued for 
two years and a half, when the business 
was divided up, Mr. Sharp taking the 
dry goods and J. M. Armstrong the 
lumber trade. G. W. Armstrong re- 
tained the grocery and hardware busi- 
ness and the real estate and banking 
business, the latter having been started 
up after the first year of the partner- 
ship. Mr. Armstrong continued in the 
grocery and hardware business until 
Aug., 1884, when he sold out, and in 
connection with Messrs. Husted, Bar- 
row and Gilmore, has since carried on 
the banking business. In 1883, he, in 
partnership with T. L. Smith and E. L. 
Prindle, purchased a ranche in western 
Kansas, on the Smoky river, where 
they are raising and dealing in stock, 
having a large herd now on the ranche. 
Mr. Armstrong has large holding in city 



1144 



HISTORY OP GREENE COUNTY. 



property. In 1S73, Mr. Armstrong was 
united in marriage, at Dubuque, la., 
with Mary L. Sharp, daughter of Peter 
L. and .Jane (Fowler) Sharp. By the 
above marriage there are four children 
— Kate, George, Albert and Herbert. 
Mr. Armstrong has been intrusted with 
several important offices, having been 
city mayor one term of two years, and 
president of the Building and Loan As- 
sociation one term, giving entire sat- 
isfaction lierein. Mr. Armstrong is one 
ofjthe mostthorough business men in tlie 
northwest, and has done much toward 
the building up of Roodhouse. He may 
also be denominated a self-made man 
in the true sense of the word. 

Cliarles C. VanDoren was born Feb. 
7, 1835, at Lesser Cross Roads, near 
Somerset county, N. J., his parents be- 
ing Stephen H. and Susan (Nevius) Van 
D(3ren, both natives of New Jersey. 
Charles resided in his native place until 
he was 39 years of age, but remained 
with his parents only until he was 11 
years old. He was engaged in farming 
until 1858, after which time he was em- 
ployed in teaching school for about ten 
years, and then entered a commission 
house in Newark, N. J., as bookkeeper, 
and held that position nearly four years. 
He then engaged in farming for about 
three years. He was united in mar- 
riage with Rebecca VanDyke, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Mary (Gullick) Van 
Dyke. B}- this marriage they were the 
parents of 5 children, three of whom are 
now living — Mary, Stephen H. and Jo- 
seph A. Mrs. Van Doren died on April 
14, 1872. In 1874, Mr. Van Doren re- 
moved to Illinois, locating at Raritan, 
Henderson county, where he was en- 
gaged in teaching a select school three 



years. At the expiration of that time, 
he moved to White Hall, Cireene county, 
and engaged in the lumber business 
with Mr. Trask, where h^ continued six 
months, and then took a situation as 
bookkeeper for the firm of Hunt & 
Briggs, in the grain and milling busi- 
ness, until they dissolved partnership, 
July 1, 1882, when he continued with 
Mr. Briggs, in the same position until 
April 15, 1885. Mr. VanDoren is now 
engaged in the Great Western Working- 
men's Mutual Aid Association, as secre- 
tary. September 26, 1874, he married 
his present wife, Margaretta Porter, 
widow of the late Newton Porter. By 
this union they have one child — Charles 
Carroll. Mr. VanDoren is known as a 
gentleman of energy, honesty of pur- 
pose and steady perseverance in busi- 
ness. 

POSTOFFICE. 

This office was established in about 
1867, with Adam Shearer as postmaster, 
in which position he remained about 
one year, receiving a salary of $12. 
per year. John Rawlings, the leading 
business man ofthe village, was appoint- 
ed postmaster, and served three years. 
He also ran a general store in connection 
with the office. He took in George N. 
Sawyer and J. P. Drennan, Sr., as 
partners, resigned the office and had 
Mr. Sawyer appointed postmaster, he 
holding it until the present postmaster, 
John Roodhouse, was apjiointed, in 
1882. It was not made a money order 
office until 1883. 

ROUNDHOUSE. 

The roundhouse at Roodhouse was 
built in 1870. At this time there were 
10 stalls completed, and in 1882, 10 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1145 



more stalls were built in addition. The 
house holds 19 engines. Mr. W. P. 
Strunk is the present foreman, and em- 
ploys about 30 men in the shops. He 
took charge in Nov., 1884, and has per- 
formed his duties with satisfaction to 
all. 

Wui. P. Strunk was born in Reading, 
Penn., April 24, 1840, bis {)arcnts being 
Perry and Elizabeth (Harmon) Strunk 
William was reared at his native place, 
and when 18 years of age, was employed 
in the Pennsylvania shops at Altoona, 
and after 18 months, went on an engine 
of that road as fireman, where he was 
employed until July, 1862. He then 
came to Will county, 111., and worked on 
a farm, but in two months went to 
Twelve-Mile Grove, and enlisted in Co. 
H, 101st 111. Inf., and was mustered in 
at Joliet. From there he went to Spring- 
field, thence to New Albany, and thence 
marched to Louisville, and was placed 
in Wood's Div., Haskell's Brig., T. L. 
Crittenden's 1st A. C. The first service 
was at Walnut Grove, where tliey skir- 
mished with Morgan's cavalry, and after 
that, in the engagement at Stuart's 
C'reek, Laverne, Stone River, Resaca, 
Tallahoma and Chickamauga, where 
William was wounded, and captured by 
the rebels of Longstreet's corps, was 
held 13 days, and then paroled. He 
was then taken back to Chattanooga, and 
after 13 days in the hospital there, was 
taken to Washington, and assigned to 
the hospital corps, in hospital No. 1'.), 
Cherry street. After two months lie 
received a 30-day furlough, wliich he 
spent at his home. He then reported 
at the hospital, still on crutch and cane. 
In December, 1863, he was sent to the 
convalescent camp, at Chattanooga, 



the regiment being at Strawberry Plains, 
East Tennessee. He remained there 
until the march to Atlanta, and was 
then assigned to the general field hos- 
pital,' under Surg. Gen. Woodward, for- 
merly an engineer. They went on the 
the 72 days' march to Atlanta, and after 
that battle encamped until Sherman 
marched to the sea, when they followed 
up Hood to Nashville, remaining in that 
vicinity the rest of that year. William 
was mustered out at Nashville, and dis- 
charged at Camp Douglas, Chicago, _ 
July 1, 1865, having served three years, 
lacking 19 days. He then returned to 
Reading, and was employed by the East 
Pennsylvania R. R.Co., as assistant dis- 
patcher and general train and road man, 
until August, 1868. He then went to 
Lafayette and was there employed as 
fireman on the Wabash R. R., and a 
year later was promoted to engineer. 
In Oct., 1870, he went south, and ran 
an engine 14 months on the Mobile & 
Ohio R. R., between Columbus, Ky., 
and Mobile. He then returned to Penn- 
sylvania, and became conductor and 
train despatcher at the Reading yards, 
on the R. & C. R. R. By request of 
the superintendent, he, five months 
later, took a way freight engine, and ran 
it nearly four years. This road was 
controlled by the P. & R. R. R. Co., 
which issued a circular, March 27, 1877, 
requesting all members of the B. of L. 
E. to leave the order, or quit their em- 
ploy. Mr. Strunk went to Columbia 
that day, and, got his time, and returned 
home, he being the first man to quit 
his position. If all had quit that day, 
the strike would have been successful. 
Mr. Strunk went from there to the M. 
& 0. R. R., running between Tupelo 



1146 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



and Macon, and was there when the 
yellow fever was so bad, in 1878. In 
May, 1879, at the second breaking out 
of the scourge, he went to Atchison, 
Kan., but not getting a railroad situa- 
tion, took such work as he could obtain, 
being hostler for the Santa Fe road for 
for three weeks. He then got employ- 
ment as engineer in the Commercial 
mills, on the first Corliss engine in Kan- 
sas. In December they stopped night 
running, and he was again unemployed. 
He then became engineer on No. 122, of 
the C. & A. R. R. His first regular en- 
gine was No. 119. He afterward ran 
other engines between Bloomington, 
St. Louis and Kansas City. The last 
regular engine he ran was No. 177 (now 
run by William Dolan), which he named 
the Pride of the West, as she was so 
good, neat and clean, and one of the 
best pullers on the road, which reputa- 
tion she still holds. Nov. 1, 1884, Mr. 
Strunk was appointed foreman of the 
C. & A. roundhouse, at Roodhouse, hav- 
ing charge of 17 engines, besides having 
to look after 56 engines, which run 
through the city every 24 hours. In the 
fall of 1863, while on furlough, he was 
married to Anna M. Talbert, a native of 
Pennsylvania, born and reared in Wom- 
elsdorf. Two children were born to 
them, both of whom died in infancy. 
Mrs. Strunk died Dec. 22, 1867. He 
was again married, July 12, 1868, to 
Emma L. Boas, of Reading, Pa. By 
this union there were seven children — 
M'illiam P., born at Lafayette, Ind.; 
Eola May, born at Jackson, Tenn.; Oli- 
ver Paul, born at Reading; Emma Lou- 
isa, born at Jackson, Tenn.; James A. 
Garfield; Katie Darling, deceased; and 
Bertie Logan — the last three being born 



at Roodhouse. Mr. Strunk was one of 
the charter members of the G. A. R., 
and is now commander of the post. He 
belongs to the Patriotic Order of Sons 
of America, at Reading; to the Met- 
amora Odd Fellows' lodge; to Lafayette 
lodge, A. F. & A. M; to the B. of L. E.; 
and also to the Y. M. C. A., at Rood- 
house. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The M. E. church at Roodhouse was 
organized by J. M. Reynolds, the first 
pastor. The first members were : Jno. 
Roodhouse and wife, J. M. Armstrong 
and wife. Grandmother Armstrong, 
Mary Armstrong, J. J. Short and wife, 
and Lizzie J. Hickox. The second pas- 
tor was H. C. Wallace, who was suc- 
ceeded by J. K. Maxficld. The organi- 
zation took place in the district school 
house, on west Palm street, where ser- 
vices were held previous to the erection 
of the Union church building — now 
Presbyterian. The remainder of the 
histor}' of this church is to be found in 
the ecclesiastical chapter. 

SOCIETIES. 

Gen. Jacob Fry Post, No. 193, G. A. 
R., is a leading organization of Rood- 
house. It was organized at a meeting 
held in I. O. M. A. hall, of discharged 
soldiers and sailors of the civil war. 
The meeting was called to order by W. 
L. Gardner, John G. Mack, of Spring- 
field, mustering ofiicer, department of 
Illinois, being present. The work of 
organizing commenced after prayer, by 
Frank Crane, son of Rev. Crane, pastor 
of Grant's old regiment. The petition 
for charter was read. Forty responded 
to the call of names, and were mustered 
in as charter members. They were: S. 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1147 



T. Carrico, D. H. R. McNeal, J. C. 
Weisner. Ira Martin, John Gross, W. 
P. Sitton, 0. H. Cole, E. H. Sawyer, J. 
H. Murray, W. P. Cobb, W. J. Tucker, 
Joseph Christopher, A. D Ruyle. E. A. 
Shiblcy, M. Carmean, J. W. Mansfield, 
Samuel Piper, R. A. Roberts, N. H. 
Williams, T. J. Grant, Theo. Crissin- 
ger, Jerome Ives, W. H. Carlton, J. F. 
Sinitli, Wm. Eddy, Andrew Johnson. I. 
J.Sanford,C. J. Riddle, D. C. Mclver, 
Thomas Ruyle, Roberts. Gibberson, H. 
Winser, W. P. Strunk, Robert Warren, 
G. W. Burge, A. Campbell, V. Market, 
Jacob Boas, A. J. Brainer. The first 
officers were: L. T. Carrico, P. C; W. 
P. Sitton, S. V. C; D. H. R. McNeal, 
J.V. C; Dr. A. J. Bruner, Surg.; W. 
P. Strunk, Chap.; E. A.Sawyer. Q. M.; 
J. H. Murray, 0. D.; J. C. Weisner, 0. 
G.; Geo. N. Sawyer, Adjt.; W. P. Cobb, 
S. M.; Theo. Crissinger, Q. M. S.; T. J. 
Grant, G. The commanders, since the 
organization, have been: S. T. Carrico, 
J. H. Murray and W. P. Strunk, one 
term each. Commander Murray died 
in April, 1885. Besides him, there has 
been one other death, that of Jerome L. 
Ives. The post now has 46 members, 
all in good standing. There have been 
as many as 82. The post is in good 
working condition, and meets regularly 
on the second and fourth Thursday 
evenings of each month, at the opera 
house hall. The present officers are: 
W. P. Strunk, P. C; Mark Heaton, S. 
V.C; George Lawson,J. V. C; Frank 
Martin, Q. M.; Ira Martin, Chap.; T. 
J. Grant, Sr., Surg.; C. J. Riddle, Adjt.; 
Wm. Eddy, S. M.; J. C. Weisner, Q. 
M.S.; JohnWhitworth, 0. G.; Willis 
Cobb, 0. D.; Thos. Ruyle, Sergt. of G. 
Worcester lodge. No. 113, K. of P., 



was organized March 16, 1883, by W. 
M. Montgomery, D. D. G. C, with the 
following charter members: Y. D. 
Scales, S. H. Kyle, John H. English, 
A. J. R. Fields, E. S. Needles, W. T. 
Lowry, S. M. Pegram, E. Briggs, D. 
F. King. H. C. Worcester, G. W. Fisk, 

E. DeSilva, J. F. Cobaugh, H. Wies- 
meyer, William A. Ralston W. S. 
Riddle, H. H. Palmer, J. L. Patterson, 
D. M. Trusdale, H. C. Bender, E. C. 
Peters, C. C. VanDoren, J. A. Morrow, 

F. M. Bateman, S. T. Carrico, J. A. 
Martin, F. Crane, F. N. Lydick, R. A. 
Roberts, Edgar Husted, and James 
Martin. At the first meeting the fol- 
lowing officers were installed : S. H. 
Kyle, P. C; Y. D. Scales, C. C; Ellis 
Briggs, V. C; David F. King, P.; Ed- 
gar Husted. M. of E.; Henry Wies- 
meyer, M. of F.; D. M. Trusdale, K. of 
R. and S.; Geo. W. Fisk, M. at A.; E. 
DeSilva, I. G.; T. W. Lowry, 0. G. 
The first representative to the grand 
lodge was S. H. Kyle. The present 
officers are: E. DeSilva, P. C; C. C. 
VanDoren, 0. C; James A. Weldon, 
V. C; L. H. Clampit, P.; J. J. Cotter, 
M. of E.; Henry Carr, M. of F.; H. C. 
Bender, K. of R. and S.; Fred Ep- 
stein, M. at A.; A. P. Ferguson, T. G.; 
Jos. Martin. 0. G.; E. S. Needles, Rep. 
to G. L.; Jas. A. Weldon, W.; S. Mur- 
ray and T. Gowling, trustees; C. C. 
VanDoren, J. A. Welden, and H. C. 
Bender, relief committee. The lodge 
has a membership of 67. The hall is 
20x40 feet, and is over the Y. M. C. A. 
chapel room. They are in a good finan- 
cial condition, having money out at in- 
terest. 

Roodhouse Div., No. 220, B. of L. E., 
was instituted June 18, 1883, with the 



1148 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



following charter members: William P. 
Strunk, J. W. Casey, Wm. Jenness, W. 
Jones and John Q. Moran. The first 
officers were: W. P. Strunk, C. E.; W. 
Jenness. F. A. E.; S. Moran, S. A. E. 
After one year, tliey were succeeded by 
J. W. Casey, C. E.j J. H. Brown, F. a". 
E., J. C. Updcgraff, S. A. E. The pres- 
ent officers are: Bernhard Zahn, C. E.; 
J. H. Brown, F. A. E.; J. C. Updegraff, 
S. A. E. This division has been very 
prosperous, having now 40 members, 
and has funds in the treasury. 

J. P. Slaten, Sr., camp No. 27, S. of 
v., was organized in Aug., 1885, with 
the following charter members: B. F. 
Booker, H. A. Day, J. E. Day, T. C. 
Rearick, S. W. Whitworth, J. P. Slaten, 
Jr., W. H. Reynolds, Harrie G. Moore, 
J. M. Reynolds, J. H. Reynolds, J. 
Bishop, George Carter, C. E. Mclver, J. 
M. Potter, Thomas Ruyle, F. G. Han- 
naford, H. A. Stoffer. The first officers 
are: Harrie G. Moore, Capt ; J. P. 
Slaten, Jr., 1st Lieut.; T. C. Rearick, 
2d Lieut.; W. H. Reynolds, 0. S. Meet- 
ings are held in the same hall with the 
G. A. R. 

Roodhouse lodge No. 681, I. 0. O.F., 
was granted a charter Aug. 10, 1880, 
and was instituted by David Culbertson, 
of White Hall, who was D. G. M. of 
No. 227. The first officers of the lodge 
were as follows: James Gordy, N. G.; 
S. L. Stone, V. G.; J. H. Browne, Sec; 
S. Whitaker, Treas.; J. J. Hatfield. 
C; Y. D. Scales, W.; Barne}' Green. 
I. G.; G. W. Sayer, O. G.; R. A. Kel- 
ley, R. S. to N. G.; R. N. Ruyle, L. S. 
to N. G.; P. A. Rawlings, R. S.toV.G.; 
G. R. Eastham, L. S. to V. G.; A. D. 
Ruyle, R. S. S.; A. S. Hatfield, L. S.S ; 
Geo. W. Sayer, P. A. Rawlings, A. S. 



Hatfield, R. N. Ruyle and James Corey, 
trustees. The officers at present are: 
C. C. VanDoren, N. G.; Chas. Rogers, 
V. G.; J. H. English, R. S. and P. S.; 

F. M. Shields, Treas.; E. DeSilva, 
Cond.; S. T. King, W.; Jas. L. Briggs, 
I.G.; T. I. Lemon,0. G.; D. F. King, 
R. S. to N. G.; B. Hearnen, L. S. to N. 
G.; R. M. Hale, R. S. toV.G.; Arthur 
AVylie, L. S. to V. G.; Thos. Trainer, 
R. S. S.; J. H. Richards, L. S. S.; J. J. 
Hatfield, Chap.; Ellis Briggs, Chm'n 
board of trustees; E. DeSilva, Rep. to 

G. L. Their hall is located on Palm 
street, over the R. R. Y. M. C. A. rooms. 
It is 20x35 feet in area, and is nicely 
furnished. The lodge is in a prosper- 
ous condition. 

The Railway Y. M. C. A., is one of 
the prided institutionss of Roodhouse. 
Its organization was mainly the work of 
officials of the C. & A. railroad who saw 
the need of a place where employes of 
the road, when not on duty could spend 
their leisure time in a manner at once 
agreeable and profitable, and thus en- 
courage a feeling in favor of intellectual 
advancement and moral gain among 
them. The plan included not only the 
formation of a society of the Y. M. C. A., 
but also a reading room, where members 
and others could have access to stand- 
ard works as well as the newspapers of 
the day. The scheme was ably cham- 
pioned and successfully carried out, 
mainly through the instrumentality of 
T. M. "Bates, E. S. Needles, E. S. Nich- 
ols, and T. F. Williams. The building 
occupied for the carrying out of this pur- 
pose is located on the corner of Palm 
and Railroad streets. The reading room 
is 20x40 feet in floor area, and contains 
about 850 well selected volumes. They 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1149 



also have on file 11 daily papers, 60 
weeklies, and 12 magazines. There are 
also at hand two bath rooms. The aver- 
age daily attendance at the rooms is 
about 55. The room set aside for the 
chapel has an area of 20x50 feet, and 
besides being neatly fitted up, is sup- 
plied with an organ and piano. Meet- 
ings are held by the association every 
Sunday, at 4:30 p. m. All of these meet- 
ings are for general attendance, save 
three, which are for men only. There 
is also in connection a junior depart- 
ment, for boys ranging in age from 10 
to 16 years. They hold meetings in the 
chapel every Tuesday evening. Among 
the exercises at these meetings are bible 
classes, entertainments, sociables, talks 
on medical and other familiar topics, and 
lectures. ' The membership in this de- 
partment is 32. Its management is in 
the hands of the boys themselves, under 
the direction of the general secretary, 
Will. H. Wortli. The present ofKeers'of 
the association are: T. M. Bates, Pres.; 
S. D. Reeve, V. P.; E. S. Needles, Rec. 
Sec; E. S. Nichols, Treas.; W. H. 
Wiiifli, Gen. Sec. 

MUNICIPAL. 

The officers of Roodhouse since 1881, 
have been as follows: 

1881 — Ellis Briggs, mayor; G. P. 
Loighton, clerk; G. W. Fisk, treasurer; 
D. C. Mclver, attorney; E. F. .Wade, 
marshal. 

1883 — G. W. Armstrong, mayor; (i. 
P. Leighton, clerk; H. C. Worcester, 
treas.; J. W. Starkey, attorney; W. T. 
Sitton, marshal. 

1885— Ellis Briggs, mayor; F. L. Mar- 
shall, clerk; J. P. Slaten,.Ir., treas.; D.F. 
King, attorney; R. N. Ruyle, marshal. 



REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 

Among the prominent citizens of 
this city is Ellis Briggs, the present 
mayor. He is a native of Litchfield 
county. Conn., born April 25, 1839, and 
is the son of Ellis and Clarissa A. 
^Lawrence) Briggs. His father was a 
pattern-maker, and died at Joliet in 
1S64. In 1849 he removed to Cuyhoga 
county, Ohio, and six years later to 
Cook county, 111., where he lived until 
removing to Joliet. Mrs. Clarissa 
Briggs died in the same city in 1877. 
Ellis attended district school in three 
different states, and, after finishing his 
education, commenced life as a fireman 
on the O. & M. R. R. in 1857. He was 
next employed as brakenian on the C. & 
A. R. R., and some time afterward as 
section foreman on the same road. He 
next was appointed ns conductor of a 
construction train, from that position to 
that of freight conductor, and then 
to that of a passenger conductor. 
Prior to this, however, Mr. Briggs had, 
with patriotism, enlisted, April, 18Gl,in 
Co. F., 20th 111. Inf., and served over 
three years, being mustered out at 
Atlanta, Ga., in July, 1864. He par- 
ticipated in many engagements and was 
wounded in the arm by a ball, and the 
thigh by a \)\ece of a shell, during the 
battle of Shiloh. At the battle of Thomp- 
son's Hill, he was again wounded in the 
aim, about an inch from the place where 
hit before. Also received wounds in his 
lower limbs, and still carries the lead 
in them. On returning lie resumed his 
place on theC.it A. R. R., remaining 
until 1867, when he engaged as con- 
tractor on the line of that road, between 
AVhite Hall and Godfrey, and Alton and 
St. Louis, and other branches. He 



1150 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



then moved to Texas and became road- 
master on the I. & G. N. R. R., 
remaining about a year, when he 
took a contract to build the viaduct 
and iron drawbridge over Buffalo bayou, 
at Houston, Texas, and afterward, 
built 50 miles of an extension of the I. 
& G. N. R. R. to Columbia, on the 
Brazos river. He returned to Illinois 
in 1874, and after about a year's resi- 
dence in Petersburg, came to Roodhoui?e 
in the spring of 1876, since being promi- 
nently identified with its interests. 
About tliis time he built a large mill and 
elevator, which was burned down in 1877, 
but he immediately rebuilt the mill, 
this time of brick, it being known as 
the Victor mill. He, in 1876, bought a 
farm of 120 acres, now within the city 
limits, upon which he erected one of 
finest residences in the city. He also 
owns considerable other property here. 
He was the first mayor of the city, and 
has held the oflSce over four years, most 
efficiently. In 1866, he was married to 
Mattie E., daughter of Joel and Char- 
lotte S. (Cory) Terry. They are the 
parents of two children — George E., 
born Nov. 20, 1^69; and Gertrude M., 
born April 29, 1876. Mr. Briggs is a 
member of White Hall lodge, No. 83, 
A. F. & A. M., of Carrollton chapter, 
and of Hospitaller commandery, No. 31, 
of Jacksonville. He is also a member 
of Roodhouse lodge, No. 681, I. O. 0. 
F., of the K. of P. and A. O. U. W. 
fraternities, and of the G. A. R., and is 
one of the Democratic Veterans. He is 
quite an important factor in the politi- 
cal life in this section of the state. He 
was the choice of the people of Greene 
county for the state senatorship made 
vacant by the death of F. M. Bridges, 



and was the delegate from here to the 
national convention that nominated the 
present president of the United States. 
In every position, either public, politi- 
cal or private, he has been governed by 
motives that makes him a favorite of 
the people of this county. 

John P. Drennan, Sr., police magis- 
trate, and justice of the peace, was born 
in Canton, Stark county, 0., in 1815. 
He removed with his father and family 
to Mansfield, Richland county, in 1821. 
His father and uncles were interested in 
the strife of politics that raged from 
1824 to 1840— "Cofiin hand bills," the 
Washington Globe, theU. S. Bank,"Nic, 
Biddle and General Jackson." Under 
these iniluences he could not fail to be ed- 
ucated a Jackson democrat. In 1883 he 
entered a dry goods store, and has fol- 
lowed the business at intervals for 50 
years. He was very popular, and was 
elected by his party to fill various im- 
portant offices in his county. At an 
early age he united with the First Con- 
gregational church at Mansfield, also 
joined the Masons and Odd Fellows, 
and is now a member of Hugh DePayen 
commandery and Carrollton chapter; 
also of the Congregational church, in 
Roodhouse. He is among the oldest 
Masons in Greene county. He was 
married, in 1846, to Rebecca Sage Riley, 
a daughter of Capt. Calvin and Eunice 
(Miller) Riley , and niece of Capt. James 
Riley, author of "Riley's Narrative," 
famous 50 years ago. Two children 
were born to them — John P., editor and 
part proprietor of the Roodhouse Eye; 
and Eunice Riley; both live with their 
parents. In 1861, he volunteered, and 
was commissioned 1st Lieut, and Reg. 
Q. M. in the 82d 0. Vol. Inf. His reg- 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1151 



iment served in Virginia, was engaged 
in the second battle of Bull Run,Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Looliout Moun- 
tain, Atlanta, etc., etc. During 1864 
and 1865, he was captain and Ass't Q. 
M., in charge of clothing, camp and 
garrison equipage at Cincinnati, 0. 
This depot supplied the whole south- 
west and south, requiring $3,000,000 to 
$4,000,000 a month. In 1867, he and 
family moved to Alton, 111., and thence, 
in 1871, to Roodhouse. During his 14 
years' residence here, he has aided, to 
the extent of his ability, in the moral 
and financial growth of the city. 

Anderson 0rr,a successful gardener of 
this city was born in Harrison county, 
O., October 1<), 1833. He is a son of 
Harrison Young and Isabella Orr, the 
former a native of Ohio, the latter of 
Pennsylvania. His father was drowned 
in the Ohio river in 1833, while on his 
way to seek a home in Illinois. His 
mother died May 5, 1882, in Roodhouse. 
He was reared in Pike county. 111., by 
his uncle, Alexander Taylor. He re- 
ceived his education in the common 
schools there, and finished in the high 
school at Griggsville. After that he 
engaged in teaching school three and a 
half years, and then entered the 
ministry of the M. E. church, and has 
since labored in various places. His 
health failing him. he came to Rood- 
house, and purchased ten acres of land 
for the purpose of engaging at something 
that would give him more out-door ex- 
ercise. The annual conference has, in 
the meantime, given him such appoint- 
ments as he could fill, and at the same 
time attend to his place. He has,])y this 
means, been able to secure good health. 
He now has a finely cultivated farm of 



some 25 acres, on which he raises fruit 
and vegetables. Mr. Orr was united in 
marriage, Oct. 30, 1853, with Nancj' J., a 
daughter of Henry and Eliza (McMuUen) 
Dean, natives of Ohio, who came to Illi- 
nois, and now reside at Hardin, Calhoun 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Orr were the pa- 
rents of one child — Jennie, wife of N. 
A. Reed, of Kansas. Mrs. Orr died in 
the year 1856, and in 1858 Mr. Orr was 
again married to Susannah Dean, a sis- 
ter of his first wife. She died 18 
months after marriage, being the mother 
of twins, who also died and were buried 
with her in the same grave. In 1865, 
Mr. Orr was joined in marriage with 
Catherine McCaskill, a native of Mt. 
Sterling, 111 , and this union has been 
blessed with four children — Laura Bell, 
Luella, James M. and Katie. Mr. Orr 
is an honorary member of the Cass 
lodge. No. 23, A. F. & A. M., at Beards- 
town, 111. He still continues to preach, 
and his efforts for the welfare of man- 
kind are rewarded with success. 

Nelson J. Ludi, editor of the Union, 
was born in Rock Island, 111, Feb. 26, 
1855, being a son of James and Eliza- 
beth P. (BoUes) Ludi, his father a na- 
tive of Switzerland, and his mother of 
Thompsonville, Conn. He was reared 
in Rock Island, and at the age of 16, 
engaged as clerk in Davenport. He 
started to learn the printer's trade in the 
Gazette office there. When 17, he went 
to work on a farm by the month, but 
soon went to Burlington, and finished 
the printer's trade. In 1877, he was 
made book-keeper in the Burlington 
Gazette office, and was local editor when 
he left, in 1877, to buy a half interest in 
the Orion Gazette. He bought out his 
partner and ran the paper until March, 



1152 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1882. He then went to Dakota, where 
he remained about six months. In the 
summer of 1883, he went to Minneapoli.s, 
and worked at printing until 1884, when 
he came to Greenfield, this county, and 
bought a half interest in the Union. He 
continued the publication until the 
spring of 1885, when they removed to 
Roodhouse, and have since remained 
here. He was married June 26, 1879, 
to Lilian M., daughter of Joshua and 
Mary Easton. They have two children 
living — -Myrtle E. and Bessie M., and 
two deceased — Walter E. and Jessie. 

We close the history of Greene county 
by giving a short sketch of W. T. Mc- 
Iver and J. P. Drennan, Jr., proprietors 
of the office in which this volume was 
published. The former was born in 
Montgomery county, 111., April 14, 1860, 
and the latter in Mansfield, Ohio, Sept. 
6, 1861. At the age of 13 years, W. T. 
Mclver entered a printing office, and 
two years later opened a job office at 
Roodhouse. He soon associated John 



P. Drennan Jr., as partner, and thus the 
firm of Mclver & Drennan sprang into 
existence. But they were still boys, so 
Mr. Drennan again entered school, and 
Mclver, after establishing the I'evicw, 
and publishing it about a year, followed 
railroading until 1882. By this time, 
Mr. D. had graduated from the Illinois 
Academy, at Jacksonville, and also taken 
a course at Ann Arbor Law^ School. They 
then established the Roodhouse Eye, 
with a cash capital of about $0000, but 
they had plenty of energy. Their hand 
press was soon superseded by one run 
by steam, and new material has been 
added until, in 1885, they are found in 
a two-story brick building, owned by 
themselves, witli three steam presses, 
and fully equipped for any kind of print- 
ing. Mr. Mclver was married, Oct. 17, 
1882, to Elizabeth N. Atkinson. They 
have one son — Frank. These enterpris- 
ing young men deserve great credit for 
their industry, and merit the substantial 
support of the citizens of these counties. 



ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHIES, 



The following sketches of well known 
residents of White Hall township were 
unavoidahly omitted from their proper 
places: 

John Howard was born in Rutherford 
comity, Tenn., Feb. 23, 1819, his par- 
ents being Henry and Charlotte (Bal- 
lard) Howard, natives of North Carolina. 
His parents came to Greene county in 
1835, and located two miles east of 
White Hall, where his father bought 40 
acres of land. There were only two 
stores in White Hall when they came 
here. His father lived in this neighbor- 
hood, about 12 years. He then moved 
to Scott county where he lived four 
years, then removed to Mason county, 
where he remained 12 years and then 
moved to Harrison county, Iowa, where 
he spent the remainder of his days, his 
death occurring in 186fi. There were 13 
children in the family— Coleman, Nancy, 
William, John, Avery, Allen, Sarah, 
Mary, Francis, Franklin, Thomas, and 
two who died ia infancy. Six of these 
children are now living. Our subject 
was 16 years of age when his parents 
came to Crreene county, and he remain- 
ed with them until he was 25 years of 
age. He then began the battle of life 
for himself, and buying 100 acres of 
land on Apple Creek Prairie, he moved 
on to it and engaged in farming there 
for three years. He then sold that 
farm and bought 120 acres on sections 
22 and 27, on which he lived seven 
years, when on account of his wife's 
health, she having the consumption, he 



left the farm and moved to White Hall, 
where he resideil two 3'ears. His wife 
died while there, and after her death, 
he moved back to his farm and has since 
remained there. He has been three 
times married. June 18, 1844, he was 
married to Margery A. Bell, and by this 
union there were five children, three of 
whom are living — Francis M., married 
Melissa Teeple, resides in Harrison 
county, Iowa; William H., married 
Elizabeth Barrow, resides in Calloway 
county. Mo.; John A., married Martha 
Clark, resides in Harrison county, Iowa. 
Mrs. Howard died in 1857, and Mr. 
Howard was again married in Sept., 
1858, to Martha King, daughter of Sam- 
uel King. They were the parents of 
five children, three of whom are living 
— Thomas; Edgar, who married Winnie 
Stone, and resides at home, and Her- 
bert. In April, 1872, Mr. Howard was 
again left a widower, and in Aug., 1873, 
he was united in marriage with Har- 
riet Smith, daughter of David Smith. 
This union has been blessed with one 
child, — Catherine. Mr. Howard now 
owns 166 1-3 acres of land. He deals 
in stock to sOme extent; especially in 
Jersey and short-horn Durham cattle 
and Poland-China hogs and is a success- 
ful, enterprising farmer. He has held 
the offices of school director and road 
supervisor, and is a member of the 
Grange lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Howard 
are members of the M. E. church of 
White Hall. 

William M. Bradshaw, a native of 



1154 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



White county, Tenn., was born July 28, 
1826, and is a son of Charles and Mary 
A. (Baker) Bradshaw, the former a na- 
tive of South Carolina, the latter of 
North Carolina. His parent left Ten- 
nessee in 1828, and removed to Morgan 
county, 111., where they lived two years 
and in the spring of 1831, 'moved to 
Greene county. His father bought 80 
acres of land in what is now Wrights 
township, and also entered 80 acres 
there, and kept buying and entering un- 
til he owned something like 500 acres of 
land. There they lived in a little log 
cabin for several years, and he then 
built a large two-story frame residence 
and a barn, and at this comfortable 
home, he spent the balance of his days. 
He departed this life in 1869. Mrs. 
Bradshaw is still living, and resides on 
the old homestead. William assisted 
his parents on, the farm, until he was 21 
years of age. He was then married to 
Susan P. Lorton, Dec. 30, 1847, by 
which union, there was one child which 
died in infancy. He built a little log 
cabin on the home farm, and there they 
lived until her death, Dec. 6, 1848, 
which was within a year after their mar- 
riage. Mr. Bradshaw then went back 
home and remained there until 1850, 
when he was again married on Sept. 30, 
to Elizabeth Chipman, by which union 
there were three children, two of whom 
are living — Mary E., wife of John B. 
Hutton, residing in Tojjeka, Kas., and 
Lenora, wife of Henry Hart, residing in 
White Hall township. After marriage, 
Mr. Bradshaw moved back to his cabin 
and remained there until the fall of 
1853, when he, with his wife and child, 
went to Fannin county, Texas, where 
they staid that winter. In the spring. 



they returned to Illinois, and again set- 
tled in the log cabin, where he lived un- 
til the death of his wife, Feb. 25. 1855, 
when he returned home again. After 
staying there over a year, he was again 
married March 19, 1856, to Mary Baker, 
and they moved into the log cabin, 
where they lived happily until April 5, 
1857, when his wife died, leaving one 
child, Albert, who is now married to 
Ellen R. Whitehead, and resides in Lo- 
gan county. Mr. Bradshaw again re- 
turned home to live, and remained four 
years. Feb. 19, 1861, he was married 
to Elizabeth Steward, by which union 
there were eight children, seven of 
whom are living — Joel, married Liza 
Coats, resides in White Hall township; 
Ida B., wife of Samuel Elliott, residing 
in White Hall township; Nancy L., 
Charles, Clara A., William H. and Ed- 
gar. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Brad- 
shaw bought SO acres of land on section 
27, T. 12, R. 11, on which he built a 
nice frame house, into which he moved 
and has since resided there. He now 
owns 260 acres of land, 200 acres of 
which is in this township, and 60 acres 
in Wrights, all of which he has acquired 
by industry and good management. 
Mrs. Bradshaw is a member of the M. 
E. church. Mr. Bradshaw has seen a 
great deal of trouble in his lifetime, 
having lost three wives, each in a com- 
paratively short time after marriage. 
He stood bravely, all these trials and is 
now living in comfort and contentment. 
Elbert M. McCracken, was born in 
Greene county, on April 22, 1855, his 
parents being Samuel and Mary (Bran- 
yan) McCracken, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. His parents came to Greene 
county about the year 1837, and located 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



1155 



on Sec. 26, T. 12, R. 11, where he 
bought a tract of land, built a little lug 
cabin and lived there for several yenrs. 
He then bought about 92 acres on Sec. 
25, T. 12, R. 11, aiul afterward moved 
on to it, having built a house into which 
he moved and remained until his death, 
which occurred in Jan., 1855. Mrs. 
Mary McCracken is yet living and re- 
sides with her son Samuel. Our sub- 
ject was reared on a farm, remaining at 
home until he. was about 27 years of age 
when he bought 140 acres of land on 
Sec. 25, T. 12. R. 11, moved on to it 
and has since resided there. He has 
been twice married. Jan. 7, 1877, lie 
married Eliza Vanderver, who died in 
1880. By this union there was one 
child — Harry E. Mr. McCracken was 
again married, Feb. 23, 1882, to Dicy 
Short, daughter of William and Eliza- 
beth Short. They are the parents of 
two children — Elsa and Elmer. Mr. 
and Mrs. McCracken are members of 
the church. Mr. McCracken is an intel- 
ligent and enterprising farmer, and his 
enterprises have been very successful. 

George Edwards was born in Greene 
county on April 29, 1851, his parents 
being Ezekiel and Polly (Rucker) Ed- 
wards, natives of Knoxville, Tenn. 
His father canie to fireene county about 
the year 18o0, and located near Provi- 
dence, where he lived several years. 
He died in 1853, while living near Ber- 
dan. George's mother died in Dec, 
1859, and he then went to live with his 
sister, Polly A. Lee, remaining there 
for six years, after which time he work- 
ed out for about 11 years at most any- 
thing he could get to do. He then 
rented a farm for about four years, when 
by industry and economy, having accu- 



mulated enough money to buy himself a 
home, he purchased 156 acres of land, 
on section 29, where he has since re- 
sided. He was married Oct. 13, 1877, 
to Sarah J. Moore, daughter of Alanson 
and Rebecca Moore. They are the par- 
ents of four children — Henry, Ward, 
Walter and Louis. Mrs. Edwards is a 
member of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Edwards is an active, industrious far- 
mer, and his efforts are meeting with 
success. 

George Painter, was born in Ross 
county, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1829, his parents 
being John and Eleanor (Clark) Painter 
natives of Virginia. His parents re- 
moved from Virginia to Ohio, where 
they remained until the fall of 1848, 
when they came to Greene county and 
located on what is now known as E. V. 
Baldwin's farm, remaining one year. 
They then moved on to section 20, where 
his father bought SO acres of land, built 
a log cabin and there lived until his 
death, which occurred in 1879. Mrs. 
Painter died in 1857. George was rear- 
ed on a farm, assisting his parents at 
home, until he was 24 years of age, he 
then started in life for himself, renting 
ground on which he farmed for about 
two years, when he bought 120 acres of 
land on section 29, moved on to it and 
remained there until 1876. He then 
moved on to the homestead and has 
since resided there, He was married in 
Feb., 18.55, to Mary M. Phillips, daugh- 
ter of Baylis and Nancy (Raines) Phil- 
lips. They are the parents of seven 
children, four of whom are living — 
Erastus W., Edwin B., Irs E. and Jennie. 
The ones deceased are Walter and two 
who died in infancy. Mr. Painter now 
owns 230 acres of land. He deals in all 



1156 



HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 



kinds of stock, making a specialty of 
Clydesdale horses. He is a successful 
farmer and an enterprising and intelli- 
gent citizen. He is now holding the 
office of highway commissioner. Mr. 
and Mrs. Painter are consistent mem- 
bers of the M. E. church. 

Henry Hanson, deceased, was born in 
Prussia, on Nov. 11, 1824, his parents 
being Peter and Susan Hanson, natives 
of CTermany. Henry followed fiirming in 
his native country. In May, 1852, he, 
in company with Frank Schmidt, took 
passage at Antwerp, on a sailing vessel 
bound for New York. On arriving at 
that city, Henry traveled westward, as 
far as LaSalle, where he remained two 
years, engaged at laboring. In Dec, 
1855, he came to Greene county and 
located on B. F. Baldwin's pLace, where 
he remained about six years. He then 
rented a place from John Grimes, on 



section 29, and afterward bought 80 
acres on the same place where he had 
lived, and resided here until his death, 
which occurred Jan. 29, 1884. His wife 
died Feb. 24, 1880. He was married 
Jan. 20, 1859, to Rachel Schouse, 
daughter of John and Margaret Schouse. 
They are the parents of seven children 
— Anthony, married Frances Schneider, 
and resides in Walkerville township; 
John, married Sopliia Weible, and re- 
sides in Walkerville township; Frank, 
Peter, Susan, Margaret and Catherine. 
The family now owns 120 acres of land, 
which is farmed by Frank and his 
brother, Frank being the administrator 
and manager of the place. These young 
men are enterprising and industrious 
and deserve credit for the manly way 
in which they carry on the farm enter- 
prise. They stand high in the estima- 
tion of all who know them. 



